Next Women's World Cup Team Could Have A Teen Sensation From Colorado

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4) - The next women's World Cup is in France in 2019, and there's a good chance that Colorado's own Mallory Pugh will be on the U.S. soccer team.

Pugh is only 17, but she's already one of the brightest young players in the nation.

In one amazing goal Pugh scored in a recent U-20 U.S. National Team game against Brazil, Pugh had a steal and then dribbled 80 yards the other way, running past the Brazilian defenders and scoring what would be the game winning goal.

In the same tournament Pugh also had the only goal in a 1-0 win over Mexico.

Pugh has been on the U-20 team since she was 15 and has been in the U.S. National Team system since she was 12.

"I love it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and every time I go in I am grateful for it, Pugh said.

She says soccer is her life right now. Besides the National Team she plays club soccer with Real Colorado and high school soccer at Mountain Vista High School.

"High school is one of my favorite times of the year … I tell my mom I can't wait to just be on my high school team, just everything we do is so fun."

This past year, as just a junior, Pugh received quite the national honor presented by none other than former United States Women's National Soccer Team player Brandi Chastain. It was the 2014-2015 Gatorade Girls Soccer National Player of the Year.

"I was so surprised, so excited. I have always looked up to her. The fact she gave it to me made it that much more special," Pugh said.

Pugh is the No. 1 ranked recruit for her year, and she's already made her college choice -- UCLA.