For any athlete, the first time they represent their national colors is a moment filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. But for Becky Sauerbrunn, her first-ever cap for the USWNT came with a painful twist (literally) as she broke her nose during the match. Having recently announced her retirement, Sauerbrunn still hasn’t let go of the grudge against Melissa Tancredi, the player responsible for that unforgettable “introduction” to international football.

It all traces back to January 16, 2008, when Becky Sauerbrunn broke her nose in an aerial duel with Melissa Tancredi, and it was clear that the Canadian wasn’t aiming for the ball. However, that brutal first cap didn’t ‘break’ Sauerbrunn’s spirit. She quickly made her way into the veteran squad and now proudly boasts two World Cup titles, an Olympic Gold, and a place among the elite 14 USWNT players with over 200 international appearances.

Speaking to Sam Mewis on her ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast, Sauerbrunn shares more details about her fateful debut. “We were playing Canada and doing great; we wound up winning, but I basically got my face bashed in by Melissa Tancredi, a Canadian player who I’ve had a grudge against since then.”

The center-back mentions that she made it to the roster for the Four Nations tournament, replacing the injured Cat Whitehill. “I had to come off early, and they had to reset my nose in the locker room. It was just kind of surreal because I had never really left the field for an injury before, and that was my first cap, and of course, my first injury,” added Sauerbrunn. 

It wasn’t the last time Becky Sauerbrunn faced off against Melissa Tancredi, as the Canadian later played for the Chicago Red Stars one season while Sauerbrunn represented FC Kansas City. This time, Sauerbrunn had the last laugh as during the 2015 season, she led her team to NWSL glory, and in the same year, won the World Cup with the USWNT.

Becky Sauerbrunn – A silent captain and a silent retirement from USWNT and NWSL

The ex-Portland Thorns defender told Sam Mewis that she had been planning her retirement for quite some time, patiently waiting for the right moment. “I think I was maybe dreading the end of it because I have no doubts that I have the best job in the world,” she admitted.

Looking back at her trophy cabinet, there’s no denying that she’s had the best job ever. Beyond her USWNT titles, Sauerbrunn boasts three NWSL championships and a remarkable seven consecutive years of being named to the NWSL Best XI.

So, what’s next for Sauerbrunn, you ask? She’s given hints that she doesn’t plan on leaving the game anytime soon, teasing that her next role will be “damn close” to the field. Could it be a technical position, or might we see her near the touchline? Only time will tell.