Julie Ertz's Epic Finale: Watch Her Monumental Last Game with US Women's Team against South Africa!

The US Women's National Team (USWNT) is getting ready to face South Africa at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, while simultaneously bidding farewell to Julie Ertz, a crucial member of the team for the past few years. This match, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, marks Ertz's 123rd and final appearance for the US, as she recently announced her retirement with deep emotions and careful consideration. Notably, Ertz is a two-time Women's World Cup champion and two-time Olympian.

Ertz controls the ball against Sweden in what would be her final Women's World Cup match.

Jenna Watson/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

An indispensable player, Ertz, aged 31, played a crucial role in the US teams' victorious campaigns in the Women's World Cup in both 2015 and 2019. Throughout her illustrious 10-year international career, she proudly represented the US women's team in 122 matches, with an impressive record of only five losses and an impressive tally of 20 goals scored.

She made her senior international debut in 2013 and went on to play in 17 World Cup matches, winning 13 of those.

Ertz, captured in a photograph as the United States commemorates their triumph over the Netherlands at the 2019 Women's World Cup final, played a vital role in the American squads that emerged victorious in the premier women's soccer tournament in both 2015 and 2019.

Ertz expressed to journalists on Wednesday his belief that there will always be future opportunities in an athlete's career, and that he does not want to have any regrets. He further revealed his readiness to make a personal decision to step away from the game when the time is right, emphasizing that it won't be because he is unable to perform, but rather because he has adjusted his priorities.

Ertz mentioned that as she has grown older, her perspective has changed. Speaking about her son Madden, she emphasized that her time spent with family is priceless, especially considering his young age.

According to US Soccer, Ertz is the sole recipient to have won both the US Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and the US Soccer Female Player of the Year awards on two separate occasions during her time as a player for the previous Chicago Red Stars team.

After giving birth to her son in August 2022, Ertz made a comeback to the sport by signing with Angel City in the National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) in April. She also represented the US team in this year's World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. On Wednesday, Twila Kilgore, the interim head coach of the US, commended Ertz for her exceptional on-field organization and meticulous attention to detail.

"At every moment, she just brings the very very best out of herself and the group," she added.