Seems some of the greats in sports continue to move out of the way and allow for the new generation to take over. Well, honestly speaking more should be stepping to the side if you know what I mean. This I do know. Last week one of the greatest soccer players of all time played her last regular-season soccer game.
OL Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe celebrated her last regular season game in front of 34, 130 fans at Lumen Field. No doubt the largest crowd to ever watch a National Women’s Soccer League game. Rapinoe transcended the sport of soccer on the field and women’s soccer off it. She was the first woman to take a knee during the playing of the USA National Anthem in support of Colin Kaepernick. She was an advocate for equality for all, and racial equality, and initiated a movement that saw the USWNT earn the same amount as the men's team during international competitions.
On the field, Rapinoe won two World Cups, and two Olympic Gold medallists and has played for the Reign since 2013.
“It just feels like home. It was always the safest place,” an emotional Rapinoe said on the pitch after Friday's game with the Washington Spirit. “This was just always the place where I could be myself and be safe and be protected, just go out and try stuff. To be able to play here my whole career in one city, basically with one manager…it’s just really special to be able to have this.”
While she is not clear what the future holds after retirement. The OL Reign have one more game next week and have a chance to make the playoffs if they win. If not Rapinoe will have plenty of time to ponder her next move with her fiancé Sue Bird who retired from the Storm last year. Oh as for the game, the OL Reign and the Washington Spirits played to a 0-0 draw.
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