Becky Sauerbrunn USWNT 2023Getty Images

'I’m competing for a spot on the roster' - USWNT veteran Becky Sauerbrunn brushes off retirement talk ahead of October friendlies

  • Sauerbrunn brushes off retirement talk
  • Missed World Cup due to injury
  • Set to fight for 'chance' under new manager

WHAT HAPPENED? After missing the 2023 World Cup to injury, speculation around the 38-year-old defender's international future has surfaced ahead of a pair of international friendlies against Colombia this week. Sauerbrunn, who has returned from the injury that sidelined her during the summer tournament, has played in the past four matches for club side Portland Thorns, helping see them through to the semifinals of the NWSL playoffs with an automatic first-round bye.

WHAT THEY SAID: “I would say that my role on the team is the same that it’s been for the last 13 years,” Sauerbrunn told ProSoccerWire. “I’m competing for a spot on the roster, and then I’m competing for minutes on the field. And that has not changed and it won’t change even with a new coach coming in, who I hope will give me a chance.

“If I am not a starter, then I’m going to push the starters to be the best that they can be. And if I’m just not on the team, then there it is. But I’m definitely going to keep competing and hope that things go the right way for me.”

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Ahead of her semifinal playoff clash with the Thorns in November, Sauerbrunn added that her head is focused on both the USWNT and her club, and that she feels comfortable with that mindset.

“You really do want to be in both places, you want to be preparing... I want to be preparing with Portland in order to get ready for Gotham, but you also want to be here obviously. And so you just have to focus on where you are at the time. And so when I’m with the women’s national team, I’m with them and when I’m with Portland, I’m with them.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Sauerbrunn is one of many veteran USWNT stars who are uncertain over their future with the squad, especially with a new coaching hire rumored to be coming by the end of the calendar year.

Having won over 200 caps for the USWNT, the 38-year-old has had a storied career on the international stage, winning two FIFA World Cups, an Olympic Gold medal and an additional runners-up accolade at another World Cup.

IN A PHOTO:

Becky Sauerbrunn Portland Thorns 2022Getty ImagesBecky Sauerbrunn USWNT 2023Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR SAUERBRUNN? The Portland Thorns defender will take part in the current USWNT camp, with two matches against Colombia to be played, before returning to the NWSL side for a semifinal playoff match against Gotham FC on November 5.

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