Carson Pickett Plays Her First Game with the USWNT
Last night, June 28th, Carson Pickett made her debut with the US Women’s National Team in their friendly match against Columbia. In earning her first national cap, Pickett became the first female with a limb difference to ever play with the national team in a match. The former Florida State player played the entire game (91 minutes) at left back, helping to manage minutes for other outside back Emily Fox.
“Carson did very well in training for us last week and with the management of minutes for Emily Fox that we had, we felt like Carson would be a good replacement, and I’m happy that she was able to perform well for 90 minutes.”
Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski
Last night’s match was just a friendly in preparation for World Cup Qualifier matches, but this was still a big moment for the USWNT, which has existed since 1985. Plus, her presence in the game indicates that she is in the running for a roster slot for the 2023 World Cup.
Carson is a defender for the North Carolina Courage, alongside fellow national team roster, keeper Casey Murphy. Last season, she started in 25 matches for the Courage, boasting 12 clean sheets. Prior to playing for the courage, she played for the Orlando Pride, before being traded to the Courage in exchange for the rights to Jodie Taylor.
Pickett previously made headlines in 2019 for a viral photo (seen below) of her and a young boy with a similar limb difference touching arms.
On July 4th at 6 pm, the US Women’s National team takes on Haiti in the Concacaf championship bracket – probably a win for the USWNT. Then, on July 7th at 6pm, the USWNT plays Jamaica, who will likely pose a greater challenge.
