Thorns FC's Steph Catley named to Australia Women's National Team roster for 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC defender Steph Catley was named to the 23-player Australia Women’s National Team roster for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, it was announced today. The roster will not become official until it is submitted to FIFA on May 25, which is the deadline for all teams to submit their final squads.

The Australia Women’s National Team play host to Vietnam in a send-off match on May 12 before departing for Canada. The Matildas were drawn into Group D with the United States, Sweden and Nigeria. Australia opens the tournament on June 8 in Winnipeg at Investors Group Field against the United States; kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. (Pacific). In their second match of group play, the Matildas face off against Nigeria in Winnipeg at 2 p.m. (Pacific) before playing their third and final group match in Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium against Sweden on June 16; kickoff is set for 5 p.m. (Pacific). The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup runs from June 6-July 5 and all 52 games will be shown live on FOX, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and on tablets and mobile devices through the FOX Sports GO app and FOXSportsGO.com.

Catley, 21, has earned 32 international caps and 2015 will mark her first FIFA Women’s World Cup roster selection for Australia. A 2014 NWSL Second XI selection, Catley arrived midseason and appeared in 14 matches (13 starts) in her first season with the club, tallying five assists. The Thorns FC defender will return to Portland for her second season following the conclusion of Australia’s participation in the World Cup.