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Manchester United Women’s goalkeeper Fallon Tullis-Joyce has been called up to the U.S. senior women’s national team for the first time.
Tullis-Joyce has made a brilliant start to the season as United remain unbeaten.
The shot-stopper has kept an impressive five clean sheets in seven WSL appearances. She also made a number of vital saves to keep United in the game.
Only former Manchester United players Nikita Paris and Alessia Russo have beaten Tullis-Joyce this season.
Ahead of the international break, Tullis-Joyce was included in the U.S. national team for the first time by Emma Hayes. The United States is currently ranked as the No. 1 women’s national soccer team in the world by FIFA.
Call for Duty
@fallon91 she received first #USWNT Call up
#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/jHYDGF8JQ0
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) November 18, 2024
The Manchester United goalkeeper will compete for a place in the international matches against England and Netherlands on November 30 and December 3 respectively.
Reacting to the honour, Tullis-Joyce said: [via United’s website]“I’m so grateful to my family, friends and the people at Manchester United who treated me so warmly. All the work I’ve done with Wilko [Ian Willcock] and sap [Safia Middleton-Patel] This year I am so, so grateful for this opportunity. “It’s truly amazing.”
“After finding out via email, I double-checked with Wilko to see if it was real. He said yes and it was a cute moment. “I can’t wait to see my mom’s reaction because she’s been waiting on social media to find out.”
Commenting on the selection of Tullis-Joyce, Hayes said: [via Forbes]“When she comes in, you see her on the grass. You talk to coaches. What about her decision-making regarding possession? What about her execution? How do her feet move? How much command does she have behind the lines? How is she turned on in the set piece?”
“There are many aspects to being a goalkeeper beyond just blocking shots. Her shot-stopping and frame-covering abilities are second to none. But I think there’s room for improvement in terms of building with the team and connecting with the team. I want to see what she looks like under the demands we place on her.”
“It’s not an easy team to come into. There are a lot of incredible experiences out there, but I want to see them. I would like to know where her progress is, but I think she has made a good start at Manchester United. “I know what the demands will be on her in the Women’s Super League and I think it will be a good experience for her.”
Hayes added that she wanted more goalkeeping options and Tullis-Joyce was the obvious choice. Especially considering she plays in England and is familiar with the type of football they play.
Tullis-Joyce and her teammates return to action on Wednesday when they face Everton in the Women’s League Cup.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
