Julie Ertz’s U.S. women’s national team career came to a close on Thursday night in Cincinnati with the veteran midfielder enjoying a victory in her final international match.

Ertz started and played 35 minutes at TQL Stadium as the USWNT defeated South Africa 3-0 in the first of two September friendlies. Lynn Williams scored a brace for Twila Kilgore’s squad while Trinity Rodman also found the back of the net in a comfortable win.

After multiple offensive chances for both teams to start the match, the USWNT broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Williams’ first goal of the night. Williams’ header from a Lindsey Horan corner kick snuck into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

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Rodman doubled the USWNT’s lead just two minutes later, picking up a pass from Alex Morgan and slotting home down the middle of the South African net.

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Ertz was replaced in the 35th minute by Andi Sullivan, coming off the field to a strong reception from the home fans.

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Williams extended the USWNT’s lead to 3-0 before halftime, finishing off Lindsey Horan’s headed pass from close range.

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Horan and Ashley Sanchez were both denied goals of their own in the second half as South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stayed busy in between the posts.

Alyssa Naeher registered a one-save clean sheet as the USWNT earned its first victory since its opening match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup earlier this summer.

Chicago’s Soldier Field will play host to the USWNT’s second and final match this window against South Africa on Sept. 24.