The US Women’s Soccer Team were upset in the 2023 World Cup on Sunday. Sweden beat the 4 time defending champions 5-4 in a shootout after 0-0 draw.
After the game one player, Julie Ertz, announced her retirement from international play.
Ertz and her family have proud legacy, not just in soccer but the NFL as well.
Ertz has been married to NFL veteran and standout tight end Zach Ertz since 2017.
Both have had incredible careers in their receptive sports and have encouraged and supported the other during the highest moments they could achieve.
Julie has played with the US Women’s Soccer Team since 2013 and has 20 goals in over 100 appearances. She played for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL from 2014 to 2021 scoring 6 goals in over 90 appearances for the club.
The Red Stars also were the runner up in 2020 in the NSWL Challenge Cup.
Zach Ertz was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
He played with Eagles until 2020 when he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. He was named to the Pro Bowl from 2017 to 2019 as a member of Philadelphia and holds the record for most receptions by an NFL tight end. He set the record in 2018 with 116 catches.
Julie won the Olympic Bronze Medal in 2020 as a member of the US and won two World Cup Titles in 2015 and 2019. Zach won the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017.
Both were on hand to celebrate with the other during the monumental events. In an interview in 2019 with the NFL Network, Julie stated of her experience at the Super Bowl, “Nothing will be as nervous ever in comparison of being at the Super Bowl. Literally, I’ve never sweat so much in my palms in my entire life. It was freezing there, but I was burning up just excitement. It was an amazing experience.”
Many have criticized the work of the US Women’s Soccer Team in recent years. Outspoken critic and bitter former US men’s soccer player, Alexi Lalas, stated after the women lost that many choose to root against the US and their influence could become irrelevant.
It is important to note however, under Ertz, the women won two World Cups and an Olympic bronze medal. Lalas, who played for the men from 1991 to 1998 never even qualified for the quarter finals in either the World Cup or the Olympics.
Zach has defended his wife and her accomplishments. In 2019 after the women defeated Thailand in 13-0 in the opening match of the World Cup, many such as Lalas were quick to criticize. Zach defended his wife and the team.
“The best way to build team chemistry, and I think you guys saw that a couple years ago with us (during the Super Bowl season), was the way we celebrated with one another. And when you’re executing like that, and executing at a high level, the whole team gets excited.”
Both Zach and Julie have built proud legacies in their respective sports.
Both should be proud of their accomplishments for their team and their country.
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