USWNT vs. South Africa Recap: Sendoff of Two Superstars

The USWNT took on South Africa in two friendlies with plenty of incredible fanfare and excitement as everyone celebrated the careers of Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe. Both wins were comprehensive. There was no way the USWNT wasn’t going to send off their superstars in style. Let’s recap the two friendlies between the USWNT and South Africa. 

USWNT vs. South Africa Game 1 Recap

Watching Julie Ertz lead the team out of the locker room and onto the pitch was an emotional moment, to say the least. 

Walk us out, Jules 💙 pic.twitter.com/szs0NrcG1y

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 21, 2023

The first match exposed a weakness that South Africa was able to avoid at the World Cup, which was defending set pieces. Lynn Williams was unmarked for both of her goals. The first one was a header that was inches over the line, and the second was an even easier tap-in than the first. The major highlight of the match was this amazing team goal that involved six players, including Julie Ertz. 

⏰ 34'
⚽ Trinity Rodman
🅰️ Alex Morgan

Ótima jogada da #USWNT. Pressão na marcação no meio, com boa participação de Lindsey Horan. Toques rápidos de Emily Sonnett e Julie Ertz para iniciar a transição. Bela execução de Horan, Morgan e Rodman para definirpic.twitter.com/JgTvthEFTz

— Na Cara Do GOAL (@NaCaraDoGOAL) September 22, 2023

That’s the kind of interplay that was missing from the USWNT at the World Cup. Slick, direct, classy, and technical passing all in the blink of an eye. Trinity Rodman was ready to take the chance as Alex Morgan set her up perfectly. After her involvement in the second goal, that would be all for Ertz. The roar from the crowd when she came off the pitch for the last time was incredible. 

One more time for @julieertz 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZCHJr19822

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 22, 2023

The match would end 3-0 as the USWNT cruised to victory. It’s sad for all of us to see her go, but as she said in the build-up to this match, she needs and wants to cherish the time she has with her family.

“It’s not because Mama can’t play… Mama can play.” @julieertz is retiring on her own terms. pic.twitter.com/CBC409nT8f

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 20, 2023

USWNT vs. South Africa Game 2 Recap

The second match was Megan Rapinoe’s farewell, and it was just as emotional. Of course, the game still had to be played, and Trinity Rodman grabbed her second goal emphatically in the first half. 

W̶i̶n̶d̶y̶ ̶ City
Trindy @trinity_rodman opens the scoring! pic.twitter.com/OJyGyZFn9S

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 24, 2023

Pinoe would stay in the game into the second half, and just as Ertz was involved in a goal in her last match, Megan Rapinoe would be involved in her last match, too. Rapinoe put the corner into the box, and it forced a save from the keeper, which gave Emily Sonnett the chance to head it home. 

They made Megan Rapinoe do her celebration one last time after Emily Sonnett's goal 🍾

Watch USA vs. South Africa live on TNT 📺 pic.twitter.com/GZpOadSSbX

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 24, 2023

Seeing how excited everyone was to go celebrate with Rapinoe was such a wholesome moment. She even did her trademark celebration for the fans one last time. 

A few minutes later, she was subbed off for the very last time. She was greeted with hugs from all her teammates, along with applause from the opposing team. 

Her impact is undeniable.#USWNT x @ATT pic.twitter.com/927avNEx1A

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 25, 2023

The USWNT would wrap the game up with a 2-0 scoreline, capping off what was an incredible weekend of games. Rapinoe was given one last opportunity to address the fans after the game. 

She's never been at a loss for words.

Pinoe's Farewell from Chicago 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/xEfWJEbtTK

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 25, 2023

While Ertz and Rapinoe ride off into the sunset, we are truly thankful for everything they’ve given to the Beautiful Game, and because of their impact, they’ve left it in a much better place from when they first started. 

Featured image via Noel Danseco

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