WAMBACH HOLDING OFF ON RETIREMENT DECISION
U.S. legend, 35, could take shot at Rio Olympics
VANCOUVER Abby Wambach got the fairytale ending she said she wanted, only to discover that maybe she doesn’t want it after all.
After she lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy Sunday to secure the only major honor that had eluded her, it seemed certain that the U.S. forward would call time on her illustrious career. Not so fast. Wambach remained non-committal about her future after the team’s 5-2 victory against Japan, sparking suggestions she might carry on to next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“There is probably no better way to go out, right?” Wambach said. “But ... I’m just going to really enjoy this for now.”
This was a different kind of tournament for Wambach, who has been the best and highestprofile player on the U.S. team for most of her international career. This time, age caught up to her. At 35, she was restricted to a limited role, coming off the bench for the team’s run from the quarterfinal onward.
Yet it was a position she embraced, screaming encouragement from the sideline and being first on hand with advice for her colleagues.
Her roommate, forward Sydney Leroux, fiercely hopes Wambach sticks around for a crack at what would be her third Olympic title next summer.
“One-hundred percent,” Leroux said when asked if Wambach should continue. “She is one of my best friends. She is the person who took me under her wing when I was just coming on to the full team.
“I really hope she stays, because I can’t imagine a team without her. She’s been at the forefront and we always trust her, regardless of whether or not she is on the field or on the bench. She has a voice and she has this presence, and everyone listens.”
It will be a tough decision for Wambach. Sunday’s finale allows her and 40-year-old Christie Rampone — who says she is similarly undecided on her future but highly likely to retire — to head off into the soccer sunset on the ultimate high.
However, Wambach is a character whose life has been built upon competition and who has cherished the chance to represent her country. Sensing she can be of benefit even when she is on the bench might induce her to continue.
On the flip side, there is the rest of her life to get on with. Wambach wants to have children with her wife, Sarah Huffman, and spoke movingly about the sacrifices Huffman has made.
“The days are ticking, and my clock as it pertains to being a pro soccer player is coming to an end, whether it be in the next few days or the coming years,” Wambach said before the final. “Who’s to know?
“It is never easy to say goodbye. You always want to go out on top. You always want there to be that fairytale ending.”
Retirement would seem to be the logical decision, but there are plenty of incentives in Brazil next summer. No women’s team has won three consecutive international tournaments, an opportunity that presents itself to the Americans. There also is the chance to help the team win a fourth consecutive Olympic title.
“It’s up to Abby,” said Carli Lloyd, who captained the team while Wambach was not on the field, scored three goals in the final and won the player of the tournament award. “We all determine our own fate. We all determine how long we can continue to go.
“She believed in every single one of us. She came on when needed. She did what was needed.”