The two-time World Cup champion plays her final match for the national team, subbing out to a standing ovation in the 35th minute of an emotional 3-0 exhibition victory in Cincinnati.
Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Julie Ertz played her final match for the United States, an emotional 3-0 victory over South Africa in an exhibition on Thursday night.
Ertz announced last month that she was retiring after a 10-year career. She started against South Africa, wearing the captain’s armband for her 123th appearance for the national team.
Lynn Williams scored twice as the U.S. did all its scoring in the first half. Ertz subbed out in the 35th minute to a standing ovation from the crowd at TQL Stadium, shortly after Trinity Rodman’s goal that made it 2-0.
Following the game, Ertz took a lap around the field to applaud fans, many of whom held signs reading “Thank You, Julie.”
“If you can have a dream and make it a reality, it’s a really cool dream to have,” Ertz said.
The teams play again on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago.
