VILLANOVA, PA (May 16, 2003) - Philadelphia Charge defender Heather Mitts was named to the 18-player roster for the U.S. Women's National Team Friday. The U.S. will play England in a friendly on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. (ET) at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

As a result, Mitts, who has three career caps with the national team, will not be with the Charge for their game on Saturday in New York versus the Power at 4 p.m. Mitts almost didn't even get a chance to earn a spot on the team, but due to some late injuries she was called in to participate in the camp on Monday.

The Charge's Lorrie Fair, who was invited to the national team camp, is expected to be with the Charge on Saturday. Fair was not one of the 18 players selected to participate by U.S. Head Coach April Heinrichs.

Some heavy rains have fallen on the Birmingham area this week, making for a few wet and muddy training sessions for the U.S. women, but the playing surface at Legion Field is in world-class condition for the match against a strong English team. Muggy and hot temperatures into the low 80s, but no rain, are forecast for the Noon local kickoff.

The two teams last me at the 2002 Algarve Cup in Portugal with the USA coming away with a 2-0 victory. England failed to qualify for the 2003 Women's World Cup, losing a two-game playoff series to France for the fifth and final European berth, but is gearing up for the 2005 European Women's Championships, which it will host that summer.

After this weekend's game in New York, Philadelphia returns home to face the San Jose CyberRays on Saturday, May 24 starting at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 fans 14 & under to the game will receive a Marinette Pichon Bobble-leg Doll courtesy of Penn Orthopedics. For ticket information call 215-467-GOAL or log on to www.PhiladelphiaCharge.com for news, stats and features on the Charge.

Following are the 18-player roster for the USA and England: USA - Goalkeepers (2): LaKeysia Beene, Siri Mullinix; Defenders (6): Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Heather Mitts, Christie Pearce, Cat Reddick, Kate Sobrero; Midfielders (5): Angela Hucles, Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Tiffany Roberts, Aly Wagner; Forwards (5): Mia Hamm, Shannon MacMillan, Tiffeny Milbrett, Cindy Parlow, Abby Wambach.

ENGLAND - Goalkeepers (2): Rachel Brown, Pauline Cope; Defenders (7): Laura Bassett, Leanne Champ, Rachel McArthur, Kirsty Pealling, Mary Phillip, Casey Stoney, Rachel Unitt; Midfielders (5): Samantha Britton, Vicky Exley, Jody Handley, Kelly McDougall, Kristy Moore; Forwards (4): Amanda Barr, Sue Smith, Karen Walker, Rachel Yankey.