Amy Rodriguez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 Women's World Cup champion with the United States women's soccer team, announced her retirement from professional soccer at age 34. Additionally, she was appointed as an assistant coach with her alma mater, University of Southern California. Rodriguez ends her 16-year career after spending time in the WPS and NWSL where she won back- to-back NWSL championships with FC Kansas City.
Rodriguez will now join USC as an assistant coach where she played with the Trojans from 2005 to 2008. She was an integral part of the school's first-ever NCAA Championship in women's soccer and currently sits second in USC's all-time game-winning goals list with four and sixth in all-time scoring list with 31.
She was called up to the national team as a senior in high school and went on to earn 132 caps with the senior side, scoring 30 goals and recording 19 assists. Rodriguez earned two gold medals during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and was on the 2015 World Cup winning roster.
Rodriguez departs from NWSL representing four clubs during her time in the league, and was part of two expansion franchises (Utah Royals and Kansas City Current) during their inaugural seasons, before being traded to North Carolina Courage midseason in 2021.
"Amy contacted the club earlier this week to let us know of her retirement as a result of this incredible new coaching opportunity," said Courage coach Sean Nahas.
"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."
Rodriguez's mark on the game is undeniable, as it spans multiple leagues and clubs that were establishing their foundations and winning games and titles in the process. Her ability to score from all areas of the pitch made her a difficult mark for defenders. This goal scored in 2019 in a Utah Royals uniform is the perfect example of the power behind her shot selections.
No doubt about it.@AmyRodriguez8's long-distance 🚀 is the Week 9 #NWSL Goal of the Week! pic.twitter.com/WW7evsLbdL
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 18, 2019
