Megan Rapinoe on USWNT roster for pair of friendlies

ByABC News
September 8, 2016, 2:00 PM

— -- Megan Rapinoe was among the players named by U.S. Women's National Team coach Jill Ellis on Thursday to compete in a pair of friendlies against Thailand on Sept. 15 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio (8 p.m. ET on ESPN2) and on Sept. 18 against the Netherlands (7 p.m. ET on FS1) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Wednesday night, the Washington Spirit prevented Rapinoe from kneeling during the national anthem by altering its pregame ceremonies rather than "subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent."

The full roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (7): Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Heather O'Reilly (FC Kansas City), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)

FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado) The USA has never played Thailand before so this will be the 50th different country the WNT has faced in its history. The meeting against the Netherlands will be the seventh between the two nations.

A free and open to the public training session will take place before each game - more info. Both games will be played on natural grass (a natural grass surface will be installed for the match at the Georgia Dome).

The USA vs. Thailand match will have added significance as it will also be the final game for U.S. veteran Heather O'Reilly who last week announced her retirement from international soccer. O'Reilly will be honored pre-game and will captain the USA.