Thursday, February 20, 2025—It was a very special night for Becky Sauerbrunn. Having announced her retirement from the beautiful game near the end of last year, the USWNT veteran was turning a new page in her life: Broadcast journalism. She had joined TNT Sports as an analyst to cover the recently concluded SheBelieves Cup. But who would have thought that Becky’s own former teammate, Lynn Biyendolo, would end up making her TV debut both memorable and a little offbeat?

The incident transpired during the U.S. vs. Colombia match at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. Sauerbrunn was fully engaged in delivering live sideline coverage with a microphone in hand. She remained focused on her reporting—until Biyendolo alongside Sam Coffey unexpectedly interrupted. The two players excitedly rushed toward their former skipper, embracing her in a joyful reunion as Sauerbrunn tried to balance herself.

While the interruption wasn’t a major issue—especially since the legendary center-back herself appreciated the surprise—it did momentarily disrupt the broadcast. Despite being aware that Sauerbrunn was on air, both Biyendolo and Coffey got caught up in the excitement of reconnecting with their former locker-room leader. Now, days after the incident, Biyendolo has finally shared her side of the story.

“It’s so funny to see your friends move on but they’re still in the same space,” began the 31-year-old while speaking on The Women’s Game podcast. “I’m sure it felt awkward for her but for me and I know a lot of people that were on the team that know Becky well, it was like a comforting moment.”

Oftentimes, players hesitate when it comes to media duties, preferring to focus solely on playing. However, Biyendolo pointed out that having a familiar face around can make addressing the media feel much more comfortable. In a way, she and Coffey saw their interruption as a way to help their former skipper settle in. Of course, their excitement about seeing their ex-teammate thrive on TV was undeniable.

In fact, Lynn Biyendolo was rather pleased to see Sauerbrunn doing the analyst job. “I’ve gotten so many people coming up to me saying, ‘Becky was amazing. Really spot on. She might have been nervous for the first show but the second one, she really crushed it.’ So many people have told me that so I should probably text her and tell her that,” she concluded.

Technically, Biyendolo has already told her best friend about how good she actually is doing with her new broadcasting venture!

Lynn Biyendolo is happy with Becky Sauerbrunn’s new analyst role

Following the 2-1 victory over Australia in Matchday 2 of the SheBelieves Cup, a rush of nostalgia somehow invoked within Lynn after seeing Becky on the sidelines. It apparently forced her to fire some heartwarming words over Sauerbrunn’s new journey. Highlighting her special friendship with the USWNT icon, she expressed her excitement to see Becky taking the analyst role. However, the forward does miss the veteran on the pitch.

But as Sauerbrunn found a way to remain connected with the game, it’s enough for Lynn to remain happy. “To see you transition into this next phase of life, what made you so special on the soccer field is what’s going to make you so special outside of the soccer field. I’m just really excited to be a friend, to be able to see that and support that. The world is your oyster.” added the 31-year-old.

Well, you aren’t alone; even Becky was touched to hear these words from Lynn, with the former Portland Thorns star responding, “I love you, Lynn… That’s really sweet.”

Quite the aww moment, isn’t it? As for the interruption, it was clearly a natural stimulus from Biyendolo. After all, that’s what friends do. They show support, but often in the form of playful antics, lighthearted jokes, or even the occasional impractical pranks!