Newcastle fans will not get to see world footballing superstars Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan in action at McDonald Jones Stadium on November 30 after the long-serving pair were notable absentees from a new-look United States squad named for a two-match series against the Matildas.
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The 22-player squad is a mix of fresh and familiar faces with 10 members of the US side who beat Australia in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics in August.
The other 12 players come Down Under with 10 caps or fewer for their country.
US head coach Vlatko Andonovski named five uncapped players in his squad as he looks to the next possible era of US National Team players.
"We still have a few players out with injuries, so this roster is a mixture of players with a lot of experience in World Cups and Olympics, some who have been a part of the program for a while but who are looking to make their mark in international soccer, and a few who are getting a first chance with the national team in an event like this," Andonovski said.
"We've turned the page towards 2023 World Cup qualifying and rarely do we get the chance to test young players in environments filled with adversity, so we need to take advantage of what these two games will offer us."
It is the first time the US women's football team has travelled to Australia since the 2000 Olympics.
The back-to-back world champions and world's No.1 ranked side will play the Matildas at Stadium Australia on November 27 before backing up in front of what is hoped to be a sell-out crowd of around 26,000 in Newcastle three days later.
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Andonovski called up two uncapped goalkeepers in Bella Bixby and Casey Murphy to join Jane Campbell, who has seven caps and earned a clean sheet against South Korea last month in Minnesota.
Defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who is 36 years old and has 197 caps, is by far the most experienced player. The only one not playing domestically is Lyon midfielder Catarina Macario.
Newcastle products Emily van Egmond, the Matildas long-serving midfielder, and Clare Wheeler, who has earned three caps for her country since making her senior debut against the Republic of Ireland in September, are likely to be on show at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Hunter region has missed out on hosting a 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup match but had been earmarked to host teams for training camps in the lead up to the tournament, which will be held from July 10 to August 20 in 2023.
Councillor Nelmes believes the city can make a strong impression on the Americans during their time here.
"I don't see any reason why, if we can build a relationship with the US team, after this visit that they might base themselves here," councillor Nelmes said.
Tickets for the November 30 match went on sale on Monday with all junior participants, aged 12 and under, in Northern NSW being offered access to $5 tickets.
US SQUAD TO PLAY AUSTRALIA (caps/goals)
GOALKEEPERS: Bella Bixby (Portland Thorns; 0), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 7), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 0)
DEFENDERS: Alana Cook (OL Reign; 2/0), Abby Dahlkemper (Houston; 77/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 43/1), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC; 6/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 7/0), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland; 197/0), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 61/0)
MIDFIELDERS: Lindsey Horan (Portland; 106/24), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 66/17), Catarina Macario (Lyon; 12/3), Kristie Mewis (Houston; 31/4), Ashley Sanchez (Washington; 0/0), Andi Sullivan (Washington; 20/2)
FORWARDS: Bethany Balcer (OL Reign; 0/0), Ashley Hatch (Washington; 2/0), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 7/2), Sophia Smith (Portland; 10/1), Lynn Williams (North Carolina; 43/13), Morgan Weaver (Portland; 0/0).
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