The U.S. women’s national team earned a 3-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night in Julie Ertz’s final professional match. Here’s what you need to know:
- Lynn Williams (32′, 41′) and Trinity Rodman (34′) fueled the win, combining for three goals in the first half.
- Ertz, in her 123rd career international appearance for the U.S., started the game and nearly had an assist on Williams’ first goal before being subbed off in the 36th minute.
- M.A. Vignola got her first international cap, coming on as a left back after halftime as a substitute for Crystal Dunn.
- The USWNT was back in action for the first time since their round-of-16 World Cup exit this summer. Interim coach Twila Kilgore is leading the team after Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation last month.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Ertz’s farewell
Ertz was visibly emotional in the leadup to her farewell game in Cincinnati, holding back tears during the playing of the anthem, and again at the end of her speech to the team in their huddle. She started in the midfield next to Emily Sonnett and pushed high at will.
Ertz’s teammates were clearly looking to set her up for a chance at goal. They were serving it to her in the box on set pieces, staying aware of her runs and dishing her the ball – as Rodman…
