USWNT loses Wambach farewell, home unbeaten streak over at 104

CNN was unable to contact U.S. Soccer for a response Wednesday, but its president Sunil Gulati told ESPN: “Abby has never been shy of speaking her mind, but today it’s best to celebrate a wonderful career and character”.

With the Mercedes-Benz Superdome crowd buzzing at every indirect kick, corner or cross, Wambach maneuvered around the box trying to get an angle and add to her 184 worldwide goals. Despite the defeat, the team was still in high spirits, as they celebrated the legacy and impact of Abby Wambach, the soccer legend whose career came to a close on Wednesday.

U.S. went down 1-0 to China in an exhibition game at the Superdome in New Orleans.

“I would definitely fire Juergen”, Wambach said in an interview on the “Bill Simmons Podcast” released yesterday. The future is so bright.

It is apparent Wambach’s American teammates will miss the stout, 5-foot-11 forward known for her passionate speeches and playing style, often highlighted by headed goals that are as exquisite as they are determined and powerful.

With Wambach set to retire after a friendly with China on Wednesday, she has discussed frequently how she’d like to stay around soccer, particularly as an analyst. Wang Shuang took a shot in the 58th minute that deflected off an American defender just enough to catch Hope Solo wrong-footed, the match’s only goal. “This team has a big personality and Abby will attest to this, it’s more about the culture and the program than it is about any one single person”. The US had gone 104 home games without losing since falling 3-1 to Denmark in 2004. U.S. Soccer molded its program around Abby and her head, lofting long balls over the top again and again. “She has the most worldwide matches in soccer”.

The “foreign” players Wambach is referring to are players like Jermaine Jones and Fabian Johnson, who were both German-born, yet still play for the US. “Although he says he has, I don’t think he has”. Her 14 World Cup goals are tied for second-most all time, behind only Marta’s 15.

“This team is going to be just fine, because it always has been”, Wambach said. Then she addressed the crowd and made sure everyone knew that this wasn’t going to be a sad night for Wambach and her family and friends.

NOTES: U.S. forward Alex Morgan asked out of the game late in the first half after pulling up with what Ellis later said was an apparent hamstring pull in her right leg….