ATLANTA – Great excitement is brewing as the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team prepares to make its mark at the 2025 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Head coach Katie Schoepfer has announced the 21 dynamic players who will represent the United States, showcasing both fresh talent and seasoned athletes eager to shine on the world stage.
The tournament kickoff is set for Saturday, October 18, when the USA faces Ecuador at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time). The team will continue its journey in Group C against China PR on Tuesday, October 21, at noon ET (5 p.m. local), and conclude group play against Norway on Friday, October 24, at 9 a.m. ET (2 p.m. local). All group stage games will take place at the esteemed Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, just outside Rabat, the Moroccan capital.
Team Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers (3): Ella McNeal (St. Louis Scott Gallagher; Manchester, Mo.; 0), Evan O’Steen (Florida State; Grapevine, Texas; 10), Peyton Trayer (Slammers FC HB Koge; Aliso Viejo, Calif.; 6)
Defenders (6): Meila Brewer (UCLA; Overland Park, Kan.; 5/0), Pearl Cecil (Virginia; Encinitas, Calif.; 10/1), Natalie Chudowsky (New York SC; Westport, Conn.; 5/1), Cali O’Neill (North Carolina Courage Academy; Durham, N.C.; 4/0), Olivia Robinson (STA; Scotch Plains, N.J.; 0/0), Sydney Schmidt (Sporting JAX; St. Johns, Fla.; 9/1)
Midfielders (6): Scottie Antonucci (Legends FC; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; 8/1), Riley Kennedy (UNC; Holly Springs, N.C.; 4/1), Jaiden Rodriguez (USC; San Diego, Calif.; 15/3), Chloe Sadler (La Roca FC; Hyde Park, Utah; 10/1), Anastasia Showler-Little (Players Development Academy; Boonton, N.J.; 3/0), Nyanya Touray (Florida State; Silver Spring, Md.; 8/4)
Forwards (6): Maddie DiMaria (St. Louis Scott Gallagher; Fenton, Mo.; 0/0), Micayla Johnson (Chicago Stars; Troy, Mich.; 13/7), Elayna Kocher (Penn Fusion SA; Allentown, Pa.; 5/0), Lauren Malsom (UNC; Marietta, Ga.; 5/1), KK Ream (Utah Royals FC; Herriman, Utah; 2/0), Mak Whitham (Gotham FC; Granite Bay, Calif.; 2/1)
In a statement reflecting on the upcoming competition, Coach Schoepfer praised the group, “For these players to be a part of the first 24-team U-17 World Cup is a big honor. Our team is a united one that cares deeply about each other and representing their country. They are ready to play their best in this tournament, which is a vitally important part of their growth as players.” With three players having already transitioned to professional ranks, the roster signals a progressive step forward for women’s soccer in the U.S.
Highlighting the talent pool are three professional players: Micayla Johnson, Mak Whitham, and KK Ream, the latter making headlines as the youngest goal scorer in NWSL history shortly after her 16th birthday. Such accomplishments at a young age symbolize the growing achievements of women in sports.
Eligibility for participation in the tournament extends to players born on or after January 1, 2008, leading Schoepfer to select a mix of ages: 16 players born in 2008, four born in 2009, and one born in 2010. This blend not only showcases the immense talent but also offers a glimpse into the future of women’s soccer, with many players eligible for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Many players on this roster had a hand in securing a World Cup spot through their performance at the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers. Notably, Jaiden Rodriguez and Scottie Antonucci, along with Johnson and O’Steen, are the returning members who played pivotal roles in the USA clinching third place at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The 2025 tournament marks a significant expansion, featuring 24 nations instead of the previous 16 in its six groups of four. Following the round-robin phase, the top two teams and four best third-place finishers will advance to the knockout rounds, intensifying the competition. This evolution in the tournament structure suggests a broader commitment to nurturing women’s soccer globally.
Roster Insights
- This year’s squad includes several players with experience in collegiate soccer, emphasizing the growing trend of young women blending sports and education.
- With KK Ream leading her professional teammates in minutes played thus far this season, the NWSL experience of these players will be crucial during the tournament.
- Coach Schoepfer has an impressive background herself, having played in the U.S. Youth National Team pool and earning accolades as an All-American player in college, establishing a strong knowledge base to lead this rising generation.
- The USA will begin its journey with a training camp in Spain before facing off against their group opponents in Morocco, providing essential preparation time and additional on-field strategy sessions.
- The inclusion of training players highlights the importance of depth and fostering young talent within the national program.