Women's World Cup: USA's Jessica McDonald juggles game with son

[demmiblue]

Paris — Jessica McDonald quickly was put in her place by Jeremiah, her 7-year-old son.

“I tried to explain to him: ‘Buddy, we’re going to the World Cup,’” the American forward remembered. “And he’s just like: ‘OK, can I have a toy now?’”

A 31-year-old forward, McDonald made her World Cup debut at the start of the second half against Chile on June 16, a pinnacle on a circuitous, protracted path to soccer’s highest level. She sparked the offense and her curling shot hit a post in the 62nd minute.

A big part of the joy for McDonald is that Jeremiah is headed to the World Cup to watch the latter stages. The defending champion Americans play Spain on Monday with a chance to advance to the quarterfinals.

“He doesn’t fully understand, but at least he’s at an age right now where he’s actually going to remember this,” she said. “He’s going to look back and be like, ‘Wow, I was there. Wow, my mom actually is cool — like she said.’”

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She was at a doctor’s office last month having the yearly knee checkup when U.S. coach Jill Ellis called.

“My heart’s pounding at that point pretty hard, and so she’s like, ‘You want your answer?’ I’m like, yes,” McDonald recalled, thinking about Ellis’ magic words: “You’re going to the World Cup.”

“It was just an ugly cry from that point on — and she said a handful of more things. No idea what she said because I was too busy crying, and just like overwhelming joy,” McDonald said. “I’m 31 years old and I’ve been waiting 31 years just for that phone call, just for that answer.”

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/06/23/womens-world-cup-usas-jessica-mcdonald-juggles-game-son/1542871001/

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