The United States will open the 2019 World Cup without its premier defensive stalwart.
Becky Sauerbrunn is not in the lineup for Tuesday's Group F game against Thailand due to what U.S. Soccer describes as a "minor quad issue." The federation said her injury is not serious and she is being held out as a precaution.
In her absence, Julie Ertz will move from the midfield to her former spot at center back, with Sam Mewis getting the start in midfield.
HERE. WE. GO.
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Sauerbrunn, 34, has long anchored the U.S. defense, with 158 international appearances to her credit over the past 11 years. She played every minute of all seven U.S. games at the 2015 World Cup and generally has shared captain duties with Carli Lloyd, who also is not in the starting XI on Tuesday.
That's no surprise, as Lloyd has shifted to a super-sub role for the U.S. in recent months.
Playing without Sauerbrunn is not ideal with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher set to make her first World Cup start, but the U.S. will be heavily favored against Thailand regardless of the lineup tweak.
As long as Sauerbrunn's injury is indeed minor, the Americans shouldn't have much cause for concern as they open their defense of the 2015 title.
