Abby Wambach, a soccer fan, is most likely familiar to you. This two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup champion, and U.S. women's national soccer team captain has been making headlines for a variety of reasons. She has a rich resume of accolades and has been a frequent contributor to the media. But where is she now? What does it take to get her into professional women's soccer?
Abby Wambach was an Olympic gold medalist twice.
Abby Wambach was a star in 2004, scoring 31 goals in 30 games and providing 13 assists. Athens Olympics 2004: Abby Wambach won a gold medal for her performance. She scored the winning goal against Brazil in extra-time. Abby Wambach's last game for the U.S. will be against China on Dec. 16, as part of a World Cup victory tour. She stated that she would not make a decision about her Olympic future before the World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Champion
Abby Wambach was FIFA World Cup Champion and scored an incredible goal against Brazil in July 20. It was one the most memorable moments of the tournament. The match was tied at 122 minutes. It forced penalties, which the USA won. It was the most memorable moment of the tournament according to the FIFA poll. The American was so overwhelmed by joy that she cried in joy. Wambach shouted "Score in ten minutes!" at her teammates. She then headed the ball into the back of the net.
U.S. women's national soccer team captain
Mary Abigail Wambach was a former American Soccer player, coach and member of The National Soccer Hall of Fame. She was a sixtime U.S. Soccer Athlete-of-the Year winner. Wambach was an American women's team regular from 2003 to 2015. She won her first cap in 2001.
Founder of Angel City
Abby Wambach (an Olympian who was born in Rochester) is the founder of the new women’s soccer club. Wambach is a founding investor, and the first woman ever to hold majority ownership in the NWSL. Wambach's connection with the team began after she attended a Time's Up event and realized there wasn't a women's team in Los Angeles.
Investment in women's soccer
It is refreshing to see the recent investment in women's soccer. A quarter of FIFA member organizations do not have a senior women’s national soccer team. Even Pakistan, which played very little competitive soccer before 2015 Women's World Cup is one of these. Mauritania invested more that $100,000 in women's football since 2016 and has now played its first official matches with Spain.