CINCINNATI — As one U.S. Women's National Team veteran said farewell at TQL Stadium, a Cincinnati native made her first-ever national team appearance in her hometown.
Fresh off an early end to their most recent World Cup run, the USWNT faced off against South Africa in an international friendly Thursday night. The game was Julie Ertz's last match.
Ertz announced her retirement from soccer on August 31. She boasts a stellar history with the team, including being the only player to win the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year twice.
It also marked a homecoming for two Cincinnati natives: defender M.A. Vignola and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. Both players graduated from St. Ursula Academy.
Kingsbury was called up to the World Cup roster for the first time this year, playing for the team in the Australia/New Zealand 2023 Cup. Before that, she made her debut on the USWNT in April 2022. She did not play on Thursday night.
Vignola is new to the national team, having just earned her first call-up for the international friendly in her hometown. The 25-year-old came in for Crystal Dunn at halftime.
Before the game, Vignola said she "definitely" had butterflies.
"This is an experience that's once in a lifetime, you gotta take it for what it is and I'm ready for it," Vignola said.
Congrats to Cincinnati native & St. Ursula grad M.A. Vignola!
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 22, 2023
She subbed-on at halftime, making her first-ever appearance with the @USWNT in her hometown at TQL Stadium!
“I definitely have butterflies, but they’re good butterflies.”
This is what @MAVignola told us yesterday: pic.twitter.com/OA10X4umiC
The most well-known Cincinnati native on the team, Rose Lavelle, was in Cincinnati but did not play as she's still recovering from a lower leg injury she suffered while playing with OL Reign earlier in the month.
According to the USWNT, Lavelle "did join the USWNT in her hometown of Cincinnati for evaluation."
The USWNT won 3-0, with goals by Lynn Williams and Trinity Rodman.
Ertz was honored before the match, and received a standing ovation as she was subbed out. This was her 123rd game.
It Ertz to say goodbye, but the highlights live forever 🎥 pic.twitter.com/7Pn9wA9BvN
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 20, 2023
The international friendly match at TQL Stadium is the first time the USWNT has played on US soil since coming home from the World Cup.
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