Racing’s Fox, DeMelo Called up for High-Profile USWNT Friendlies
September 29, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Racing Louisville FC defender Emily Fox
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: USA Today Sports Images)
Racing Louisville FC defender Emily Fox and midfielder Savannah DeMelo have been called up by the U.S. Women’s National Team with a chance to play in the year’s two most-anticipated international friendlies.
USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski on Wednesday listed the Racing Louisville duo among the 24 players that will report to camp ahead of games at 3 p.m. Oct. 7 against England and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 11 versus Spain. Those matches will air on FOX and ESPN2, respectively.
The USA-England game at Wembley Stadium sold out of all general admission tickets in 24 hours, and a crowd of more than 80,000 is expected for the match. The USWNT will play Spain at Pamplona’s 24,000-capacity El Sadar Stadium, home to La Liga club Club Atlético Osasuna.
As with the No. 1-ranked United States, England (fourth) and Spain (eighth) are top-10 teams in the current FIFA rankings as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand nears. The Americans have already qualified for the World Cup as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics via their five-game run of wins at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship.
“These are big tests for our team in front of crowds cheering against us and after long travel, but our players absolutely love games like these,” Andonovski said. “The group we are bringing to Europe includes players who have a lot of experience against top European teams and some that don’t, so these games are even more critical for our growth as our team. Our whole squad needs to get a clear picture of what these games are like as we continue to prepare the World Cup.”
Fox appeared in a majority of Concacaf W Championship victories as she has throughout the year for the USWNT, establishing herself as the primary left back choice in red, white and blue. The Ashburn, Virginia, native – selected first overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft – numbers 19 caps.
DeMelo, who went fourth overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft, will join the USWNT for a second straight camp amid a stellar rookie season for Racing Louisville. The Bellflower, California, native is seeking her first senior national team appearance.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club)
Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders (7): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC)
Midfielders (8): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Forwards (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Total Futbol Academy)
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