Alookat Connecticut connections to 2023 Women's World Cup participants in soccer
Jul. 18—Reina Bonta, Yale, Philippines, D: A California native, Bonta was also a defender for the Bulldogs. She played in 57 games over the course of her career, starting all 16 games during her junior season in 2019, and earning All-Ivy League Second Team honors. She played in all 17 games during her senior season in 2021 (2020 season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) Bonta began playing for Santos FC, a Brazilian Club, in March. Bonta is able to play for the Philippines because her father Rob, who also played at Yale, was born there. The Philippines is playing in its first Women's World Cup. They play their first game in Group A at 1 a.m. (EDT) Friday against Switzerland at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Peyton McNamara, Norwalk, Jamaica, M: McNamara trained with the Jamaican women's team in advance of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and made the team as a rostered player this past spring. At Ohio State where she is a rising senior, she was named the Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2021 and twice to the Academic All-Big Ten Team. Last fall, she Played in all 20 matches, starting the final 18 matches of the year and was third on the team with a career-high seven goals and 16 points. McNamara played in high school for Brien McMahon of Norwalk where she was a 2019 All-American and a three-time CHSCA All-State and All-FCIAC selection. Jamaica opens play Sunday at 6 a.m. (EDT) against France at Sydney Football Stadium.
Alyssa Naeher, Stratford, United States, GK: Naeher is appearing in her third World Cup and second as the starting keeper for the USWNT. Naeher was a backup to Hope Solo during the USWNT's run to the title in 2015 but in, played every minute of all seven matches in France and became the fifth goalkeeper in history to earn a shutout in a Women's World Cup Final, a 2-0 win over the Netherlands. Naeher currently ranks third all-time in caps, wins and shutouts for a goalkeeper in USWNT history. After an All-American career at Penn State, Naeher has played in the NWSL for 11 seasons, the first three in Boston and since 2016 for the Chicago Red Stars. This past season, Naeher became the league's all-time leader in both saves and appearances by a goalkeeper. She was a Parade All-American in high school at Christian Heritage-Trumbull. The United States begins play in Group E, Saturday at 9 p.m. (EDT) against Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Allyson Swaby, West Hartford, Jamaica, D: This is the second World Cup for Swaby, who played every minute for Jamaica in the 2019 World Cup in France. The Hall-West Hartford graduate made her senior national team debut for Jamaica in 2018. At Boston College, Swaby appeared in 72 games over four seasons, scoring two goals and three assists playing out of the back line. Swaby played professionally in the NWSL for Angel City FC during the 2022 season before playing for Paris Saint-German of Division 1 Féminine in 2023. Swaby's father is from Jamaica, allowing her to play on the team. Jamaica opens play Sunday at 6 a.m. (EDT) against France at Sydney Football Stadium.
Chantelle Swaby, West Hartford, Jamaica, D: This is the second World Cup for this Swaby sister as well, who played for Jamaica in the 2019 World Cup in France, appearing in three games. At Rutgers, Chantelle started 13 games her senior season (2019) and was All-Big Ten Third Team. At Hall, Chantelle was named All-New England, CHSCA All-State and All-CCC. She plays professionally in France for FC Fleury 91.
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