USWNT defender Julie Ertz has signed a one-year deal with Angel City FC, the club announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ertz was recently named to the 26-player roster for the USWNT’s April training camp, less than a year after having her first child.
- The 31-year-old said before the United States’ friendlies against Ireland earlier this month that her body “feels physically where it needs to be.” She played 69 minutes across the two friendlies.
- Ertz has 118 appearances for the USWNT, helping the team win the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. She played for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL from 2014–2021.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Was this expected?
Angel City made a March 28 trade with the Orlando Pride, acquiring $70,000 in allocation money in exchange for a 2023 international roster spot. The trade occurred the same day as USSF announced Ertz was returning to its next camp to join the roster for two friendlies against Ireland. Before the trade, Ertz was a free agent, although Angel City had previously held her rights by trading for them with the Chicago Red Stars ahead of the 2022 NWSL season.
Now with Ertz officially back on a timeline to try and make a World Cup roster and her family based in the Phoenix area where her husband Zach plays for the…
