What was supposed to be a joyous celebration of Abby Wambach’s legendary career proved historic for a second reason as the U.S. lost 1-0 to China at home. This loss ended the World Cup winners’ 24-match unbeaten streak overall and astonishing 104-match unbeaten streak at home. Their last home loss was in November 2004 to Denmark, just three years after Wambach made her international debut.
Prior to the match, Wambach delivered a lengthy thank you message and some celebrity fans congratulated her on her record setting career, which included two Olympic gold medals, a World Cup title, and an unparalleled 184 goals in 255 international matches.
Wambach exited the match in the 72nd minute to a standing ovation and watched as her teammates couldn’t find an equalizer before the final whistle, though they tried desperately to do just that for her.
Wambach later said that it was “pretty appropriate that I lost my last soccer game,” citing the fact that her time has come and gone and now it’s the younger generation’s turn.
After one final expression of love and gratitude to the crowd in New Orleans, an emotional Wambach closed with “Bourbon Street…watch out” and literally dropped the mic.
And so Abby Wambach sets off on her mission to enter retirement the way everyone should: full of alcohol and po’boys.