After a successful career spanning over a decade, USWNT veteran Becky Sauerbrunn announced her retirement from professional soccer last year. However, it seems that the decision was not an easy one for the 36-year-old defender. In a recent interview, Sauerbrunn revealed that she still struggles to come to terms with her retirement and believes she could have played for another year or two.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to be at peace with it,” Sauerbrunn said. “I feel like I probably could have gone another year, maybe two years.” These words from one of the most decorated players in USWNT history came as a shock to many fans and fellow players. After all, Sauerbrunn had achieved almost everything a player could dream of in her career.
She was a key member of the USWNT squad that won back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. She also won two Olympic gold medals and was named the NWSL Defender of the Year four times. Sauerbrunn’s leadership and defensive prowess made her an integral part of the USWNT and her club teams, FC Kansas City and Utah Royals FC.
So, why did Sauerbrunn decide to retire at the peak of her career? The answer lies in the physical and mental toll that professional soccer takes on a player. Sauerbrunn has been playing at the highest level for over a decade, and it’s no secret that the demands of the game can be grueling. Injuries, fatigue, and the constant pressure to perform can take a toll on a player’s body and mind.
In her interview, Sauerbrunn also mentioned that she had been dealing with a nagging injury for the past few years. This injury, combined with the physical demands of the game, made her realize that it was time to hang up her boots. However, despite her retirement, Sauerbrunn’s love for the game and her competitive spirit are still very much alive.
This is where NWSL coach Laura Harvey comes in. The former Utah Royals FC coach, who is now the head coach of the OL Reign, made a bold offer to Sauerbrunn after hearing about her struggles with retirement. Harvey offered Sauerbrunn a spot on the Reign’s roster, saying, “If she ever wants to come back and play, we’ll have a spot for her.”
Harvey’s offer not only shows her admiration for Sauerbrunn as a player but also her understanding of the challenges that come with retirement. As a former player herself, Harvey knows how difficult it can be to walk away from the game you love. Her offer also speaks volumes about the impact Sauerbrunn has had on the NWSL and the respect she commands from her peers.
But it’s not just Harvey who believes Sauerbrunn still has a lot to offer on the field. USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski also expressed his desire to have Sauerbrunn back on the national team if she ever decides to return. Andonovski praised Sauerbrunn’s leadership and experience, saying, “She’s a player that we would love to have in the team, but we respect her decision.”
It’s clear that Sauerbrunn’s retirement has left a void not just in the USWNT but also in the NWSL. Her presence on the field and in the locker room will be missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. Sauerbrunn’s decision to retire may not have been an easy one, but it’s a testament to her dedication and love for the game.
As for Sauerbrunn, she may not be at peace with her retirement just yet, but she can take comfort in the fact that she has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her achievements, both on and off the field, have made her a role model for young players and a legend in the world of soccer. And who knows, with offers from top coaches like Harvey and Andonovski, we may see Sauerbrunn back on the field sooner than we think.
