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11/19 12:07 CST Naomi Girma returns for year's final USWNT matches against Italy Naomi Girma returns for year's final USWNT matches against Italy By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Soccer Writer Defender Naomi Girma was named to the U.S. roster on Wednesday for a pair of upcoming matches against Italy after returning from a calf injury. Girma had been sidelined since the start of the season with Chelsea but recently returned to the starting lineup. She has not played for the U.S. since a 3-0 victory over Canada on July 2. "I'm just so happy she's back. I realize more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership --- not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well," coach Emma Hayes said in a conference call with reporters. "Before we had to put forward the provisional roster, she made sure she called and texted me several times to say, 'I'm fit. I'm coming.' Like, I don't know why she'd think we wouldn't bring her anyway if she's fit and healthy. But let me tell you, Naomi will be the first person in camp." The United States will play Italy for its final two matches of the year on Nov. 28 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and on Dec. 1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Hayes named 26 players to the camp roster and 23 players will be available for each match. Forward Trinity Rodman was left off the roster as she continues to recover from a knee injury. She appeared as a late substitute in the Washington Spirit's 2-0 semifinal victory over the Portland Thorns this weekend and nearly scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time but her shot went just wide. The Spirit play Gotham FC on Saturday in the National Women's Soccer League championship game in San Jose, California. "She was fortunate to get a few minutes the other day, but she's still working her way back," Hayes said. "And the reality is, we felt together with an important camp and big-game minutes required, she's not in a position to do that. And I think you know Trin, more than anyone, wants to be playing with the national team, so we hope that can happen in the new year. But it has just come too soon to be honest, and her well-being and welfare is of importance to me." Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was also left off the U.S. roster while she recovers from a fractured eye socket suffered during a game with Manchester United last week. Midfielder Croix Bethune, who has not played for the United States since July, was included on the roster. Like Rodman, Bethune plays for the Spirit. Two players have been called up to the national team for the first time: Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph. Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner earned a second call-up after being named as a training player for a camp last year. The roster with club affiliation: Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Silkowitz (Bay FC). Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Girma (Chelsea), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Wiesner (Washington Spirit). Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Heaps (Lyon), Jaelin Howell (Gotham), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Lily Yohannes (Lyon). Forwards: Joseph (Chicago Stars), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea). ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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