Challenge '99 ECNL alum and current Bay FC defender Alyssa Malonson has earned her first call up to the senior U.S. Women’s National Team training camp roster for friendly matches against Iceland and Argentina during the October FIFA window, Oct. 21-30. Alyssa is the first senior US National Team player from Houston in over 20 years and the second player from Challenge to reach the pinnacle of US Soccer (Susan Bush: Challenge '81, USWNT 1998-2000) 

Alyssa began playing for Challenge at 7 years old and continued through our Academy and ECNL programs before moving on to being a four year starter and All-American at Auburn University. She earned US Youth National team experience at U15 and U17 before competing with the  US U23s in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, she played in friendly matches against Sweden, France, and Italy in La Manga, Spain. Alyssa is in her first season with Bay FC after being their top overall pick in the expansion allocation draft. She previously played with Seattle Reign and NC Courage and has appeared in 20 games, with 14 starts, this season.

"We are so proud of Alyssa and could not be more thrilled her family! She is a testament to everything we want out of our players, at Challenge. Her resilience and ability to overcome adversity is a shining example to all who aspire to pursue the sport to the very best of their abilities. We have loved watching her grow into one of the best players in the world and cannot wait to watch her represent Houston, and the United States" - Pat O'Toole, Executive Director