As She Retires From Soccer, Abby Wambach Tells Fans: “Forget Me”

The first half of famed American striker Abby Wambach’s last game ended in a scoreless tie in the friendly against China on Wednesday.

The match put a cap on a 14-year career that saw Wambach play for her country 255 times and score 184 worldwide goals, more than any man or woman in the history of global soccer.

USA forward Abby Wambach reacts during a practice session Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, in New Orleans for Wednesday’s final US victory tour match, against China. When the USWNT took the field before the match, she gave every member of her team a hug.

And she made it clear that, despite the loss, it was time to celebrate, saying, “Bourbon Street, watch out”, before dropped the microphone on the field walking off alone as her teammates waited behind, applauding with the rest of the crowd. Wambach wants to make an even bigger impact on the world; bigger than what she’s already done. During her illustrious career, Wambach won U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year six times.

Wambach’s list of team and individual awards is endless. There can be no doubt that Wednesday marked the final performance on the world stage of a giant in her sport. But, she says her body won’t let her play like a champion anymore: ‘Running and the game is not easy by any means.

“If any guy or girl feels like I’m abusing them in the media, I don’t care”, she also said to Simmons. Apart from the foreigner inaccuracy, she has a valid point and can speak from a fan and player perspective and not be close enough to the team to have an inherent bias. U.S. Soccer has said that all of the women’s global games on home soil in 2016 will be played on natural grass. The U.S. would go on to win that game and advance to the championship game.

“…I know that with her retirement from soccer will come a rejuvenation of who she is and I know she will find herself and her calling”.

However, there is very little that Wambach could do to tarnish her reputation, and she will rightly sign off from her incredible career as a bona fide legend of the game. She’s already risen to become the top worldwide scorer – male or female – in soccer history. She also plans to continue to be outspoken.

Check back with The New Orleans Advocate for more coverage from the game. I will never forget and appreciate all that you do. “Like, more than the men’s team – ever”. Her final game will kick off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 1.