(CNN)Carson Pickett became the first player with a limb dislocation to play for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) on Tuesday as she helped her side win a 2-0 friendly against Colombia.
The 28-year-old, who was born without part of her left arm, has played for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) since February 2021, when she was traded from Orlando Pride.
Pickett has become a fixture at their club; She was named to the 2021 NWSL First-Team Starting XI and was a finalist for 2021 Defender of the Year. This form was rewarded with a call to the national team.
“Carson has been training very well for us over the last week and with the minute management we had for Emily Fox we felt Carson would make a good replacement and I’m glad they’re performing well for 90 years could minutes,” US coach Vlatko Andonovski said, according to ESPN.
The US defense only allowed Colombia six shots – two of them on target – and pressed on cafes an own goal in the 22nd minute.
A Kelley O’Hara goal in the 77th minute, shortly after the game was delayed due to a lightning strike near the stadium, sealed the USA’s victory in their final game before World Cup qualifiers began.
As part of USWNT, Pickett hopes to use their platform to advocate for limb disparity and limb loss awareness.
“While I know I’m confident and content to show my arm, I know there are so many people in the world who don’t,” she wrote during April, Limb Loss and Limb Disability Awareness Month , on Instagram.
“The feeling of being different and the fear of not belonging is something I’ve been through. Wearing sweatshirts to hide my arm in the dead heat of summer… I hope to encourage anyone struggling with their disparate limbs not to be ashamed of who they are.”
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