Saved by the USWNT

Ch. 48 - Retirement

Hope POV

I decided to retire after many conversations with Kelley. I'm still young and I'm still at the top of my game, but it's not a World Cup year or a year for the Olympics so I thought it would be a good time to do it. I can finally get my shoulder fixed too.

I started considering retirement when Portland offered me the head goalkeeper coach position. I told them I needed time to think about it, but I have decided to take it. I haven't told the girls yet. I think Liv will be happy for me, but I don't know how Char will feel.

Our next game is going to be my retirement game and we are playing against Orlando. As we are packing up to travel for the game, I decide now is a good time to pull Charlie and Liv to the side.

"Girls? Can you come downstairs? I need to talk to you about something." I called up to them from the living room. They both came running down the stairs and jumped over to the couch to sit down causing me to roll my eyes.

"The fact you two haven't been injured more while living with us is shocking," I told both of them with a stern look.

They both just shrugged so I continued with what I needed to tell them.

"I hope you both are okay with this, but I kind of already made the choice. Our game against Orlando is going to be my last one." I waited to see their reactions, but they both seemed confused.

Char looked up at me nervously, "Are you okay?"

I smiled and nodded to her, "Yes sweetie, I'm just fine. I'm not injured or anything, but I'm retiring."

"What? Why? You're still young!" I was shocked to see Liv being the one defensive over this.

"I know, but Portland offered me a position I couldn't refuse. Are you okay with this?" I asked Liv.

She looked upset but ultimately nodded her head, "I'm just a little bummed. I really was looking forward to the day that I was on the same field as you and mama competing at the same level. Being able to turn around and see you have my back."

I sighed and wrapped Liv up in a hug, "I'm sorry sweet heart. I didn't know, but you'll still have mama. It's my time though."

Liv nodded and I looked over to Charlie who had been quiet throughout Liv and I's conversation.

"How do you feel about this Char?" I asked her carefully.

She had been looking at her lap but looked at me when I addressed her. "I'll support you with whatever you do as long as it makes you happy." Char told me with a slight smile on her face, but it looked like the gears in her head were turning.

I pulled both of my girls into my arms and gave them a hug while telling them thanks for understanding where I was coming from.

Charlotte POV

It's now game day and officially mom's last game as a professional soccer player. I'm kind of sad that she was retiring. She was my idol growing up and now she's not going to be on that field anymore.

We are playing against Orlando and mom is starting. After the game there is also a retirement celebration that we are looking forward too, but we are hoping Portland wins first.

It's pretty even 1-1 in the first half so Portland is determined to pull through in the second half. As for the national players that I recognize, Ash is in goal with Ali and Emily in defense, Morgan in midfield and Carli and Alex as forwards for Orlando. Whereas Portland has mom in goal, mama and Becky in defense, Lindsey at midfield, and Tobin and Christen as forwards.

Carli and Alex try to push forward in the 88th minute, but mama steals it before sending it up to Tobin. Tobin nutmegs Emily before sending it to the goal where it finds Christen's foot and she tucks it in.

Even with an extra two minutes added at the end, Portland still wins the game. Everyone, even the Orlando girls were excited and happy for mom because she won her last game.

After the game, the Portland girls along with the Orlando girls that were also on the national team came over to celebrate with mom. They had a big presentation of mom throughout her career before we all went out to dinner together.

Olivia POV

We are at dinner in Florida to celebrate for moms retirement. I'm so happy her retirement game was in Florida against Orlando because not only did I get to see mom play professionally one last time, but I also got to see all of my aunts and my girlfriend.

I sat next to Morgan at dinner, but after dinner we asked if we could walk around town. Mom and mama agreed pending I took an aunt or two so I decided on Aunty Ash and Aunt Ali who willingly agreed.

We walked in the downtown area until we found an ice cream shop.

"Aunty Ash? Can we get ice cream please?" I asked her with the best puppy dog eyes I could muster up.

She frowned at me before nodding her head, "Yeah, we can all get ice cream."

I squealed before hugging her and shouting thank you over and over. Ali started cracking up laughing saying something about how their future children are going to be so spoiled.

After we left the counter we sat down at a booth sitting across from our significant others. I leaned into Ali as we were eating our ice cream. Morgan and Ash were arguing about who the best superhero was when Ali asked me quietly if I was okay.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, I just really missed being with you."

Ali gave me a hug when we stood up, "I love you kiddo. You are welcome here anytime."

"I love you to Aunt Ali," I told her while hugging her back.

Tonight made me question what I wanted to do after college. I know I am definitely going, but the team I wanted to join afterwards could change.