PORTLAND, Ore. — Becky Sauerbrunn, a celebrated Women's World Cup champion and former defender for the Portland Thorns, has made her return to the team, this time as a technical consultant for the remainder of the season. Sauerbrunn, who has had a remarkable career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is expected to leverage her extensive knowledge of the game to support the Thorns as they aim for success this season.
During her illustrious playing career, Sauerbrunn earned the title of Defender of the Year four times and was instrumental in securing three league championships. Her tactical acumen and leadership on the field have been widely recognized, making her a valuable asset to any coaching staff. "As a player, I loved watching film, talking tactics and details, working with a backline, and this opportunity affords me all those things with a lot less running," Sauerbrunn stated in a press release. She expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting her desire to contribute to the team's championship aspirations.
At 41 years old, Sauerbrunn joined the Thorns as a player in 2020 and was part of the squad that clinched the NWSL title in 2022. Her journey in the NWSL began in 2013 with FC Kansas City, and she later played for the Utah Royals before returning to the Thorns. Over her career, she has accumulated 189 league appearances, showcasing her durability and skill on the pitch.
Jeff Agoos, the general manager of the Thorns, praised Sauerbrunn's addition to the technical staff, stating, "Becky is a massive addition to our technical staff. She will bring an excellent combination of valuable knowledge and experience that will benefit the development of our athletes and help push us to be in a position to compete for titles." This sentiment underscores the high expectations placed on Sauerbrunn as she transitions from player to mentor.
In addition to her club achievements, Sauerbrunn has had a distinguished international career with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). She participated in three World Cups, contributing to the team's victories in 2015 and 2019, and has also represented the U.S. in three Olympic Games, where she won a gold medal in 2012. Her experience at the highest levels of competition will undoubtedly enrich the Thorns as they navigate the challenges of the current season.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Sauerbrunn has been a prominent advocate for gender equality in sports. She was a vocal supporter of the U.S. players' fight for equal pay and played a significant role in filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2016, addressing issues of discrimination within the sport. In 2020, she was elected president of the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association, further solidifying her commitment to advancing the rights of female athletes.
In 2022, the USWNT reached a historic agreement with U.S. Soccer that ensured equitable compensation for the women's team, a milestone that was influenced by the advocacy efforts of players like Sauerbrunn. Her return to the Thorns as a technical consultant not only marks a new chapter in her career but also reinforces her ongoing commitment to the sport and its future.
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