Abby Wambach-A Legend Retires
By Travis Failey on October 27, 2015U.S. Women’s Soccer Captain Abby Wambach retired today at the age of 35. The native of New York endeared herself to Floridian soccer fans early in her career by winning two SEC Most Valuable player awards at the University of Florida in 2000 and 2001. Her long and storied international career started shortly thereafter, and catapulted her into national spotlight as the most prolific goal scorer in women’s soccer for more than a decade.
During her 253 international matches (5th most all time), she was able to amass a world record 184 goals, more than any other international male or female soccer player in the history of the game. She also led the USA in scoring in every world championship that she ever played. Her famous goal in the 122nd minute of the 2011 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal against Brazil will go down as one of the greatest moments in sports history.
Not only has Abby been the most dominant women’s soccer player especially in the box with her trademark diving headers, she has embraced being a role model not only for other women soccer players but for countless numbers of kids throughout the world. This was evident on Sunday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando against Brazil as half the player’s jerseys that were worn in the stands, had her number 20 on their backs. There were also chants of “Abby, Abby” during and after the game as she signed autographs for the fans with the rest of Team USA.
Her retirement announcement came just hours after President Obama honored the team at the White House. “This team taught all America’s children that playing like a girl means you’re a badass,” the President said. I for one agree with the President and will miss Abby and her brand of intensity, skill and absolute badassary.
Thank You Abby Wambach for representing The U.S. as an ambassador of the sport and our country. We will miss you on the pitch but you will remain forever in our hearts.
Tags: Abby Wambach, Brazil, Citrus Bowl, Orlando, President Obama, sec, Team USA, travis failey, U.S. Women’s Soccer, U.S. Women’s Soccer Captain, USWNT, White House
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