When Carli Lloyd removed her cleats and walked off the field for the final time as a member of the United States women’s national team, one of the greatest chapters in soccer history came to an end.
After 17 years with the national team, two World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, two FIFA Player of the Year awards and the third-most goals on the USWNT’s all-time list, Lloyd is leaving the game as a legend and entering the next phase of her life.
On Tuesday night, in front of 18,115 fans at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minn., Lloyd gave us one more show. Taking the field against Korea Republic with a lineup full of younger players, the 39-year-old forward created several scoring opportunities in front of net before subbing off in the 66th minute and officially passing the torch.
Bri Lewerke was on the scene Tuesday for Just Women’s Sports to capture Lloyd’s sendoff during the USWNT’s 6-0 win.
Lloyd, one of the most clutch scorers in national team history, celebrated two first-half goals with her teammates. The first came in the ninth minute from Lindsey Horan, who will wear Lloyd’s No. 10 into the next chapter for the USWNT.
Before she left the field to make way for Alex Morgan, Lloyd peeled off her jersey to reveal one underneath. On the back of the second No. 10 jersey was her married name, Hollins.
Lloyd’s husband, Brian Hollins, was in the stands Tuesday along with her mother, father and a large group of family and friends.
At the end of the game, USWNT players and staff gathered around Lloyd at midfield for a video tribute and final remarks.
Addressing the crowd in Minnesota, Lloyd thanked everyone who has played a role in her long and storied career, bid farewell to the sport and delivered a parting message.
“You will not see me on the field, but you best believe that I will be around helping this game grow,” she said.