Hinkle joins Dahlkemper, Mewis, and Williams for the November Camp.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — United States National Team head coach Jill Ellis named 24 players to the training camp roster ahead of two matches against Romania, and four Western New York Flash players were named to the roster. Flash Midfielder Samantha Mewis, defender Abby Dahlkemper and forward Lynn Williams will be returning to the National Team roster after playing two friendlies against Switzerland in October. Defender Jaelene Hinkle will be returning to the roster after spending time with the National Team over the past two years.
Williams, 23, continued her outstanding 2016 campaign in Utah when she set a record for the fastest goal ever scored in a debut after coming on at halftime and scoring 49 seconds into her debut. The forward was also named the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League MVP, won the league’s Golden Boot (11 goals, 5 assists), and scored the equalizer to propel the Flash to a win in the 2016 NWSL Championship.
Mewis, 24, has also been on a tear in 2016 and scored for the National Team in the first of their two friendlies against Switzerland when she used her first touch to put the ball past the Swiss goalkeeper. The midfielder scored the first tally in the Flash’s NWSL Championship win and finished the season with seven goals and three assists. The midfielder spent time with the National Team over the summer as the team traveled to Brazil for the Summer Olympic Games.
Dahlkemper, 23, has been a force on the Flash’s back line in the 2016 season, playing every minute of the 2016 season to earn her first call up to the senior team. The defender saw playing time in both scrimmages against Switzerland. Dahlkemper finished the NWSL season with two goals and an assist to her name in 1920 minutes played.
Hinkle, 23, was consistently a staple in the Flash’s back line and often was found contributing to the Flash’s offense, playing in crosses and creating opportunities for the Flash’s attack. The defender finished the year with a goal and three assists in 1565 minutes played. With the National Team, Hinkle has earned eight caps in two years. Her first cap came in a friendly against Brazil on October 21, 2015.
“Our last training camp and games with Switzerland were extremely positive in regards to giving new players a chance to perform, continuing the process of deepening the player pool and fostering competition within the squad,” said Ellis. “With this dynamic mix of players, we are looking forward to the environment and to finishing off the year on a winning note.”
The U.S. Women’s National Team will play two matches against Romania, Nov. 10 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. (7 p.m. PT on ESPN2) and Nov. 13 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. (6:30 p.m. PT on FS1). Ellis will name 18 players to suit up for each match.
The Flash will be looking to defend their title in 2017, and season tickets are now available: http://bit.ly/2bEjtpe