The Philly Props: Carli Lloyd, Julie Ertz

What I know about soccer is whatever Russell “Rusty” Bono taught me over lunch of Doritios and french fries during third period lunch at North Catholic in the late 1970s.

I haven’t watched much soccer in person since my classmates were owning the Philadelphia Catholic League back in the day, but I do try to take in some of the entertaining World Cup action – men and women. Especially when the U.S. is involved. And even moreso when someone with local ties is on the pitch.

Delran (N.J.)’s Carli Lloyd grew up a Tacony-Palmyra bridge opening away from Northeast Philadelphia and has cemented her place in USWNT (short for United States Women’s National Team) history. She’ll probably be coming off the bench during this WC, so at least for the opener today against Thailand, we will pass on her scoring the first goal. The U.S. tallies are expected to be early and often, so there will be plenty to go around, so we will take Lloyd (who wears uniform No. 10) to score the last goal here.

Sure, Julie Ertz’ husband scored the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LII, but that’s not important right now. What is of note is that he is a Philadelphia Eagle, and even if he were a third-stringer or a water boy, that would make her eligible for The Philly Props.

Ertz, a midfielder who wears No. 8, hasn’t scored a World Cup or Olympic goal for the National Team yet (nine appearances), but since goals should be aplenty in the opener, ao let’s throw her in the mix aplenty.

Pick: Carli Lloyd to Score Last Goal ($5/+260)
Pick: Julie Ertz to Score One Goal ($4/-127)
Pick: Julie Ertz to Score First Goal ($3/+1000)
Pick: Julie Ertz to Score Two Goals ($2/+1100)
Pick: Julie Ertz to Score Three Goals ($1/+9000)