Women’s Olympic soccer roster finalized

U.S. women’s soccer Coach Pia Sundhage has selected a roster deep in experience for this summer’s Olympic Games, naming 11 players from the 2008 gold medal-winning team to the squad for London.

Sundhage announced the final cuts Sunday, hours before her team’s friendly with China in Chester, Pa. Sundhage was expected to wait until Thursday to announce the roster, which was finalized Saturday.

In addition to the 11 holdovers from China, midfielders Shannon Boxx and Heather O’Reilly and defender Heather Mitts will be participating in their third Olympics while captain Christine Rampone will be playing in her fourth Games, a U.S. record.

Among the newcomers is former UCLA star striker Syndey Leroux and Alex Morgan of Diamond Bar. Leroux is the least-capped player on the team having played in just nine games for the national team -- but scoring seven goals in those games.

“The team is a mix of very experienced players and several new, fresh faces,” Sundhage said. “All the players are versatile, which is extremely important when you have just 16 field players on a roster.

“It will be a pleasure to coach them in the Olympics.”

The U.S. opens play in the Games on July 25 -- two days before the opening ceremonies -- against France in Glasgow, Scotland.

The roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Nicole Barnhart, Hope Solo.

DEFENDERS (6): Rachel Buehler, Amy LePeilbet, Heather Mitts, Kelley O’Hara, Christie Rampone, Becky Sauerbrunn.

MIDFIELDERS (6): Shannon Boxx, Lauren Cheney, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe.

FORWARDS (4): Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Abby Wambach.

MORE:

Cal FC embraces U.S. Open Cup opportunity

Houston Dynamo rallies to defeat the Galaxy, 2-1

For Chivas USA, tie with Seattle is beside the point

Women’s Olympic soccer roster finalized