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GUANGZHOU, China Virginia senior defender Becky Sauerbrunn (St. Louis, Mo.) made her debut with the United States Women’s National Team Wednesday in the Americans’ 4-0 victory over Canada at the Four Nations Tournament in China.
“It was really exciting (to get my first cap),” said Sauerbrunn. “It was a tough game to start off with because Canada has a very disruptive style. It was a little difficult at first keeping possession of the ball, moving it around quickly. But as the game went on, we got more fluid and quicker with the ball and I think we found success.”
Sauerbrunn became the fifth Cavalier to earn a cap with the National Team. Midfielder Angela Hucles (1996-99) is the all-time leader among Virginia players with five international goals and she earned her 71st cap on Wednesday. Amanda Cromwell (1988-91) made 55 international appearances from 1991-98. Kristen Weiss (2002-06) made four appearances in 2001 and Lori Lindsey (1998-01) earned her first cap in 2005.
Sauerbrunn started the game and played 59 minutes before having to leave the contest after suffering a broken nose.
“I’ve never broken any bone, ever, so there’s a first time for everything, I guess,” said Sauerbrunn. “I’m always going to remember, first cap, first broken bone, first win.”
Sauerbrunn started alongside veteran defender Christie Rampone, who was recently named captain of the team. Rampone was impressed with the performance of Sauerbrunn, along with fellow newcomer Ali Krieger, who also started in her first appearance with the team.
“Becky and Ali did amazing,” said Rampone. “You wouldn’t have even known it was their first cap. They had a lot of patience and composure and they were just easy to play with. They communicated well and I think we did really well as a back four.”
In 2007, 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.
The tournament is the first competition for the United States under new head coach Pia Sundhage. Sauerbrunn is one of four players on the roster looking earn their first cap with the National Team at the tournament. The roster also includes 13 players that were part of the 2007 Women’s World Cup team that finished third in China last year.
The United States has two games remaining in the tournament. The Americans play Finland on Friday and host China on Sunday.