Sofia Huerta: The story of the player who traded Mexico for the USWNT

Sofia Huerta's story is one of the most striking within the Concacaf W Championship, as she decided to make one of the most difficult changes that can exist in soccer, such as choosing which National Team to represent.

In this case, the midfielder began her journey in the lower divisions of the Mexican National Team, despite being born in Boise, Idaho. However, she was able to begin the international process with El Tri Femenil, since her father is originally from Puebla.

With Mexico, she went to an Under-20 World Cup and played against Brazil, a team she also admired for the quality of play, although deep down she dreamed of being part of the USWNT.

"I loved playing for Mexico, although deep down the United States was my goal," Sofia Huerta said for the USWNT cameras.

Mexico stopped looking for Sofia Huerta

Playing with Mexico undoubtedly left her with a great learning experience and she had a lot of experiences there. With the senior team she played five games and scored two goals, although every time she finished a training camp she had to return to Santa Clara University, where she studied and played.

He was even able to start his career as a professional soccer player in the United States league in 2015 with the Chicago Red Star.

For such reason, he was unable to generate a greater bond with the Mexican team, in addition to the fact that much of his life was made in the United States, as happens with many U.S. citizens who have dual citizenship.

"I was too young to fully commit to Mexico and I thought I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't try. Deep down I knew what I was capable of, though I preferred to wait and for a while I didn't get a call."

A phone call changed his mind

Even though Sofia had already decided she wanted to represent the United States and forgo Mexico, Jill Ellis, former USWNT coach was instrumental in her being able to fulfill her dream.

In 2017, the U.S. coach informed her that she had been allowed to play with the women's team and at 25 she was able to find another direction, although she recognizes that her decision was not to disrespect Mexico, but to fulfill a goal she had set for herself as a professional player.

"Representing Mexico was an honor, it's my family's team, wearing the Mexican jersey was a real dream come true," said Huerta.

Even now that she will face Mexico in the closing group stage of the CONCACAF W Championship, Huerta has ample respect for her rival, as she has never stopped feeling love for the neighboring country.

"I'm excited and everything has come full circle for me, from playing for Mexico and now the U.S. in the qualifiers," Huerta said. "My family from the U.S. and my family from Puebla are coming to watch the game and they are great because they have always supported me, even when I was making the decision of who to represent."