Carli Lloyd: Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist In Professional Soccer Reveals Her Success Story

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

8 years ago

Carli Lloyd

Carli Anne Lloyd was born on 16th July 1982. She is an American professional soccer midfielder who currently plays for Western New York Flash in the National Women’s Soccer League and the United States women’s national soccer team. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and scored the gold medal-winning goals in the finals of both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics. She has represented the United States at two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments: first at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in which she helped the U.S. win bronze and at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in which the U.S. won silver. She has played in over 160 matches for the U.S. national team and scored over 45 goals.

Llloyd played professionally for the Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, and Atlanta Beat in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). She was allocated to the Western New York Flash for the inaugural season of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013 helping the team win the regular season championship.

Born to Stephen and Pamela Lloyd, Carli was raised in Delran Township, a small community located in South New Jersey about twenty minutes northeast of Philadelphia. Lloyd began playing soccer at age five. Of her exposure to soccer at a young age, Lloyd’s mother, Pamela said, “At that age, it was coed, and Carli was hanging with the boys. She always loved it and showed a lot of ability from an early age, but she also has always worked hard.” Lloyd has one brother, Stephen, and a sister, Ashley.

Lloyd attended Delran High School from 1997 to 2000 where she played soccer under the tutelage of Rudy “The Red Baron” Klobach. As a high school athlete, she was known for her exceptional ball control and skill at distributing the ball from the midfield. During her senior year, she scored 26 goals and served eight assists while captaining her team to an 18-3 record. The Philadelphia Inquirer twice-named her Girls’ High School Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000. She was named to the Star-Ledger All-State First Team twice and received 1999 and 2000 Parade All-American honors. In 2000, she was named the Courier Post Player of the Year and the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association (SJSCA) Midfielder of the Year.

Lloyd attended Rutgers University from 2001 to 2004 where she played for the Scarlet Knights women’s soccer team under head coach Glenn Crooks. She was named First-Team All-Big East for four straight years – the first athlete at Rutgers to do so. She ended her collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in points (117), goals (50), and shots.

During her freshman season, Lloyd started every match and was the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals for a total of 37 points. She was named to Soccer America’s All-Freshman Team and was the first Rutgers player to earn Big East Rookie of the Year honors. As a sophomore, she was the team’s leading scorer for the second consecutive season with 12 goals and seven assists for 31 points. The same year Lloyd was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, widely considered the highest accolade for collegiate athletes. During her third season with the Scarlet Knights, she scored 13 goals and served 2 assists for a total of 28 points and was named a Big East Academic All-Star. As a senior, she was a starter for 18 of the 20 games she played, scored 10 goals and served one assist. Lloyd was named the 2004 Big East Midfielder of the Year.

In 2013, Lloyd was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

On January 11, 2013, Lloyd joined the Western New York Flash in the new National Women’s Soccer League as part of the NWSL Player Allocation. After recovering from a shoulder injury suffered earlier in the year, Lloyd made her debut for the Flash on May 12, 2013 during the team’s 2-1 defeat of FC Kansas City. She scored her first goal in a match against her former club, Sky Blue FC, helping the Flash win 3-0. During a match against the Washington Spirit on June 28, Lloyd scored a hat trick leading the Flash to a 4-0 win. She was subsequently named NWSL Player of the Week for her performance.

Lloyd finished the 2013 season with 10 goals, the third most goals scored on the season. The Flash finished first during the regular season with a 10-8-4 record and advanced to the playoffs. During the Flash’s semifinal match against Sky Blue FC, Lloyd scored both of the Flash’s game-winning goals: one in the 33rd minute and the second coming during stoppage time. Her two goals resulted in a 2-0 win that advanced the Flash to the championship final against the Portland Thorns FC. The Flash were defeated 2-0 during the final

Lloyd represented the United States at the under-21 level before making the jump to the senior team at the age of 23. As a member of the under-21 team, she played at the Nordic Cup four times winning consecutive titles from 2002 to 2005 in Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden respectively. During the first round of the 2003 Nordic Cup, she served the assist in the U.S.’ 1-0 win against Denmark. At the 2004 Nordic Cup, she scored two goals and served one assist while starting in every match. The following year at the 2005 Nordic Cup, she scored three times including one goal during the championship match against Norway.

Lloyd made her first appearance for the United States women’s national soccer team on July 10, 2005, against the Ukraine. She scored her first international goal on October 1, 2006 against Taiwan. At the 2006 Four Nations Tournament, Lloyd won a third cap. She earned the first two starts of her career at the 2006 Algarve Cup, gaining a place in the starting 11 against Denmark and in the championship game against Germany. She played in 19 games, starting 13, and scored one goal.

After scoring once in her first 24 matches with the national team, Lloyd scored four goals at the 2007 Algarve Cup. As the tournament’s top scorer, she was awarded Most Valuable Player tournament honors. Lloyd logged her first brace for the national team during a 6-1 win against New Zealand.

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The same year, Lloyd played in her first FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament. Heading into the tournament, the national team had not conceded a game in regulation time in nearly three years and was considered a favorite to win the tournament in China. During their first match of the tournament, the U.S. tied North Korea 2-2. The team faced Sweden in their next match on September 14 and won 2-0 with two goals from Abby Wambach. The U.S. finished group play with their 1-0 defeat over Nigeria women’s national football team on September 18.

During the quarterfinal match against England on September 22, the U.S. won 3-0. All three goals were scored within 12 minutes. The U.S. faced Brazil in the semifinal in what would become a controversial and game-changing match for the team. Coach Greg Ryan decided to bench starting goalkeeper, Hope Solo, and instead started Brianna Scurry, a veteran goalkeeper who had started in three World Cups and two Olympics, but who had started very few matches since the 2004 Olympics. The U.S. was defeated 4-0 by Brazil. The loss relegated them to a final match against Norway, which they won 4-1, to secure third place standing at the tournament. Lloyd started three of the five games in which she played at the tournament.

Throughout 2007, Lloyd started 13 of the 23 matches in which she played. She ranked third on the team in scoring with nine goals and three assists.

During the championship match of the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Lloyd scored the U.S.’ only goal during stoppage time on a free-kick. The U.S. eventually defeated Canada 6-5 in penalty kicks. She scored two goals during the 2008 Olympics: the game-winning goal in the team’s 1-0 defeat of Japan during the tournament’s group stage and another game-winning goal in overtime against Brazil during the final helping the U.S. win gold.

Lloyd was named the 2008 U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year along with Tim Howard. She was on the starting lineup in all 35 games in which she played in 2008, tying for the team lead in matches started during the year. Her 2,781 minutes on the pitch for the U.S. ranked third on the team in minutes played. Her nine goals and nine assists resulted in her best scoring year yet on the national team.

In 2009, the U.S. national team competed in eight games, of which Lloyd was on the starting lineup in five. At the 2010 Algarve Cup, Lloyd scored the game-opening goal in the final helping the U.S. clinch the championship title after defeating Germany 3-2.

Although she suffered a broken ankle in the fourth game of the 2010 WPS Season while playing for Sky Blue FC, she played in 15 matches for the United States in 2010, starting 14. Lloyd started all five games at the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, scoring two goals, including the United States’ lone goal during the championship match. She ended the tournament with five assists and was named the Player of the Match three times during the tournament. After the U.S. finished third at the tournament, they traveled to Italy to vie for a place at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the UEFA-CONCACAF play-off against Italy. Playing every minute of the series, Lloyd scored three goals with five assists during the series. She earned her 100th career cap during the second leg of the series.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Lloyd scored the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute of the team’s opening match against France, to boost the U.S. to a 3-2 lead; the match ended with a final score of 4-2. She scored her second goal of the tournament against Colombia during the group stage.

During the Olympic gold medal match against Japan, played at London’s Wembley Stadium, Lloyd scored both American goals in the team’s 2-1 victory. Her four goals in the tournament tied for the second highest on the U.S. squad. She is the only player (of either gender) in history to score the game-winning goal in two separate Olympic gold medal matches; her first occurred during the Beijing 2008 final against Brazil.

After scoring her 46th international goal in the 13th minute of a friendly against New Zealand in October 2013, Lloyd became the highest-scoring midfielder in the team’s history, passing Julie Foudy, who finished her career with 45 goals.

Honors and awards

Algarve Cup Most Valuable Player: 2007
U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year: 2008
FIFA World Player of the Year Shortlist: 2012
NWSL Player of the Week: 2013

Lloyd has done philanthropic work for the Habitat for Humanity. Lloyd is sponsored by Nike. In 2011, she was the focus of a promotional feature for the sports company entitled, Pressure Makes Us: Carli Lloyd. She is a non-paid endorser for Advocare. She has made appearances on Good Morning America, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Live with Kelly and Michael. In 2012, she appeared in an ESPN feature called Title IX is Mine: USWNT.

Carli Lloyd is two-time Olympic gold medalist in professional soccer. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar: You started playing soccer at a very young age of five years and reached the pinnacle of success on scoring the gold medal-winning goals in the finals of both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: Growing up I had the opportunity to play for a great club in NJ, www.medfordstrikers.com and had parents that fully supported me and helped me build a solid foundation. This foundation was enhanced when I started working with my mentor James Galanis of www.universalsocceracademy.com. He set out a clear plan that was designed to transform me into a world class player and I bought into it. My dedication and willingness to put in all the work required to make this possible mixed in with the expertise training that James provides has helped me continuously improve and perform at the biggest stage like the Olympics.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Although you suffered a broken ankle in the fourth game of the 2010 WPS Season while playing for Sky Blue FC, you played in 15 matches for the United States in 2010, starting 14. You started all five games at the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, scoring two goals, including the United States’ lone goal during the championship match. You ended the tournament with five assists and was named the Player of the Match three times during the tournament. How you were able to overcome such a physical injury setback and what advice you can give to fellow sports person in a similar situation?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: Injuries are never easy but injuries are part of sport and will happen. These setbacks make you stronger and appreciate the game even more. I have learned that it is important to be patient and rebuild your body so it doesn’t break down again. The ankle injury was not easy for me but in the end worked out to my benefit. I came back smarter, hungrier and more appreciative of a healthy body.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: I do a variety of different things to continuously build my fitness levels. I’m constantly working at my aerobic power, non-aerobic power and strength and power doing body weight exercises. I also spend countless hours stretching. Over 50% of my training load is fitness related.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: I have studied what foods suit my blood type and have designed a specific diet that energizes me. My diet is made up of a lot of fruit and veggies, salads, meats, and fish. I make shakes with all organic items and have invested in grass fed beef and non-farmed fish. My snacks are mostly different types of nuts and water is a huge part of my life. I definitely stay away from processed foods. Eating healthy definitely helps in all aspects when it comes to training and performing.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding professional soccer girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in field of professional soccer ?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: It is not good enough to only train as much as your teammates. The only way you will separate yourself from others is by training more than anyone. If you want to become great you must outwork and out train everyone. I don’t ever switch off. Soccer is my life. Soccer is the #1 thing in my life and I’m on the job 24 hours a day.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: How did you feel before and after playing for United States women’s national soccer team scoring your first memorable international goal on 1st October 2006 against Chinese Tapai?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: Things happened rather quickly. I joined the team in 2005 and earned two caps during this year and finally was in the mix in 2006. I was in camp and unexpectedly named on the roster for the game against Chinese Tapai. I wasn’t sure I would get in the game and thought I was just going to sit the bench. All of a sudden I was called up and really didn’t get time to think about it. I went on and the opportunity presented itself and I scored my first international goal! It was like a dream came true and a moment I will never forget.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What kind of training you are having for your preparation for coming professional soccer events ?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: I don’t have anything specific to share. I continue to work on all areas of my game and do everything I can to assure I am always ready to play at the best of my ability.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Who has been your greatest influencer and motivator in your success in the field of your career in competitive professional soccer ?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: Without a doubt my trainer and mentor James Galanis. He has not only trained my mind and body and improved my skills but he has always been there to give me advice that has helped me conquer all obstacles thrown my way. His dedication to the game is unmatched and contagious. He preaches respect and appreciation for myself and those around me. This has helped me realize that I’m blessed to be able to play with great players and coaches on the national team and in professional club soccer. Without him there is no way I would have reached the level I have reached.

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Carli Lloyd on Women Fitness: Women looking to reach a high fitness level need to build a plan specific for them. Everyone’s body and lifestyle is different and you need to find a fitness plan that works for you. It’s great that women have a magazine like www.womenfitness.net to develop a plan for them and find new ways to stay fit!

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Tell us about the events that led you to win the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year: 2008?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: 2008 was a very memorable year for me and my teammates. After a discouraging 2007 World Cup we all had a burning desire to win Olympic Gold. Pia was appointed coach and she inserted belief in me and the team. We went to Beijing and approached every game with belief in each other and carried that through the whole tournament. It was a great feeling scoring the game winning goal , however the fact that I played every single minute of every game was a big confidence booster for me as it confirmed the personal training I was receiving was working. Winning the U.S Soccer Athlete of the year was the icing on the cake.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?

Ms. Carli Lloyd: Women looking to reach a high fitness level need to build a plan specific for them. Everyone’s body and lifestyle is different and you need to find a fitness plan that works for you. It’s great that women have a magazine like www.womenfitness.net to develop a plan for them and find new ways to stay fit!

Women Fitness Team thanks Carli Lloyd for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and also like to thank Josh Weil WME Entertainment who made this interview happen.

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