Julie Ertz Says Goodbye to the US National Team During a 3–0 Win Over South Africa

U.S. midfielder Julie Ertz (C) laughs while warming up with teammates before an international friendly soccer match against South Africa in Cincinnati on Sept. 21, 2023. Joshua A. Bickel/AP Photo

CINCINNATI—Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Julie Ertz played her final match for the United States, an emotional 3–0 victory over South Africa in an exhibition on Thursday night.

Ertz announced last month that she was retiring after a 10-year career. She started against South Africa, wearing the captain’s armband for her 123th appearance for the United States.