We’re going to get to see Julie Ertz play for the United States women’s national team one last time. The 31-year-old midfielder/defender announced her retirement from the sport on Aug. 31 but will return for a send-off game.
When is Julie Ertz last game?
Ertz’s last game will on Thursday, Sept. 21 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- When: 5:30 p.m. ET
- Where: TQL Stadium
- Opponent: South Africa
- How to watch: TNT, Universo or Peacock
The USWNT will play two friendlies against South Africa in September and both games will be send-offs. Ertz will be the first send-off game in Cincinnati and then she won’t partake in the second game in Chicago on Sept. 24.
Megan Rapinoe will have her send-off game in Chicago and similarly to Ertz she won’t play in the other friendly.
Saying goodbye to Ertz won’t be easy as she’s been one of the best defensive midfielders in USWNT history. She showed her talents as a center back too when she played that role for every minute of the USWNT's 2023 Women’s World Cup and only allowed one goal in four games.
Her final game will be her 123rd appearance for the national team. Her first came a decade ago when she was playing with her maiden name, Johnston. In the span of those 10 years, she lifted two World Cups, won bronze at the 2020 Olympics, competed in 17 World Cup games, won U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year twice, scored 20 goals and gave birth to her son Madden with her husband Zach Ertz.
The USWNT star wasn’t even expecting to get a send-off game. She fully expected to hang up her boots when she announced her retirement on Aug. 31. Ertz said she was grateful for one last chance to play when speaking with U.S. Soccer.
“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. “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.”
