USWNT Star Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement

1 Carli Lloyd Scores in Extra Time to Win Gold in 2008 Olympics

At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the USWNT and Brazil were knotted up at a 0-0 tie in a gold medal match destined for extra time. Six minutes after the end of regulation, Lloyd attempted a long-range shot from a tough angle that sliced past the Brazilian goalkeeper to get the US on the board. It proved to be the game-winning goal, and the US, considered the underdogs in the match, took home gold.

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2 Carli Lloyd Scores Twice to Help US Defeat Japan, 2-1, at 2012 Olympics

Carli Lloyd and gold medal-winning goals just go hand in hand. The striker scored both of the US's goals in a razor-thin 2-1 win over Japan in the 2012 Olympic gold medal match, and once again the US claimed the title of Olympic champion.

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3 Carli Lloyd Scores a Hat Trick in the 2015 World Cup Final

Perhaps Lloyd's most memorable performance came in 2015, as the USWNT were looking to become World Cup champions for the first time since 1999. Playing against Japan, the team that had beaten them in the 2011 World Cup Final, the US got off to a hot start when Lloyd streaked through the box to score in the third minute. Two minutes later, Lloyd scored again, tapping in a ricocheted corner kick. Eleven minutes after that, Lloyd took aim from about mid-field and lofted in arguably the best goal in World Cup history to cap off her hat trick. The US went on to win, 5-2.

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4 Carli Lloyd Becomes the Oldest Goal Scorer in USWNT History

In June 2021, Lloyd scored in the first minute of a USWNT friendly against Jamaica to become the oldest goal scorer in USWNT history. (It was a record she'd soon surpass in the Olympics.)

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5 Carli Lloyd Scores Twice to Help USWNT Win Bronze at 2021 Olympics

After a blowout at the hands of Sweden in the group stage, followed by a heartbreaking loss to Canada in the semifinals, the USWNT found themselves fighting for a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics. Lloyd promptly scored twice in the Americans' 4-3 win over Australia, the type of performance we've come to expect from an athlete who always shows up in the biggest moments. Lloyd's goals helped secure her final Olympic medal as a member of the USWNT, and set a record as the oldest goal-scorer in Olympic (and USWNT) history.

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6 Bonus: Carli Lloyd Runs Sprints After the USWNT Loses in Olympic Semifinals

Lloyd's work ethic is second to none, and if you were watching closely during this post-match interview, you got a taste of it. As Megan Rapinoe broke down the USWNT's loss to Canada in the semifinals of the 2021 Olympics, the 39-year-old Lloyd could be seen running wind sprints alone in the background. Later, she tweeted a quote: "Life has knocked me down a few times. It showed me things I never wanted to see. I experienced sadness and failures. But one thing for sure, I always get up."

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