Monday

06-02-2025 Vol 1979

United States to Face China in Women’s Soccer Friendly on May 31, 2025

The United States women’s national soccer team is set to face China in a friendly match on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Fans can catch the excitement of the game, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET, through a free trial of streaming services such as fuboTV and DirecTV Stream.

This matchup promises to be significant as it marks one of the key games in the lead-up to future international tournaments.

One of the highlights of the roster for this match is midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta, who has received her first call-up to the U.S. team.

At 32 years old, LaBonta plays for the Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and has made a notable contribution this season with three goals.

Additionally earning her first national team invitation is Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello, providing a fresh dynamic to the squad.

Head coach Emma Hayes expressed her support for LaBonta, stating, “She’s deserving of the call-up. She’s been consistent in everything that she has done.”

This match against China will take place shortly before the U.S. team competes against Jamaica on June 3 at Energizer Park in St. Louis.

Notably, should LaBonta feature in either game, she would set a record as the oldest player to make her debut with the national team.

Hayes has curated a newer roster compared to the one that secured Olympic gold in France last year.

The team will miss key players such as Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson, who announced pregnancies, and Trinity Rodman, who is currently managing back pain.

Hayes has maintained communication with Rodman regarding her recovery, emphasizing the importance of her health: “You can’t put a timeframe on it because we want to ensure that she’s not carrying that pain any further.”

In positive news, defender Naomi Girma is back with the squad after a period of recovery from injury.

Girma has recently concluded a successful season with Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions, and her presence will strengthen the defense.

On this newly announced roster of 24 players, 17 are currently representing clubs in the NWSL while seven play in European leagues, underscoring the blend of domestic and international talent.

Hayes has also made decisions concerning players who were not included in the England match roster, notably naming Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, and Mia Fishel to the under-23 national team for a trip to Germany during the international window.

The roster comprises a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, demonstrating a balanced team structure aimed at both competitive performance and player development.

The goalkeepers include Claudia Dickey from Seattle Reign, Mandy McGlynn from Utah Royals, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce from Manchester United.

The defenders feature Kerry Abello, Crystal Dunn of Paris Saint-Germain, Emily Fox from Arsenal, Naomi Girma of Chelsea, and several others representing various NWSL teams.

In midfield, talent is present with Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns, Lindsey Heaps of Lyon, and Claire Hutton from Kansas City Current, alongside LaBonta.

Forward positions boast players such as Lynn Biyendolo of Seattle Reign, Michelle Cooper of Kansas City Current, Catarina Macario from Chelsea, and others contributing to a formidable forward line.

The U.S. Women’s National Team is well-prepared and geared up for the challenges posed by these upcoming friendlies, particularly with a mix of experienced and younger talent.

As they face China on May 31, soccer fans eager to see the evolution of the U.S. squad and LaBonta’s anticipated debut can look forward to an exciting match.

image source from:https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/05/united-states-vs-china-free-live-stream-53125-time-tv-channel-for-womens-soccer-friendly.html

Charlotte Hayes