Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic bronze medalist Julie Ertz has retired from professional soccer. This somewhat surprising decision rocked the soccer world and has now left a big hole in the United States Womens Soccer Team roster that is in shambles following a disastrous performance at the 2023 World Cup. Ertz was an Iconic figure for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and a fan favorite. She played for the Chicago Red Stars and Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. Ertz was also a star athlete in college where she played for the Santa Clara Broncos soccer team. Ertz, along with her husband Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz, established the Ertz Family Foundation serving underprivileged families and communities, thus cementing her legacy as a role model both on-field and off-field.
Julie Ertz was born April 6, 1992 in Mesa, Arizona with her last name Johnston. She played for the Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club from 2000 to 2004 and Sereno Soccer Club from 2004 to 2010. She won 9 state titles. Ertz attended Dobson High School in Mesa, but did not compete on the high school team, opting to stay on her club team instead. Ertz became a member of the National Honor Society in high school. After graduating high school, Ertz announced her intention to commit to playing college soccer at Santa Clara University.
Julie Ertz played for Santa Clara from 2010 to 2013. She was consistently in the top 3 in team goals scored and assists in all four years competing for the Broncos. Ertz played in 79 games for Santa Clara and scored 31 goals.
Julie Ertz is most well-known for her time competing for the United States soccer team. She debuted in 2013 and helped the United States win the World Cup in 2015, the country’s first World Cup title since 1999. The U.S. repeated as World Cup champions in 2019. The United States won the Bronze Medal at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Ertz played in 123 games with the U.S. soccer team and scored 20 goals. Ertz was U.S. Female Soccer Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019. She was the Grand Marshal at the 2019 Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Julie Ertz played in the National Women’s Soccer League from 2014 to 2023. She played for the Chicago Red Stars from 2014 to 2021 before being sidelined due to injury. Ertz returned from injury in 2023 and spent the 2023 season with Angel City FC before announcing her retirement. Ertz played in 95 games for the Red Stars scoring 6 goals. She played in 3 games for Angel City FC and scored 1 goal.
Julie Ertz married NFL tight end Zach Ertz in 2017 and officially changed her last name from Johnston to Ertz. Together, they have one son and founded the Ertz Family Foundation.
Julie Ertz announced her decision to retire from soccer shortly after a disastrous performance by the United States at the 2023 World Cup. She played her last match donning the red white and blue on September 21. Ertz is 31 years-old at the time of her retirement. She cited injury and wanting to spend time with her family as reasons for retiring. At the time of her retirement, Ertz said that it was time for a new generation of players.
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