Carli Lloyd, arguably the best big-game player in U.S. soccer history, announced her retirement from international competition Monday following a 17-year career in which she was twice named FIFA world player of the year. Lloyd, 39, also won two Olympic gold medals — delivering the winning goal in both finals — and two World Cup titles. Lloyd will play the remainder of the NWSL season with NJ/NY Gotham FC as well as in the anticipated four-game fall series for the national team before stepping aside completely. “Carli Lloyd is a true legend,” said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski, the fifth national manager she played for. “Her career was unique and her success on the field is something all current and future national team players should aspire to achieve.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 16, 2021 18:09 UTC