NWSL ace Pickett becomes first football player with difference limbs to play for US women’s team

NWSL ace Pickett becomes first football player with difference limbs to play for US women’s team

CARSON PICKETT made history this week when she started in 11th for the US women’s team that defeated Colombia 2-0.

On Tuesday, the left-back, 28, — who was born without a left hand and forearm — became the first person with a limb difference to play for the team.

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Carson Pickett made history with her performance in Colombia’s defeat by the United States women’s national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The NWSL star became the first football player with a limb difference to play for the four-time World Cup winners

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The NWSL star became the first football player with a limb difference to play for the four-time World Cup winnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Pickett’s historic feat comes in a month when the defender hit her 100 . madee appearance in the National Women’s Soccer League.

And the North Carolina ace Courage helped the United States extend their undefeated run of games played in their country to 69.

Speaking about the efforts of the defenders, United States national head coach Vlatko Andonovski said: “Carson did very well in training for us last week.

“With the minutes management for Emily Fox that we had, we felt that Carson would be a good replacement.”

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“I’m glad she was able to perform well for 90 minutes.”

The friendly win at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City was the US’s second loss to Colombia this year.

An own goal from Manuela Vanegas in the first half, followed by a try in the second half by Kelley O’Hara, sealed victory for the four-time World Cup winners

The result came after the US thrashed their opponents 3-0 on Sunday, as the team set for a Concacaf Women’s Championship clash with Haiti on July 5.

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Pickett’s historic appearance comes two months after Limb Difference Awareness month.

The defender, who has played 25 games for North Carolina Courage, took to social media to share her thoughts on living with a limb difference.

And the American ace, who moved to her club in 2021 after a two-year stint at Orlando Pride, hopes to inspire others not to be ashamed.

I hope to encourage anyone struggling with the difference in limbs not to be ashamed of who they are.

Carson Pickett

In a post shared with her 63,000 followers on Instagram in April, Pickett wrote: “While I know I’m confident and comfortable showing my arm, I know there are so many people in the world who aren’t.

“The feeling of being different and the fear of not belonging is something I’ve been through: wearing sweatshirts in the heat of summer to hide my arm.

“This month is real, real, special, important and should be celebrated.

“I hope to encourage anyone struggling with the difference in limbs not to be ashamed of who they are.

Pickett hopes to encourage other people living with a limb difference not to be ashamed of themselves

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Pickett hopes to encourage other people living with a limb difference not to be ashamed of themselves

“I want to be an advocate for others like me, and for the longest time I haven’t used my platform well enough.

“Let’s all try to love ourselves, whatever we look like, and above all, let’s be kind to each other.

“Different people are my kind of people. The world needs more of that.”