After Thousands of Americans Paid Tribute, Megan Rapinoe Gets Emotional as She Prepares for ‘Last Dance’

Megan Rapinoe had an unforgettable outing in Portland last night, her last one, before retiring at the end of the season. The World Cup winner had kick-started her professional career in the city with the Portland Pilots. Rapinoe fans around the city gathered in the Providence Park Stadium as they paid tribute to one of the USWNT’s finest. Rapinoe, an alumnus of Portland University, was a part of the college team and then moved on to different outfits before settling in with OL Reign in 2013.

The California-born was given a hero’s welcome at Providence Park as fans stood up and cheered the player. Rapinoe, following the game, eas evidently moved as she touched down on her feelings for the fans and the city. Megan Rapinoe at 38 is in the twilight of her career and is gearing up for her ‘last dance’ with the USWNT later this month.

Megan Rapinoe touches down on her memories in Portland

Providence Park had an electric atmosphere as OL Reign took on home side Portland Thorns. While the home team managed to bag the win, the actual hero of the game was Megan Rapinoe. Despite a 2-0 defeat, the USWNT superstar received a standing ovation from fans.

Despite a defeat against the Thorns, Megan Rapinoe seemed to be in a good mood during the post-match interview. Rapinoe, who was in action for the last time against the Portland crowd, touched down on how she has tried to always impress the fans in the city.

“I have to go quick, or I am going to start crying. It’s obviously happy too, it’s obviously sad. I’ve been trying to impress people in Portland since I was 18. So you know, to play college here and have so many amazing memories. You know, even the rivalry. These are always the very best games,” said the soccer icon.

The player then also added that she has a lot of love and respect for the fans and this was an emotional game for her.

“You know, a packed crowd. I don’t think it was all for me. But I mean probably, basically, mostly, to have it be, you know, another meaningful game in a city that I love so much. I have so much love and respect for the fans here and how they show up for their team and obviously, I have a lot of good friends on the other team. So yeah, emotional,” said Rapinoe.

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Megan Rapinoe has been a key figure for the USWNT. The highly respected player has made a name for herself through consistent performances. With a big legacy to her name, Rapinoe has decided to call the curtain on her career.

USWNT icon gears up for her last dance

Megan Rapinoe will undoubtedly go down as one of the legends of women’s soccer. The USWNT icon had a decorated career, as she won two World Cup titles during her time with the side. Rapinoe also made 202 appearances since her debut in 2006.

The California-born superstar, following a disappointing World Cup, is now gearing up for her final dance. Rapinoe has been announced as a part of the USWNT squad that will take on South Africa in a set of two international friendlies later this month. The games hold key importance for the national side as both Rapinoe and fellow teammate Julie Ertz have decided to hang up their boots following the fixtures.

Megan Rapinoe has left a remarkable impact on the development of women’s soccer across the United States. It will be a big occasion for all the fans who will be present at the TQL Stadium and Soldier Field to bid adieu to their favorite stars.

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