PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC defender Becky Sauerbrunn and forward Sophia Smith have been named to the 23-player U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the 2022 SheBelieves Cup, it was announced today. The tournament is set to take place from Feb. 17-23 with matches against the Czech Republic, Iceland and New Zealand.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. as the USA takes on the Czech Republic (8 p.m. PT on ESPN). On Sunday, Feb. 20 at DHSP, the USWNT squares off against New Zealand (Noon PT on ABC). The tournament wraps up on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, with the USWNT facing off against Iceland (8 p.m. CT on ESPN).
Sauerbrunn (199 caps) made two appearances in a substitute role for the USWNT in friendlies against Australia on Nov. 26 and Nov. 30. With her next appearance, she will become the 12th USWNT player to reach 200 caps. Smith (10 caps) participated in the USWNT’s January camp and also traveled with the USA to Australia for matches in November, but did not feature due to injury. In her last appearance, Smith started, logging 72 minutes and an assist in a 6-0 win against Korea Republic on Oct. 26, 2021.
