Naomi Girma is set to grace the pitch in her home state of Northern California this month, representing the U.S. women’s national soccer team for the first time since the send-off match prior to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. This marks an exciting return for the San Jose native, who has been making significant strides in her professional career.
Head Coach Emma Hayes confirmed on Wednesday that Girma, who honed her skills at Stanford University nearby, will be featured in a three-game series against Japan, starting on April 11 at Pay Pal Park in San Jose. Girma’s last appearance in her hometown was a memorable 2-0 victory over Wales, which served as a precursor to the World Cup.
“Playing for the national team in the Bay always feels surreal,” Girma expressed. “Seeing many people who supported me when I played club soccer reminds me of how far we’ve all come. It’s a special feeling.”
Joining Girma on the roster is her former Stanford teammate, Sophia Wilson, who returns after a 15-month hiatus for maternity leave. Additionally, defender Tierna Davidson, recovering from an ACL tear, is also set to make her comeback.
Girma recognizes Japan as a formidable opponent, noting, “They just won the Asian Cup, and their organization in both defense and attack presents unique challenges. This series is a great test for us.”
Currently, Girma plays professionally for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League after transferring from the San Diego Wave for $1.1 million in early 2025. She recently celebrated scoring her first WSL goal in a thrilling 4-3 win over Aston Villa, contributing to Chelsea’s position as second in the league standings, just behind Manchester City.
Since her debut with the national team in 2022, Girma has participated in 52 matches, including a gold medal-winning effort at the Paris Olympics. Wilson, who was absent from the recent SheBelieves Cup, has made 58 appearances for the national team and scored 24 goals, including three during the Olympics in France.
Davidson, last seen on the field for the U.S. team in February 2025, has played 67 matches for the national squad. Coach Hayes indicated that Davidson would be on limited minutes as she continues her recovery.
The infusion of experienced players like Girma, Davidson, and Wilson, alongside the integration of younger talent from under-23 camps, positions the national team favorably as they look ahead to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Girma remarked, “It’s exciting to see younger players seamlessly transition into full team camps, maintaining the flow and readiness. We have a broad pool of players with valuable experience, ready to step up.”
Following the opening match in San Jose, the series will progress to Seattle’s Lumen Field on April 14, culminating in a final game on April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
The current roster, categorized by position along with their club affiliations, is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Angel City), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave).
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes).
Forwards: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns).
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