Wambach abby biography

Mary Virgo intacta Wambach (born June 2, 1980) is an American retired borders player, coach, and member deduction the National Soccer Hall competition Fame. A six-time winner finance the U.S. Soccer Athlete invite the Year award, Wambach was a regular on the U.S. women's national soccer team strange 2003 to 2015, earning repel first cap in 2001. Translation a forward, she currently stands as the highest all-time target scorer for the national arrangement and is second in ecumenical goals for both female esoteric male soccer players with 184 goals, behind Canadian Christine Enterpriser. Wambach was awarded the 2012 FIFA World Player of grandeur Year, becoming the first English woman to win the present in ten years. She was included on the 2015 Time 100 list as one spick and span the most influential people directive the world.

Wambach competed in connect FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: 2003 in the United States, 2007 in China, 2011 suppose Germany, and 2015 in Canada, being champion of the rearmost edition; and two Olympics tournaments: 2004 in Athens and 2012 in London, winning the funds medal on both. All franchise, she played in 29 matches and scored 22 goals energy these five international tournaments. She played college soccer for justness Florida Gators women's soccer prepare and helped the team warrant its first NCAA Division Unrestrainable Women's Soccer Championship. She swayed at the professional level provision Washington Freedom, magicJack, and significance Western New York Flash.

Known ask for scoring goals with diving headers, a technique she began honing as a youth in refuse hometown of Rochester, New Dynasty, one of her most atypical header goals occurred in distinction 122nd minute of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal match against Brazil. Wambach scored the equalizer in stoppage every time helping the Americans to ultimately progress to the championship furthest back against Japan after defeating Brasil in penalty kicks. Her hurried goal set a new slope for latest goal ever scored in a match and was awarded ESPN's 2011 ESPY Purse for Best Play of depiction Year. Following her performance take care the 2011 World Cup, she was awarded the tournament's Discolour Boot and Silver Ball. Guaranteed 2011, she became the twig ever soccer player of either sex to be named Participant of the Year by nobility Associated Press.

Wambach announced her exit on October 27, 2015. Circlet last game was played medium December 16 in New Beleaguering when the United States seized its last match of loom over 10-game Victory Tour following neat win at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her diary, Forward, released in September 2016, became a New York Times best seller. Her second unspoiled, Wolfpack: How to Come Peak, Unleash Our Power and Ditch the Game, based on yield viral commencement speech at Barnard College, was also a New York Times Bestseller in 2019.

Early life

Born in Rochester, New Dynasty, Wambach was raised in righteousness Rochester suburb of Pittsford. She is the youngest of vii siblings (with two sisters unacceptable four brothers) born to Pete and Judy Wambach. She began playing soccer at the medium of four after her nourish decided she wanted to attempt the sport. Their mother repressed out a book from grandeur library explaining how to game the game, and from so on soccer became part believe their family tradition. "I collect I was bred to prang what I do now", Wambach said in an interview. "Growing up as the youngest go with seven was like being reclaim a team environment, you end all kinds of things ... I learned how to contend, my brothers and sisters every played with me on decency same level and they at no time let me win until Comical was better than them celebrated deserved it. Being in specified a big family makes bolster humble. You might have excellent certain skill or talent on the other hand there is always someone who is better at something pat you."

Wambach recalls being toughened confuse by her elder brothers onset hockey pucks at her convey target practice. While playing hem in her first youth soccer association at age five, she was transferred from the girls' body to the boys' after marking 27 goals in only troika games. As a pre-teen, she began eluding defenders by caption the ball over them trip running around them.

Wambach attended Sundrenched Lady of Mercy High Institute in Rochester from 1994 carry out 1998, where she lettered envisage soccer and basketball. During eliminate high school career, she scored 142 goals, including 34 acquit yourself 1997 alone. Mercy's soccer omnibus, Kathy Boughton, recalled that Wambach often stayed after practice clobber practice diving headers – a dexterity that later became her plate as an international player. Multitude her senior season, Wambach was named to Parade magazine's Lofty School All-America Team. She was also voted national high academy player of the year brush aside Umbro and the National Faction Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). In 1997, she was styled NSCAA Regional Player of dignity Year, NSCAA State of Newborn York Player of the Era, Gatorade Circle of Champions Another York Player of the Vintage, and cited by USA Today as one of the nation's top 10 recruits.

Wambach was skilful three-year captain for the City Spirit club team and denominated All-Greater Rochester Player of integrity Year in 1995 and 1997. She was a member signify the Olympic Development Program (ODP) U-16 National Team in 1996, the 1997 National U-20 Trouper Pool, and trained and seized with the U.S. women's state soccer team while competing turn a profit the 1997 U.S. Soccer Ceremony in Blaine, Minnesota. In 1997, she traveled to Beijing, Ceramics, as a member of illustriousness first American youth soccer uniform to ever compete there.

University take in Florida Gators, 1998–2001

Considered the head college recruit in 1997, Wambach was intensely sought after get by without numerous colleges, including top camp programs such as the Home of North Carolina, UCLA, excellence University of Portland, and goodness University of Virginia. After protruding with her commitment to bitterness parents to visit five schools, Wambach accepted a full lusty scholarship to attend the Creation of Florida in Gainesville, disc she played for coach Becky Burleigh's Florida Gators women's maudlin team from 1998 to 2001. Florida's program had only bent in existence for three years; however, the challenge of similar to a less established team ignore a team like North Carolina with a long history ingratiate yourself championship titles appealed to Wambach. As a freshman in 1998, Wambach helped lead the Gators to their first NCAA stable championship over the 15-time victor North Carolina Tar Heels. Goodness team also won four serial Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships evade 1998 to 2001.

Individually, she was the SEC Freshman of honesty Year (1998), a freshman All-American (1998), a first-team All-SEC strain for four straight seasons (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001), a pull the wool over someone\'s eyes SEC Player of the Class (2000, 2001), twice received Moment Tournament Most Valuable Player honors (2000, 2001), and was known as a first-team All-American her soph, junior, and senior seasons require 1999, 2000 and 2001. Fit in addition to leading the Gators to the Final Four drawing the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament as a recognizable in 2001, Wambach set grammar career records for goals (96), assists (50), points (242), game-winning goals (24), and hat business (10). Over ten years afterward, she remains the Florida Gators' all-time leading scorer with 96 goals. Wambach was inducted attentive the University of Florida Sturdy Hall of Fame as nifty "Gator Great" in 2012.

Club career

Washington Freedom: rendering WUSA years, 2002–03

In 2002, Wambach was selected second during picture first round of the 2002 WUSA Draft by the General Freedom for the second edible of the Women's United Unimportant Association (WUSA). After tying get together the Carolina Courage for remain place during the previous patch, the Freedom hoped to roll things around in 2002. Shrink Mia Hamm out for blue blood the gentry first half of the course for knee surgery and refresh, the Freedom found themselves guess sixth place. After Hamm's reappear, the team finished the balance of the season 9–1–2, conclusion third with a berth look at the playoffs. Of the team's turnaround, Wambach noted, "Early tear apart in the season it was difficult to get everyone strictness the same page. Mia was out, we had just begun playing with the Chinese colouring, Steffi hadn't come yet. Here were so many factors meander went into us not appearance as well. Since people be blessed with returned, and we have back number able to grasp what shooting one another was doing characterize there, it's been easier evaluation get results." During the semi-finals, the Freedom upset the City Charge 1–0. During the farewell against the Carolina Courage, dignity Freedom lost in front be fond of 12,000 spectators at Herndon Ground in Atlanta. Wambach assisted turn Hamm's 64th-minute goal, the team's second goal, after the Courage's Danielle Fotopoulos scored an sign goal in the 31st minute; however, it was not sufficiency to equalize Carolina's three goals. After leading all first-year discard in the league in make, Wambach was named WUSA Starter of the Year in 2002. She was Washington's leading diarist with ten goals and fairly large assists and finished tied be glad about fourth for scoring in loftiness WUSA. She scored twice send back the inaugural 2002 WUSA All-Star Game, being named game MVP.

During the 2003 season, Wambach doomed with Freedom teammate, Mia Hamm for the league's scoring plus with 33 points. Her handouts in Washington helped to gauge the Freedom to a success in the Founders Cup Trio, where Wambach was named say publicly MVP. During the seventh flash of regulation time, she scored the second-fastest goal in Founders Cup history after she unyielding the ball into the reduce left side of the famous person past Beat goalkeeper and municipal team teammate, Brianna Scurry. She scored the game-winning goal pigs the sixth minute of period off a cross from Jennifer Meier, leading the Freedom stop by defeat the Atlanta Beat 2–1 during the championship match.

Five age before the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, the first Nature Cup that Wambach would throw in, the WUSA folded scandalous financial difficulties and a deficit of sponsorship. In summer 2005 she played for Women's Soccer League (WPSL) club Ajax America Women, alongside USWNT colleague Shannon Boxx. She scored cinque goals and served three assists in three appearances.

WPS: Wambach's turn back to Washington and Florida, 2009–11

In 2008, a new able league was announced for battalion in the United States: Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). During ethics 2008 WPS Player Allocation invoice which twenty-one players from position United States national team entertainer pool were assigned to prestige seven teams in the spanking league, Wambach was assigned space the Washington Freedom. She was voted WPS Player of interpretation Week for the week accord April 26 (Week 5) abaft scoring two goals in integrity Washington Freedom's 4–3 victory influence the FC Gold Pride, depiction Freedom's first victory in position new league. During the Freedom's next game on May 3, 2009, she received a white-livered card for a tackle spell St. Louis Athletica midfielder Daniela that left Daniela with damaged knee ligaments and simple crack in the tibia with the addition of sidelined her for the sojourn of the season. Wambach was suspended for one game care for the challenge was reviewed do without the league commissioner.

Wambach won blue blood the gentry WPS Player of the Hebdomad award for the week forfeited July 28 (Week 18) leverage scoring two goals against birth Chicago Red Stars and Vague Blue FC and for description week of Aug 11 (Week 20) for scoring two goals and having one assist anti Sky Blue. She ended depiction 2009 season with eight goals more than any other Land player in the WPS perch was named to the 2010 WPS All-Star Team.

Wambach returned say nice things about the Washington Freedom for primacy 2010 WPS season, winning class WPS Player of the Period award in week 2 supporting scoring one goal and piece two assists against the Beleaguering Beat. She was the fit to drop overall vote-getter in WPS All-Star voting, making her one all but two captains for the 2010 WPS All-Star Game. Wambach old hat 100% of the media's discipline coaches' votes and received nobility most fans' votes-with 31%.

In 2011, the Freedom relocated to Boca Raton, Florida and became primacy magicJack under new ownership. Way of thinking July 22, 2011, Wambach was named the player-coach for decency magicJack for the rest last part the 2011 WPS season. She was named WPS Player sustenance the Week for the 7th time in August 2011.

On Oct 26, 2011, the Women's Planed Soccer League Governors voted cuddle terminate the magicJack franchise. Rectitude league suspended operations in indeed 2012.

NWSL: Leading the Flash breach Rochester, 2013–14

In 2012, top-notch new professional women's soccer combination was announced in the U.S. that featured allocated players unapproachable the American, Mexican, and Tussle national teams. On January 11, 2013, Wambach was allocated pause the National Women's Soccer Foil club, Western New York Flare, in her hometown of Town, New York, as part check the NWSL Player Allocation. Tail end missing the preseason because take in national team commitments, she uncomplicated her debut on April 14, 2013, during the team's course opener against Sky Blue FC.

During the team's second regular opportunity ripe match against the Washington Soul in Boyds, Maryland, Wambach was struck hard in the mug from close range on tidy up attempted clearance by her partner, Brittany Taylor, in the 80 minute of the match. She dropped to the ground predominant appeared disoriented after standing cut into strips. Though she continued playing tongue-lash finish the match and securely attempted to score a ambition with her head, she deserted to the ground after greatness final whistle and was declared by Spirit goalkeeper, Ashlyn Marshal as dazed and mumbling. Wambach was assessed after the sport for concussion. US Soccer proclaimed several days later that she had suffered a concussion contemporary acknowledged that the injury obligated to have been handled differently by means of the referee, coaching staff, favour players. Wambach sat out illustriousness next game as a gingerly health measure. She made bitterness home debut for the Nosy on May 1 and scored the match-winning goal in high-mindedness 20th minute to defeat Goal Blue 2–1. It was interpretation team's first league win nearby lifted them to a trilogy tie for third place manner the league.

Wambach was named Period 5 NWSL Player of authority Week after scoring both goals in the Flash's 2–1 accomplishment over FC Kansas City. She became the first player extract the league to win greatness award twice after scoring top-notch goal and serving an relieve during the Flash's 3–0 merit over Sky Blue FC by Week 9.

Wambach announced on Hike 18, 2015, that she was sitting out the entire 2015 NWSL season in order philosopher focus on the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Two weeks later, on March 30, 2015, Wambach's playing rights were traded along with midfielder Amber Brooks and a first-round pick of great consequence the 2016 NWSL College Author to Seattle Reign FC farm animals exchange for forwards Sydney Leroux and Amanda Frisbie.

International career

In 2001, Wambach's WUSA and collegiate function earned her a spot deed the national team training theatrical. Her first cap for loftiness United States women's national borders team occurred on September 9, 2001, during a match wreck Germany at the Nike U.S. Cup in Chicago. She subbed in for Tiffeny Milbrett snare the 76th minute. The U.S. won 4–1. She scored afflict first international goal on Apr 27, 2002, during a ground match against Finland in San Jose, California after subbing flimsy for Christie Welsh in righteousness 75th minute. The U.S. won 3–0.

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

In August 2003, Wambach was labelled to the U.S. roster get ahead of Coach April Heinrichs for fallow first World Cup tournament. Taking accedence played in just six worldwide matches, with three starts, beforehand the 2003 World Cup, Wambach led the United States detain scoring with three goals silky the tournament.

Before a stadium entire with over 34,144 spectators within reach RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Wambach made the starting posse in the Americans' first counterpart of the tournament against Sverige on September 21, 2003. Primacy U.S. defeated Sweden 3–1 unwanted items goals scored by Kristine Lilly, Cindy Parlow, and Shannon Boxx. During the squad's second meeting match against Nigeria in City in front of 31,553 spectators, Wambach scored in the 65 minute to bring the U.S. lead to 4–0. The U.S. would ultimately defeat Nigeria 5–0. She scored her third altercation goal during the squad's 3rd Group stage match against Arctic Korea on a penalty buzz in the 17th minute. Position U.S. defeated North Korea 3–0 after two additional goals shake off Cat Whitehill in the 48 and 66th minutes launching nobleness team to the knock-out stage.

Wambach scored the only goal realize Norway during the quarterfinal, application the way for the Americans to the semi-finals. The Americans lost to Germany 3–0 slot in the semi-finals and were relegated to third place after their 3–1 win over Canada efficient the finals in front endorse 25,253 people at the Caress Depot Center in Carson, California.

2004 Summer Olympics

After the WUSA hanging operations in 2003, Wambach hysterical with the national team detour preparation for the 2004 Summertime Olympics in Athens, Greece. Before the U.S.'s first two matches in Athens, she played dialect trig direct role in four get the message the five goals that honesty team scored resulting in achievements over Greece and Brazil. Not later than the team's first group grade match against Greece on Respected 11, 2004, Wambach scored next to the 30th minute to ameliorate the Americans to a 2–0 lead. She received her lid yellow card of the head-to-head in the 49th minute. Mia Hamm followed with a argument in the 82nd minute grip a final score of 3–0.

The U.S. faced Brazil during their second match of the combat on August 14. Wambach conventional her second yellow card panic about the tournament in the Fortynine minute, giving her an inattentive suspension for the final unit stage match against Australia. Make something stand out Hamm scored on a punishment kick in the 58th put on record, Wambach sealed the win polished a goal in the 77th. After moving on to nobility quarterfinals after a 1–1 compel against Australia in the in reply group stage match, the Americans faced Japan on August 20. Wambach's goal in the 59th minute lifted the Americans rant a 2–1 victory.

After defeating Deutschland in overtime during the semi-final, the U.S. faced Brazil engage in a second time in distinction Olympic final. Wambach's 10-yard spill one\'s guts in the 112th minute not built up a corner kick from Kristine Lilly gave the U.S. well-organized 2–1 victory and the yellowness medal win. Her last-minute map was hailed as one farm animals the five biggest goals improve U.S. women's national team version by ESPN in 2011. Wambach finished the tournament with duo goals and one assist. Bitterness four goals set a fresh record for goals scored indifference a single U.S. player repute an Olympic Tournament. The Athletics win also marked the set off of significant changes for probity national team as it was the final competitive international engage in battle for veteran players Mia Hamm, Joy Fawcett and Julie Foudy, who had played with glory team since the first Women's World Cup in 1991. Utter the significance of the overcome, Wambach said, "It's the smallest amount we can do for blue blood the gentry women who have meant as follows much to us." At integrity end of 2004, Wambach difficult to understand scored 31 goals and 13 assists in 30 matches target the national team. She mature fourth in voting for integrity FIFA Women's World Player star as the Year.

After the Athens Olympiad, Wambach continued as a main contributor to the national band, scoring goals during the 2005 Algarve Cup and a back number of exhibition games. During faction play at the Algarve Cupful, one of her goals helped the U.S. set a lean for the largest goal amplitude in an Algarve Cup stage after their 5–0 win ancient history Denmark. At the end look up to 2006, Wambach had scored 66 goals in 84 international matches, scoring more goals in less games than any player because Michelle Akers. She was upper hand of twenty players nominated represent the 2006 FIFA Women's Pretend Player of the Year paramount finished fourth in voting bring forward the award.

2007 FIFA Women's Environment Cup

Heading into the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, the governmental team had not conceded spruce up game in regulation time top nearly three years and was considered a favorite to grab hold of the tournament in China. Wambach had become a regular first acquaintance the team for five length of existence and had assumed a original position as leader on high-mindedness team. During their first plane of the tournament against Northernmost Korea, Wambach collided in high-mindedness air with North Korean scrapper, Ri Kum-Suk, and landed be delivered the ground with blood sopping down her head. She was sidelined from the pitch hope against hope ten minutes while she ordinary five stitches to the bring to a halt of her head. Coach Greg Ryan decided not to put in place of Wambach, who had scored 78 goals in 97 games. Magnanimity United States was ahead 1–0 thanks to a goal Wambach had scored in the Fiftieth minute, assisted by Kristine Lilly. The squad allowed two goals while Wambach was away answer those ten minutes. "When they scored right away as Beside oneself went off I started have it in for get worried. So I in operation to run to the storeroom room to get stitches dress up in", Wambach said. A fainting fit minutes after Wambach returned in close proximity to the pitch, the United States tied the match with out goal scored by Heather O'Reilly.

The team faced Sweden in their next match on September 14, 2007. Wambach scored two goals and notched up her register to 80 goals in 98 international matches after scoring rope in the 34th minute on trim penalty kick and again wear the 58th minute on skilful left-footed half-volley from a get across from Kristine Lilly. The U.S. finished group play with their 1–0 defeat over Nigeria viewpoint September 18. Wambach provided excellence assist with a header lack of restraint a long thrown-in to Lori Chalupny who settled it not built up her chest and chipped grandeur ball past Nigeria's goalkeeper. Prestige win launched the U.S. hurtle the quarterfinals.

During the quarterfinal balance against England on September 22, 2007, Wambach scored the cheeriness goal for the Americans by means of the 48th minute, followed uncongenial two goals scored by teammates Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly, defeating England 3–0. All match up goals were scored within 12 minutes. During the first fraction, with the match poised have emotional impact 0–0, English captain Faye Snowy required extensive treatment following ending elbow in the face be different Wambach. Although Wambach insisted decency contact was accidental, the Unequivocally players and media thought contrarily. Wambach became the twentieth sportsman in U.S. women's national turn one\'s stomach team history (thirtieth American afflict player overall) to earn Centred international caps.

The United States deliberate Brazil in the semi-finals hamper what would become a unsettled and game-changing match for righteousness team. Coach Greg Ryan definite to bench starting goalkeeper, Long Solo, and instead started Brianna Scurry, a veteran goalkeeper who had started in three Artificial Cups and two Olympics, nevertheless who had started very bloody matches since the 2004 Athletics. The U.S. was defeated 4–0 by Brazil. The loss relegated them to a final issue against Norway, which they won 4–1, to secure third altercation standing at the tournament. Wambach scored a brace with goals in the 30th and Ordinal minutes. She ended the contest having scored six goals fall apart six matches, despite her attitude injury and a previous settle up injury suffered during a accessible match against Finland just unadorned month prior to the Globe Cup.

2008 Summer Olympics

On June 23, 2008, Wambach was named knock off the U.S. squad for authority 2008 Summer Olympics in Peking, China. On July 16, midst a nationally televised exhibition subject against Brazil, she broke ride out left leg during a pile-up with Brazilian defender, Andréia Rosa, preventing her from playing custom the Games.

Thirty-one minutes into ethics match in San Diego, Calif., Wambach ran at full at once seemingly to take a slug from about 30 yards present-day fiercely collided with Rosa. Wambach fell to the ground enjoin immediately signaled for assistance. Haunt left leg was put undecided a brace and she was taken off the field dispose a stretcher. After being entranced to a local hospital well-heeled an ambulance for X-rays, fractures to her tibia and fibula were confirmed. Wambach later underwent surgery to have a ti rod inserted and was lookedfor to be out of beguile for three months. The important match for the national squad was slated to start sequence August 6. Wambach was significance team's leading scorer at nobility time and had just reached 99 goals in 127 matches, just one shy of smooth the fifth U.S. player unacceptable ninth female player in universe history to notch 100 lifetime international goals.

"Obviously, it's devastating, on the contrary above everything else, I'm sui generis incomparabl one player, and you stem never win a championship meet just one player", Wambach thought of her injury, "I be blessed with the utmost confidence in that team bringing home the gold." Although the team won greatness exhibition match with a object scored by Natasha Kai scrub out a free kick from Carli Lloyd and would enter nobility Games undefeated for the day, Wambach's teammates were unsettled from end to end of her injury. "My heart sank", Kai said, "We need give someone the boot. She's a big piece epitome a great team."

Forward Lauren Cheney was called in to alter Wambach at the Games. "There are obviously tons of feelings going through me right now", Cheney said, "I have honourableness deepest sorrow for Abby, nevertheless I am excited to promote to part of the 18 flattering to the Olympics." Wambach alleged during a conference call spiffy tidy up few days after the damage, "I called Lauren Cheney punishment the hospital, 'I want on your toes to go there and moan feel bad about being choice in this type of rest ... What's important is consider it the team going into that tournament is feeling that they can win this. At authority end of the day, that's what makes you stand level the top podium."

Despite Wambach's craving, the U.S. took home wealth apple of one`s e after defeating Brazil 1–0 clod the final. Midfielder Carli Thespian scored the game-winning goal case the 96th minute off high-rise assist from forward, Amy Rodriguez, in front of 51,162 spectators at Workers Stadium. The fortune medal was the third awaken the national team, after sweetened titles at the 2004 Town Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Courageouss, the first Olympic tournament meander included women's soccer.

Wambach scored sit on 100th goal during a convivial match against Canada in assembly hometown of Rochester on July 19, 2009, her second ubiquitous match after returning from second injury. Of the goal, she said, "After this year I've had, the heartbreak of jumble going to the Olympics, keep happy of that pain is valuation it. There's nothing more give orders can ask for than pastime in front of your component crowd and come through collect a milestone like I sincere today." She reached 100 goals in fewer games than of the four other Denizen players who had previously reached 100 goals: Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers and Tiffeny Milbrett.

2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

On May 9, 2011, the U.S. roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup tournament worry Germany was announced, including Wambach. The 2011 Women's World Prize was the third World Mug 1 tournament in which she afflicted. After playing without scoring unadulterated goal in the first bend in half group stage matches against Northerly Korea and Colombia, Wambach scored in the 67th minute near the team's final group depletion match – a 2–1 loss prevent Sweden. With the loss, rectitude U.S. finished second in their group and went on get at face the first place uniform from Group D Brazil concentrated the quarterfinal.

On July 10, 2011, during the Americans' quarter-final endeavour against Brazil, Wambach scored deft header goal in stoppage repel after the 120th minute (120th+two minutes of injury time) academic even the score at 2–2 against the Brazilians. The U.S. went on to win birth game on penalty kicks allow advanced to the semi-final. Wambach's goal set a new compose for latest goal ever scored in a FIFA competition. Grouping last-minute goal was awarded ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Suitably Play of the Year. Wambach scored her third tournament end during the Americans' 3–1 semi-final win over France.

During the last against underdogs Japan, Wambach's brandmark header goal during the chief half of extra-time (her division in the tournament), made accompaniment the United States' all-time grading leader in FIFA Women's Globe Cup history with 13 goals, second to Brazil's Marta focus on Germany's Birgit Prinz (14 all-time goals each). The U.S. was forced to a penalty cough up after a late equalizer tough Japan. Japan won 3–1, catch on Wambach converting the fourth coupled with only successful penalty for blue blood the gentry U.S.

Wambach's final tally for honourableness 2011 FIFA Women's World Drink was four goals and give someone a jingle assist, an effort that appropriate her the 2011 FIFA Women's World CupBronze Boot after Brazil's Marta (4 goals, 2 assists, Silver Boot) and Japan'sHomare Sawa (5 goals, 1 assist, Palmy Boot). All 4 of Wambach's goals in the tournament were scored using her head. Assimilate her efforts, Wambach was awarded the 2011 FIFA Women's Sphere Cup Silver Ball to move about alongside her silver medal plus Bronze Boot.

2012 Summer Olympics

Wambach scored the first goal for significance U.S. at the 2012 Summertime Olympics in London during nobility team's first group stage subject against France on July 25, 2012. Down 2–0 after 14 minutes into the first hemisphere, Wambach headed the ball perform the back of the afford off a corner kick go over the top with Megan Rapinoe in the Nineteenth minute. By the 30-minute dent, the Americans had tied say publicly game with another goal raid Alex Morgan. With another intention from Alex Morgan and solve from Carli Lloyd during primacy second half, the U.S. licked France 4–2.

During the United States' second group round game encroach upon Colombia, Wambach was struck imprison the right eye by proscribe opposing player, but went vindication to score the second rationale in her team's 3–0 dismay. The goal was her onesixth career Olympic goal, which impoverished the previous U.S. record booked by Mia Hamm and Tiffeny Milbrett. It was also wise 140th international goal inching come near to Hamm's record at 158 for most international goals scored. In the 38th minute, Colombian midfielder Lady Andrade ran grow to be Wambach's path while the U.S. was pushing upfield and punched her in the face. Wambach fell to the ground keep in check pain. The referees did moan seem to see the fanfare and made no call. Understanding the match with a enlarged black eye, Wambach described what happened, "I'm running toward say publicly goal to get position, concentrate on I got sucker-punched", she uttered. "It's clear. We have arouse on film, so it's carry on to the Olympic committee president FIFA to decide what yearning do." After reviewing match remoteness, FIFA officials later imposed fastidious two-match ban on the Colombian player.

During the United States' position group stage match against Direction Korea, Wambach scored the single goal of the match nigh the 25th minute on natty play that consisted of spick long ball by Lauren Cheney to Alex Morgan. Morgan slid a pass between two defenders to Wambach who easily spout in her third goal have a good time the tournament. In front eradicate 29,522 spectators at Old Trafford, the Americans finished first detain their group with the standin and it launched them equal the quarter-final against New Seeland. The game also marked high-mindedness first women's soccer game encounter Old Trafford in 23 time eon. During the quarter-final match argue with New Zealand, Wambach scored grouping fourth goal of the competition during the 27th minute only remaining the match. After sliding grab the ball to score, she then led a celebration loom cartwheels – a tribute to decency United States gymnastics team. Portray a second goal scored chunk Sydney Leroux in the 87th minute, the Americans defeated Newborn Zealand 2–0 and moved hype a dismount the semi-finals. Wambach also scored the game-tying third goal, polish a penalty kick, in blue blood the gentry United States' 4–3 controversial semi-final win over Canada.

Wambach scored quint goals at the 2012 Athletics and scored in every mate except the final. In sideline of her accomplishments, she was awarded the 2012 FIFA Earth Player of the Year, favor the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich, on Jan 7, 2013.

2015 FIFA Women's Fake Cup

Prior to playing her fourth Artificial Cup, Wambach declared that honesty Canada 2015 tournament would pull up her last. Given that so-called captain Christie Rampone started evermore game at the bench, Wambach was her first on-field exchange wearing the armband. She was the starting captain in several games, against Australia and Nigeria in the group stage refuse Colombia in the round weekend away 16. Carli Lloyd, who distracted as captain in the another four games, delivered the band to Wambach as she entered the final against Japan awaken eleven minutes remaining, and Wambach in turn passed it speculate to Rampone as she entered at the 86th minute. Rampone reciprocated by allowing Wambach uphold lift the World Cup reward with her. During the winning new campaign, Wambach scored in swell 1–0 win against Nigeria, go to pieces last goal in official competition.

Career statistics

Club

International goals

Main article: Listing of international goals scored manage without Abby Wambach

In her international life, Wambach scored 184 goals put back 255 international matches. Up \'til January 29, 2020, Wambach was the highest all-time international cause scorer for men and detachment, until surpassed by Canadian Popular Team Captain Christine Sinclair. Wambach (27 goals) and Alex Biologist (28 goals) combined for 55 goals in 2012 – equaling keen 21-year-old record set in 1991 by Michelle Akers (39 goals) and Carin Jennings (16 goals) as the most goals scored by any duo in U.S. women's national team history.

World Containerful and Olympic appearances and goals

Wambach competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: 2003 snare the United States, 2007 prank China, 2011 in Germany unthinkable 2015 in Canada. She pretended in two Olympics tournaments: 2004 in Athens and 2012 affix London. All together, she niminy-piminy in 30 matches and scored 22 goals at these quintuplet global tournaments. Along with throw over U.S. teammates, Wambach won cardinal Olympic gold medals, finished gear twice at the Women's Faux Cup, finished second at probity 2011 World Cup, and won the 2015 Women's World Cup.

Style of play

Regarded as one exhaust the greatest soccer players salary all time, Wambach was broadcast in particular for her goalscoring ability, and once was high-mindedness most prolific player in intercontinental competitions in soccer history. Even though she was not the fastest or most technically gifted evolve, Wambach was known for relax physical, effective, and direct enhance of play, as well in that her excellent sense of room and positioning, which allowed unconditional to get onto the carry out of long balls and crosses, as well as making passes to her teammates with reduction headers and backheels. Her high point and physique allowed her crossreference excel in the air, enjoin she was renowned for rustle up ability to score with prepare head, frequently producing goals circumvent spectacular diving headers, and on the run rare occasions, from bicycle kicks. Although primarily a striker, Wambach was also known for waste away energy and outstanding work unpretentious throughout her career, ranking all-time third in the national team's number of assists behind Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, generally dropping into midfield to espouse her teammates defensively and mark out start attacking plays; this enabled her to play anywhere far ahead the front-line, and also exchange function as a playmaker slot in midfield on occasion, in round out later career. In addition figure out her playing abilities, Wambach was praised for her determination, grit, and leadership.

Honors and awards

Wambach testing a six-time winner of say publicly U.S. Soccer Federation's U.S. Stand Athlete of the Year furnish (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013). In 2002, she acknowledged the WUSA's Rookie of high-mindedness Year award for her watch during the 2001 WUSA spell 1. During the three years think it over she played for the General Freedom and magicJack in nobleness WPS, she was named WPS Player of the Week well-organized record seven times.

In 2011, Wambach was awarded decency Bronze Boot and Silver Ballgame at the FIFA Women's Sphere Cup. She was also awarded the 2011 ESPY Award perform Best Play for her 122nd-minute equalizing goal against Brazil mid the quarterfinal. The same vintage, she was named the Women's Sports Foundation Sportswoman of ethics Year and received the Allied Press Female Athlete of leadership Year, the first individual part player ever – man or woman – to receive the award. Get going July 2011, the mayor order Rochester, New York named July 20 "Abby Wambach Day" allow she was given a critical to the city. In Honourable 2012, after returning home running off winning gold at the Summertime Olympics in London, the area of Rochester honored Wambach impervious to hosting a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony in which the introduction to Sahlen's Stadium was called "Wambach Way".

Wambach was named dignity 2012 FIFA World Player outline the Year, becoming the locality woman ever, and the labour American since Mia Hamm 10 years earlier, to win decency award. Wambach received 20.67 pct of the votes from country-wide team coaches and captains orang-utan well as select media mirror image teammate Alex Morgan (13.5) deed five-time winner Marta (10.87). Via her acceptance speech, she thanked FIFA and President Blatter, go in family, coaching and medical baton, and teammates and said, "... winning any individual award equitable a total product of righteousness team that you play realize. I've never scored a map without receiving a pass pass up somebody else. Thanks to transfix the fans out there who continue to inspire me ground the rest of the body to win as many gaiety as we can." Wambach was also a finalist for honourableness award in 2011 and 2013.

Following the United States' win bequeath the 2015 FIFA Women's Fake Cup, Wambach and her teammates became the first women's balls team to be honored area a Ticker tape parade envisage New York City. Each entertainer received a key to class city from Mayor Bill backwards Blasio. In October of honourableness same year, the team was honored by President Barack Obama at the White House.

In 2015, Wambach was named to depiction Time 100 list of illustriousness most influential people in picture world. The following year, she received the 2016 ESPY Painting Award

For their first match healthy March 2019, the women matching the United States women's genetic soccer team each wore swell jersey with the name trip a woman they were delight on the back; Alex Biologist chose the name of Wambach.

Personal life

Wambach is married to penman Glennon Doyle and resides layer Hermosa Beach, California. She before lived in Naples, Florida; Metropolis, Oregon; and Buffalo, New York.

Wambach was previously married to camp player Sarah Huffman from 2013 to 2016. Following their marriage in Hawaii in October 2013, Wambach stated that her wedlock was not a political acknowledgment and did not represent topping coming out, because she esoteric never been closeted: "I can't speak for other people, on the contrary for me, I feel corresponding gone are the days consider it you need to come calmed of a closet. I under no circumstances felt like I was recovered a closet. I never plainspoken. I always felt comfortable anti who I am and birth decisions I made." In Sep 2016, Wambach announced that she and Huffman were divorcing. Cardinal months later, Wambach confirmed she was in a relationship converge author and her future her indoors, Glennon Doyle. In February 2017, they announced their engagement. Dominion May 14, 2017, the blend married.

Wambach was a supporter waning Hillary Clinton's 2016 primary plebiscite campaign and spoke at various campaign events. She was be part of the cause in the 2022 Fast Group of students Queer 50 list.

Endorsements

Wambach has shipshape endorsement deals with Gatorade, Nike, MVP Healthcare, and Panasonic. Impede 2010, she starred in copperplate Dodge commercial with some conduct operations her national team teammates. She signed a one-year endorsement agreement with Bank of America implement July 2011. The same yr, she appeared in commercials give reasons for magicJack phone service and ESPN SportsCenter. In 2012, she old hat a gold card from Chipotle Mexican Grill which entitles round out to one free burrito common for life. Although not a-okay formal endorsement deal, Chipotle offers the cards to well-known out of date athletes who publicly express copperplate liking for the restaurant. Pathway the summer of 2013, she signed an endorsement deal walk off with the New York Apple Federation and was featured in gathering, radio, print and online ads. In 2015, Wambach starred clasp a commercial for LED light company Cree.

Philanthropy

Wambach has done public-spirited work for the Epilepsy Crutch and Juvenile Diabetes Research Trigger. She has participated in Mia Hamm's annual Celebrity Soccer Ignore which raises money for Lowgrade Hospital Los Angeles and rendering Mia Hamm Foundation. In Esteemed 2011, Wambach joined teammates Alex Morgan and Hope Solo invite a Bank of America bountiful campaign at the Chicago Task. $5,000 was donated to goodness Juvenile Diabetes Association on haunt behalf. In 2013, she became an ambassador for Athlete Senses, a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports. She serves bad mood the board of Together Indeterminate, an all-women-led nonprofit organization supported by her wife, Glennon Doyle, supporting women, families, and lineage in crisis.

See also

In Spanish: Abby Wambach para niños

• List attack FIFA Women's World Cup engaging players
• List of women's footballers be equal with 100 or more international goals
• List of international goals scored hard Abby Wambach
• List of multiple Athletics gold medalists in one event
• List of Olympic medalists in football
• List of players who have exposed in multiple FIFA Women's Cosmos Cups
• List of University of Florida Olympians