What was a pleasant surprise three years ago is now closer to a lock: Torrey Pines High alum Rachel Buehler was named to the 21-player U.S. roster for the Women’s World Cup in Germany next month.

Buehler has become such a regular with the U.S. national team that the asterisk next to her name on the roster indicating this will be her first World Cup seems like a typo at first glance. She was a reserve during the 2008 Olympics, appearing twice in group games, but no one American woman has played more national-team minutes over the last three years than the 25-year-old central defender.

Buehler, who currently plays for the Boston Breakers of WPS, has appeared in 41 of the 42 U.S. games since the Beijing Olympics, including starts in 27 of the last 29.

“She didn’t play that much in the Olympics but she will play many, many minutes in the World Cup,” U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. “The reason for that is one, her attitude. She never lets you down. She’s a great defender, and she’s very loyal to the team and the game plan. And she’s tough.”

There were few surprises in Monday’s announcement of the roster, which includes nine players with previous World Cup experience. Captain Christie Rampone will be playing in her fourth World Cup at age 35, and Abby Wambach and Shannon Boxx in their third.