By Juan Carlos Maygua
On the final day of the NWSL regular season, Gotham FC played their final home game against Racing Louisville. After obtaining a playoff spot in the previous match, it gave the fixture a less competitive tone. It also gave Carli Lloyd a well-deserved spotlight, as it also marked her farewell match at club level. The day seemed fit, with good weather, media coverage, and tributes left and right from fans across the stadium. A goal from the legend herself was the final touch to seal such a memorable occasion.
Leader until the end
Racing Louisville looked forward to ending their inaugural season on a positive note. Having Lloyd as an opponent is enough motivation for any team, taking the initiative from the start. In general terms it was a very physical game, there were a lot of tactical fouls from start to finish. In the first half, the team focused on getting Carli Lloyd chances to score. She positioned herself as more of a striker, but Racing Louisville took note of that and followed a personal marking system as soon as she touched the ball. The ability to create spaces with one-touch made her a constant threat to Louisville’s defense. There were times that you saw two to three defenders around Lloyd, but that’s something that she is used to at this point. Alexandra Long was another point of reference in the attack for Gotham FC. Her 91% passing accuracy this season pulled the strings for the team, but as I said, tactical fouls kept her from creating opportunities. Despite this, Lloyd fought for every ball across the field.
Gotham resumed their attacking style in the second half. Most of the dangerous chances came from set pieces, ironically the goal arrived similarly. Elizabeth Eddy appeared down the left wing to cross the ball inside the box, allowing Carli Lloyd to open the score with a header. The final piece was finally added, a goal in the 53rd minute with your family watching from the stands. In general aspects, it would have been a perfect way to end the match, but Racing Louisville had other plans in mind. After an unfortunate handball, a penalty was awarded in the 69th minute. Cece Kizer equalized the game from the spot, spoiling the farewell game in the process. Although, it’s important to highlight Lloyd’s more creative approach throughout the second half. Falling back to midfield allowed her to find the goal while creating more plays for the team. One could say that we saw both versions of Carli Lloyd in a single game, but that depends on who you ask. What followed was the bittersweet moment of her substitution in the 70th minute, an emotional moment for everyone who was in attendance, to say the least. It was the final time she ever walked off the field, a legend in every sense of the word said farewell to the game she helped elevate. While the match ended in a draw, the result did not take away all the accomplishments she achieved throughout her 17 years in the game.
Hopeful for the future
Following the conclusion of the match, the team organized a farewell ceremony for Lloyd. It was nice to see that she took the time to thank the fans across the stadium with a lap of honor. It’s safe to say that the game is in good hands, a significant number of attendees were young fans. Something that caught my attention was that despite their young age they all knew who she was. Especially a group near the supporter section screaming her name nonstop. Others, however, took the time to analyze movements from different players, looking for similarities and learning new traits.
“People have driven and flown from every part of the country to see me play in this farewell match. I’ve seen all the notes and posters, I wish that I could reach out to everyone, but it would take me all night, but I appreciate all the support”. Lloyd also emphasized the importance of representing the national team but having her final games close to home allowed her to enjoy the farewell fixtures a bit more.
While the team still has the playoff fixtures, I stay with this performance. I’m happy to say that I was there at her farewell match and saw her talent on full display. The greatest player of all time leaves a blueprint for generations to come. We have yet to see if she returns to the game as a manager, until then, Thank You, Carli Lloyd.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2 X Women Player of the year
2 X Women World Cup Champion
2 X Olympic Medalist
134 Goals (Third in USWNT History)
316 Appearances (Second in USWNT History)