Sophia Smith: USA’s next torch carrier with a World Cup ‘legacy’ to preserve

Portland Thorns striker loves the spotlight and pressure' of having a big role to play in America's quest to defend their title

Where Sophia Smith goes, confidence follows. Take for example the viral Michael Jordan-esque, shoulder-shrug celebration of her goal four minutes into last year's National Women's Soccer League Championship. The goal clinched her team, Portland Thorns, a third NWSL title and secured Smith the MVP game trophy to cap off her MVP season.

I just did it," Smith said after the match. There's been a lot of people who don't think that I deserve to win MVP. So that was a little bit of, you know, that's that."