Delran Township to honor Carli Lloyd in advance of her soccer retirement

Delran Township mayor Gary Catrambone has announced that the township will throw a retirement party for hometown hero Carli Lloyd on Oct. 14.The outdoor event will include live music, special guests, fireworks and other surprises. 

Lloyd will retire from both professional soccer and the United States Women's National team after her final season ends later this fall. One of the most successful women's soccer players in history, Lloyd has played in four World Cups and four Olympic Games, most recently in Tokyo earlier this summer. 

She plays for the New York/New Jersey Gotham Football Club of the NWSL, whose season ends in November.

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Originally planned as a welcome home from the Olympics, her retirement put a new spin on things.

“We wanted an event that would be fun for Carli,” Catrambone said in a statement, “When she told me she would be retiring, I knew we needed to do even more. Carli is an inspiration to young athletes and children everywhere, but especially here at home in Delran. We have all watched her tenacity and hard work from the time she was a little girl, and we really wanted to show our appreciation.”

Lloyd has proudly shared her South Jersey roots, having graduated from Delran High School before playing at Rutgers University. Her more than 300 international appearances are second-most in soccer history. Still, she always waves her Jersey credentials proudly.

"Growing up in Delran was an amazing experience for me. I formed so many friendships and memories, and it helped lay the foundation for my path of becoming a professional soccer player,” Lloyd said, “As a little girl, I was always going to the local fields, practicing on my own or with the boys. I have always carried Delran and the memories I had growing up throughout my journey."

Details of the 5:30 p.m. outdoor event on Oct. 14 are still being worked out, but attendees are encouraged to bring a towel or blanket to enjoy the festivities.

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