Jill Ellis officially announced her 25-woman United States Women's National Team roster ahead of a two-leg series against 2011 World Cup Champions Japan. Anytime the USWNT and Japan square off, fans know it brings incredible goals, saves, and moments that last a lifetime. However, this two-game series is more a gauge for Ellis to see who will make the final 18-woman roster for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The USWNT faces Japan on June 2nd at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado (7 pm MT on FS1) and then three days later on June 5th at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio (12:30 pm ET on ESPN 2). Ellis plans to name 18 players to suit up for each match. With 25 at her disposal, fans can expect several repeats for both matches, especially at the forward and midfield positions.

After analyzing this roster, almost anyone would not envy the job Ellis has in front of her. She has almost too many options to choose from. Mind you, this roster doesn’t even have players like Megan Rapinoe, Amy Rodriguez or Sydney Leroux-Dwyer, among others. Here are several quick thoughts moving forward about this roster below.

Quick Roster Hits

-Adrianna Franch needs the camp of her life and at least one player to get injured for her to have a shot at making the team. Hope Solo will likely start even though Ashlyn Harris and Alyssa Naeher are having better club seasons. However, seniority and experience could win Solo the job regardless of other players performances. Remember, only two goalkeepers make the Olympic roster.

-Of the four forwards, Mallory Pugh would get the short end of the stick if Ellis looks to take only three strikers. Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, and Christen Press are playing lights-out in NWSL at the moment. Morgan and Press are scoring the goals while Dunn continues to create chances and aid the undefeated Washington Spirit in NWSL action.

Alex Morgan will be hoping to carry the USWNT this summer. (Photo credit:Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)
Alex Morgan will be hoping to carry the USWNT this summer. (Photo credit:Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)

-If Allie Long makes the roster, this Olympics could finally place her in the international spotlight and provide a true indication of just how talented she actually is. It's a similar story for Sam Mewis.

-15 of the players on this 25-player roster were a part of the 2015 World Cup Championship team, leaving an incredibly small window for new players to break in. At first glance, it would take multiple injuries for newcomers like Rose Lavelle or Gina Lewandowski to sneak on the plane to Rio.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)

DEFENDERS (10): Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), 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 (Portland Thorns FC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Heather O’Reilly (FC Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)

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About the author
Baxter Colburn
Sports Broadcaster and Journalist. Host/Producer of Whats the Score? The Sports News Quiz and 2 Up Front Soccer Show.