PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Nadine Angerer (Germany), defender Steph Catley (Australia) and forward Jodie Taylor (England) were all named to the rosters of their respective national teams for international tournaments beginning on March 4.
The captain of the Germany Women’s National Team, Angerer, 36, has 136 international caps and was named to the 10-player shortlist for the 2014 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award after winning the award in 2013. In her first season with Thorns FC, Angerer appeared in 22 matches (all starts) during the 2014 NWSL regular season, finishing the season ranked fourth in the league in saves (74) and shutouts (4).
Playing in Group A, Germany opens play at the Algarve Cup on Wednesday, March 4, against Sweden at 8 a.m. (Pacific) before facing China PR on Friday, March 6, at 5 a.m. (Pacific) and Brazil on Monday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific). The tournament concludes with placement matches on Wednesday, March 11.
Catley, 21, has 26 international caps, helping guide the Matildas to a runner-up finish at the 2014 Asian Cup and a berth in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Australia earned wins against Korea DPR and New Zealand in February as Catley started and played 45 minutes in a 2-1 win over Korea DPR on Feb. 9. A NWSL Second XI selection, Catley was a midseason addition to Thorns FC in 2014, appearing in 14 matches (13 starts), recording five assists.
Australia is in Group B at the Cyprus Cup and faces the Netherlands in its first group game on March 4, at 7:30 a.m. (Pacific). The Matildas take on England on March 6, at 7:30 a.m. (Pacific) before closing out group play against Finland on March 9, at 7:30 a.m. (Pacific). Placement matches at the tournament will take place on March 11. Following the Cyprus Cup, the team will travel to Italy for an extended training camp.
Taylor, 28, who was acquired in a 2015 NWSL College Draft-day trade, has four caps with the England Women’s National Team, after starting and playing 81 minutes in a 1-0 loss against the United States on Feb. 13. A NWSL Second XI selection in 2014, Taylor recorded 11 goals and two assists in her first season in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit. A graduate of Oregon State University, Taylor has played overseas professionally in Sweden, England and Australia.
England joins Australia in Group B at the Cyprus Cup, the Three Lionesses open the tournament with a match against Finland on March 4, at 4:30 a.m. (Pacific). Group play continues March 6 against Australia, at 7:30 a.m. (Pacific) and concludes March 9 against the Netherlands. The tournament comes to a close with placement matches on March 11.
