Lori Chalupny announces retirement from US national team

By foxsports
Published

Defender Lori Chalupny has announced her retirement from the U.S. women's national team.

Chalupny will wrap up her international career during the team's victory tour to celebrate its World Cup title. The United States won women's soccer's premier tournament last month in Canada.

''Winning the World Cup was definitely a big part to do with my decision. I think winning and ending my career on a World Cup victory, it doesn't get much better than that. I think the time was right,'' Chalupny said in a statement.

The 31-year-old defender rejoined the national team last year after a five-year layoff because of concussions and earned a spot on coach Jill Ellis' 23-player World Cup roster.

Chalupny's career with the U.S. women began in 2001, when she was just 15. She has made 104 international appearances.

Chalupny has not decided whether she will return to her club team, the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, but she will finish out the current season. Shannon Boxx, who also played for the Red Stars, announced her retirement from the national team following the World Cup, too.

''Lori has been one of the greatest players to ever represent the Red Stars, both on and off the field,'' Chicago GM Alyse LaHue said. ''Seeing her success with Chicago and then having it finally pay off after a long journey back to the National Team has been simply amazing to watch and we couldn't have wished for it for a better player and person.''

A St. Louis, Missouri, native, Chalupny is about to start her third season as an assistant women's soccer coach at Maryville University in St. Louis.

''Now, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life,'' she said. ''I know I will still be heavily involved in the game and look forward to sharing my passion with young players in whatever environment I find myself in.''

The United States opened its 10-city victory tour on Sunday with an 8-0 win against Costa Rica in Pittsburgh. The team will face Costa Rica again on Wednesday night at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Games against Australia are scheduled for September in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama.