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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>USWNT beat China in friendly</li><li>Coffey takes over No. 4 shirt</li><li>Scored in victory for hosts</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Explained: Why USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey was wearing Becky Sauerbrunn's No.4 jersey during 2-1 win against China

Summer Olympics

Germany

The USWNT came from behind to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-jaedyn-shaw-china-player-ratings/bltf5104c9c937cfd7e" target="_blank">beat China 2-1 in a friendly in Texas</a>. Coffey, who took over Sauerbrunn's No. 4 shirt for the game, curled home a fine equaliser to net her first international goal for the Stars and Stripes. Jaedyn Shaw then followed up with the winner on her first-ever USWNT start to make it a good night for Twila Kilgore's side.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/sscofff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sscofff</a> tucks it into the corner to equalize! <a href="https://t.co/9Kk9BGqZJF">pic.twitter.com/9Kk9BGqZJF</a>— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1732227016492249183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

There was no <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/trinity-rodman-sophia-smith-uswnt-squad-china-alex-morgan-misses-out/blt69d580a530d7952d#cs001c7c00f60857ee" target="_blank">Sauerbrunn in the USWNT squad for the game</a>, with the veteran defender missing out alongside other big names such as Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, and Crystal Dunn. Interim coach Kilgore instead went for a youthful roster for the two friendlies with China. The absences allowed Coffey to take on the No. 4 shirt, although she also admitted after the game she had asked the long-time captain for permission.

THE EXPLANATION

Coffey told Fox Sports: "I would never pick it without addressing Rebecca! So I reached out to her and I was like, ‘Hey, would you mind if I wore this? I’d love to just honor you and channel your energy. Obviously, Becky is my teammate, but she's also a hero of mine and someone I look up to. I told her after the game, ‘This means that you scored an international goal.’ And she was like, ‘Oh, is that how it works?’"

WHAT COFFEY SAID

Coffey is the fifth different player to score her first USWNT goal in 2023. The last year more players scored their first goal was in 2013 (6).

DID YOU KNOW?

The two games against China have allowed the USWNT to experiment with new players and different combinations ahead of a busy 2024. The team will play in the inaugural W Gold Cup in February and at the Paris Olympics. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/emma-hayes-confirmed-new-uswnt-coach/blt1c650828651da11a" target="_blank">Current Chelsea boss Emma Hayes will also take charge of the side</a> at the end of the season after seeing out her current deal with the Blues.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT?

Explained: Why USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey was wearing Becky Sauerbrunn's No.4 jersey during 2-1 win against China | Goal.com South Africa

USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey has explained why she wore Becky Sauerbrunn&apos;s No. 4 jersey for her team&apos;s 2-1 friendly win over China.