Soccer Star Julie Ertz Plays Emotional Final USWNT Game
After the United States Women defeated South Africa 3-0, the two-time World Cup winner was overtaken with emotion as she said her final goodbyes.
Julie Ertz played her final game with the USWNT on Thursday, and it was an emotional night on the field.
According to USA Today, the two-time World Cup champion, 31, was overtaken with emotion when watching her tribute video after the United States Women defeated South Africa 3-0.
“This was so much more than [my scoring],” Ertz said after the game, according to the publication. “It was the end. It was pure passion for the game. It was there one final time with my teammates and my family, who have been there since day one.”
“And it was just saying goodbye to a dream,” she continued. No, it does not. I was able to live my dream. But it meant saying goodbye to my career.”
Over her 10-year tenure on the national team, the two-time US Soccer Player of the Year earned 122 appearances and scored 20 goals.
Her husband, Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz, expressed his admiration for his wife’s professional and personal achievements in a tribute on X (previously Twitter).
“You’ve given your everything to this game,” Zach remarked in a video greeting. “You’ve triumphed at the greatest levels with grace, dedication, passion, and courage. Madden and I are extremely pleased of what you’ve accomplished and, more importantly, of who you are.”
Julie and Zach have a son named Madden Matthew, who turned one last month.
On Thursday night, the soccer star announced her retirement on her terms, stating that she could continue playing but had decided that now was her time.
“It’s not because Mama is unable to play.” “Mama can play,” she informed the reporters before her final game.
Julie announced her retirement in post-match interviews following the United States Women’s National Team’s sad loss at the 2023 World Cup in August.
“Unfortunately, this is my last time on this crest,” she added, her eyes welling up with tears. “You know, sometimes you learn the most from your mistakes, which is a bummer.”But it’s also a part of my job.”
