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Two-time World Cup winner Julie Ertz has announced her shock retirement from the beautiful game at age 31, ending her career just four months after signing with Angel City in April.
The midfielder, who can also play as a defender, shared her decision on social media on Thursday after racking in 122 appearances for the United States women’s national team. She earned her first cap in 2013 and retired at international level earlier this month.
‘As a former player that went through my own retirement process, I have an intimate understanding of what Julie is going through,’ said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano.
‘We wish her only happiness in the future.’
Julie Ertz, 31, retires after the USWNT’s shocking Round of 16 loss to Sweden earlier this month
Ertz was part of the USWNT squad to have crashed out against Sweden in the Round of 16 of this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but previously won the most prestigious of all international tournaments in 2015 and 2019.
She also won an Olympic bronze medal while representing her country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan and was named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
Ertz, who is an Arizona native, was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2014 NWSL Draft by the Chicago Red Stars. During her seven seasons in the Midwest, she made 95 appearances and played 8,306 minutes.
What’s more, is that Ertz play an integral part in Chicago’s seven straight playoff appearances, leading the team twice to the league’s championship games despite being sidelined with an injury for most of 2021.
After signing with Angel City in April, Eretz appeared in seven total regular season matches this year, scoring once on her club debut against Portland Thorns FC.
Ertz previously won the most prestigious of all international tournament in 2015 and 2019
Ertz signed with Angel City in April but only played for the club seven times before retiring
Before going pro, Ertz played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara University and spent her youth career at the Sereno Soccer Club in Arizona, where the team won nine state titles.
Ertz has been married to Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz since 2017. The pair met at Stanford University’s baseball stadium, also known as Klein Field.
Together, they have a son – Madden Matthew Ertz – who was born in August of 2022.
‘Julie has forever left a positive mark on Angel City, and we are truly honored to call her one of our first alums,’ said ACFC Co-Founder and President Julie Uhrman. ‘Time isn’t the only measurement of influence; what matters is one’s commitment to supporting their team and community during their tenure.
‘We thank Julie, and are forever grateful for the time she spent with Angel City. Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman, and I know firsthand how special it is to be a mother, and we can’t wait to watch Julie in the next phase of her journey with Madden and Zach.’
Along with her husband, Ertz oversees the Ertz Family Foundation, a charity that creates opportunities for children in sports and education.
Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe’s final game for the US will be in September against South Africa in Chicago.
