United States midfielder Julie Ertz has signed a one-year deal with National Women’s Soccer League side Angel City FC, the club said on Monday, continuing her surprise comeback after an extended absence from the sport.
Ertz, 31, gave birth in August and earlier this month took the field for the U.S. for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics, with the hope of making the squad for the Women’s World Cup in July. She came on at half-time of Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Ireland.
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U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski said a condition of Ertz’s return to the national team was that she had to be playing for a club side, as she has not been affiliated with a professional team since the Chicago Red Stars in 2021.
“I am so thrilled to be joining one of the most exciting clubs in the world,” Ertz said in a statement. “I cannot wait to get to work with the team and finally experience the amazing game-day atmosphere.”