Thursday, September 14, 2017

Boise's Sofia Huerta approved by FIFA to join USA

Boise native Sofia Huerta has been approved to play for the US Women's National Team by FIFA as announced by US Soccer Thursday afternoon. She could play for the USWNT as early as September 15 and 19 for friendlies against New Zealand.

Huerta represented Mexico in official competition at the Under-20 National Team level after not being selected by the US U20 team for the 2012 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Japan. She scored three goals in Mexico's 2-0-2 performance at the tournament, despite playing with a broken elbow. She played one friendly match against the US in 2013 before announcing in 2014 her intention to play for the USWNT and would no longer compete with Mexico.

Her participation with the Mexico U20 WNT required her application to FIFA for a one-time switch, which was submitted by USSF in July of this year. With the one-time request granted, she can now represent the US at the senior international level.

The Centennial High School graduate was twice named Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year while playing for FC Nova. She went on to a career at Santa Clara, where she was a four-year starter, earning numerous conference and regional accolades all four years. Since graduating in 2014 she has played for Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, spending a brief loan stint with Adelaide United in Australia during the last offseason.

From US Soccer News Release:

Huerta, who is currently in training camp with the U.S. team, is available for selection for the two upcoming matches against New Zealand, taking place on Sept. 15 in Commerce City, Colorado (8 p.m. MT on ESPN2) and on Sept. 19 in Cincinnati (7:30 ET on FS1).

"I want to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity and I sincerely appreciate the work that went into getting this change done," Huerta said. "Now it's about working to continue to improve and trying to earn my chance to get on the field."


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