The fifth time was not victorious for the U.S. team in the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer but they put up a valiant fight thanks in part to Bronco talent. Sofia Huerta ’15 and Julie Ertz ’14 played for the United States women’s national soccer team (USNWT) in stadiums across New Zealand and Australia.
Huerta, a defender for OL Reign in Seattle who played for the Mexico national team before 2017, is the first female player ever to play both for and against the USNWT. Meanwhile, this was part of Ertz’ comeback to professional soccer—with Angel City FC—after giving birth to her son last August.
After the U.S.’ shocking loss to Sweden in the Round of 16, Ertz announced that she’s retiring from professional soccer.
