Ever wondered what the best part of soccer is? Sure, silverware, goals, stardom, or even financial perks may keep one motivated. But what truly makes the sport special is friendship. Nothing compares to the camaraderie that is forged on the pitch. No wonder it feels so natural to see Lynn Biyendolo ‘miss‘ her USWNT teammate and close friend, Becky Sauerbrunn.

That’s because it has been months since the iconic defender left the beautiful game, finding her new passion in broadcast journalism. But seeing Becky on the sidelines of the pitch, with a mic in her hand in today’s SheBelieves Cup game, invoked a rush of nostalgia within Lynn. Then what? The forward had to share some heartwarming words.

“I think when your USWNT icons become your friends, it’s really exciting and even more special,” began Biyendolo, while speaking to TNT Sports desk including ex-USWNT stars Shannon Box, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Julie Foudy as well as renowned sports broadcaster Sara Walsh in the aftermath of the USA’s 2-1 win over Australia. “So I miss you. I miss you out there.”

Then again, the true nature of life is to keep moving forward from things. Someday, Sauerbrunn would have had to call it a day in soccer. And now that she found a way to remain connected with the game as an analyst is something that makes Lynn more than happy. “But 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,” added the 31-year-old.

Well, it’s not the first time Sauerbrunn has heard this from Biyendolo. The duo share moments with each other on The Women’s Game podcast, which they co-host alongside iconic midfielder Sam Mewis. So Biyendolo is more than happy to see her former national teammate make it in her new venture. “I’m just really excited to be a friend, to be able to see that and support that. The world is your oyster,” concluded the former.

Poetic indeed. Well, you aren’t alone in saying ‘awww‘ after hearing this; the whole TNT crew was touched to hear these words from Lynn. In fact, after the former Gotham FC star’s admission, Sauerbrunn responded, “I love you, Lynn… That’s really sweet.”

Then again, friendships aren’t just about heartfelt confessions and deep connections. Honestly, is it even real if there aren’t hysterical interruptions and playful antics to share?

Biyendolo makes Sauerbrunn’s anchoring debut memorable

During the USWNT’s 2-0 win over Colombia, Becky Sauerbrunn had actually made her broadcasting debut. She was delivering live coverage from the sidelines at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. With a mic in hand, the analyst was locked in her reporting—until two familiar faces decided to crash the moment. Spotting her former teammates Sam Coffey and Lynn Biyendolo approaching, Becky turned just in time. However, the duo had no intention of holding back.

They rushed toward her, embracing her in an excited reunion, leaving Becky momentarily struggling to regain her balance. Despite knowing she was on air, Coffey and Biyendolo didn’t hold back. Rather, they were simply caught up in the joy of reconnecting with their former locker-room leader. And while it may have momentarily disrupted her broadcast, the veteran defender couldn’t help but enjoy the surprise.

Regardless, it was a heartwarming moment that Becky cherished. Likewise, it also must have left many fans reminiscing about her time with the national team. The cherry on top is today’s speech from Biyendolo. More than just a game, indeed!