CARY, NC (January 28, 2022) – North Carolina Courage forward and US Women’s National team veteran Amy Rodriguez announced today her retirement from professional soccer after a 16-year career that entailed time spent in the NWSL, WPS, and with the USWNT. The club would like to thank Amy for her contributions this season and wish her all the best in her next steps.
Upon her retirement, Rodriguez will reunite with her alma mater, the University of Southern California, joining the women’s soccer team as an assistant coach. Rodriguez played at USC from 2005 to 2008, leading the Trojans to their first NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship. She currently holds USC’s second career game-winning goal record (12), ranks fourth in school history in career points (79) and sixth in career assists (17).
“Amy contacted the club earlier this week to let us know of her retirement as a result of this incredible new coaching opportunity,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas. “It was clear this was a very sudden and difficult decision for her, but ultimately what was best for her family and career. She has given so much to this game, it’s been her life and the decision to walk away was one that she hadn’t planned on happening this soon. I fully support her and this decision as for years, decades she has committed to her clubs and teams. She has always been fully invested in her craft. Now she gets to take care of her other team…the most important team, her family.”
Rodriguez joined the Courage in July of 2021 following a trade with the Kansas City Current, later making her Courage debut on July 23 in a 0-0 draw against her former club. Throughout the season, the Beverly Hills native made 15 appearances for the North Carolina side, collecting three goals and 987 minutes of playing time while also leading the squad to the NWSL Playoffs.
“Amy has helped build such a strong foundation for women’s soccer in this country and I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Nahas continued. “In the short time she was here, she left a mark on all of us with her truly professional approach, but more importantly, with the person she is. It was an absolute pleasure having the opportunity to coach her and I wish her nothing but the best on her new journey in the coaching world. USC is lucky to have her and we look forward to seeing her growth as a coach and continued involvement in the game.”
The 34-year-old began her professional career with West Coast FC of the Women’s Premier Soccer League in 2008, but never made an appearance with the team after being called in to the USWNT for the Olympics. Later, Rodriguez was selected as the first overall pick in the 2009 WPS Draft by the Boston Breakers, playing 17 games before being traded to the Philadelphia Independence. The forward spent two seasons with the Independence, scoring 17 goals in 37 appearances.
In 2013, Rodriguez joined Seattle Reign FC as a part of the NWSL Player Allocation and was later traded to FC Kansas City. In 2014 and 2015, Rodriguez led Kansas City to back-to-back NWSL Championships, remaining with the club through their move to Utah, as well as through their 2021 move back to Kansas City, tallying 57 appearances and scoring 17 goals over five seasons before being traded to the Courage.
Likewise dominant on the international stage, Rodriguez recorded her first cap with the US Women’s National Team at the 2005 Algarve Cup as a senior in high school. Over a 13-year career with the national team, the dominant striker went on to record 132 appearances for her country, scoring 30 goals, adding 19 assists and winning two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup trophy, sealing her status as a world champion.
“We are thrilled Amy has this incredible opportunity at USC so close to home,” Chief Soccer Officer Curt Johnson said. “She has had an unbelievable playing career on the field and has been an integral leader in growing the sport since she burst onto the scene scoring goals for our youth national teams and USC. I know she will be a fantastic coach and mentor to the next generation of players. Of course, we are sad that she won’t be on the field for the Courage in 2022, but we understand, respect, and support her decision to pursue the next step in her career path, close to her family, at her alma mater.”
