Teenage sensation Lily Yohannes pledges international future to the USWNT
It is a major coup for the United States, who get to add one of soccer's most promising young players to their talented roster.
Football
After much thought and consideration, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes has committed her international football future to the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).
The Ajax midfielder was born in the USA but was eligible to represent the Netherlands after moving there at the age of seven.
Earlier this year, Yohannes was called up to the USWNT for the first time before making her debut in a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Korea in which she scored.
16 at the time, she became the third youngest player to score for the Americans.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the United States and Dutch Football Federations for their unwavering support and patient guidance as I made my decision regarding my international future,” she wrote in a statement.
“After much consideration, I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States. The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides.
“These strong connections have driven me to honor my roots and proudly commit to U.S. Soccer. I am excited and eager to continue putting in the work and earn my place on the team.”
Yohannes had an outside chance to be included in the squad for Paris 2024, but she opted to take more time to consider what her next steps would be.
Now one of the most promising talents in the game will hone her craft under the guidance of one of soccer’s greatest managers in Emma Hayes.
The former Chelsea boss was unwavering in her optimism that Yohannes would choose the U.S., and will no doubt be delighted she is once again available for selection.
“She doesn’t look like a 16-year-old, I really pushed and wanted her in this squad,” the British coach said following the teen's first call-up to camp.
“I know what her talents [are] and she’s a player I admired even [previously] as the Chelsea manager.”
The USWNT’s next camp will be at the end of November when they play England and, coincidentally, the Netherlands.
It could be the first time since June that Yohannes pulls on the famous Stars and Stripes jersey again.