Moments ago, the USWNT played their second friendly game against South Africa. It was quite an enthralling match, as the ladies clinched back-to-back victories against the African side. Consequently, Megan Rapinoe also played her farewell game, as she will now officially conclude her international journey.
Emotions ran high on the pitch as fans came together to bid farewell to a legendary player who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Fans react as Megan Rapinoe bids emotional farewell
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The international journey for Megan Rapinoe has officially ended. After starting the match as a captain, the forward played for about 54 minutes. Notably, she was replaced by 28-year-old Gotham FC star Margaret Purce. Although she couldn’t get her name on the scoresheet, fans were delighted to see the veteran’s last match. Subsequently, she would now officially end her international career with 203 appearances.
Thousands present in the stadium held their banners of “Thank You, Megan” high in the air, as everyone gave a standing ovation when she left the pitch. Subsequently, it led netizens around the globe to react to the emotional end of her career. The soccer world is echoing with goodbyes and thank-yous.
My heart. Goodbye to the legend that is Megan Rapinoe! #USWNT
— EB (@bidigorl) September 24, 2023
One last time. Today’s this future hall of famer’s final #USWNT game. What an icon. What a ride you’ve taken us all on, Pinoe. Thank you 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/hcobh8dWy6
— Anthony DiCicco (@DiCiccoMethod) September 24, 2023
Megan Rapinoe steps off the pitch in a #USWNT jersey for the last time. we’re doing fine wym pic.twitter.com/IwCsHqK6Wp
— The Cooligans (@SoccerCooligans) September 24, 2023
She’s an icon.
She’s a legend.
She’s Megan Rapinoe.One last time for the USWNT tonight. #USWNT #ThankYouPinoe pic.twitter.com/qsWjL5vGRh
— Women’s Sports Exchange (@wsportsxchange) September 24, 2023
For the #USWNT for the last time… Megan Rapinoe.
Well played, Pinoe! pic.twitter.com/7WuUKxlXx5
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) September 24, 2023
Fans can’t hold back their tears as they will miss the legend of the beautiful game.
Megan Rapinoe closes out her final #USWNT game in the 53’ minute as Midge Purce subs on.
Literally the whole soccer world right now 👉🏼 🥹🥲😭
— womenkickballs (@womenkickballs) September 24, 2023
This fan believes there won’t be any other Rapinoe, and we agree to that!
I don’t think football will get another Megan Rapinoe. She’s perfectly played both hero and villain on the pitch. Someone you want to hate but can’t help but respect. An activist, an entertainer, a showman. It’s strange to think of a global game that doesn’t have her involved
— Flo Lloyd-Hughes (@FloydTweet) September 24, 2023
A true fact from this fan!
The thing about encapsulating Megan Rapinoe’s career is that you can’t
— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) September 24, 2023
This fan wants to dedicate Megan’s last game with Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love”
I know they play it all the time but "Higher Love" is quite a fitting song for Megan Rapinoe's curtain call as this #USWNT 2-0 South Africa game comes to a close. only those who can imagine bigger, better, higher do the things she's done to and for this game. legend.
— Tamerra Griffin (@tamerra_nikol) September 24, 2023
Fans can’t stop hailing the legend!
Never known a version of the USWNT that didn't have Megan Rapinoe in it. Going to have a lot of emotions today pic.twitter.com/JAwZvPtzuA
— back at home after being at the wwc (@kudzim88) September 24, 2023
Thank you 🐺👸
Megan Rapinoe
for every thing you did for Women's football
Wolves 👸
🐺🐺🐺 Rapinoe 🐺🐺🐺 pic.twitter.com/2MYwBkKnZd— cutekelly queen of the wolves 💚 🐺 (@CutekellySky) September 25, 2023
There will never be another Megan Rapinoe #meganrapinoe
Can't wait to see what she does next!
Happy Retirement Pinoe pic.twitter.com/3A9hI7wpqA
— Lara (@womenbbrants) September 24, 2023
While Rapinoe may have hung up her USWNT jersey, her legacy will endure for generations to come. Indeed, it is quite an emotional moment in the history of American soccer. Additionally, the farewell couldn’t have been more perfect, as the USWNT clinched an emphatic victory.
An easy victory for the USWNT
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Once again, it was pure dominance from the USWNT against South Africa as they clinched a 2-0 victory against the visitors at Chicago’s Soldier Field. As the match kicked off, both sides managed to push each other’s buttons. Trinity Rodman broke the deadlock in just 18 minutes, assisted by Alex Morgan, giving her side a perfect start. However, neither side could add another, as the first half ended with an advantage to the Americans.
Flying a [ W ], as they do in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/9O5DnuNVM3
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 24, 2023
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After a 15-minute break, both sides returned to the field. Interestingly, the USWNT wasted no time, and mere minutes into the second half, Emily Sonnet added a second goal. Both teams fiercely contested the match until the final whistle, but fans did not witness another goal, ultimately concluding the game with a 2-0 scoreline. Undoubtedly, it was a bittersweet day for the USWNT, as the satisfying victory followed the farewell of their legendary player, Rapinoe.
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