Carli Lloyd bid farewell to the U.S. women’s national team during an emotional friendly in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, on Tuesday.
That the U.S. defeated South Korea 6-0 was secondary to the tributes for the two-time World Cup champion (2015, ’19), two-time Olympic gold medallist (2008, ’12) and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2015, ’16).
Lloyd, 39, retired from international competition but will have at least two more matches for NY/NJ Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, at Racing Louisville on Thursday and home against Louisville in Harrison, N.J., on Sunday. There also could be post-season matches.
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She played the second-most matches in the world (316) and scored 134 international goals, third in USWNT history and fourth all-time in the world. Lloyd trails Canada’s Christine Sinclair (187 goals in 303 games) and Americans Abby Wambach (184/256) and Mia Hamm (158/275).
Lloyd memorably scored three goals in the first 16 minutes of the 2015 World Cup final vs. Japan. She scored five goals against Paraguay on September 16.
Home unbeaten streak extended
Her team-mates made sure she went out in style after the U.S. and South Korea tied 0-0 on Thursday to end the Americans’ 22-game home winning streak. The victory on Tuesday extended the home unbeaten streak to 62 (56 wins, six ties).
Lindsey Horan opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a deflected shot off a South Korean player. An own goal made it 2-0 in the 45th minute.
Lloyd left in the 66th minute to a standing ovation. She hugged her team-mates, took off her shoes, gave the captain’s arm band to Megan Rapinoe and peeled off her No. 10 “Lloyd” jersey to reveal a No. 10 with “Hollins” for her husband Brian Hollins before exiting the field.
Alex Morgan replaced Lloyd and scored her 115th career goal three minutes later. Rapinoe made it 4-0 in the 85th minute with her 62nd score. Rose Lavelle (89th minute) and Lynn Williams (92nd) completed the scoring.
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