We know many of you must be gutted over the absence of Sophia Smith from the USWNT roster ahead of the November friendlies. But in reality, there’s a brighter side to it. Beyond Emma Hayes’ reasoning for giving the Portland Thorns star a well-deserved rest, Smith will finally have the opportunity to spend quality time with her fiancé, Michael Wilson, enjoying a break from the challenges of their ‘long-distance’ relationship.

Alas, the most daunting situation for any couple. However, if dealt with maturity, there’s no doubt about the happy phase. Thankfully, both Smith and Wilson can consider themselves lucky in this aspect, having built a stronger foundation in their relationship over more than six years together, starting from their freshman days at Stanford when they were just 18.

“More of our relationship has been long distance than actually together,” Smith said while speaking to Arizona Cardinals alongside Wilson, who plays as wide receiver for the NFL side. “We felt like the first two years we built a strong enough foundation that any distance or any time, we’d be fine. But, obviously, it’s not ideal,” added the 24-year-old.

1340 miles—the distance from Arizona to Oregon and also the stretch that kept both Smith and Wilson apart from each other. But not anymore; having announced their engagement on Instagram on June 15, the couple simultaneously took the next step and bought a home together. Though their professional commitments don’t see them spending quality time together, they are currently enjoying all the perks of living together as a couple under the same roof.

Apparently, Smith will be staying at home over the next two months as her NWSL season with Portland Thorns is finished, while Emma Hayes gave her an early off from international duties. The forward will rather be seen supporting her teammates in her own comfort, who face England on November 30 before playing the Netherlands on December 3. Wilson, on the other hand, may not be able to stay at home all the time, as he will be helping his team reach the postseason. Then again, that still gives them enough time to enjoy their pre-married life as a couple.

While Smith was candid enough to open up about navigating the challenges she faced in her relationship when staying apart, that doesn’t mean the two never stop making efforts for each other!

Sophia Smith and Michael Wilson are pure relationship goals!

Time hasn’t been an issue for these two love birds. Often, Smith flies from Portland or Wilson catches a flight from Oregon, often making it to the USWNT games in Austin or San Jose. In fact, it’s almost as if fate wants them to meet—like when the Cardinals faced the Rams last season and the Thorns stayed at the same downtown Los Angeles hotel for a Sunday game. Interestingly, that morning saw the couple take a quick coffee pit stop, making the most of their time.

“It always comes back to we’re going to see it through regardless,” Wilson said in a similar interview. “She is the most special person I’ve ever been around, and knowing we’re together keeps me humble and grounded because I know I’ll never find another person like her again.”

Tell us if this isn’t a relationship goal!