Jaedyn Shaw makes 'well-earned' first USWNT appearance

(Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images for USSF)

Jaedyn Shaw made her first of what could be many international appearances for the U.S. women’s national team in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Colombia.

The 18-year-old forward came on in the 87th minute and played for the remainder of the match, which included the final three minutes of regulation and seven minutes of stoppage time.

Shaw already has earned high praise from many, from her San Diego Wave and USWNT teammates Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma to USWNT interim head coach Twila Kilgore. So her appearance wasn’t so much a surprise; rather, it represented the first major step in her career with the senior national team.

And on Thursday, she received even more high praise from one of the greatest defenders in USWNT history, with Becky Sauerbrunn saying that she is “such a fan” of Shaw.

“Playing against her in San Diego is terrible. She just finds these amazing pockets,” the 38-year-old defender said. “Her final ball is exceptional and so it’s no surprise that she has so many assists and I loved seeing her here. I think it’s a well-earned call up, well-earned minutes.

“I think she’s got a bright future. She is a soccer player and it’s really exciting. She’s very, very good.”