Utah Royals captain Becky Sauerbrunn has confirmed her move to fellow National Women's Soccer League side Portland Thorns.

Last week, it was reported she would be swapping places with someone from Thorns, though it wasn't confirmed who that would be.

It has since emerged that Elizabeth Ball will move to the Royals.

Two-time World Cup winner Sauerbrunn took to the Royals' social media to share the reason behind her decision.

She said: "The past two years have been wonderful and I have truly enjoyed my time and experience with the Utah Royals team and staff and fans.

"For the better part of a decade I have been playing in cities where I do not live, commuting between two different parts of my life.

"Before signing with Utah, I spoke with upper management from RSL and the Royals that should the time come we would work together to facilitate a move and I'm at that point in my career where I want to be home.

"To my team mates whether it's a game or at training, a win or a loss, being with you was the best part of every day."

The NWSL begins on April 18 and Sauerbrunn's first match with Portland will see them welcome her former club Utah Royals.