Julie Ertz Suggests Retirement from International Play After USWNT’s Devastating World Cup Loss

Julie Ertz Suggests Retirement from International Play After USWNT’s Devastating World Cup Loss

Julie Ertz, a longtime defender for the United States women’s national team (USWNT), hinted at the possibility of retiring from international play following the team’s heartbreaking loss to Sweden in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USWNT, a dominant force in women’s soccer, was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 5-4 defeat on penalty kicks.

In an emotional postgame interview on the FOX broadcast, Ertz fought back tears as she expressed her deep sadness at the thought of this potentially being her last game wearing the national team crest. At 31 years old, she reflected on her journey, both as a player and as a person, stating, It’s been an absolute ride. I learned so much about myself as a player, but even as a person.

Ertz has had a decorated career with the USWNT, winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019. She also competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won a bronze medal. Throughout her international career, Ertz scored 10 goals in 122 appearances.

It was uncertain whether Ertz would make the current team after giving birth to her first child in August of last year. To prepare herself, she trained with the academy team of the Phoenix Rising, a second-tier USL Championship side, in Phoenix, where her husband, Zach Ertz, plays for the Arizona Cardinals. USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski sent coaches to evaluate her performance.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ertz remains optimistic about the future of the USWNT, praising the young players and expressing her excitement for what lies ahead. The team will be looking to redeem themselves at the Paris Olympics next year.

Ertz is currently on the roster of Angel City FC, the Los Angeles entry in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Another veteran player, Megan Rapinoe, had previously announced her retirement from USWNT play after the World Cup, as well as retiring from the OL Reign of the NWSL after the season.

The devastating loss to Sweden marked a significant moment for the USWNT, as it was the first time the team had been eliminated from the Women’s World Cup competition before reaching the medal round. However, with a strong pool of talented players and the determination to reclaim their status as champions, the USWNT remains hopeful for future success.

The news of Ertz’s potential retirement has left fans and teammates reflecting on her impactful career and the contributions she has made to the sport. Her decision will undoubtedly create a void within the team, but it also opens up opportunities for new players to step up and continue the legacy of the USWNT.

As the USWNT regroups and looks ahead to future competitions, they will strive to learn from their experiences and continue pushing boundaries in women’s soccer. The loss to Sweden may have been devastating, but it serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams must face challenges and setbacks. The USWNT will undoubtedly use this experience as motivation to come back stronger and reclaim their place at the top of women’s soccer.