SOCCER

Abby Wambach's final game

Abby Wambach (20) leaves the field with Alex Morgan (13) after her final career game with the U.S. women's national team.
Abby Wambach (20) leaves the field with Alex Morgan (13) after her final career game with the U.S. women's national team.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Wambach, 35, started and left in the 71st minute against China in New Orleans.
Wambach, 35, started and left in the 71st minute against China in New Orleans.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Wambach vies for a header against China midfielder Yang Man during the first half.
Wambach vies for a header against China midfielder Yang Man during the first half.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Wambach lines up a first-half shot against China defender Wu Haiyan (5).
Wambach lines up a first-half shot against China defender Wu Haiyan (5).
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
The U.S. lost 1-0 to snap its 104-game home unbeaten streak, but the night was all about a farewell to Wambach.
The U.S. lost 1-0 to snap its 104-game home unbeaten streak, but the night was all about a farewell to Wambach.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Wambach failed to add to her record tally and retires with more international goals (184) than any other player, male or female.
Wambach failed to add to her record tally and retires with more international goals (184) than any other player, male or female.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Fans filled the Superdome to capacity to bid farewell to Wambach.
Fans filled the Superdome to capacity to bid farewell to Wambach.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Fans at the Superdome show their love for Wambach.
Fans at the Superdome show their love for Wambach.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Fans show their support for Wambach.
Fans show their support for Wambach.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
A pair of fans show off their Wambach banner before the game.
A pair of fans show off their Wambach banner before the game.
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Wambach vies for possession against China defender Wu Haiyan during the first half.
Wambach vies for possession against China defender Wu Haiyan during the first half.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Wambach plays a header against China defender Li Dongna.
Wambach plays a header against China defender Li Dongna.
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Abby Wambach calls for a pass Dec. 16, 2016, in her final game.
Abby Wambach calls for a pass Dec. 16, 2016, in her final game.
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Wambach (20) poses with the rest of the starting lineup before taking the field.
Wambach (20) poses with the rest of the starting lineup before taking the field.
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Wambach waves to the fans as she takes the field for warm-ups.
Wambach waves to the fans as she takes the field for warm-ups.
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Wambach was front an center all night, even when the team took the field for warm-ups.
Wambach was front an center all night, even when the team took the field for warm-ups.
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"I love this team, this country, and it has been my pleasure and my honor to represent you all, the fans, for as long as I’ve been able to," Wambach said after the game.
"I love this team, this country, and it has been my pleasure and my honor to represent you all, the fans, for as long as I’ve been able to," Wambach said after the game.
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