[USWNT] Lo’eau LaBonta Replaces Sam Meza for October Matches; Trinity Rodman Withdraws Due to Injury

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USWNT

(Atlanta, GA = Won Jeong / GoodDaySports) The U.S. Women’s National Team announced that Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta has been called up to replace Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC) for the team’s October friendlies against Portugal and New Zealand. Meza was ruled out due to a mild hamstring strain, while Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit) will also miss camp after suffering a knee injury in the Concacaf W Champions Cup on October 15.

The U.S. will face Portugal on October 23 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and October 26 in East Hartford, Connecticut, before hosting New Zealand on October 29 at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium — marking the team’s first-ever appearance at the venue.

For LaBonta, the call-up carries special meaning. The Kansas City captain, currently in her fifth season with the Current, will have a rare opportunity to play in front of her home crowd. This selection gives the Current four players on the training camp roster: LaBonta, midfielder Claire Hutton, and forwards Ally Sentnor and Michelle Cooper.

LaBonta made her USWNT debut earlier this year during the May/June FIFA window against China PR, becoming the oldest player ever to debut for the U.S. at 32 years and 74 days. She also featured against Jamaica, though an injury late in that match sidelined her for several weeks in the NWSL season.

Despite the roster changes, the U.S. enters camp with a solid mix of experience and youth. Veterans such as Lindsey Heaps (167 caps, 38 goals) and Rose Lavelle (113 caps, 25 goals) will anchor the midfield, while rising stars Alyssa Thompson and Ally Sentnor look to make an impact in attack.

The final roster now consists of 25 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and six forwards.

U.S. Women’s National Team October Roster – Highlights:

  • Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle), Mandy McGlynn (Utah), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)

  • Defenders: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

  • Midfielders: Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City)

  • Forwards: Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)

The U.S. aims to build momentum ahead of next year’s major competitions while continuing to integrate emerging talents into the senior squad.

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