The United States Women’s National Team entered the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the favorites, but their tournament run came to a premature end in a penalty shootout loss to Sweden. We know this is the end of the road for Megan Rapinoe and potentially several other players, including possibly Alex Morgan. It also appears to be the last time that another pivotal player will suit up for U.S. Soccer.
Following the loss to Sweden, U.S. midfielder Julie Ertz told ESPN’s Alexis Nunes that “unfortunately this is my last time in this crest.” Though, she was much more candid and emotional about her future in an interview with Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft. More on that in a second.
Less than a year after giving birth to her son, Madden, she made enough progress to be named to the World Cup roster. She played in a couple of friendlies with the national team in April and signed with NWSL side Angel City shortly after. Now we know why Ertz worked so hard to get back to form. This was always going to be her final FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ertz fought through tears after she was asked by Taft to describe what she was going through after the loss.
"It's an honor to represent this team, and I'm excited for the future of these girls."
The @USWNT legend Julie Ertz speaks with @JennyTaft after the United States' Round of 16 match 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Qc9G5jPTXy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 6, 2023
“I mean, it’s tough. Obviously, we’re proud of the way we played, but we didn’t put anything into the back of the net,” she told Taft. “The penalties was tough as well. I think for me, it’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever getting to have the honor to wear this crest. It’s just tough. I feel like it’s an emotional time. It absolutely sucks. Penalties are the worst. But it’s an honor to represent this team and I’m excited for the future of these girls.”
It was an incredible run for Ertz. And an emotional one at that.
[ESPN, Fox Soccer on Twitter]
