The USWNT suffered World Cup heartbreak this summer, losing to Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Now, just two months later, U.S. fans face a heartbreak of a more emotional kind.
Julie Ertz, along with Megan Rapinoe, will both play in the final USWNT matches of their careers as the United States host South Africa in a friendly on September 21. While Rapinoe is still set to finish out her club season before hanging up her boots for good, Ertz will call time on her entire career following this match.
This summer’s Round of 16 exit marked the worst finish ever for the Americans at a Women’s World Cup, and a surprisingly emotional Ertz made it clear that it could have been her last meaningful match. Indeed that was true as she announced her retirement in late August.
MORE: The penalty shootout drama that ended USA’s worst ever Women’s World Cup
Julie Ertz to retire from soccer after USWNT send-off
In the immediate aftermath of their Women’s World Cup exit, a tearful Julie Ertz made it clear in an interview with Jenny Taft of Fox Sports that she believed she had played her last game for the USWNT.
“For me, it’s just emotional because it was probably my last game ever being able to have the honor to wear this crest,” she said. “Penalties are the worst, but it’s an honor…
