Assistant coach Nicole Barnhart ‘04 and Rachel Buehler ’07 were named to the United States soccer team that will compete in the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany this June. Both former Stanford stars are expected to play key roles for the team, but another former Cardinal player—Kelley O’Hara ‘10—was among the final cuts for the national squad.

All three Stanford icons were part of a 29-member camp that ended on May 6, but U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage cut that number to 21 for this summer’s final roster.

Barnhart, now a volunteer coach, set the Stanford record for most shutouts (35) and goals-against average (0.45) during her career as a goalkeeper from 2000-04. She has the most international experience of any recent Stanford graduate and should compete with the currently injured Hope Solo for the starting spot this summer.

Buehler, a defender, played on the Farm in 2003 and from 2005-07, playing alongside Barnhart during her rookie season. She has some international experience at the junior level, twice competing in the U-19 Women’s World Cup.

O’Hara, the winner of the Hermann Trophy in 2009 as the best player in the NCAA, was not selected despite being an active participant in the team’s preparation up to this point.

The U.S. drew into Group C of the tournament with South Korea, Colombia and Sweden. The American squad will open against the Koreans on June 28 at 8:45 a.m.