“Not How I Envisioned This” – Megan Rapinoe Shares Final Words as Soccer Player After Losing NWSL Championship to Ali Krieger’s Gotham FC

Just moments ago, the NWSL final took place between OL Reign and Gotham FC. As it stands, Gotham FC is the winner of the 2023 NWSL Championship after defeating the OL Reign. While fans around the world continue to react to the score line, the spotlight has shifted towards Megan Rapinoe, who shared her final words as a soccer player.

It has been an unlucky year for Rapinoe, as just months after a bitter exit from the World Cup, the veteran suffered yet another poor defeat. To add to her misery, the veteran couldn’t even play the whole 90 minutes, as she was subbed off in just six minutes due to an injury.

Megan Rapinoe signs off!

As it happened, Gotham FC defeated OL Reign 2-1 to win the final of the NWSL Championship. Unfortunately, Megan Rapinoe, who played her last game of soccer, endured a heartbreaking loss in the final. Following the match, the veteran was taken aside for a post-match interview to speak her mind. Rapinoe couldn’t hold back her emotions, as tears were constantly flowing from her eyes.

With teary eyes, she said, “Yeah, it’s a tough one. Definitely not how I envisioned this last month going. I’m so proud of the group. Obviously, they put everything out there. So deserving to Gotham, they had such a great year. Just thank you to everyone who has been on the journey for all this time.”

While accepting today’s scoreline, she insisted on being grateful for her special soccer career. “It’s been amazing. I couldn’t maybe device this or maybe written it any different. Super proud of my whole career and really thankful for all that it has given me, for how long I have been able to play. Even though it was a tough night, it was still amazing and so thankful to be here. Again, so proud of our group and congratulations to Gotham,” she concluded.

Indeed, this was quite an emotional message from the 38-year-old. Sadly, she couldn’t curtain her final domestic game on a high note. On the other hand, Gotham was able to bid a proper farewell to their retiring star, Ali Krieger. Meanwhile, let’s dive deeper to know how Gotham managed to break the hearts of Megan Rapinoe and OL Reign fans.

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Gotham FC are the 2023 NWSL Championship winners

Both sides were looking to get their hands on the NWSL title, yet it was Gotham who came on top. After Megan Rapinoe left the field, Gotham broke the shackles in the 24th minute, thanks to the efforts of Lynn Williams. However, just after five minutes, OL Reign quickly responded as Rose Lavelle managed to net an equalizer.

As it appeared to be an equal match, Juan Carlos Amorós’ side managed to take the lead in injury time with a goal from Esther Gonzalez. Notably, Rapinoe-less OL Reign tried to pull the strings of Gotham FC. Sadly, they couldn’t clinch an equalizer, which made Ali Krieger and Co. the winners of the NWSL Championship. How do you feel about Megan Rapinoe, a veteran of the sport, retiring? Let us know in the comments below.

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