CINCINNATI — It was a homecoming for three players on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team on Thursday night as the team beat South Africa 3-0. For goalkeeper and Cincinnati native Aubrey Kingsbury, it was the first time she dressed for the national team in her hometown. 

What You Need To Know

• Aubrey Kingsbury is a goalkeeper for the U.S. Women's National soccer team


• Kingsbury was born and raised in Cincinnati and graduated from St. Ursula


• Kingsbury's family are big supporters and made sure to have a big fan section at the game against South Africa in Cincinnati


• Kingsbury said she is glad to be able to play back in her hometown and show it off to the rest of the team

It’s the Aubrey Kingsbury fan club, including her parents, nephews, niece and friends from her time at St. Ursula.

“Just seeing her there and being here in Cincinnati it’s going to be, no words, breathtaking!” Char Bledsoe, Aubrey's mom said.

Char Bledsoe walks to TQL Stadium with her Kingsbury jersey on. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

For Bledsoe, it’s a moment that has her reflecting and holding back tears.

“I didn’t think it would be, but it is," she said. "She said, Oh I just want to play in Cincinnati one day, and ahh, she’s here. That’s awesome.”

Kingsbury’s twin sister, Amber Spragg, said experiencing these moments is what it’s all about.

Kingsbury's niece is making sure everyone is cheering for her aunt. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“We remind each other, hey this is what you dreamed about years and years ago and look, you’re here," Spragg said. "You’re on the national team and you’re one of 23 wearing the U.S. jersey today and how special that is."

Kingsbury wasn’t the only Cincinnatian making her way back home; first-time national player and fellow St. Ursula grad M.A. Vignola made her USA debut Thursday night. And of course, Rose Lavelle, who was unable to play due to an injury but still stuck around after the game to give some love to her hometown fans.

Rose Lavelle waves to her hometown fans after the game. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

For Aubrey, it’s all about being close to her family.

“Family’s important to Aubrey and it really is to all of us," Bledsoe said. "Even that we’re all spread out, we still love to be together so that we can share her special moment with her, it’s pretty awesome.”

“We’re just a really tight-knit family," Spragg said. "So it’s special to all be together and make memories together on and off the soccer field obviously. Soccer will one day end but family is everything.”