Kate Del Fava replaces injured Naomi Girma for U.S. camp

Kate Del Fava has been called into the U.S. women’s national team camp to replace injured defender Naomi Girma, U.S. Soccer announced on October 4. The Utah Royals defender joins Emma Hayes’ senior group ahead of two home matches against Spain.

Del Fava was already due in Atlanta for the Under-23 camp taking place alongside the senior team’s sessions at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center. She had been selected as an overage player for that group and will now train with Hayes’ roster.

The call-up follows her first involvement with a U.S. national team at any level, on the Under-23 side’s trip to Brazil in June. U.S. Soccer said she has played every minute for Utah since the club returned to the NWSL in 2024 and has scored twice this season.

Her addition leaves five uncapped players in the senior squad. The federation also identified Del Fava as the first Illinois State player to receive a senior USWNT call-up.

The United States hosts Spain at Audi Field on October 10 at 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time, then at Subaru Park on October 13 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. The announcement did not specify Girma’s injury or a return timetable.