Sophia Smith named to U.S. Soccer national team for 2023 Women's World Cup
Sophia Smith is ready for the grandest stage in soccer.
The Northern Colorado native has been named to the United States roster for the 2023 World Cup, which will take place in July and August in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. announced its roster Wednesday.
It is the first World Cup for the 22-year-old Smith, and she's expected to be a key piece for the two-time defending champions and No. 1-ranked team in the world.
Smith, who was born in Windsor and attended Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, is considered one of the top young players not only in the United States, but in the world. She is one of four Americans on the cover of Sports Illustrated's World Cup preview.
The forward was named the 2022 NWSL league MVP and championship game MVP as she helped her club team, the Portland Thorns, win the title.
Despite her young age, she already has a decorated career.
Some highlights:
2022 NWSL MVP
2022 NWSL championship game MVP
2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
No. 1 overall pick (by Portland) in 2020 NWSL draft
2019 College Cup champion (at Stanford)
Smith competed for U.S. youth national teams for years, including participating in the 2016 U-17 World Cup and the 2018 U-20 World Cup.
Smith earned her first appearance with the senior national team in November 2020, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to appear for the senior team.
Smith has scored in the last three games for Portland leading up to the roster announcement. Her seven goals is second in the league and she's first in the NWSL with five assists.
2023 U.S. Women's World Cup schedule
(All times listed in Mountain)
July 21: U.S. vs. Vietnam, 7 p.m. (FOX)
July 26: U.S. vs. Netherlands, 7 p.m. (FOX)
Aug. 1: U.S. vs. Portugal, 1 a.m. (FOX)
Round of 16: Aug. 5-8
Quarterfinals: Aug. 10-12
Semifinals: Aug. 15-16
Final: Aug. 20
Read up on Sophia Smith's background
New to Smith's journey or want a refresh? Here's a look at Coloradoan stories through the years documenting her journey:
The champion: Sophia Smith leads Thorns to NWSL title after winning MVP
Playing at home: When Smith scored twice in first game with U.S. in Colorado
National teamers: When Sophia Smith and Jaelin Howell made the senior national team together
National title: Smith leads Stanford to national championship
Devastating injury: How Smith bounced back from horror injury
Big, big plans: In high school, Sophia Smith had sights set on lofty goals
Rising star: When Smith was named U.S. Soccer's 'Young Player of the Year'
NoCo phenoms: Sophia Smith and Jaelin Howell beat the odds to make U-17 team together
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: World Cup-bound: Sophia Smith named to USWNT 2023 World Cup roster
