Sauerbrunn Called in to U.S. National Team Camp

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CHARLOTTESVILLE Virginia senior defender Becky Sauerbrunn (St. Louis, Mo.) was one of 27 players called into the United States Women’s National Team’s first training camp of 2008, to be held Jan. 3-8 at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. It is the first call-up to the full national team for Sauerbrunn.

“I am really appreciative of this chance,” said Sauerbrunn. “In soccer, sometimes the hardest thing is waiting for your chance to play at this level. I am extremely honored to represent my country.”

Sauerbrunn is one of seven players in the camp to recently conclude their collegiate season. This season Sauerbrunn was a first team NSCAA All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. She had one goal and three assists while anchoring a Virginia defense that led the nation in goals against average (0.40) and set a school record with 15 shutouts. She is the only three-time NSCAA All-American in Virginia history and one of only two Cavaliers to be twice named a first team All-American.

Among the players in the camp are 16 veterans of last year’s World Cup squad, which finished third in China. That group includes former Cavalier Angela Hucles, who has made 70 appearances for the national team.

“We are very excited and happy for Becky about getting a call in to the national camp,” said Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “It is a testament to all the hard work she has put in during her career to get an opportunity like this one. Although her career at Virginia has come to a close, it really is just the beginning for her at the next level. She has been such a great representative of our program and the University of Virginia both on and off the field.”

After the camp, new U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage will select a 20-player roster for the Four Nations Tournament being held Jan. 16-20 in Foshan, China.