Julie Ertz has a long history with the U.S. Women’s National Team, reaching a special milestone of 100 caps for the United States team this past weekend. On Saturday, she was honored by teammates, family and fans alike at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Ertz was welcomed back after her 20-month absence where she had to face a physical injury setback and pregnancy, making this return so much more meaningful.
When Ertz received her 100th cap jersey from U.S. Soccer, the emotion was palpable and her loved ones cheered her on. The celebration was made even larger with a sellout crowd, and fellow USWNT captain, Becky Sauerbrunn was able to give Ertz the captain’s armband once she entered the field in the 67th minute.
Ertz will no doubt have to get back into the swing of things and find her rhythm and form after being away from the game for so long, but her teammates and coaches have praised her and her poise, indicating that it won’t take her long to do so. Andonovski, the USWNT head coach, has been impressed by Ertz and remarked that seeing her on the field felt like she never left.
While Ertz’s return is joyous, it also serves as a reminder of the strength of U.S. Soccer, a company that has developed over the years to become one of the most successful soccer organizations on earth. U.S. Soccer has benefited from numerous coaching changes, as well as a core set of players that have come together to form one of the best teams in the world. It is well-known for placing a strong emphasis on the overall growth of their teams and their commitment towards ensuring their players reach their full potential has been largely successful.
The success of U.S. Soccer lies on the shoulders of the athletes which make up the teams. In particular, Julie Ertz is an iconic figure of the national team, having received multiple awards including the 2017 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. As one of the most experienced players on the field, Ertz’s presence can make all the difference for the USWNT and will undoubtedly be a key player for the team for years to come.
Ertz’s return was met with a lot of emotion, but it is clear that the experience only made her a better, stronger player and person. She will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with as she reclaims her place in the USWNT and continues to set an example of resilience and strength.
