Associated Press
ROCHESTER, N.Y. ó From Germany to Letterman and now Rochester, Abby Wambach finds herself running on fumes.
ěIím exhausted,î Wambach said Wednesday, before conducting yet another TV interview prior to her Womenís Professional Soccer league match for magicJack against the Western New York Flash. ěIím just exhausted.î
Her bodyís sore, as she is nursing tendinitis in her right Achillesí that might prevent her from playing in the game. Most of all, her mindís drained.
Thereís been the three days of non-stop travel, including a stint on ěLate Show with David Letterman.î Couple with that the disappointment of the U.S. womenís World Cup final loss on penalty kicks to Japan in Germany on Sunday.
And if it wasnít for the opportunity to enjoy a homecoming in Rochester, Wambach wouldíve preferred curling up the nearest bed for one long much-needed nap.
ěWe had a long road in Germany, and I have to take care of my body,î she said, rubbing her eyes. ěIn the end, Iím here. Thatís saying a lot because this city means so much to me.î
Wambach ó along with goalie Hope Solo ó might have been the face of the U.S. team during the three-week long tournament in captivating the nation back home with her gritty head-first lunging style and clutch goal-scoring ability.
But itís in Rochester, where the 31-year-old has always been known and celebrated as ěAbby.î
The enthusiasm was ever present on Wednesday.
Wearing her No. 20 jersey, Wambach received loudest cheers ó and a 40-second standing ovation ó as all players who competed in the World Cup were presented with flowers prior to the game. More cheers followed a few minutes later when Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards proclaimed this ěAbby Wambach Day,î and presented her with the key to the city.
Earlier in the afternoon, more than 1,500 screaming fans packed a mall food court in suburban Rochester for a rally. And it was at around 2:30 p.m. ó five hours before game time ó when fans braved the plus-90-degree temperatures and began lining up at the gates at Sahlenís Stadium.
One of the draws, aside from seeing Wambach in person, was the chance to be among the first 1,000 through the gates to receive a Wambach bobblehead doll.
ěWe had to choose between going to Eastview Mall, or coming for the bobblehead, and we wanted the bobblehead,î said Nancy Brown, who was among the first at the stadium gate along with her daughter Emily and son Colby.
ěThis is very exciting,î 11-year-old Emily Brown said, noting that sheís had a Wambach poster on her wall since she was seven.