Mexico has chosen to return to Alabama for their final international tour prior to World Cup Qualifying for the first ever Under 17 Women’s World Cup to be held this year in New Zealand. Mexico is a favorite to advance to the World Cup along with the United States from the CONCACAF region (North and Central America, and the Caribbean). The Alabama Olympic Development Program team competing against Mexico is a collection of some of the best players in the state from multiple age groups. Every player has represented Alabama in ODP and several at the Regional ODP level and/or Youth National teams including: Merritt Mathias, Katy Frierson, Lauren Arnold, Shana Brooks, Christine Schweer, and Zehra Syed.