2 USWNT players to watch during this World Cup year

2. Can Sofia Huerta help anchor the back line?

For the back four heading into 2023, there are many questions concerning the contributors on the wings. Alana Cook, Naomi Girma, and Becky Sauerbrunn are the top three options in the heart of the defense. With Crystal Dunn coming back from maternity leave, the USWNT now has one of its most talented defenders back in the fold. The question remains if she will be fit and in form enough to take on the left-back role in stride. Emily Fox started on the right wing of the back four in the first game against New Zealand, but the second time around, the coaching staff put their faith in OL Reign defender Sofia Huerta.

The former Santa Clara Bronco played in both matches against the Football Ferns and accumulated seven starts in 10 matches over the course of 2022. Considering Kelley O’Hara’s injury situation, and the fact that Fox prefers the left side of the defense, Huerta could be a player that carves herself out significant minutes in 2023. Just like Coffey, Huerta was named to the 2022 NWSL Best XI, providing a prolific attacking threat from the right side of the defense for Laura Harvey’s side.

Huerta was tied with Megan Rapinoe with four assists in all competitions to lead OL Reign. Huerta’s pinpoint right-footed ball that found Lavelle in stride to double to the United States lead in the 39’ to finish up the trip down under demonstrated exactly what she could provide the team going forward.

She may not be as defensively solid as a player like O’Hara, or even Fox, but what Huerta can give the USWNT in the attack could be something worth sacrificing for. Andnovski clearly trusts her given that he has started her in three out of the last four friendlies and given that she was given 90 minutes to close out the New Zealand trip. Huerta, at this current moment, may be the first choice right back. The 30-year-old drove 176 crosses for OL Reign in all competitions during this past campaign to lead her club team.

Her background as a striker back in college presents the USWNT with a threat in the back line that it would not have with someone like O’Hara if healthy on the right. The real question is if Andnovski is going to play Fox on the right side with Dunn on the left. But for now, keep an eye on Huerta in both the NWSL and the SheBelieves Cup.

She could potentially curl in a cross that propels the USWNT to a crucial victory at the world’s highest stage. Not many give her the credit that she may deserve due to the fact that she is not as seasoned at the international level with the United States as some. With the questions surrounding the outside back positions, this could be the time for Huerta to seize the opportunity on the right flank of the USWNT back four.