México releases roster for upcoming friendlies

Ahead of their upcoming friendlies in Connecticut against their arch-rivals, Mónica Vergara has named her latest lineup for the México Women’s Senior National Team. As has been the case, the squad contains a good mix of players from the NCAA schools, Liga MX Femenil clubs (especially the Regiomontano teams Tigres and Monterrey), and pro players.

The big shift however is away from European players toward players in the NWSL. Kiana Palacios is the only European based player on the roster, while Karina Rodríguez and Jimena López (and you could count María Sánchez too, since she’s currently on loan to the Houston Dash) are recently signed with the Washington Spirit and OL Reign respectively.

The list is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Emily Alvarado (Texas Christian University), Itzel González (Club Tijuana)

Defenders: Cristina Ferral (Tigres UANL), Jimena López (OL Reign), Jocelyn Orejel (Club América), Reyna Reyes (University of Alabama), Karina Rodríguez (Washington Spirit), Bianca Sierra (Tigres UANL), Nicole Soto (Arizona State University)

Midfielders: Nancy Antonio (Tigres UANL), Rebeca (Monterrey), Belén Cruz (Tigres UANL), Daniela Espinosa (Club América), Diana García (Monterrey), Jacqueline Ovalle (Tigres UANL), Nicole Pérez (Monterrey), María Sánchez (Tigres UANL)

Forwards: Alison González (Atlas), Katty Martínez (Tigres UANL), Stephany Mayor (Tigres UANL), Kiana Palacios (Real Sociedad)

Of course there will be second-guessing of the roster, with Licha Cervantes, Cecilia Santiago, Janelly Farías, and Kenti Robles being notable omissions. But it’s a good lineup full of young players, most of whom will be facing their biggest rivals for many years to come.