US kicking off tournament vs Australia, Brazil faces Japan

Mallory Pugh approaches her opportunities with the U.S. national team pragmatically: It’s a chance to get better.

“I think if you talk to anyone that goes into national team camp they’ll say it’s the most competitive environment that you can be in,” she said.

Pugh is among those on the U.S. roster for the upcoming Tournament of Nations, which starts Thursday in Seattle. The 19-year-old forward grabbed headlines earlier this year when she decided to eschew a college career at UCLA and go pro.

She plays for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and is learning to navigate her job and all that it entails — including juggling club and national team obligations.

“I think it’s definitely very demanding and it is quite an adjustment, but I’ve got great resources around me to help me gel into that,” she said.

The Tournament of Nations will be tough. The United States , ranked No. 1 in the world, will face sixth-ranked Japan, seventh-ranked Australia and eighth-ranked Brazil in the round-robin showcase, with a winner determined by points.

Following the stop in Seattle, the tournament shifts to San Diego on Sunday before wrapping up in Carson, California, on Aug. 3. Brazil faces Japan in the opener at CenturyLink Field, followed by the United States’ match against Australia.

U.S. Soccer is looking to host a Tournament of Nations each summer that there isn’t World Cup or Olympic competition.

In this April 6 file photo, United Sates midfielder Mallory Pugh (center) is tripped by Russia defender Tatiana Sheikina (bottom) at the net as Russia goalie Alena Belyaeva (defends against the attack in the the second half of an international friendly...