Wambach’s 186 goals in the red, white and blue are the most by any individual to ever suit up in worldwide play for the United States of America, man or woman.
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To chart Wambach’s career is, in many ways, to chart the rise of soccer in the United States, and not by coincidence: her role in growing the sport has been second to none.
Wambach discussed the USMNT on Bill Simmons’ podcast, saying she’d fire Klinsmann and taking a shot at his policy of bringing foreign-born players into the national team, telling the HBO host that “the way that [Klinsmann] has changed and brought in these foreign guys, it’s just not something that I believe in”. It would be better if we had won, but the reality is I played in so many games this result doesn’t shape or determine or define my career.
United States forward Abby Wambach says her farewell game against China will be a celebration of her career. Maybe one day we’ll forget her like she suggests, but right now that day seems far, far away.
The U.S. had gone 104 home games without losing since falling to Denmark in 2004.
In post-match remarks on the field, Wambach said, “I love you all so much”, then closed with, “Bourbon Street, watch out”, and dropped the microphone.
In Wednesday night’s game, Wambach figured into several scoring opportunities but couldn’t put the ball in the net. Some of those friends, including Tom Hanks, Tiger Woods and Mia Hamm, expressed their admiration and support for Wambach and the positive impact she’s had on their lives after she announced her retirement. “My family, my friends, you guys are up in the suites, I wish I was there right now”. The USWNT attack lacked spark during the World Cup group stage, as Wambach’s skill set dictated they thump cross after ineffectual cross towards her forehead.
Wambach retires just months after finally adding a World Cup winner’s medal to her collection, even if she only came on as a substitute late in the final against Japan.
“Everything kind of just hit me that this was the last time I’d be taking the jersey off, the last time I’d be hanging out with my teammates in the locker room”.
Japan won 3-1 in the ensuing shoot-out to claim its first Women’s World Cup title, with Wambach the only goalscorer for the US.
The diplomatic advance would help open the way for USA airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months.
“I know everybody wanted to get me a goal”, she said.
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“I literally don’t want to be talked about as it pertains to being a soccer player. If they’re born in other countries, we aren’t making progress”, he said. She’s already risen to become the top global scorer – male or female – in soccer history.
