Thorns players called up for international duty

The second international break of the year, from June 4 to June 12, is approaching fast. The NWSL is mostly going on break: clubs could have chosen to play through the break if they wanted to (some did), but the Portland Thorns reasonably declined due to the importance of their international players. Thorns players will depart for camp following this Wednesday’s game against the North Carolina Courage.

The Canadian women’s national team roster has been announced ahead of their friendly against Olympic champions Germany in Hamilton on June 10. Christine Sinclair, obviously, has been called up. She is the fifth most capped women’s player of all time for all countries, and the most capped player currently active. She is on 172 international goals, 12 behind all-time top scorer Abby Wambach, and in sparkling form in the NWSL, currently leading the scoring and assist charts.

The US women’s national team roster for their two home games against China is also out. The big news is that Midge Purce will receive her second national team callup, after making the squad for last year’s Tournament of Nations but making no appearances. Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath are the other two Thorns players to get called up. Emily Sonnett and Adrianna Franch are excluded after their recent injuries.

Switzerland will take on Belarus in a group-stage World Cup qualifying match June 12, though their roster has yet to be released. The Australian women’s national team has no games scheduled for this FIFA break.