Julie Ertz walked off the soccer field as a member of the United States Women’s National Team for the final time in her career on Thursday night in Cincinnati.
Ertz announced that she would be retiring from all professional levels of soccer following Thursday night’s competition against South Africa. Earlier in the evening, she was met with thunderous applause when the team honoring her ahead of the match.
Ertz was then subbed out during the 35th minute of the exhibition. The 31-year-old hugged various USWNT teammates while the crowd gave her a standing ovation. She appeared to have tears welling in her eyes while she gave a big smile to the crowd and sideline as she walked off the field.
Check out the emotional moment here.
What a career, Julie Ertz 👏
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 22, 2023
(via @brfootball)pic.twitter.com/lCkMKpVwKe
Ertz had a few close calls for scoring one last goal before she was subbed out, but ultimately wasn’t able to convert.
Ahead of the match, the USWNT gifted Ertz with a framed jersey to commemorate her 123 caps for the team. She also ends her career with two World Cup titles (2015, ‘19) and 20 international goals.
