Four Chicago Red Stars Receive International Call Ups
Chicago Red Stars Nádia Gomes, Natalia Kuikka, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson have been tabbed to represent their countries during the April international window. Forwards Gomes and Swanson are set to make their returns to the Portuguese and United States women’s national team rosters, respectively. Veteran international stars Naeher and Kuikka will represent the United States and Finland, respectively.
Naeher and Swanson each join the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) camp for the second time in 2024, though this is the first time in 2024 Swanson is named to the full team roster. The forward previously participated in USWNT camp during the February/March international window but was not on the final USWNT roster for the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, as she was still returning from injury. Naeher was invaluable to the United States during the W Gold Cup, advancing the USWNT to the final while making three saves and converting a penalty during the March 6 penalty shootout against Canada. The keeper also held Brazil scoreless in the Gold Cup final March 10 to help the USWNT win 1-0. The USWNT will open play in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup against Japan at 11:30 a.m. CT April 6 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, before playing in the final or third place match April 9.
Gomes is named to Portugal’s roster for the first time in 2024. The forward previously earned call ups in 2023 and 2018, collecting two caps and opening her international account with a goal March 7, 2018. Portugal is set to open up group stage action of the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifying play with Bosnia and Herzegovina April 5 at 2:45 p.m. CT. Portugal will then take on Malta April 9 at 11:30 a.m. CT.
Kuikka will represent Finland in 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifying action. Kuikka and Finland will kick off the list of Red Stars in international play, taking on Norway April 5 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Finland will continue group play against Italy April 9 at 11:15 a.m. CT. A stalwart on Finland’s defense since 2013, Kuikka has won Finland National Player of the year four times over, in 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Following the end of the international window April 9, Gomes, Kuikka, Naeher and Swanson will rejoin the Red Stars ahead of Chicago’s April 13 match against Angel City FC. Fans can watch the Red Stars take on Angel City FC at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, at 8:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available now at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.
The post Four Chicago Red Stars Receive International Call Ups appeared first on Chicago Red Stars.