Pugh boosts US roster

THE USA’s Under-20 women’s soccer coach Michelle French is counting on the experience of new inclusion and captain Mallory Pugh to lead her team in the World Cup.
French said Pugh was not in the team that toured PNG early this year for the tri-nation challenge which was won by Japan.
The matches between PNG, USA and Japan were part of preparations leading to the World Cup.
“Pugh was with the senior team and did not attend the tri-nation challenge,” French said after arriving from Cairns.
“But I am glad that she was available for the U20 women’s soccer tournament.”
She would be the most experienced player in the team,  having  played with the US women’s seniors  at international meets.
French said apart from Mallory, they maintained the bulk of the team that toured PNG early this year, including Emily Ogle, Katie Cousins, Ally Watt, Ashley Sanchez and Marley Conales.
The US coach said they meat business and that was to make the second stage of the competition.
The team’s focus was to get over France in the opening game.
“Winning the first game should help us put our front foot forward and later take on New Zealand and Ghana,” French said.
She said she had a brand new team that would take US women’s football forward.
US draw: Mon, Nov 14 – 1600 US vs France; Thur, Nov 17 – 1900 US vs New Zealand; Mon, Nov 21 –1600 US vs Ghana.