From 26 to 18

Fawcett, MacMillan to lead U.S. against Japan

ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- U.S. coach April Heinrichs has selected the 18 players for Sunday's World Cup warmup match against Japan at San Diego, Calif.

Defender Joy Fawcett, who plays in the WUSA with the San Diego Spirit, is the most capped player on the roster (203). Her club teammate, Shannon MacMillan, is also among the selections.

The match, to be played at Torero Stadium, will be televised at 3:55 p.m. ET (ESPN). It is the first match of this World Cup year for the United States.

The defending champs will also play in the Four Nations Tournament in China from Jan. 23-29, along with the host nation, Norway and Germany. The 2003 Women's World Cup will take place Sept. 23-Oct. 11 in four Chinese cities.

Heinrichs named four non-professionals: midfielder Aly Wagner, who was in St. Louis, Mo., Friday to accept the MAC Hermann Trophy as college soccer's top player; University of North Carolina junior defender Cat Reddick; and a pair of teenagers in UNC freshman Lindsay Tarpley and high school senior Heather O'Reilly.

The complete 18-player roster:

Goalkeepers: LaKeysia Beene, Siri Mullinix.

Defenders: Thori Bryan, Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Cat Reddick, Kate Sobrero.

Midfielders: Lorrie Fair, Angela Hucles, Jena Kluegel, Tiffany Roberts, Aly Wagner.

Forwards: Shannon MacMillan, Tiffeny Milbrett, Heather O'Reilly, Cindy Parlow, Lindsay Tarpley, Abby Wambach.

 

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