The U.S. women’s national team was hit with a few reality checks this fall, and two-time World Cup winner Becky Sauerbrunn delivered another: It’s time for the Stars and Stripes to stop experimenting and start “building chemistry” ahead of next summer’s showpiece event.
All eyes were on the reigning Olympic champion this October as it faced off with reigning world champion Spain in two blockbuster friendlies. Many viewed the matches as a preview of the 2027 World Cup final, and banked on the USWNT giving a La Roja team without Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey a proper fight.