CINCINNATI — The United States Women’s National Soccer team is playing the second of two international friendly matches in Cincinnati on Tuesday after bringing home the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. But the trip to the Queen City is extra special for one local and one legend.
What You Need To Know
- The USWNT is hosting Paraguay at TQL Stadium on Sept. 21
- Rose Lavelle is a Cincinnati native and is excited to be back home
- Carli Lloyd is retiring from international play after the USWNT’s homecoming tour after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Around 20,000 fans are expected to attend the game
It’s a homecoming for one of the brightest young stars on the USWNT and a farewell tour for one of its legends. Rose Lavelle is a Cincinnati native and Carli Lloyd is playing in one of her final games.
The game may just be a friendly competition, but for Lavelle it’s an opportunity to play on the biggest stage in front of friends and family.
“So happy any time I get to come home, but to be able to come home and kind of show off the city to all of my teammates,” Lavelle said.
Lavelle is a starting midfielder on the No. 1-ranked women’s soccer team in the world. It’s a prominent role, but she doesn’t consider herself a star. She said she’s just happy to share this experience with her teammates.
“I know that TQL [Stadium] is just going to be just bumpin’ and have the best atmosphere and I’m excited for everyone to experience that,” Lavelle said.
Carli Lloyd
It’s also the farewell tour for one of the USWNT’s greatest players. Carli Lloyd, the two-time FIFA player of the year — is retiring this year and will make her final appearances for the national team this fall.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski said her impact on women’s soccer is immeasurable.
“If she was a male player anywhere in the world there would be statues of her in front of stadiums, in front of sports complexes everywhere,” Andonovski said. “I think that’s what Carli deserves.”
Forward Tobin Heath said Lloyd is undoubtedly a legend.
“The reason why the U.S. Women’s National team has, you know, the history of success in big tournaments, is in a large way due to Carli Lloyd and the big time plays that she’s had in big time moments,” Heath said.
A bronze medal wasn’t what the team was hoping for in Tokyo, but these international friendlies give the team the chance to be back in front of fans while preparing to defend its World Cup title in 2023.
“Obviously grateful to get a medal, but obviously that wasn’t the medal we set out to get,” Lavelle said. “I think we’re ready to get back out and re-prove ourselves.”
Lavelle said she will have between 60-70 family members and friends in attendance cheering her and the team on.
The USWNT takes on Paraguay at 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.
