EXCLUSIVE: Megan Rapinoe and fiancee Sue Bird have lunch in NYC as USWNT player is seen for the first time since shocking World Cup exit

Megan Rapinoe was seen grabbing lunch in Soho with partner Sue Bird and a friend during her first public appearance since the USWNT’s World Cup exit
The midfielder, 38, appears to be laying down roots in New York City, where she now owns a home with Bird, after spending the last several years in Seattle

Rapinoe, who has retired, has been slated fDisgraced USWNT player Megan Rapinoe has been spotted out and about for the first time since bowing out of the Women’s World Cup under a cloud of scandal.

The 38-year-old midfielder returned to New York City – where she recently purchased an apartment with fiancée Sue Bird – after her missed penalty kick on August 6 resulted in the US national team’s shocking round of 16 elimination in Melbourne.

The disappointing loss marked the last act of Rapinoe’s international career, but exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the soccer player is now moving on from the gaffe as she enters retirement in the Big Apple. or laughing after her own missed penalty kick in a shootout against Sweden that ultimately led to their elimination

The athlete was snapped stepping out with a female friend in her Soho neighborhood before meeting up with retired WNBA star Bird, 42, Tuesday.

Aside from her signature dyed blue locks, Rapinoe kept a low-profile, dressed in a white tank top, beige elastic waist shorts, and loafers, and accessorized with lavender-colored sunglasses.

The two friends were seen stepping out before grabbing lunch with Bird at a nearby restaurant.

Bird matched her partner’s casual vibe, also stepping out in cream shorts and a graphic t-shirt, while their friend donned a high neck tank top, sweatpants, and sneakers. Despite the controversy surrounding her underwhelming performance at the World Cup, Rapinoe seemed upbeat and in good spirits as the trio chatted over their meal.

The soccer star, who announced her decision to retire the end of the season last month, appears to be putting down roots in New York as she begins a new chapter in her after being based in Seattle – where she and Bird had played professionally for the past several years.

In a feature story for Elle Decor’s September Style issue, Rapinoe revealed the pair – who began dating in 2017 – took the next step in their relationship two years ago by buying a 1,650 square foot, two-bedroom pied-à-terre together in Soho.