![]() Just below the image was the word, "POWER." Soccer Federation banners lining field-level walls and covering the tunnels to the locker rooms read, "Only one Abby." And when the teams took the field shortly before kickoff, fans along the sideline held up yellow and black cards with the same slogan.īefore the starting lineups were announced, the USSF presented Wambach with a rendering of her famous, tying goal on a header against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup. Some of the greats in women's soccer were drawn to the Superdome for Wambach's 255th game with the national team, including Hamm and Brandi Chastain, who starred on the 1999 World Cup-winning squad.Ī festive crowd of nearly 33,000 acknowledged Wambach at seemingly every opportunity. In the 30th minute, Wambach was able to sidestep a defender and attempt a lunging toe-poke from about 10 yards out, but couldn't muster the power or placement to beat Lina. "It's unfortunate to lose the match but at the same time this is a celebration of Abby and what she's done for the team and I think that's what matters." She did well, had a few chances," Lloyd said. She put two headers toward goal in the first 2 minutes, but both were blocked away by defenders. It was apparent from the outset that the Americans' plan of attack was based in part on sending high crosses into the penalty area in hopes of connecting with Wambach for one of her trademark headers. Wambach got her 10th start of the year in her send-off game and also was designated the captain. The game wrapped up the U.S.'s nine-game "Victory Tour" in which it went 7-1-1, outscoring opponents 40-3. In added time, Emily Sonnett's header went just over the cross bar. But Press, who had subbed in for Wambach, shot it right at Lina. ![]() In the 84th minute, Carli Lloyd's pass sent Press into the penalty area for a hard drive from the left side. Horan's header forced a diving save by Lina in the 82nd minute. ![]() That was the closest of several near misses. The Americans nearly tied China in the 87th minute when Lindsey Horan beat goalkeeper Zhao Lina, but Horan was ruled just a step offside when she received the pass from Christen Press. Kristine Lilly and Mia Hamm started that 3-1 loss Denmark in Philadelphia, while Wambach came in as a sub. The U.S., which won the Women's World Cup this summer, had gone 104 home games without losing since falling to Denmark in 2004. ![]() These women are going to kill it."Īnd she made it clear that, despite the loss, it was time to celebrate, saying, "Bourbon Street, watch out," before dropping the microphone and walking off alone as her teammates waited behind, applauding with the rest of the crowd.Ĭhina scored in the 58th minute, when forward Wang Shuang volleyed in a bounding cross from Wang Shanshan. "It has been my pleasure and my honor to represent you all, the fans, for as long as I've been able to. "I love this team," Wambach said in comments delivered on the field to fans after the game. The career scoring leader in international play - for men and women, with 184 goals- kicked off her cleats and hugged each teammate on the field before walking to the bench, smiling, to embrace her coaches and remaining teammates as the crowd chanted her name.
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