Former Richmond Kickers Destiny defender Becky Sauerbrunn earned her first start with the U.S. Women’s National Team in the Women’s World Cup Semifinal match yesterday, as the U.S. defeated France 3-1 to advance to the Finals.
The Saint Louis, MO native made 24 appearances with the Richmond Kickers Destiny, logging over 2,000 minutes in a Kickers uniform. A defensive stalwart, she also posed an offensive threat, notching three goals and one assist en route to Richmond’s back-to-back playoff berths. The 2007 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and three-time NSCAA All-American anchored the University of Virginia defense that led the nation with a goals against average of 0.40 and set a school record with 15 shutouts.
Taking an early lead with a Lauren Cheney tally in the 9th minute, the U.S. Women’s National Team conceded an equalizer soon after halftime before Abby Wambach nodded home the game-winning goal in the 79th minute. Second half substitute Alex Morgan notched a third goal for the U.S. three minutes later.
The U.S. Women’s National Team seeks its third title when they face Japan in the Finals Sunday, July 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET in Frankfurt, Germany.
