Soccer: Northlanders join Ferns for US jaunt

Hannah Wilkinson has been named in the Football Ferns squad to face the USA in a two-match friendly series.

Northlanders Hannah Wilkinson and Abby Erceg have been named in the Football Ferns' 20-strong squad to face the world No1 USA in a two-match friendly series on October 27 and 30 in San Francisco and Columbus.

After victories over Brazil and China in the Valais Cup recently, coach Tony Readings is looking forward to the opportunity to test his team against the best in the world.

"USA will provide another step up in opposition from what the team has faced so far this year," Readings said.

"They have improved under their new coach this year and have added a lot of quality to an already impressive squad. These matches will place increased demands on the players and this is vital for our continued growth as we build towards the World Cup and Olympic Games."

USA are two-time World Cup winners and four-time Olympic champions, most recently in London 2012, where they beat the Football Ferns 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

"USA have strength in depth in every position and some of the best players in the world. They are very hard to break down and have numerous quality attacking weapons at their disposal," Readings said.

"They have a lot of pace throughout the team and are physically imposing. They are strong in all moments of the game and do not allow opposition to easily find any sort of rhythm."

Readings has named a settled squad for the tour with several youngsters such as Stephanie Skilton, Megan Lee and Meikayla Moore coming into the squad, highlighting the strength in depth of the junior sides.

"The fact that we can easily bring young players such as Stephanie, Megan and Meikayla into a settled squad shows how much depth of talent there is available," said Readings.

"It's a testament to both the players and the people behind the junior and young Football Ferns that there is such talent available for selection."

Football Ferns squad:

(Caps/goals in brackets)

Goalkeepers: Jenny Bindon (76/0), Erin Nayler (6/0).

Defenders: Abby Erceg (86/4), Anna Green (56/7), Elizabeth Milne (5/1), Ria Percival (83/8), Ali Riley (74/1), Rebekah Stott (13/0), Meikayla Moore(1/0), Megan Lee (0/0).

Midfielders: Betsy Hassett (53/6), Katie Hoyle (77/1), Annalie Longo (53/1), Kirsty Yallop (69/11)

Forwards: Helen Collins (8/0), Sarah Gregorius (43/17), Amber Hearn (74/35), Rosie White (48/10), Hannah Wilkinson (46/15), Stephanie Skilton (0/0).