One of the biggest names in women’s soccer and arguably the best female player in the world, Abby Wambach, has decided to forego the NWSL this summer.
According to blackandredunited.com, Wambach is just one of many US players who will skip out on the NWSL season. Not only will a handful of players sit out the season, but they are also heavily considering retirement altogether after the World Cup.
SoccerWire.com reported that at least 7 players are considering retirement or sabbatical once the World Cup concludes this year. Those 7 include Abby Wambach, Christie Rampone, Shannon Boxx, Lauren Holiday, Amy Rodriguez, Ali Krieger, and Rachel Van Hollebeke.
Wambach, Rampone, and Boxx will all be over the age of 35 at the start of the World Cup, so their retirement is somewhat expected. However, the others’ possible departures comes as a bit of a shock. Either way, these losses will be detrimental to the USWNT because these are all talented players and huge contributors to the team’s success over the years.
It was also reported by SoccerWire.com that club teams often suffer because the players tend to focus their obligations on the national team. That will definitely be the case this summer if all these players do in fact decide to sit out, with the exception of Wambach who won’t be with her club team at all.
Wambach told Sports Illustrated that she is “open to potentially trying out European club soccer for a year…[and is] still aiming to compete… in next year’s Olympics for the national team.” That is some good news for die hard Wambach fans. She’s not leaving for good just yet.
For now, fans still have the World Cup to look forward to before any of these players make any final decisions.
