Soccer-Former U.S. World Cup winner Ertz retires

FILE PHOTO-Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Soccer Football - Women - Group G - United States v Australia - Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki, Japan - July 27, 2021. Julie Ertz of the United States after the match REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Twice U.S. Female Player of the Year Julie Ertz announced her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday, the U.S. federation said, after the American team's disappointing Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Ertz, who played as defender and in midfield during her international career, was a key figure in the United States' winning World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019.