Kansas City Current captain Lo'eau LaBonta has been added to the U.S. women's national team roster for the upcoming October friendlies, replacing injured Seattle Reign midfielder Sam Meza ahead of matches against Portugal and New Zealand. LaBonta will have opportunity to play in front of her club crowd on Oct. 29.
Getty Images SportVeteran midfielder earns second national team call-up
LaBonta will replace Seattle Reign's Meza, who was ruled out due to what U.S. Soccer described as a "mild hamstring strain."
The 32-year-old midfielder earned her first USWNT call-up earlier this year for matches against China and Jamaica, where she made history by becoming the oldest player ever to debut for the U.S. at 32 years and 74 days.
LaBonta earned her first cap on May 31 against China and also appeared against Jamaica, though she sustained an injury at the end of that match that sidelined her for several weeks of NWSL play.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRodman sidelined with knee injury
In addition to Meza's absence, Rodman will not attend the training camp after sustaining a knee injury while playing for the Washington Spirit on Oct. 15 in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
Rodman, who was set to make her first USWNT appearance since April, sustained an MCL sprain following a collision with a Monterrey defender during the match. U.S. Soccer has confirmed that Rodman will not be replaced on the roster, which will now include only 25 players.
Getty ImagesKansas City connection
The call-up for LaBonta gives the Current captain an opportunity to represent her country on home soil when the USWNT visits CPKC Stadium against New Zealand. Kansas City now boasts four players on the national team roster, with midfielder Claire Hutton and forwards Ally Sentnor and Michelle Cooper also representing the club.
Getty Images SportHayes continues building toward 2027 World Cup
The October matches mark the USWNT's return following a 113-day break since their last match, a 3-0 victory over Canada in Washington, D.C. on July 3. Head coach Emma Hayes initially named a 26-player training camp roster with the three-match window where the USWNT will face Portugal twice – on Oct. 23 and Oct. 26 – before taking on New Zealand on Oct. 29.