After a frustrating weekend, Seattle Reign FC fans had a reason to smile on Monday, as Megan Rapinoe announced that she's returned to training with the squad.
Back at it wth these homies https://t.co/0JXp0G9hJe pic.twitter.com/8nGapsbeoo
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) July 11, 2016
While seeing Rapinoe with Reign gear on is incredibly exciting, it also prompts the question: Does this mean she won't be on the U.S. team for the Olympics?
Rapinoe was called into U.S. Women's National Team training camp for observation prior to their July 9 match against South Africa. U.S. coach Jill Ellis previously stated that a spot on the Olympics roster would be there for Rapinoe if she made a full recovery from the ACL tear she suffered in December 2015. While she practiced last week with full contact, Pinoe still hasn't played a competitive match since last October — making her a risky choice to bring along with such a small 18-person roster.
The USWNT plays another Olympic sendoff match on July 22, and it was assumed that players would remain with the national team between the two matches. However, Jaelene Hinkle started this weekend's match, and both Ashlyn Harris and Rapinoe announced their club returns this week on social media. All three players were considered fairly unlikely for the final roster, and could have returned to their NWSL club teams after finding out they didn't make the cut.
We won't have to wait long for an answer. U.S. Soccer announced today that it will reveal the 18-person roster tomorrow. Until then, let's enjoy the site of No. 15 returning to the practice field in Seattle.