“Love Ya Hate Ya” – After ‘Last Dance’ in NWSL, Megan Rapinoe Shares 1st Words

Megan Rapinoe and the USWNT are set to face South Africa in what would be Rapinoe’s last international game. The OL Reign forward, meanwhile, is enjoying her time in the NWSL, before also retiring from club soccer at the end of the season. Rapinoe started off her soccer career in Portland, representing the Portland Pilots. Following her college, the soccer star’s journey would take her to Sydney and Lyon, before signing for OL Reign in 2013.

Rapinoe was once again back to where things started. While her night in Portland may not be her best, the player made sure to leave her fans with a parting message. Following the game against NWSL side Portland Thorns, Megan Rapinoe took to her social media to share her first reaction to her last time playing in the city.

Megan Rapinoe shares her first words on Instagram

With the NWSL in full swing, OL Reign traveled to Portland to take on the Portland Thorns. Megan Rapinoe, who started off her career in the city, was eager to play in front of the fans where it all started. The player following the game shared a reaction on her Instagram story as she penned a note for her fans.

“Love ya, hate ya. Portland is special to me. Thank you so much for so long.”

Rapinoe also shared two images on her story, one with Portland star Becky Sauerbrunn and another with OL Reign teammate Alana Cook. While Megan Rapinoe would have loved to end things on a positive note, Portland was the better side of the night.

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The home team managed to beat OL Reign 2-0, thanks to goals from Hina Sugita and Morgan Weaver. Following an illustrious career, Megan Rapinoe will be hanging her boots from international soccer later this month.

Rapinoe set to face South Africa in retirement clash

Megan Rapinoe has been a highly influential player for the USWNT. The icon has helped the side lift two consecutive World Cup titles and will be remembered as one of the best players in the country. However, after a harrowing exit from the latest edition of the World Cup, the Ballon d’Or winner has decided to call it a day.

Rapinoe is set to join the USWNT in the coming days. The OL Reign star alongside national teammate Julie Ertz, has been named into the national side for the two friendly games against South Africa. The games hold key importance for the USWNT, as both Rapinoe and Ertz will receive their international farewell following the two games.

Megan Rapinoe has been an essential figure in the development of Women’s soccer across the United States. Rapinoe will be a part of the USWNT for the two-game series against South Africa starting 22nd September, with the games planned to give Rapinoe a well-deserved farewell. The player is a role model for many emerging players who wish to achieve similar success.

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Do you think the USWNT will be able to fill the void when Megan Rapinoe leaves? Or is it the right time for her to retire and give youngsters a chance? Let us know in the comments below.