Four players from the Washington Spirit have received call-ups to represent the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) for a series of friendlies against Paraguay and Chile, as announced by U.S. Soccer. Midfielders Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt, along with defenders Tara Rudd and Kate Wiesner, are set to compete in these matches later this month in southern California.
Bethune achieves her second consecutive call-up to the senior team, building on her prior experience from the friendlies against Italy late last year. The talented midfielder has participated in five matches for the USWNT and played a key role in securing the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Hershfelt returns to the national team this January following a remarkable 2025 season with the Spirit. Having served as an alternate during the 2024 Olympics, she made her senior international debut in October against Iceland and has since amassed three appearances for the national team.
Defender Tara Rudd, recently recognized as the 2025 NWSL Defender of the Year, earns her seventh cap for the USWNT—her first since changing her last name following her wedding last month. Rudd, who made a notable entry into the national team during last year’s SheBelieves Cup against Colombia, has contributed two assists in nine matches with the USWNT.
Wiesner joins the USWNT for the second consecutive month, having made her debut in a friendly against Italy in November. Now entering her third season with the Spirit, she is poised for her third camp, which follows her prior involvement as a training player in May 2024.
The USWNT’s friendly matches are scheduled as follows:
– Against Paraguay on Saturday, January 24, at 5:30 p.m. EST at Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California.
– Against Chile on Tuesday, January 27, at 10 p.m. EST at Harder Stadium, Santa Barbara, California.
In addition, the Washington Spirit is gearing up for the beginning of their preseason. After an impressive showing in which they made their second consecutive NWSL Championship appearance in 2026, the team is set to build on this momentum. Fans can find more information on 2026 season ticket memberships via the club’s official channels.
The Washington Spirit stands as a prominent professional women’s soccer team located in Washington, D.C., competing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Founded in 2012, the Spirit has distinguished itself by hosting some of the top talent in women’s soccer, contributing to the growth of the sport across the nation. For updates and more information, supporters can check out WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the team on social media platforms.