She feels it’s time, so the Abby Wambach retirement is happening and the world of women’s soccer is losing a star player. The game resembled many featuring Wambach in the past year.
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Gulati told ESPN: “Abby has never been shy of speaking her mind, but today it’s best to celebrate a wonderful career and character”.
The career leader in worldwide play – for men and women, with 184 goals- kicked off her cleats and hugged each teammate on the field before walking to the bench, smiling, to embrace her coaches and remaining teammates as the crowd chanted her name. In her time with the United States, she’s won virtually everything a player can win, including two Olympic gold medals and the 2012 FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, an honor that she and Mia Hamm are the only Americans to receive. “They’ve also motivated me and challenged me to be a better person off the field and I think that’s something that I value the most”.
The U.S. was the dominant side in terms of possession and chances, but it was China that capitalized on its opportunity, burying a goal against the run of play in the 58th minute, which proved to be the game-winner.
And so in a farewell spot for Gatorade, by agency TBWA/Chiat/Day LA, Wambach drops her wish for how she hopes to be remembered: Specifically, as unremarkable.
Wambach’s 186 goals in the red, white and blue are the most by any individual to ever suit up in global play for the United States of America, man or woman.
Donovan, who was born and raised in Southern California, didn’t question the professionalism or effort of any dual citizen members of the national team, but he did wonder if playing in an worldwide match could mean as much to someone born overseas as it does to someone born in the US.
Before the starting lineups were announced, U.S. Soccer presented Wambach with a rendering of her famous, game-tying head-ball goal against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup.
“I would definitely fire Jurgen”. The captain of Team USA got super emotional during her heart wrenching speech.
The U.S. did not answer Shuang’s strike, and thus China ended an unbeaten streak for the Americans that dated back to 2004. Equality isn’t something that actually costs anything. The team tried to play through her, and it made it sloppy and inefficient. The athlete reflected on the positive moments she’s had with her teammates over the course of her 14-year career with the Women’s National Team. Even though she’s been well past her prime, Wambach was still seen as the talisman, and the team tried to use her as the engine.
“You guys don’t know this, but I’ve been training less than I normally would for any match”, Wambach said.
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Despite the criticism, though, ESPN notes that spending on soccer in the US has increased under Klinsmann.
