Megan Rapinoe, a great player for the USWNT, had a heartfelt goodbye in her last match for OL Reign in Portland.
Despite losing the game 2-0, it was an emotional moment for Rapinoe, who played in the city where her soccer journey began. As a former University of Portland student, she received a warm welcome from both sets of fans when she left the field in the 84th minute.
Speaking after the game, Rapinoe said: “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. So even when you’re on the losing end, like tonight, this really sucks but it’s always really special playing here, obviously.
“You know a packed crowd. I don’t think it was like 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 and that has meant so much to me and just such an important soccer city in our sport as well. 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.”
Rapinoe will retire after the current NWSL season. She and her national team-mate Julie Ertz will say goodbye to the USWNT next month in two friendly matches against South Africa.
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