Julie Ertz will have one more chance to say goodbye ahead of her retirement.
U.S. Soccer has announced that Ertz will play in a September 21 friendly against South Africa in Cincinnati, with the match at TQL Stadium serving as the 31-year-old’s final professional game.
Last week, Ertz announced she would retire after a career that saw her win two World Cups and earn 122 caps with the U.S. women’s national team.
“I expected to just walk away after retirement, but to have the opportunity to say goodbye to my teammates and the fans one last time is something special that many players dream of,” Ertz said in a federation release.
“I wasn’t expecting this honor so I’m very thankful to (interim head coach) Twila (Kilgore) and to U.S. Soccer for giving me the chance to close this chapter of my life with those who have made this journey so memorable.”
Ertz played every minute for the USWNT at the 2023 World Cup, moving back to defense and forming an effective partnership with Naomi Girma that helped the team concede just one goal in four matches.
The USWNT will play two friendlies against South Africa later this month, with each game serving as a farewell match for a national team legend.
After the game in Cincinnati, the U.S. will head to Chicago for a September 24 friendly that will be the farewell match for Megan Rapinoe, who is set to retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.
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