The United States women's national team has regularly ignored players plying their trade in the European leagues in favor of those at home in the domestic leagues. The players on the national team are generally able to earn more money in America, in large part thanks to individual sponsorship. For this reason, the USWNT members usually stay in the NWSL (and the WPS and WUSA before it) instead of venturing to Europe.
As the USWNT continues their victory tour after winning the 2015 FIFA World Cup, coach Jill Ellis has called in 31 players (31!) to the squad for two upcoming friendlies against Brazil. The roster includes all 23 players from the World Cup squad and 8 newcomers. In those eight, two are from Europe: Paris Saint-Germain's Lindsey Horan and Bayern Munich's Gina Lewandowski.
Lewandowski has been a rock for FC Bayern since joining the club in 2012. Whether deployed in defense or the midfield, Lewandowski brings a steadying presence for Thomas Wörle's team on the field. She previously spent five years with FFC Frankfurt. As a member of the club in 2008, she helped them win the triple bringing home the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and UEFA Women's Cup (now UEFA Champions league).
This is the second call-up for Lewandowski. Several years ago, she received a call-up but did not play in the match.
The USA will play Brazil on October 21 in Seattle, Washington and October 25 in Orlando, Florida.
United States Roster
Goalkeepers: Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Naeher (Boston Breakers), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders: Lori Chalupny (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Whitney Engen (Western NY Flash), Jaelene Hinkle (Western NY Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Houston Dash), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Gina Lewandowski (FC Bayern Munich), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Emily Sonnett (Univ. of Virginia)
Midfielders: Shannon Boxx (unattached), Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (Western NY Flash), Christine Nairn (Washington Spirit), Heather O'Reilly (FC Kansas City), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
Forwards: Lindsey Horan (Paris Saint-Germain), Sydney Leroux (Western NY Flash), Stephanie McCaffrey (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns FC), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Abby Wambach (unattached)