US defender Becky Sauerbrunn retires from professional soccer after a 16-year international career Boston 25 News [Video]

CHICAGO — (AP) — Becky Sauerbrunn, a former captain of the U.S. women’s team who played in three Olympics and three Women’s World Cups, announced her retirement Tuesday from professional soccer after a 16-year international career.

Sauerbrunn, 39, also played in the National Women’s Soccer League for every year it has existed and was a four-time league Defender of the Year. She won two championships with FC Kansas City and another with the Portland Thorns. She also played with the Utah Royals.

“I learned early on that we were all just renting our jerseys,” Sauerbrunn said in a statement. “That I got to wear the U.S. Soccer crest once was an honor and privilege for which I’m forever grateful. The fact that I got to do it over 200 times is truly humbling. I competed with and learned from some of the greatest players and leaders this sport has ever …