U.S. U-18 Women's Squad Set for Bulgarian Showdown
The United States Under-18 women's national team has unveiled a 20-player roster for the upcoming Bulgarian Nations Cup, a tournament that will bring together emerging talents from across the globe.
The competition is scheduled for mid-June in southwest Bulgaria, where the U.S. side will face Benin and Ukraine in a round-robin format, with matches slated for June 6 and June 9.
Four standout athletes from the University of North Carolina’s women's soccer program earned spots on the roster, underscoring the Tar Heels’ continued impact on the national pipeline.
Scottie Antonucci, Riley Kennedy, Cali O’Neill and Peyton Trayer bring a blend of experience and youthful vigor, having previously represented the United States at various youth levels and together at the 2025 U-17 FIFA World Cup.
Kennedy and Trayer recently attended a training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they refined their skills under the guidance of U-18 coaches, while Antonucci and O’Neill draw on prior stints with senior U.S. Soccer youth pools.
Matches will be decided by total points, awarding three points for a win and none for a loss, adding a strategic layer to each encounter as the team aims to top the standings.
The tournament offers a crucial platform for these prospects to showcase their abilities ahead of future senior selections, with the coaching staff emphasizing development and competitive resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. U-18 women prepare to travel to Bulgaria, the blend of seasoned collegiate talent and fresh faces promises an exciting display of soccer. The outcome of the round-robin could shape the next wave of players who may soon don the senior jersey.