Carson Pickett Becomes 1st Player with Limb Difference to Appear for USWNT

Carson Pickett became the first player with a limb difference to play a match for the United States women's national team in a 2-0 win over Colombia in a friendly at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, on Tuesday night.

Pickett, who was born without a left hand and forearm, drew the start as part of the USWNT's back line.

"Carson did very well in training for us in last week, and with the management of minutes for Emily Fox that we had, we felt like Carson would be a good replacement, and I'm happy that she was able to perform well for 90 minutes," head coach Vlatko Andonovski told reporters.

Pickett previously represented the U.S. at the youth level with the U17 and U23 squads.

The 28-year-old played college soccer at Florida State before starting her pro career with the Seattle Reign in 2016.

She also played for the Orlando Pride, along with loan stints as a member of the Brisbane Roar and Apollon Ladies, before joining her current club, the North Carolina Courage, in February 2021.

Pickett was selected for the 2021 Best XI First Team and was a finalist for the league's Defender of the Year Award last season.

In 2019, she formed a friendship with two-year-old Joseph Tidd, who was also born with a limb difference.

"Literally within five minutes of me meeting him, we had an instant bond," Pickett told Scott Gleeson of USA Today. "It's interesting, though, because for a kid that young, I didn't expect him to connect the way he did. Even though we both have the same arm [limb difference], it was amazing to me that it felt like he realized why we were bonded."

She added: "This is something that is much bigger than soccer. It's hopefully a lifelong friendship."

Pickett has also worked with the Lucky Fin Project, which is focused on providing a support network, medical information and education related to limb differences.

Next up for the USWNT is the 2022 CONCACAF Women's Championship. The U.S. opens the tournament with a clash against Haiti on July 4.