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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues belo<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Smith a nominee for EA FC TOTY voting</li><li>Scott names her in Best XI</li><li>USWNT star grateful for inclusion</li></ul>

USWNT star Sophia Smith held in high praise! Arsenal women's legend Alex Scott picks Portland Thorns forward alongside Sam Kerr and Alexandra Popp in her EA FC Team of the Year Best XI

Friendlies

England

On the CBS Sports Soccer show Morning Footy, Smith was a guest Friday and was shown a clip of Scott naming her to the XI alongside her co-hosts Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Kate Abdo. Richards responded hilariously, saying "Finally, an American" with a chuckle of laughter from the entire crew. The Arsenal legend labeled the USWNT star as a 'young and exciting talent.'

WHAT HAPPENED?

Flattered by the inclusion, Smith said she does not take the accolade 'lightly' and is very proud of her achievements.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"Definitely something I don't take lightly." 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/sophsssmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sophsssmith</a> reacts to being chosen by <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexScott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexScott</a> as one of the forwards in her <a href="https://twitter.com/EASPORTSFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EASPORTSFC</a> TOTY. 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/JNgSoY6BhF">pic.twitter.com/JNgSoY6BhF</a>— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) <a href="https://twitter.com/AttackingThird/status/1745819571594965168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WHAT SMITH SAID

Smith was one of the top performing USWNT players this calendar year, despite the national team crashing out of the 2023 World Cup in disappointing fashion. She scored 11 goals and added five assists for the Thorns during the regular season campaign, and during the World Cup, nabbed two goals and an assist as well.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 2024 NWSL season does not get underway until March this year, so it will be at least two months until Smith takes the pitch in competitive fashion for her club. However, the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/nwsl-draft-2024-prospects-order-live-stream-watch/bltf8974c834ffec0c4" target="_blank">2024 NWSL Draft</a> is Friday evening, and the Thorns and Smith could see a new teammate or two walk in the doors via selection.

WHAT NEXT?

USWNT star Sophia Smith held in high praise! Arsenal women's legend Alex Scott picks Portland Thorns forward alongside Sam Kerr and Alexandra Popp in her EA FC Team of the Year Best XI | Goal.com

USWNT star Sophia Smith makes Arsenal legend Alex Scott&apos;s EA FC Team of the Year Best XI!

USWNT star Sophia Smith held in high praise! Arsenal women&apos;s legend Alex Scott picks Portland Thorns forward alongside Sam Kerr and Alexandra Popp in her EA FC Team of the Year Best XI