The 2025 SheBelieves Cup has finally kicked off. After the opener between Japan and Australia, it’s time for the much-anticipated match featuring USWNT and Colombia. With just minutes into the kick-off, either side has unveiled a strong starting. However, it’s the hosts who have caught the attention by making a unique change in the team’s leadership roles. Despite the presence of Lindsey Heaps, the Stars and Stripes will be led by none other than Emily Sonnett.

The defensive veteran has proved to be one of the most crucial chess pieces for her national team. But now it seems more responsibility has been given to the versatile star who will be wearing the captain’s armband ahead of the game at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas. Well, the reason why this has felt like a shocker to many is because of Lindsey Heaps.

The Lyon superstar is the official skipper for the US Women’s National Team. She even led the team in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics while donning the armband. But ahead of the SheBelieves Cup opener, it’s rather her veteran teammate, who will be taking the charge ahead. Then again, one shouldn’t question this leadership change, considering how crucial Sonnett has proved to be for the 4X World Champions.

She was a key player for Emma Hayes in the Summer Games, appearing in all six tournament matches. The NJ/NY Gotham FC star started and played the full 90 minutes in two games—the final group stage match against Australia and the quarterfinals against Japan—while coming off the bench in the remaining four fixtures.

Reliability is one such quality that makes Sonnett a mainstay in this young USWNT team. The 31-year-old is not just a natural center-back but has also proved critical in the full-back and defensive midfielder position. For today’s SheBelieves Cup opener, Emily takes the CB spot alongside youngster Tara McKeown, who is making her debut. The defensive wall gets more solid with the presence of Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger on the right and left back, respectively.

Likewise, the holding midfield sees Sam Coffey get paired alongside Lily Yohannes and Lindsey Heaps, with Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, and Catarina Macario topping up the attack. This is indeed a strong lineup from Hayes. Then again, we are more keen to see how the team performs under the leadership of Sonnett. Speaking of which, there’s another way the veteran has been honored!

Emily Sonnett gets more than just the USWNT captain armband honor

The Gotham star getting the captain’s armband is also a way of honoring her for reaching 100 caps with the USWNT. It came during the team’s 3-1 win over Iceland on 24 October 2024. In fact, Sonnett is the 45th player in history to reach this milestone. However, there’s another remarkable way through which the 2019 World Cup winner’s legacy has been toasted.

Courtesy of Talisman & Co., the soccer goods and merchandise company has recently launched a special cap to celebrate Sonnett’s international milestone. The blue-colored cap features a neat graphic of the defender making a long pass while wearing her red and blue colors. Additionally, two USWNT logos have also been sewn on either side of the cap.

The post shared by the clothing brand on Instagram showcases Sonnett endorsing her limited edition cap. Interestingly, the comment section also saw USWNT teammate Kelly O’Hara write, “I NEED ONE.” Additionally, Sonnett’s domestic side Gotham FC also made a hilarious comment saying, “No cap those are sick.”

Notably, this limited edition hat was also seen being worn by Emma Hayes and a few coaching staff players. In fact, Talisman & Co. have been making such caps not just for all USWNT players, but also for the MLS clubs as well. Either way, it’s good to see Emily Sonnett get the recognition she deserves.