While they are not competing for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), most of the roster plays in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The NWSL has 16 teams that compete throughout the United States. However, some USWNT players have taken their talents to professional clubs overseas. Defender Emily Fox and forward Alyssa Thompson currently play in England, while midfielder Lily Yohannes plays in France.
Emily Fox
Emily Fox is a midfielder for Arsenal FC in England. She is from Ashburn, Va, and played collegiate soccer for the UNC Tar Heels. Despite spending almost three years with Arsenal, Fox began her professional career with the NWSL’s Racing Louisville FC and then the North Carolina Courage. The English Women’s Super League season kicked off on Sept. 4, and Arsenal started the season strong with a win over Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. Their second game of the season ended in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Lily Yohannes
Midfielder Lily Yohannes currently plays for OL Lyonnes in France. Yohannes is from the United States, but moved to the Netherlands and enrolled in Ajax Amsterdam academy at age 10. She joined OL Lyonnes in 2025 at just 18 years old and signed her first professional contract at 15. In 2026, she helped the club go undefeated to start the season, as OL Lyonnes sit at no. 1 in the French Première Ligue standings.
Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa Thompson is a forward for Chelsea FC in England. She is from Los Angeles and started her career with the NWSL’s Angel City FC. Thompson was the first overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and was the first player to be drafted out of high school. However, she signed with Chelsea in 2025 and has made her mark on the English Women’s Super League. Chelsea FC started this season with a draw but dominated 5-0 against Manchester United on Sunday.
Featured image via Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo, Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images, Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF.
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS