Im Soo-bun-USA TODAY Sports
“Don't cry because it's over, laugh because it happened.” That was Kerry O'Hara's message to fans in her retirement announcement video. A true women's sport. All good things must come to an end, including the career of a two-time National Women's Soccer League champion, Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion.
As the decorated defender concludes his professional career, he is grateful for the journey he has taken and is especially grateful to be able to join New Jersey/New York Gotham FC on his terms.
“I feel like everything that has happened in my career was meant to happen,” O’Hara exclusively told Equalizer. “It's crazy to see him go from the club where he started the NWSL era to finishing his career in New York/New Jersey and in such a different place.”
O'Hara never expected to return to his first NWSL team, Sky Blue FC (now Gotham). She thinks it's only right for the NWSL's “OG” to end her illustrious career where it all began.
“It makes me think this is what it's supposed to be,” O'Hara said.
Between fighting for equal pay with the U.S. Women's National Team and implementing the first collective bargaining agreement in NWSL history, O'Hara left her mark on women's soccer on and off the field. Now, with only a few months left, the 35-year-old can truly say she's leaving U.S. Soccer in a better place than she ever expected.
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O'Hara was humble about his accomplishments with his teammates both at home and abroad. She's proud of the work they've put in, but knows this is just the beginning. Despite her impending retirement, she still feels her responsibility to continue moving her game forward, building on her more than a decade of activity as a player.
“I'm proud of what we've done so far, what we've been able to accomplish, the hurdles we've been able to overcome, and the place we've brought to the U.S. National Team, the NWSL, and women's soccer,” and the sport in general to the current situation. We brought it back,” O’Hara said. “There's still a lot of work to do, and I'm very aware of that. That's why I want to stay as close as I can, continue to influence the game, and hopefully make as much or more of a difference outside of the game.'' too. ”
While O'Hara explores post-playing opportunities, he is fully focused on this season's NWSL and could bring Gotham another championship.
“That's always the goal!” O'Hara said with a laugh. “I'm trying to win even in practice, I'm trying to win whatever it is. If there's a championship on the line, I want to win it, but I know how difficult it is, I've done it before. So I know what it takes. That's great, but I'm just grateful that I got it last year.”
O'Hara's teammates look forward to giving the legend a fitting sendoff
“It's a bittersweet story,” she said in her announcement, and in the most Kelly way. “Instead of crying about the ending, let's remember all the times she went through and smile. Unfortunately, we… Because not everyone can play forever,” Lin said. Williams. “Kelly is one of a kind. Not only did I play with her on the national team, but here she is and I'm so honored and happy to have played with her and to know her.” I feel it. [at Gotham].she hopes she can [overcome] If we can heal her injury and get her back on the field, we'll be able to give her a nice farewell trip. ”
With five months left in the NWSL season, O'Hara still has plenty of time to make one final shot at winning the NWSL trophy. In the meantime, let's take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of the moments on and off the pitch that cemented O'Hara as a legend of the game.
Goal against Germany in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
Perhaps one of O'Hara's most iconic on-field moments occurred at the 2015 World Cup. His goal in the 84th minute, with a great volley assisted by Carli Lloyd, clinched the USWNT's victory over Germany, sending the team to the finals and ultimately taking home the trophy.
Washington Spirit's 2021 NWSL Championship, winning goal in overtime
O'Hara will score just one goal in the 2021 NWSL season, but what a goal it was. In overtime of the 2021 final, Trinity Rodman's serve led to O'Hara's header, and the Spirit ultimately defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2-1.
Gotham FC goes “full circle”
O'Hara made headlines in 2022 as one of the first NWSL free agents to announce his next team. During the taping of Men in Blazers, she announced her intention to sign with Gotham FC, which was in last place at the time. She later said in an exclusive interview that it was a “full circle” moment for her decision. equalizer.
The signing of O'Hara was the first in a series of moves that would ultimately lead Gotham FC to its first NWSL Championship.
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