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Aug. 16 (UPI) -- United States Women's National Team star Carli Lloyd, a two-time World Cup winner, announced her retirement from soccer Monday. Lloyd, who scored 128 international goals and won two Olympic gold medals, will retire from international play after the USWNT friendlies this fall. She will step away from club competition at the end of the National Women's Soccer League season.
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"When I first started out with the national team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete soccer play I could be and to help the team win championships," Lloyd said in a statement. "Every single day I stepped out onto the field, I played as if it was my last game.
"I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how hard it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay at the top for so long. ... I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for helping to provide the opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.
"I am forever grateful to have represented the crest and to be able to play for my country for the last 17 years. I will continue to support and cheer this team on and continue to find ways to help grow the game and inspire the next generation."
Lloyd hinted at retirement after the Summer Games in Tokyo. She will compete in two international friendlies in September and two in October, which will serve as her final matches for the United States.
The 39-year-old Lloyd also will finish the remainder of the NWSL season with her club, NJ/NY Gotham FC, before concluding her career.
Lloyd currently has 312 international caps, ranking second all-time in U.S. and world history behind only Kristine Lilly (354). Lloyd is one of just four international soccer players to play 300 or more times for her country.
The U.S. midfielder is one of only two Americans to win the FIFA Women's Player of the Year Award twice, earning the honor in 2015 and 2016.
Her 128 international goals rank fourth in USWNT history, and she holds the team record for most Olympic goals (10).
