Joyous moment latest positive for Julie Ertz

Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Ertz is one of the best soccer players in the world, but on Sunday, she became well-known as one of the most ardent Philadelphia Eagles fans thanks to a viral video.

Ertz scored a goal during the U.S. women’s national team’s 5-1 victory over Denmark in a friendly Sunday in San Diego. The game was played concurrently with the NFC Championship Game in which Ertz’s husband, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, was playing.

Following her game, Ertz finally found out that the Eagles won and advanced to the Super Bowl. Video of the moment soon was everywhere, as was video of Zach Ertz reacting to video of his wife’s reaction.

“I think I was more emotional watching the side-by-side of us two than the actual news,” Zach Ertz told the Sun-Times. “But I think most of the world has seen me cry now.”

Though Ertz didn’t look at the Eagles’ score during her game, she said a few people that were around her in the locker room “kind of gave me that smile and eyes” and that a friend let her know things were going well for Philadelphia. But she reminded herself not to get too excited until the game was over.

“I was way excited just to hear the answer at the end of the game,” Ertz said. “That was the answer I wanted to hear.”

Zach Ertz reaching the Super Bowl is just the latest accomplishment for the Ertz couple.

Ertz, a key member of the 2015 World Cup champions, was named the 2017 U.S. Soccer female player of the year and moved smoothly from playing central defense to defensive midfielder.

Ertz said what she and her husband have accomplished is “truly a blessing.” They train together and have similar goals

“It’s pretty crazy but it’s definitely important for us to reflect and see what a blessing and how grateful we are for those opportunities,” Ertz said.

Ertz wants to keep improving her game and moving forward while mastering both defense and the midfield.

“The game is getting better and I know that I need to continue to get better, and I want to,” she said. “That’s always my goal every year, to continue to grow as a player.”

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