Veteran Rapinoe, 18-year-old Thompson highlight U.S. roster for Women's World Cup

Eighteen-year-old Alyssa Thompson was among the 23 players selected Wednesday for the United States team that will defend its title at the Women's World Cup next month.

Thompson, who has been impressive this season as a rookie for Angel City in the National Women's Soccer League, was called onto the team in early April for a match against Ireland, taking the place of injured forward Mallory Swanson.

The roster selected by Vlatko Andonovski includes a mix of both familiar faces and newcomers like Thompson.

"We are expecting the level of play at this World Cup to be the best it's ever been, and all the teams must keep up with that growth," Andonovski said in a statement Wednesday. "For years, we've been able to see first-hand where the game is going and that's exciting. We are proud to have been one of the teams leading the way for women's international soccer and I know the tournament will once again show the world how great these players are across all 32 teams."

Soccer North is back with a focus on the Canadian women's team as it prepares for the FIFA Women's World Cup. Join host Andi Petrillo and special guests on Friday for insight and analysis leading into tournament. 

The veterans include national team stalwart Megan Rapinoe, who will be making her fourth World Cup appearance at age 37, and Alex Morgan, 33, another four-time World Cup veteran. Defender Kelley O'Hara, 34, also earned a spot on the roster as a veteran presence to shore up the backline in the absence of veteran defender and team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who announced last week she won't play in the World Cup because of a lingering foot injury.

The United States has won the last two World Cups and is vying for an unprecedented third title when the