Delran’s Lloyd Best in Biggest Moments

Delran’s Lloyd Proves Best in the Biggest Moments

Is there anybody who has been more popular in the sports world than Delran product Carli Lloyd. On the biggest stage, she had the most clutch performance of her stellar soccer career. And Lloyd, who graduated from Delran in 2001 and then starred at Rutgers, has the reputation of playing her best in the biggest games.

It doesn’t get any bigger than the World Cup final, one that was watched in American by more than 26 million people.

Lloyd scored three first half goals as the U.S. defeated Japan, 5-2, winning its first World Cup championship since 1999.

Lloyd earned the Golden Ball, presented to the tournament’s most valuable player.

She did more than just start in the final.

During a 1-0 quarterfinal win over China, Lloyd scored the lone goal. During a 2-0 semifinal win over Germany (the pre-tournament favorite) Lloyd scored on a penalty kick and also had an assist on the second goal.

This was the latest of her clutch performance when the stakes were the highest.

With the U.S. National Team, she had a coming out party by scoring four goals in the 2007 Algarve Cup, one of the top women’s soccer tournaments, probably ranking below the World Cup and Olympics. She was the tournament’s top scorer and named the MVP.

Then came the 2008 Olympics when she scored twice, including the game-winner in a 1-0 gold medal winning game in overtime against Brazil. Somehow, she topped that performance in the 2012 London Olympics. Lloyd scored both goals in the gold medal game as the U.S. beat Japan, 2-1.

Yet Lloyd, who turns 33 on July 16, had done much more than just score in the championship games. She has made more than 200 appearances with the U.S. National Team and now has 65 goals.

And remember, she is not a forward but a midfielder, with more defensive responsibilities. Lloyd has become a true leader on the U.S. team and despite all of her success and the number of games she has played, has no thoughts on retiring.

The Olympics are in 2016, and Lloyd said before the World Cup that she plans on playing in the 2019 World Cup as well.

It’s interesting that two of the most high profile athletes are both from South Jersey. Joining Lloyd is Millville product Mike Trout, who was just named to his fourth straight American League all star team and will make his third start.

Both Lloyd and Trout were stars in high school and have continually gotten batter while playing against the best competition their sport can offer.

And nobody is getting more attention for South Jersey at this moment than Lloyd, who has enjoyed a decorated career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Photo (Marc Narducci): Carli Lloyd

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Author: Marc Narducci; photo by Marc Narducci