The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team will travel to Croatia for its first overseas trip of the year to play three matches in the eight-team Istria Cup, which runs from March 2-7.
Orlando Pride midfielder Samantha Witteman was one of the players called up on Tuesday for the U-23 WNT. Witteman was the Orlando Pride’s first selection in the National Women’s Soccer League draft 10th overall. Originally from Redondo Beach, CA, Witteman graduated from University of California, Berkeley and will be playing in her first season in the NWSL with the Pride.
Witteman joined Orlando Pride after an all-star season with UC Berkeley after being awarded First Team All-Pac 12 and NSCAA All-American honors, becoming the 14th All-American in the program’s history. During her last year, she displayed her adaptability by making at least one start in seven different positions in 21 games. Because of this, she earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous outside backs in the conference, notching four goals with all four of them being the game-winner. In addition, Witteman anchored one of the top defenses in the Pac-12.
The US team will open the competition on March 2 against the full Slovenia Women’s National Team, face the Poland Under-19 Women’s National Team on March 4 and finish against the France National “B” Team.
The U.S. will be coached by Janet Rayfield, who has called up 20 players to travel to central Europe, 11 of whom are already in the NWSL or preparing for their rookie seasons this spring, eight are collegiate players while one has finished her college eligibility.
U-23 Women’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Jane Campbell (Stanford; Kennesaw, Ga.), Katelyn Rowland (FC Kansas City; Vacaville, Calif.)
DEFENDERS (6): Abby Dahlkemper (Western New York Flash; Menlo Park, Calif.), Caprice Dydasco (Washington Spirit; Honolulu, Hawaii), Kayla Mills (USC; West Covina, Calif.), Katie Naughton (Chicago Red Stars; Elgin, Ill.), Erica Skroski (Sky Blue FC; Galloway, N.J.), Christen Westphal (Boston Breakers; Brecksville, Ohio)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Danielle Colaprico (Chicago Red Stars; Freehold, NJ.), Mandy Freeman (USC; West Covina, Calif.), Christina Gibbons (Duke; Raleigh, N.C.), Shea Groom (FC Kansas City; Liberty, Mo.), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin; Cincinnati, Ohio), Havana Solaun (Seattle Reign; Gainesville, Fla.), Andi Sullivan (Stanford; Lorton, Va.), Samantha Witteman (Orlando Pride; Redondo Beach, Calif.)
