The trend of players moving from the NWSL to Europe has been around for a long time. After all, who wouldn’t want to seize the opportunity to play for some of the most prestigious clubs and compete in top tournaments? But it looks like Sofia Huerta is already over the moon and back with this trend. The USWNT veteran has surprisingly expressed her desire to return to America despite enjoying significant foreign success.

This offseason alone has witnessed the exodus of players leaving to chase European glory. But Huerta—currently on loan at Lyon from Seattle Reign since 2024—isn’t looking to further extend her stay with the French giants. Though it’s not that the right-back doesn’t like it; in her own words, she couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.

“Playing with some of the best players honestly is something that I definitely don’t take for granted,” began Huerta while speaking on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast. Each day, the 32-year-old steps onto the training field, amazed by the talent around her. Then again, even though she remains thankful for the opportunity to join a club like Lyon, that doesn’t mean it was easy for her to leave the Reign.

“It’s a short loan; I’ll be back in the summer. I’ve been in the NWSL for so long and I’ve loved that I have seen the evolution and the growth of the NWSL. That’s something that it’s so cool to look back on but I wanted to do something different,” explained Sofia. Well, she isn’t alone in thinking this way; co-host and her former teammate Sam Mewis also agreed with her point.

Mewis reflected on her own career, emphasizing how pivotal her move to Manchester City was. She expressed gratitude for making the move at the right time. Otherwise, the retired midfielder knew her career would have been cut short, not even allowing her to play abroad. Sam also emphasized the need to embrace such opportunities. After all, the end goal for every player is “getting better and growing.”

Notably, Huerta is eyeing come back after her year-long deal with Lyon expires in the upcoming June. That would mean that even if the veteran returns in June, she won’t be able to play for the Reign at least until the transfer window opens in August. Then again, before returning, the defender cited her ‘goal‘ of at least making it as far as she can in the UEFA W Champions League.

In fact, it’s not just the on-paper success that Huerta aims to bring back to the States; she has a vision far beyond that!

Sofia Huerta plans to bring a ‘lot’ to NWSL

Huerta couldn’t have been more praiseful of the current environment that she’s working in. “With the players that I train with every day, it is an experience and I know I’m getting better. I’m loving it so much,” she said, highlighting the confidence and lessons she has gained with the French giants. In fact, Sofia is happy to prove to herself that she has the ability to take on this European challenge.

The former Chicago Stars defender then outlined her future goals with the Seattle Reign. Admitting that the Washington side hasn’t performed at the desired level in recent years, she hopes to win titles with them. “I want to come back to Seattle, up the level, and make sure that we’re performing.”

Further expressing her longing for the NWSL, the former Houston Dash star aims to return with the knowledge and experience she has gained. “I’ll take a lot from being here. I’m definitely happy that I came here. But I am itching to come back to Seattle,” concluded Huerta.

It’s clear that Sofia isn’t looking to extend her stay in Europe. Let’s hope she is able to make a swift return, while also achieving all of her goals with both Lyon and Seattle Reign.