United States

Julie Ertz scores 1st World Cup goal with husband looking on

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:59 a.m. ET

PARIS (AP) — Julie Ertz scored her first Women's World Cup goal in the United States' 3-0 victory over Chile, and she was cheered on by her husband, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.

Zach wrapped up Eagles' minicamp this week and got to Paris in plenty of time for Sunday's match at Parc des Princes. Julie scored in the 26th minute on a leaping, twisting header and blew a kiss in her husband's direction. The 27-year-old scored her 19th goal in 84 international appearances.

Although Julie played on the U.S. team that won the World Cup in Canada four years ago, she had a more defensive role on that team — and she was still known by her maiden name, Julie Johnston. She has since shifted to midfield as the United States seeks its fourth overall title.

Julie, who plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League, got her World Cup championship before Zach's team won the Super Bowl in 2018. She was in Minneapolis rooting for him when he made the go-ahead touchdown catch in Philadelphia's 41-33 win over New England.

"It's very similar to how she would feel watching me play," Zach told The Associated Press last week. "It's special. It's definitely unique in a sense as an athlete, you always feel you have control of the game or of the situation. When I sit in the stands, I'm just a casual person with a vested interest in seeing a team succeed, seeing Julie succeed."

The two were married in 2017.