Megan Rapinoe says goodbye to the US women’s national team with a 2-0 victory over South Africa as the two-time World Cup winner and gold medalist bows out in Chicago

For a career that spoke as loudly off the pitch as it did on the pitch, Megan Rapinoe tried to make one more statement in front of thousands of fans at Chicago‘s Soldier Field.

It was a match that marked the end to one of the most decorated careers in women’s international soccer – accomplished by one of the sports’ most divisive figures.

Megan Rapinoe is a woman that divides opinion. What isn’t a matter of opinion is her impact on the sport in the United States.

With the goals she scored, the assists she provided, and the attention she helped to bring to the team, Rapinoe made a lasting impact on women’s soccer in the country and grew it further than maybe any one person could.

Naturally, someone whose career was as impactful as this deserved a grand send off and Chicago did its best to do just that. They provided the stage, it was up to Rapinoe to provide the moment.

Her corner kick was deflected, but eventually was headed into the net by Emily Sonnett

A free kick sailed just over the bar as Rapinoe walked off the pitch without a goal to her name

She had some chances to try and add her name to the scoresheet one last time, but none of them were successful.

The United States broke through first thanks to the boots of Trinity Rodman just 18 minutes into the match. 

Rapinoe, 38, was one of the first to run over and celebrate with the 21-year-old but there seemed to be a different look in her eyes – one that less reflected the importance of the goal itself, but rather the pride she alluded to in a press conference about the future of this American team.

Rodman tried to find Rapinoe in the box in the 38th minute, but the pass was slow and defenders got to it. The retiring winger’s long-range attempt in the 43′ went over the bar.

She had the chance to get an assist in stoppage time of the first half, but the ball that was whipped in for Alex Morgan couldn’t be put away. Morgan clapped for Rapinoe’s attempt – as cameras caught a wry smile break out on her face.

Just minutes out of the half, Rapinoe’s unsung moment of glory arrived.

With a corner kick in the 49th minute, Rapinoe whipped in a ball that was punched away by South Africa keeper Andile Dlamini. The punch found the head of Emily Sonnett – who nodded it home to make it 2-0.

Rapinoe celebrated the goal as the team raced over to her. Sonnett jumped into the winger’s arms as Rapinoe lifted her into the air.

Rapinoe’s career came to an end when Margaret Purce was substituted on in the 53rd minute

The last thing she did on the pitch was bow to the crowd – capping off an illustrious career

As the team gathered around her, she was convinced to provide her iconic ‘Pose’ from the 2019 World Cup once again – stretching her arms out with a beaming smile on her face, rather than her self-described ‘s**t-eating grin’ from France.

She didn’t last much longer on the pitch. A free kick in the 52′ went high over the bar and that was the final time she got a touch on the ball.

Margaret ‘Midge’ Purce was brought on for Rapinoe in the 53rd minute. After giving the armband to Lindsey Horan, she hugged many of the players on the field.

She applauded the crowd and then bowed at the touchline. Then that was it. Rapinoe’s iconic career as an American international player had come to a conclusion.

After the match had ended, she assured the crowd that she’s ‘not going anywhere’. 

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