Registering four shut-outs this season, GK Abby Smith and DF Becky Sauerbrunn are one of the league’s most dynamic duos. The two play directly off of the other, organizing and defending the goal as if they had been playing together for years. In fact, URFC’s backline has been so successful, that they now lead the league in fewest goals conceded (7), and second in fewest losses this season (2). Last weekend this defensive force made yet another incredible save against Portland Thorns FC on Saturday – with Smith diving in front of a Christine Sinclair volley in the 35th minute, and Sauerbrunn blocking the rebounded Tobin Heath shot with her face. These two defensive plays, made within seconds of each other, qualify both Abby Smith and Becky Sauerbrunn for this week’s “Save of the Week” vote. Let’s break it down.
1.Cat-Like Reflexes
If you slow-down Sinclair’s shot, you will notice that Smith grounds herself on the goal-line moments before it is fired. Unsure of where the Thorns forward would shoot, Smith has to rely on her reflexes to stick a foot out and deflect the ball away from the net. This decision is made in an instant, requiring Smith to go to ground and show off her quick feet.
2.Ready to Pounce
After Smith’s brilliant save, a majority of the players on the field slowed down or stopped running, assuming that the ball had been deflected out of bounds – except for captain Sauerbrunn. Quickly recognizing that the play was still alive, Portland attacker Tobin Heath and Becky Sauerbrunn both raced towards the ball, creating a one versus one chance on the sixth for a dangerous Heath shot on an open near-post.
3.Taking One for the Team
Unable to get to the ball first, Sauerbrunn throws her entire body into the path of the shot, blocking the near-post as GK Smith recovered from her save moments before. Deflecting the rocket off of her face, Sauerbrunn sat for a moment, coolly shaking off her incredible block. Sauerbrunn continued to play the remainder of the match, and received several stitches in the locker room at the end of the game.
Vote now!
You can vote for Abby Smith and Becky Sauerbrunn in the “Save of the Week” contest on twitter, by using the hashtag #SmithSauerbrunnSOW, or voting on the NWSL’s twitter poll at @NWSL. Spread the word to your friends and retweet the action at @UtahRoyalsFC on twitter.
