Even before1 Julie Ertz, a 31-year-old1 defender for the United States women’s soccer team1, had her son Madden last August, she knew it would be tough to get back in shape. Pregnancy and childbirth don’t follow a set timeline for recovery, unlike sports injuries. Ertz, 30 when Madden was born, wanted to check her fitness quietly before committing to the national team. She contacted her old coaches, Paul Taylor and Matt Midkiff, who set her up with Phoenix Rising, a United Soccer League club. There, she trained with the under-19 team in February.
Key Takeaways
- Julie Ertz, a two-time World Cup champion with the USWNT, is aiming to play in her third World Cup after giving birth to her son Madden.
- Ertz has been training discreetly with a lower-level club to regain her fitness and form before rejoining the national team.
- The absence of Ertz’s contributions on the field has presented challenges for the USWNT, highlighting her importance as a midfield anchor.
- Korbin Albert, a 20-year-old midfielder, is emerging as a potential successor to Ertz’s role, displaying impressive performance in Europe.
- Ertz’s journey to postpartum fitness and her determination to reclaim her spot on the USWNT exemplify her resilience as a professional athlete and a new mother.
Julie Ertz: A Beacon of Resilience and Determination
Julie Ertz, a star of the USWNT soccer team, faced a tough journey after becoming a mom. She had reached the top, playing in big tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 20192.
After having a baby, Ertz didn’t give up. She got advice from her old coaches, Paul Taylor and Matt Midkiff. They introduced her to Phoenix Rising, a club in the United Soccer League. She started training with the under-19 team in February, wanting to check her fitness before joining the USWNT again.
Pregnancy and having a baby don’t have a set timeline for getting back into shape, unlike sports injuries. Ertz made sure she was ready before returning to the national team.
Ertz’s strong determination and resilience were clear as she worked hard to get back to the top. She sees challenges as chances to grow and improve, and she encourages others to do the same2.
Overcoming Challenges: Ertz’s Journey to Postpartum Fitness
Ertz was born on April 6, 1992, in Mesa, Arizona. She’s always loved soccer2. Even when she didn’t make a local team in middle school, it made her more determined2. She’s been supported by her mentors, family, and teammates throughout her career2.
“Setbacks are opportunities for growth and transformation. It’s about having the resilience to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.”
As Ertz comes back, her strong work ethic and determination motivate everyone. Her story shows how hard work and a positive attitude can help you achieve anything2.
Humble Beginnings: Ertz’s Path to Soccer Stardom
Julie Ertz’s rise to being a top soccer player was not quick. She started with youth soccer, improving her skills over time. She shone at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in college soccer.
Her early life set the stage for her soccer success. With hard work and a strong passion for the game, Ertz became a star. She is now a role model for women’s soccer.
Ertz’s success came from her hard work and love for soccer. Her3 early career and college experiences made her who she is today. She’s a key player for the USWNT, leading the team to victory.
“I think the best teams are the ones that have the most chemistry, the most trust, the most belief in each other.”
The Midfield Maestro: Ertz’s Commanding Presence on the Field
Julie Ertz was a true midfield maestro for the USWNT. She commanded the center of the pitch with her defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. As a defensive midfielder, Ertz was known for her exceptional ball control, vision, and tactical awareness. This allowed her to control the game’s pace and start attacks from deep4. Her composure and leadership were key in anchoring the USWNT’s midfield and helping the team succeed4.
Defensive Prowess and Playmaking Abilities
Ertz’s defensive abilities were unmatched. She intercepted passes, broke up plays, and protected the backline4. But she did more than just defend. Ertz was a skilled playmaker, using her vision and passing ability to lead the USWNT’s attacks4. Her tactical awareness and field general mindset let her control the tempo and flow of the game. This made her a crucial part of the team4.
Ertz’s influence and impact on the USWNT’s success were huge4. She was the heart and soul of the midfield, connecting the defense and attack4. Ertz’s unwavering composure and leadership inspired her teammates. This helped make the USWNT a top team in international women’s soccer4.
Julie Ertz: A Driving Force Behind USWNT’s Success
Julie Ertz has been key to the US Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) success over the last decade. As a top Julie Ertz using midfielder, her hard work and team spirit have made her crucial. She’s been a big part of the team’s wins.
Ertz’s mindset and big plays helped the USWNT win the World Cup in 2015 and 20195. Her skill in defense and controlling the game’s pace made her a leader. She’s a true legend in midfield.
Her top performances have made her a vital part of the USWNT’s success5. Ertz’s leadership and dedication have motivated her teammates6. She sets the tone for the team’s winning attitude and championship mindset.
| Key Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Interceptions per 90 minutes (2019 NWSL season) | 7.275 |
| Duel Win Percentage (2019 NWSL season) | 56.4%5 |
| Duel Win Percentage (2 USWNT games after return) | 50%5 |
| Interceptions (2 USWNT games after return) | 75 |
| Interceptions (Angel City debut match) | 45 |
| Interceptions (vs. Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit) | 10 each match5 |
| Duel Win Percentage (vs. Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit) | 40%5 |
Ertz’s impact on the USWNT’s success is huge. Her dedication and team spirit have made her a key force. She’s a true leader and icon in women’s soccer6. Ertz’s legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
Korbin Albert: The Heir Apparent to Ertz’s Midfield Throne
Julie Ertz, a veteran midfielder, is stepping away from the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Korbin Albert, a 20-year-old star at Paris Saint-Germain, is seen as her potential successor7.
Emulating Ertz’s Tenacity and Work Ethic
Korbin Albert shines with her attacking skills and ability to cover a lot of ground. She aims to follow Ertz’s example, showing the same hard work and dedication7.
Like Ertz, Albert is known for her determination and commitment to her team’s success. Her skills and tactical smarts have made her a star in U.S. women’s soccer7.
“Korbin Albert is the embodiment of the qualities that made Julie Ertz a midfield maestro for the USWNT. Her work rate, tenacity, and ability to control the tempo of the game are a testament to her potential to fill Ertz’s shoes in the years to come.”
Korbin Albert is set to lead the USWNT after Ertz. With her drive and pursuit of excellence, she’s ready to become the next midfield leader7.
| Statistical Data | Julie Ertz | Korbin Albert |
|---|---|---|
| USWNT Appearances | 1237 | N/A |
| Club Appearances (Chicago Red Stars) | 957 | N/A |
| Club Appearances (Angel City FC) | 37 | N/A |
| College Appearances (Santa Clara Broncos) | 797 | N/A |
| NWSL Rookie of the Year | 20147 | N/A |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup Titles | 2 (2015, 2019)7 | N/A |
| U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year | 2017, 20197 | N/A |
The table shows Julie Ertz‘s impressive career stats. As the USWNT looks ahead, Korbin Albert is being watched closely. She’s expected to match Ertz’s success on the field78.
The European Experience: Albert’s Growth at Paris Saint-Germain
At just 20 years old, Korbin Albert has already played at the top level with Paris Saint-Germain9. She has faced off against the world’s best midfielders in the UEFA Champions League and French Division 1 Féminine9. This experience has made her a better player, improving her tactical skills, technical ability, and versatility9.
Learning from stars like Grace Gyro and Jackie Groener has also helped her grow9. Albert is now a strong contender for the USWNT’s midfield in the future.
Albert moved from college soccer at Notre Dame to Paris Saint-Germain, changing how young talents start their careers9. This move gave her a chance to grow with top players in Europe9. With the USA’s women’s league no longer the top choice for stars9, Albert’s move to Europe has made her a star on the rise.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Of the winners of the Ladies Ballon D’or since 2018, percentage from European clubs | 80% |
| Players based in the United States who made the top 10 of the last two Ladies Ballon D’or ceremonies | 0 |
| Goals scored by Benfica star Jessica Silva in 17 games prior to a summer tournament | 17 |
Korbin Albert and others like her are changing the game for the USWNT9. Their European experience could revitalize the national team and fix current player pool issues9. With Emma Hayes taking over as USWNT coach10, a new era of American talent is on the horizon.
The USWNT faces challenges, but Korbin Albert and her peers offer hope9. Playing in Europe, they’re gaining skills that could bring new success to the USWNT91011.
Learning from the Best: Albert’s Midfield Mentors
At Paris Saint-Germain, Korbin Albert has learned from top midfielders. She’s been around Grace Gyuro and Jackie Greenen. They show her what makes them great12.
Gyuro knows how to move the team forward from defense. Groener brings endless energy and perfect passes. Albert watches and learns from them, speeding up her own growth12.
Korbin Albert gets to improve her skills with her PSG teammates. This has helped her a lot in becoming a top player12.
Albert is making her mark as a midfield star. She looks up to her role models for inspiration. She’s set to lead the next wave of midfield talent12.
Ertz’s Legacy: A Trailblazer for Women’s Soccer
Julie Ertz has made a big mark in women’s soccer that goes way beyond her playing days with the USWNT. She’s a trailblazer for women’s soccer, inspiring the next generation of players13. Her hard work, competitive drive, and leadership have lifted the profile and power of women in the sport14.
Her work has helped grow the game, encouraging young players like Korbin Albert to aim high15. As a pioneer and trailblazer, Ertz has motivated young girls and women to chase their soccer dreams. She’s broken barriers and fought for gender equality in the sport.
“Julie Ertz has been a true inspiration for me and so many others in the women’s soccer community. She has demonstrated that with hard work, determination, and a relentless competitive spirit, anything is possible.” – Korbin Albert, USWNT Midfielder
Ertz’s impact on women’s soccer will keep shaping the future13. Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy have made her a trailblazer and icon in the sport. She inspires players, fans, and the entire soccer community to aim higher.
Conclusion: Julie Ertz’s Lasting Impact on the Game
Julie Ertz has made a big mark on women’s soccer that will last for a long time. As a16 midfield star and key player for the USWNT, she won two World Cups. This made her one of the best players of her time16. She also inspired many young players by being a trailblazer and role model.
Ertz showed true dedication, leadership, and a strong will to win. This has greatly helped women’s soccer grow and become more powerful16. Her16 legacy will keep inspiring and shaping the future of soccer. She’s passing on her legacy of excellence to the next players16.
Julie Ertz’s career has done more than just show her own success16. She was a pioneer16, a role model, and a key factor in the USWNT’s wins. She fought for pay equality and helped create a winning culture16. Her impact will keep inspiring women’s soccer and will always be remembered as a top player for over a decade.
FAQ
What challenges did Julie Ertz face in returning to soccer after giving birth to her son?
Ertz knew it would be tough to get back in shape for the Women’s World Cup. Pregnancy and childbirth don’t follow a set timeline for recovery, unlike sports injuries. She wanted to check her progress quietly before committing to the national team.
How did Ertz prepare for her comeback?
Ertz contacted her old coaches, Paul Taylor and Matt Midkiff. They introduced her to Phoenix Rising, a United Soccer League club. She started training with the under-19 team in February to improve her fitness and skills.
What was Ertz’s journey to becoming a soccer star like?
Ertz didn’t become a star overnight. She worked hard from a young age, playing youth soccer and improving at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her early efforts set the stage for her success with the USWNT.
How did Ertz’s playing style contribute to the USWNT’s success?
As a defensive midfielder, Ertz was known for her great ball control, vision, and tactics. She controlled the game’s pace and started attacks from deep. Her calmness and leadership were key to the USWNT’s midfield success.
What was Ertz’s impact on the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories?
Ertz was key to the USWNT’s World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019. Her solid defense, playmaking, and winning attitude made her vital to the team. She helped lead the USWNT to victory on the world stage.
Who is Korbin Albert, and how does she compare to Ertz?
Korbin Albert is a 20-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, seen as Ertz’s potential successor. She’s known for her attacking skills, covering a lot of ground, and strong presence on the field. Fans compare her to Ertz for her hard work and determination.
How has Albert’s experience at Paris Saint-Germain contributed to her development?
At Paris Saint-Germain, Albert learned from top midfielders like Grace Geyoro and Jackie Groener. This experience has fast-tracked her growth, preparing her to be a key player for the USWNT soon.
What is Ertz’s legacy in the world of women’s soccer?
Ertz’s impact goes beyond her USWNT achievements. She’s a role model and inspiration for young players. Her hard work, competitive drive, and leadership have boosted women’s soccer visibility and empowerment.
Source Links
- A New Era of Soccer Moms Navigates a Rapidly Changing Game – https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/sports/soccer/womens-world-cup-mothers-ertz.html
- Chase Your Dreams Summary PDF | Julie Ertz – https://www.bookey.app/book/chase-your-dreams
- Korbin Albert: is the rising midfielder the USWNT’s answer to Julie Ertz’s retirement? – https://olympics.com/en/news/korbin-albert-uswnt-replacement-julie-ertz-feature
- Top 15 Highest Paid Women’s Soccer Players | Sporty Tell – http://camballs.com/index-40.html
- It’s still unclear if USWNT’s Ertz can be the World Cup player she once was – https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37678273/world-cup-julie-ertz-player-was-uswnt-nwsl
- Julie Ertz is back with USWNT and hoping to be better than ever – https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/julie-ertz-is-back-with-uswnt-and-hoping-to-be-better-than-ever
- Julie Ertz – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Ertz
- 2024 Hall Of Honor – Julie Ertz, Santa Clara – https://wccsports.com/news/2024/3/1/athlete-awards-2024-hall-of-honor-julie-ertz.aspx
- Korbin Albert: PSG’s American Trendsetter (Full Length) – https://eliotbenner.medium.com/korbin-albert-psgs-american-trendsetter-full-lenth-e509d7bd12b9
- USWNT | Your Soccer Forum – https://gasoccerforum.com/thread/7081/uswnt
- USA comfortably beat the Netherlands to win the Women’s World Cup – https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/usa-comfortably-beat-the-netherlands-to-win-the-womens-world-cup-165406720.html
- Title IX turns 50: Meet 50 women in Illinois who have impacted sports on — and off — the field of play – https://www.chicagotribune.com/2022/06/21/title-ix-turns-50-meet-50-women-in-illinois-who-have-impacted-sports-on-and-off-the-field-of-play/
- Julie Ertz in conversation: the USWNT star’s life in football – https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/02/26/julie-ertz-in-conversation-the-uswnt-stars-life-in-football/
- Julie Ertz Biography: The Complete Story of Julie Ertz: Life, Career, Achievements, Relationship Status, Net Worth, and Game Style on the Field (biography of female footballers) eBook : Brown, Jay B.: Amazon.in: Kindle स्टोर – https://www.amazon.in/-/hi/Jay-B-Brown-ebook/dp/B0CW6BS4M1
- Soccer – Lindsey Horan: Ushering the USWNT into a new era – https://olympics.com/en/news/lindsey-horan-midfielder-captaining-uswnt-new-era-feature
- âItas Not Because Mama Canat Playa: USWNT Great Julie Ertz Is Retiring on Her Own Terms – https://www.si.com/soccer/2023/09/20/uswnt-great-julie-ertz-retires-on-own-terms
