Four Washington Spirit players were named to the U.S. women’s national soccer team for two friendlies late this month in Australia, the start of Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s efforts to revamp the roster heading toward the 2023 World Cup.
Two players with ample international experience (defender Emily Sonnett and midfielder Andi Sullivan) were joined by two attackers eager to make a lasting impression after enjoying superb seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League: midfielder-forward Ashley Sanchez and forward Ashley Hatch.
Hatch, 26, won the Golden Boot as the NWSL’s leading scorer and recorded the winning goal Sunday in extra time during a 1-0 first-round playoff victory over the North Carolina Courage.