Julie Ertz, two-time USA World Cup winner and Olympic bronze medalist, retires at the age of 31

Two-time World Cup winner Julie Ertz has announced her shock retirement from the beautiful game at age 31, ending her career just four months after signing with Angel City in April. 

The midfielder, who can also play as a defender, shared her decision on social media on Thursday after racking in 122 appearances for the United States women’s national team. She earned her first cap in 2013.

‘As a former player that went through my own retirement process, I have an intimate understanding of what Julie is going through,’ said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano. 

‘She has given her life to the sport of soccer, and now she has made the difficult decision to leave the game to focus on her family. We fully support her in this choice and recognize how complex these life decisions can be. She will always be a part of this club, in addition to having made an indelible mark on global soccer. 

‘We wish her only happiness in the future.’

United States’ Julie Ertz in action during the Women’s World Cup vs. Sweden earlier in August

Ertz was part of the USWNT squad to have crashed out against Sweden in this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but previously won the most prestigious of all international tournaments in 2015 and 2019. 

She also won an Olympic bronze medal while representing her country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan and was named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019.

Ertz, who is an Arizona native, was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2014 NWSL Draft by the Chicago Red Stars. During her seven seasons in the Midwest, she made 95 appearances and played 8,306 minutes. 

What’s more is that Ertz play an integral part in Chicago’s seven straight playoff appearances, leading the team twice to the championship games despite being sidelined with an injury for most of 2021. 

More to follow…