Megan Rapinoe will play in one final match for the United States women’s national team earlier than ending her worldwide profession.
The legendary USWNT striker could have her “Farewell Game” when the group hosts South Africa at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 24, the federation announced Tuesday. The Sept. 24 match is the second of a two-game pleasant collection towards South Africa, however Rapinoe will not play in the primary match in Cincinnati on Sept. 21.
“People may think that my career coming to an end would bring sadness, but when I think back on the past 30-plus years of playing this game, my overriding emotions are joy and gratitude,” Rapinoe mentioned in a press release. “It’s been an unbelievable ride. It will be special to have this one last opportunity to play for my country in front of our incredible fans and get the chance to thank my teammates and everyone who has had an impact on me as a person and player over the years.”
Rapinoe, 38, introduced she would be retiring from soccer on the finish of the 2023 NWSL season forward of the Women’s World Cup in July. The two-time World Cup champion wasn’t in a position to win her third straight World Cup although, lacking her kick in the penalty kick shootout in the United States’ spherical of 16 loss to Sweden.
Still, Rapinoe will finish her time with the nationwide group as one of the vital adorned ladies’s soccer gamers ever. In addition to her two World Cup wins, she has an Olympic gold medal and bronze medal. She additionally received the Golden Ball on the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Statistically, Rapinoe has scored 63 objectives and dished out 73 assists in her worldwide profession, making her considered one of eight gamers in USWNT historical past with no less than 50 objectives and assists. She’ll play in her 203rd worldwide match in her “Farewell Game,” making her considered one of 14 gamers in the group’s historical past to play in no less than 200 matches.
Rapinoe was first referred to as up to the nationwide group in 2006 however two ACL accidents stored her sidelined in 2007 and 2008 earlier than she made her return in 2009. She was a mainstay on the roster ever since then.
Rapinoe remains to be enjoying the season out with the OL Reign, her membership group in the NWSL. The membership will honor her in its closing regular-season dwelling match on Oct. 6 in a match billed as “Forever Reign: A Celebration of Megan Rapinoe,” OL Reign introduced earlier in August.
OL Reign’s closing common season sport is about for Oct. 15. The membership at present sits in a playoff spot in the NWSL desk.
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