(Reuters) -Two-times Women's World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, one of the greatest women's soccer players to ever grace the game, has announced her retirement, U.S. Soccer said on Monday. The 39-year-old Lloyd, who was twice named the FIFA Women's Player of the Year, became the second-most capped player in world soccer history (312) during a career that also includes two Olympic gold medals. Lloyd will also play the remainder of the National Women's Soccer League 2021 season with NJ/NY Gotham FC before calling time on her professional club career, which has spanned 12 years and six teams. Known for her consistent production throughout her career, Lloyd, who served as U.S. women's national team (USWNT) captain in the latter part of her career, scored 128 international goals and is tied for fifth on the all-time list. "Her career was unique, and her success on the field is something all current and future National Team players should aspire to achieve," said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski.
