Nov 11, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) lays on the pitch following an injury in the opening minutes against New Jersey/New York Gotham FC at Snapdragon Stadium.
The showdown between OL Reign and Gotham FC was highly anticipated as an emotional farewell for the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner and her former U.S. women's national team mate Ali Krieger.
Krieger, a defender for the opposing Gotham FC, ran to her friend and offered Rapinoe an embrace as she exited the pitch.
The 38-year-old Olympic gold medalist was sidelined this year with a calf injury but her quick exit from her final professional match nonetheless left fans and fellow U.S. women's national team veterans stunned.
Rapinoe, who along with her national team mates suffered a shock early exit from the Women's World Cup this year, said she had an overall sense of "peace" despite the injury that marred her final game.
Persons:
Megan Rapinoe, Amber Searls, Ali Krieger, Rapinoe, Krieger, Gotham, Mia Hamm, Amy Tennery, Robert Birsel
Organizations:
New, New York Gotham FC, Snapdragon, Gotham FC, women's, Thomson
Locations:
San Diego , California, USA, New Jersey, New York, U.S