SheBelieves Cup: Vlatko Andonovski slammed for comments on USWNT selection

US Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has announced his 23-player squad to compete in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup.

He has opted for a mixed bag of veterans and young talent, including 21-year-old Sophia Smith, who he has highlighted as a player he wants to give more opportunities to.

Some well-known names have been left off the roster, including Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Tobin Heath.

Megan Rapinoe is another player not included in the SheBelieves squad.

Andonovski addressed his decisions in a recent press conference and his explanation has started a large debate among fans on social media.

“All these players are very good players. We all know that,” the 45-year-old said. “They’ve done so much for this team, and they’ve won everything possible. But now in these camps, I feel like I want to give a chance to players like Sophie Smith and Mal Pugh and Catarina Macario.

“Players that have earned their spots on the national team, or their spots back on the national team.

“Now again, not that it doesn’t mean these players haven’t done well in the past. They’re not just going to come back in the next game because they’ve done well a year ago or two years ago.”

The final part of Andonovski’s response is what really divided people. When discussing why certain veterans were not called up to the camp, he made an odd comparison to back up his decision.

“So I mean, there’s a reason why Mia Hamm is not in camp still. We’re not calling Julie Foudy into camp, right? The same goes here. They need to perform. They need to play in their markets […] and show that they can still contribute and be valuable for the national team.”

One supporter took to Twitter to defend the veteran players in question and branded