Fresh off a Golden Boot win in the 2023 NWSL, Sophia Smith has started the 2024 campaign strongly, tied for the scoring lead with two goals. Enhancing the run, Smith extended her contract with the Portland Thorns for two years, making herself the highest-paid NWSL player. Her teammate Becky Sauerbrunn said in a recent conversation that it is not just her goal-scoring prowess that makes her stand out. Sauerbrunn asserted that the 23-year-old’s ability to adapt and ‘ride challenges,’ and her one-on-one skill set make her different.

Becky Sauerbrunn spoke at length about guarding Sophia Smith on The Women’s Game podcast hosted by her ex-USWNT pal Sam Mewis. “It’s hard to explain Soph because I think she came on the scene a few years ago and people just did not know how to defend her,” said Becky Sauerbrunn. Later, the Thorns defender said rival teams adapted to strategies like double-teaming to contain Smith’s lethal attacks.

“Now I see Soph is evolving her game where she’s reading the pressure. She’s able to physically ride challenges she knows when to lay it off when to spin it and get in behind,” Sauerbrunn added. Thereafter, both Mewis and her guest recalled facing Smith during USWNT training.

“She always for me was one of the hardest players to get the ball off of because she’s so skilled but she’s also so strong,” said Sam Mewis, referring to Smith. Commenting on the same, Becky Sauerbrunn said she improved her defending skills whenever she trained with Smith. She added she would be on cloud nine whenever she won the ball back from Thorns’ ace striker. The USWNT veteran, who is in the twilight of her career, will enjoy more scrimmages with Smith, as the latter overlooked overseas suitors to remain committed to Portland.

About Sophia Smith’s new Portland deal and European snub

With the renewal, Sophia Smith’s contract with the Thorns runs through 2025 with an option to extend through 2026. Smith’s new deal is the highest annual paycheck in the NWSL history. Anyhow, the Portland front office has declined to comment on the financials. This is because NWSL clubs must have a written consent of the NWSL Players Association to do so. Smith’s updated salary will surpass those of Chicago Red Stars’ Mallory Swanson and Bay FC’s Rachel Kundananji who currently have deals worth between $2 and $2.5 million.

Sophia Smith was about to be a free agent this summer. Therefore, she ‘thought of all options’ including inking a contract with a European side. However, she decided against those options and chose to show her loyalty to Portland. She believes players need not go to Europe to excel. The USWNT star stated Portland is an ideal city for soccer stars to thrive.

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