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USWNT legend Julie Ertz celebrated in final game in Cincinnati

landon bartlett, cincinnati enquirer
·4 min read
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United States Women’s National Team legend Julie Ertz has played her final soccer game for her country.

In Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Thursday, Ertz and the USWNT defeated South Africa, 3-0, in what was Ertz’s last appearance for the squad. Ertz played the opening 35 minutes in the contest before being subbed off to a standing ovation and hugs from her teammates on the field.

Over the course of her 10-year career with the U.S., Ertz garnered 123 appearances. She scored 20 goals and dished out six assists from her typical role as a central defensive midfielder and was as versatile as they come by appearing across the back line and midfield when needed. The former Santa Clara University soccer player collected 101 wins, 17 draws, and five losses for the U.S.

Ertz was an integral part of two of the United States’ Women’s World Cup wins. She started every game she appeared in across the 2015 and 2019 tournaments (which the U.S. won) and played a total of 17 World Cup matches wearing red, white, and blue.

The Arizona native earned U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year twice in her career, 2017 and 2019.

Post-game ceremony in Cincinnati

After the game the U.S. players and coaches formed a circle on the field where there were an abundance of cheers, tears, smiles, and laughter. One final chant wrapped up the mid-field huddle, where she then walked around with her eyes gazed towards the bleachers. A special message on the video board from her husband, NFL tight end Zach Ertz, halted her and the stadium as he introduced a sentimental tribute video.

The stadium lights went dark, and the stands went quiet.

“I Lived” by OneRepublic played in TQL Stadium as the video flashed through some of Ertz’s best memories with throughout her career: her two World Cup wins, all her goals, assists, smiles, celebrations, and everything in between.

TQL Stadium in Cincinnati played a tribute video to United States Women's National Team star Julie Ertz, who played her final professional game on Thursday.
TQL Stadium in Cincinnati played a tribute video to United States Women's National Team star Julie Ertz, who played her final professional game on Thursday.

Ertz gave a speech, too.

“A big thank you to the fans for coming tonight. Obviously, this is a monumental game for me. I’m beyond grateful to represent this crest for as long as I have. I want to say thank you to my teammates for the great win tonight. To any young girl that’s out there that dreams to be here: it’s worth it, every part of it. I’ve enjoyed every part of this journey that I’ve had, and you guys (Cincinnati) are a big part of that.

“I love this sport so much, as we all do, and I’m grateful to be a part of the U.S. soccer family,” she said.

Her career ended with a mic drop and a full-field march where fans and teammates cheered her into the spotlight.

United States Women's National Team midfielder Julie Ertz played her final game of professional soccer Thursday, in the USWNT's 3-0 win over South Africa. Ertz played 35 minutes in the contest and was celebrated before and after the game.
United States Women's National Team midfielder Julie Ertz played her final game of professional soccer Thursday, in the USWNT's 3-0 win over South Africa. Ertz played 35 minutes in the contest and was celebrated before and after the game.

Pregame celebrations

Prior to kickoff Ertz was presented with a framed U.S. jersey with “Ertz 123” on the back to honor her contributions to United States soccer over the last decade.

Ertz was invited to leave the walkout line for the presentation where she hugged family, friends, and teammates as tears rolled down the cheeks of thousands at TQL Stadium. Ertz’s emotional pregame presentation has cemented and intertwined Ertz and Cincinnati in USWNT history books.

The United States Women's National Team honored Julie Ertz, who played her final game Thursday, with a framed jersey with her name to commemorate her years with the team.
The United States Women's National Team honored Julie Ertz, who played her final game Thursday, with a framed jersey with her name to commemorate her years with the team.

From there, though, it was all action.

On the field

One of Ertz’s shining qualities on the pitch has always been her aerial ability. Whether it be defensively or offensively, if a flying ball was ever in the vicinity of Ertz, it was going where she wanted it to go.

Ertz picked up where she left off as a goalscoring threat on corners on Thursday. The five-foot seven-inch highflyer won two early offensive corners and directed them towards goal. TQL Stadium as a collective rose to its feat on each, gasping in angst as the ball flew towards the net, but releasing a sigh of dejection as the ball either trajected over the goal or right towards the goalie.

The entire stadium wanted her to score.

“A dream would be to score obviously, but for me, I want this team to win tonight,” Ertz said before the game. “That would be a cherry on top moment for me.”

Ertz’s aerial competitiveness directly led to the United States’ first goal, which was scored by Lynn Williams following a deflection from Ertz’s individual battle.

She was subbed off before halftime, though, and the U.S. continued to perform a dominant 3-0 victory with Ertz in attendance as her final wish came true.

Julie Ertz, a staple in the United States Women's National Team over the past decade, subbed off for the last time 35 minutes into the United States 3-0 win over South Africa.
Julie Ertz, a staple in the United States Women's National Team over the past decade, subbed off for the last time 35 minutes into the United States 3-0 win over South Africa.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: USWNT legend Julie Ertz celebrated in final game in Cincinnati