Megan Rapinoe, the esteemed soccer player of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), concluded her illustrious career with a memorable victory. In what was a fitting fashion to bid farewell, Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion, led her team to a resounding 2-0 win against South Africa in a friendly match at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Before the game, the 38-year-old Rapinoe was honored for her remarkable contributions to the national team. With a career that boasts an impressive record of 63 goals, 73 assists, and 203 caps, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to wear the national team jersey and play alongside talented teammates. Rapinoe’s exceptional performance in the 2019 World Cup earned her prestigious awards such as the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Ballon d’Or.
The game saw rising star Trinity Rodman open the scoring for the U.S. with a skillful finish. The veteran Rapinoe, known for her expertise in set pieces, celebrated the goal alongside Rodman. Later on, Rapinoe delivered a trademark corner kick, leading to the second goal of the game by Emily Sonnett. The U.S. managed to maintain a 2-0 lead for the remainder of the match.
After 40 minutes in the second half, Rapinoe was substituted for Midge Purce. As she left the field, she received a heartwarming farewell from the crowd, as well as hugs from her teammates and coaches. With Rapinoe and Julie Ertz bidding farewell to the national team, the U.S. is transitioning into a new era. U.S. Soccer’s sporting director has promised to announce a new head coach by the end of the year to lead the team.
Notably, Rapinoe’s last game took place 17 years and 63 days after her international debut, marking an impressive career span. Only three players in the USWNT history have had longer careers than Rapinoe: Kristine Lilly, Christie Pearce, and Mia Hamm.
In addition to her accomplishments on the field, Rapinoe has been a vocal advocate for social issues, including LGBTQI+ rights, racial equality, and equal pay for women’s national team players. Her contributions off the field have made her an influential figure in the world of sports.
While Rapinoe’s international career has come to an end, she will continue to compete for her club team, OL Reign, in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Currently sitting in fifth place in the table, OL Reign is on track to qualify for the playoffs with three matches remaining in the season.
As a legend of women’s soccer, Megan Rapinoe leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be remembered as one of the most influential players in the sport. Her achievements, both on and off the field, have made a significant impact and inspiring future generations of athletes.
