Seventeen-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes has committed to play for the United States women’s national team, she announced on Monday, less than a month before the United States visits the Netherlands to play the Dutch in a friendly.
Yohannes was born in Virginia and moved to the Netherlands with her family when she was 13 to play for Dutch club Ajax. She had been exploring the process of obtaining Dutch citizenship, and the Dutch federation has publicly courted her.
“After much consideration, I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States,” Yohannes said in a statement on her Instagram account. “The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides. These strong connections have driven me to honor my roots and proudly commit to U.S. Soccer. I am excited and eager to continue putting in the work and earn my place on the U.S. Women’s National Team.”
The U.S. and the Netherland face off in a friendly match in The Hague on Dec. 3, three days after the Americans visit Wembley Stadium to face England.
Yohannes debuted for the United States in June in head coach Emma Hayes’ first camp in charge and scored in her first cap. Yohannes was in consideration for the U.S.’ Olympic roster, too, Hayes confirmed at the time.
Hayes said last month that she and the federation had spoken with Yohannes since the U.S. won the Olympic gold medal in August.
“No matter what time it takes, it needs to be right for Lily,” Hayes said, echoing her sentiments from June, when she said she considered Yohannes for the Olympic roster. Yohannes would have been cap-tied to the U.S. if she had appeared in the Olympics.
Yohannes scored 10 minutes into her international debut for the U.S. against South Korea on June 4.
“Really great,” she said of the experience after that match. “Super special to be at Emma’s first camp. I think just so much learning happened in this camp. [I’m] just trying to use these games to grow connections with this team.”
The Dutch federation had publicly courted Yohannes over the past year. At 16 years old, Yohannes became the youngest player to ever start a UEFA Women’s Champions League group match last year.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the United States and Dutch Football Federations for their unwavering support and patient guidance as I made my decision regarding my international future,” she said in Monday’s statement. “Their dedication and encouragement have been invaluable, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to both Federations.”
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