When the US Women’s National Team takes the pitch in Orlando on October 25th it will be the last time you’ll be able to see Lauren Holiday and Lori Chalupny in the red, white, and blue. The two announced their international retirement earlier in the year alongside teammate Shannon Boxx, who will play her final match four days prior in Seattle, but still make the trip to Orlando. Each player will be honored before their respective final games.
“It’s important that we honor these players and celebrate their amazing careers,” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. ”All three have played a major role in the writing of this team’s history and have been a part of some of our greatest successes. They will be missed as people and players.”
Holiday is one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer on both the club and international level. The forward/midfielder has been a staple of the National Team for the last eight years. Helping the team win two Olympic Gold medals and a World Cup, scoring 24 goals along the way. On the club level, she just recently helped FC Kansas City to their second consecutive NWSL title.
“It’s been an amazing year and I feel blessed to have had these wonderful experiences at the end of my career,” said Holiday. “The Victory Tour has been fun, but now feels like a good time to say goodbye and it’s great to have the last game be against a quality team like Brazil. I’m going to miss this team, but I’m also super excited about what lies ahead and really looking forward to celebrating this last game with my teammates and the fans.”
Chalupny made her first appearance for the senior team at the young age of 17. Since then, her career has included an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and a World Cup in 2015. The midfielder claims 10 goals to her name in 105 appearances for the United States.
“There is of course some sadness to see this chapter of my life come to an end, but it’s also a happy time to look back at all the fantastic experiences I’ve had through soccer,” said Chalupny. “It’s great to get the opportunity to play one last game with your friends and to be able to go out on your own terms is a cool thing and certainly something to be appreciated.”
Come out and see these legends for the last time when the United States takes on Brazil on October 25th at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
