Tag: NWSL

Josh Brunais will Act as Honorary Captain for the Spirit Friday Night

Posted on by RJ Allen
The Washington Spirit announced this morning that US Paralympic Flag Bearer Josh Brunais will act as Honorary Captain for their Friday night semifinal match against the Chicago Red Stars.
The midfielder, a native of Stafford, Virginia, competed for the US Paralympic National Team in 7-a-side soccer, which finished 7th over-all in the tournament, and was elected to carry the flag during the Closing Ceremonies by his fellow Team USA members. Brunais is also a veteran of the US Army, serving overseas with the 75th Ranger regiment, for which he received the Soldier’s Medal for distinguished heroism after saving the lives of fourteen servicemembers whose helicopter had crashed and caught fire. Having served through six overseas tours, Brunais retired from service in 2015 after sustaining wounds from an IED explosion that he believed would affect his ability to keep his men safe.
 
It was soccer that helped Brunais adjust to life after the Army, after the Rangers, and the Veterans soccer team he joined helped to give him the purpose and the team he missed from his time in the military. And so it is fitting that on Friday night, he will be celebrated on the soccer field, joining the captains in the center circle for the coin toss in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd.

Around the World of WoSo: FAWSL Winners and College Soccer

Posted on by RJ Allen

FSU & UVA couldn’t beat the elements:

  In a top three showdown between Florida State (2) and University of Virginia (3), I expected goals and plenty of highlight reel material. Both teams did manage a goal, but the game was called in the 100th minute due to excessive lightening. This ACC matchup gave us an early goal by way of Alexis Shaffer in the ninth minute to give UVA the lead. The Cavaliers held the lead for the next 59 minutes until FSU took advantage of a turnover which led to 1v1 opportunity for Freshman Kristen McFarland. She calmly found the back of the net after shaking off the UVA keeper to salvage the draw. The Seminoles travel to Pitt on Saturday and UVA host North Carolina on ESPNU on Sunday.

South Carolina notches 10th consecutive win:

The Gamecocks are playing some serious team ball right now, evidence of that came Sunday when they earned their 10th straight victory. With second half goals from Sophie Groff, Kaleigh Kurtz and Lindsey Lane, South Carolina cruised past Kentucky. The eighth ranked Gamecocks only allowed two shots from the Wildcats, clearly putting extra work on the defensive end to ensure a win. It was also the sixth shutout on the year, matching last season’s total in just 11 games. Looking to remain undefeated, up next for them is a powerhouse SEC matchup against Texas A & M on Thursday night at College Station. As for Kentucky, they ended what was a tough week, adding on a loss to Missouri a few days ago and a less than impressive 1-1 draw with Alabama earlier in the week. They hope to rebound on Saturday at home against Ole Miss.

Nebraska hat-trick defeats Ohio State:

    Nebraska Senior Jaycie Johnson scored three goals (29, 37’, 60’) to lead her team to its eighth win on the season. This was her second hat trick of her career, and the first since 2013. Johnson now leads the team with seven goals, all coming in the last six games. Her last goal on the night was special, as it was her 38th of her career, putting her eighth in program history. It should be noted that Ohio State was without starting Goalkeeper Jillian McVicker, who suffered an injury over a week ago. The Buckeyes drop to 7-4-1, slowing down considerably after starting the season with six wins in a row. Nebraska faces off with Indiana Friday while Ohio State hosts Northwestern on Saturday.

NWSL playoffs are set:

Heading into the final regular season games on Sunday, the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs were already a lock. Washington, Portland, Chicago and Western New York all made the cut. Washington have made the playoffs three consecutive years while Portland has won the championship (2013) and last made the playoffs in 2014. Meanwhile Chicago made history last season when they secured their first ever trip to the playoffs; they are back once again in hopes of winning its first ever title. Western New York started off the franchise strong, meeting Portland in the Finals in 2013, but since then, hasn’t finished better than seventh. All that changed this season as they finished fourth to grab the last playoff spot by winning their last regular season game against Boston. Certainly each team has strong leadership; Ali Krieger for Washington, Tobin Heath for Portland, Christen Press for Chicago and Jessica McDonald for WNY. The first semifinal is set for Friday, September 30th. The second semifinal is Sunday, October 2nd.

Lianne Sanderson done for the year:

The England international and WNY midfielder will miss the playoffs after tearing her ACL in a friendly against Thailand last week with the Flash. After being acquired from Orlando late in the season, she appeared in nine games for WNY, scoring three goals and contributing to an already bolstered attack led my McDonald, Lynn Williams and Samantha Mewis. Sanderson only lasted 13 minutes before suffering the injury to her right knee. The 28 year old has played for a handful of clubs throughout her career, finding some form of success at each. After this kind of injury, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

FAWSL champions crowned:

For the first time in program history, Manchester City Women are champions of England. After beating rivals Chelsea on Sunday on two goals, the title officially belongs to the women of Manchester, even with two games to play. With a record crowd of 4,096 on hand at Academy Stadium, it proved to be a worthwhile matchup. The first goal came by way of veteran Jill Scott, tallying her third goal of the season. The title-clinching goal in the 49th minute was scored by Toni Duggan on a Penalty given from a foul on teammate Lucy Bronze. It was Duggan’s fifth goal in her 15th appearance. After the match, the team received congratulatory wishes from the Manchester City men’s side, from players like Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. I think it has shown that in just a few short years, Manchester Women have built something special and are deservingly being recognized for it.

A Long Year: From New Fan to New Media

Posted on by RJ Allen

I’ve written before about my introduction to soccer, how I’ve only been a fan a little more than a year. I actually celebrated my soccer anniversary on June 8th this past summer, buying and kicking around a soccer ball on the thin strip of grass between my apartment building and the next. That was the night I discovered that headers can be fun, but will also leave you wondering if you’ve permanently damaged your forehead.

But, as much as I fell in love with the game as I watched the US Women’s National Team progress through the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, the months since haven’t exactly been an easy road as a new fan.

The first changes after the WWC were not as traumatic for me as they were for longtime devotees of the team. I was not particularly attached to Lauren Holiday, Shannon Boxx, or Abby Wambach. And having watched Christie Rampone sit on the bench for just about the entirety of the tournament, I was unaware of why soccer fans say her name with more than just a hint of awe in their voices. So as everyone began discussing the 18-player Olympic roster, I was one of the few people who always left her off my list.

I read articles about the sport and players, about the team. I learned why Christie Rampone is our beloved Captain America, I learned about the previous attempts to form a women’s professional league in the United States, how none had ever made it past the third year. I began to understand why the loss of both Cheney and Boxx triggered such strong responses from fans – what would our midfield look like without them?

Still, all too soon, the excitement of the WWC win faded, overtaken by the issue of equal pay and equal access to the best playing conditions possible. Article after article appeared about the difference in compensation, highlighting the huge disparity in earnings for the members of the USWNT when compared to the Men’s National Team, a difference that seemed absurd even to the newest of fans considering the lack of success the men have had compared to the women. The WWC final had been the most watched US Soccer game ever, men’s or women’s, and in the immediate aftermath it was revealed that the men received more compensation for getting knocked out than the women would for winning the whole tournament.

What a way to sour the taste of victory.

Still, things got worse from there, despite the Victory Tour and the end of the NWSL season. I watched every game of the tour, of course, and as many as I could from the league, but the growing concerns about field safety, unequal compensation, and news of lawsuits in both directions left the matches feeling hollow. The biggest disappointment, of course, was the cancellation of the December match against Trinidad and Tobago in Hawaii. The conditions of the fields upon which the team was to train and then play the match were deemed unacceptable, with Megan Rapinoe suffering a torn ACL at a pre-game practice and Hope Solo publicizing the issue by sharing a photo of the turf coming up on the game field itself.

In early 2016, just a few short months after the high of winning the World Cup, there was talk of the team striking before the Olympics in order to bring attention to their fight against wage discrimination. And though most reports were written off with “they can’t and won’t do that”-type responses, it was still an unpleasant possibility to consider. The Olympic Qualifiers in Texas in February and the She Believes tournament in the Southern US in March provided us with soccer to watch – and exciting soccer at that, whether due to high-scoring games against some of the teams with less experience or high-pressure games against some of FIFA’s top-ranked women’s teams – but there was also a growing sense of dread. The announcement of two players unable to play due to pregnancy was good news – congratulations to Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux on the births of their sons – but this too created anxiety about the ever-shrinking pool of experienced players to fill the 18 spots on the Rio roster.

The first lawsuit came from the USSF in February, suing the US Women’s National Team Player’s Association over the collective bargaining agreement, over fears that the Women’s team would strike. The union had been attempting to determine whether or not the CBA that had been in place – signed in 2005 and expired in 2012 – was still valid under the memorandum of understanding that extended its terms through the end of 2016. Understandably upset at the lack of progress the Federation had made at addressing their concerns, they were searching for legal justification to void the memorandum and force the USSF to negotiate new terms, because by invalidating the previous CBA and the memorandum, the players’ union would have the ability to strike if the Federation continued to ignore them.

This lawsuit was not resolved until June, which meant that all the months leading up to the Olympics in August, the knowledge that the players had striking on their mind was well-known. Would there even be a USWNT Olympic team? If the players did strike, would they be replaced with one of the U-teams? The US Men’s U-23 team couldn’t even qualify for Rio; would the Women’s U-23 find success if they were called up to compete in place of the Senior team? Ultimately, a judge ruled that the USWNT could not strike, and that they were still bound to the terms of the 2005 CBA, at least through December 31st. But the fact remained – the women seemed to feel that a drastic action was necessary in order to call attention to the disparities in their treatment.

Then in March, the five members of the USWNT – Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Hope Solo – filed a suit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, detailing the ways in which the Women’s team is discriminated against by the Federation. The players declared they were fighting for “equal pay for equal work” as well as parity in the way the contracts for both teams address non-monetary aspects of their training and performance. Hope Solo made an excellent point – and a perfect soundbite for the team’s position – when she noted that the men “get paid more to show up than [the women] get paid to win.”

In response, the Federation was quick to release a statement about their disappointment in the team, for whom they feel they’ve done more than enough. The impression the USSF’s statement gave was that the women should be grateful for what they’ve received, because their situation could be so much worse. After all, the USSF seems to suggest, or even threaten, haven’t we done enough by backing this latest attempt at a professional women’s league, underwriting and subsidizing the NWSL for the first four years?

The USSF did file a motion for the EEOC to dismiss the players’ complaint May, but as of today, approaching the six-month minimum that the New York Times estimated the investigation might take, there has been no ruling either way in the case.

Then there was the run-up to the Olympics, the concerns over Zika which, thankfully, proved to be over-exaggerated and the Games themselves.

Winning the gold in Rio was never a guarantee, of course. But it never felt like last summer, as I, a new fan, watched the team outdo themselves with each successive match. And as we struggled through the Group stage in Rio – doubts over the roster, over the lineups, aside – I know I wondered if the Federation’s lack of respect for the team, the struggle for equal pay and treatment, had affected the mental readiness of the players, their confidence.

In the end, the team lost in the knock-out stage. And as disappointing as that might have been – as disappointing as that was – losses happen. Teams lose. They’re outplayed, out-coached, out-trained, whatever. It happens.

But after all the months of controversy regarding field conditions, player safety, equal pay, and everything else, it was what happened after the Olympics that really, truly, has me wondering why I put all that time and money into learning everything I could about soccer over the past year. Into purchasing jerseys and official gear. Into buying tickets to see games, including NCAA, NSWL, and USWNT matches.

Because it’s not the outcome that has me feeling depressed about the sport lately. It’s not the players that have me more anxious than excited about the upcoming friendlies and whatever lay ahead for the team.

It’s what happened to Hope Solo, being suspended for six months and having her contract terminated for reasons that are murky at best and sinister at worst. One of the loudest players on the team when it comes to speaking up about issues of fair play and gender issues, Solo’s punishment effectively prevents her from playing a leading role in the EEOC lawsuit or the upcoming CBA negotiations, and smacks of retribution. Call it the “sum total of actions” all you want, but from the outside? It looks like one of two options. Either you tolerated her “off-the-field distractions” as long as you needed her in goal and then tossed her at the first opportunity, with no majors in the near future, or you saw the chance to get rid of one of the most vocal leaders behind the equal pay lawsuit against you, and you took it.

Or maybe it’s both. But no matter what, it doesn’t make the Federation look good. It doesn’t make US Soccer look good. And it leaves me personally with a dirty taste in my mouth.

More, it what’s happening to Megan Rapinoe, right now. Rapinoe, who has decided to ally herself with the movement begun by Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, by kneeling during the National Anthem. Though she’s knelt in one NWSL game, been prevented from doing so in another, and choose to link arms with her teammates on the anniversary of 9/11 – and the Seattle Reign put out a statement supporting her right to do so – US Soccer seems to have taken a different approach. Before the match against Thailand, Grant Wahl reported that the Federation was pressuring Rapinoe to reconsider her protests, claiming, among other things, that it was “disrespectful.”

Rapinoe ended up kneeling in that match as well as the one that followed, against the Netherlands a few days later, and the USSF released a statement declaring that “we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the national anthem is played.”  The Federation has claimed that they will not punish Rapinoe for continuing to kneel while the National Anthem is played, but as we just saw with Hope Solo a few weeks before this, when US Soccer wants to punish a player for their actions off the field, they’ll find a way.

So, no. My feelings of almost-dread about the USWNT lately are not due to their loss – I’m not a bandwagon fan. They’re not due to a favorite player leaving, a retirement, a disagreement with another’s political protest – on the field, they play excellent soccer, and that’s why I love them.

It’s the fact that a 2017 USWNT strike is a serious possibility, because the USSF has put forth no transparent show of good faith that they intend to be amenable toward what the players and the team are asking for in their CBA re-negotiations. Two of the players who signed the EEOC complaint have recently been very publicly censured by US Soccer, making it not only harder but damned near impossible for others to step forward and raise their voices in the future.

It’s the Federation. It’s US Soccer. The institution that at every step seems to be intent on silencing the voices of the team. Whether it’s by a lawsuit, a motion to dismiss, a threat that the US might not even send their women’s team to the Olympics if talk of a boycott continues. More recently, whether it’s by suspending and terminating the contract of a player for ambiguous reasons, or releasing an empty joke of a statement after another makes a social justice statement by kneeling during the National Anthem.

This is what has me frustrated and angry and despondent about the state of soccer lately. The lengths the Federation goes to, to alienate players and fans alike. To perpetuate the inequality of the status quo. To treat the best team in the world as second-rate, as inconsequential.

The events of the past year have not affected my love of soccer, new though it may be. It has not affected my affection and respect for the players of the sport at every level, or dampened my desire to watch matches, to cheer on my favorite teams and players, to proudly wear and display my passion as I try to bring more people into the fold.

But what it has done is left me with a deep and abiding distrust of the USSF and its leadership. It’s made me a cynic of the Federation’s motives, their commitment to the growth of both women’s and men’s soccer, and every word that is issued forth from their mouthpiece.

Some people, I know, have sworn off allegiance to the USSF, have declared that they won’t give any more money to the Federation in ticket sales or merchandise. And I can certainly understand that. The Federation has disappointed us.

I, for one, won’t stop watching the games, going to the senior-level matches I can attend, or supporting the USWNT. They’re my team, and I love the hell out of them.

But I’m also going to increase the number of NWSL games I go to, the local NCAA games. I’m going to invest in these levels of soccer over the USWNT because what is important to me is the game and the players.

That’s what I love.

That’s what first inspired me to watch, to become a fan. That’s what inspired me to learn and study and build knowledge not only about the sport itself, but also about the complex issues that surround it. And it’s what has inspired me as I’ve slowly made the journey from the fan in the stands to a member of the media, writing and discussing the sport that I love, sharing it with other people, and hopefully doing my part to grow the game.

I love soccer, I love the USWNT, the NWSL, my university team. They’re what keep me coming back.

As for the USSF, I didn’t spend the past year and a half learning everything I could about soccer for dodgy suspensions, unequal pay, and the possibility of a strike to get in the way of this beautiful game.

Do better.

We all know that you can.

Visibility Matters: An Interview with Crystal Dunn

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Washington Spirit have had quite the year, dominating the 2016 league standings for most of the season. But in recent weeks, the team’s momentum appears to have slowed as the regular season winds down. This week Washington was looking for a victory against Chicago in order to lock up the league shield, which would have given them a strong finish to carry into their home-field semifinal coming up this Friday night.

But the Chicago Red Stars played spoiler on Saturday, winning the game and solidifying their place as the number three seed. Awarded to the team with best season record, the league shield was once firmly in the Spirit’s grasp, but the winner will now come down to whether or not the Portland Thorns draw or win over Sky Blue tonight.  Yet, despite the 3-1 result against Chicago, Crystal Dunn, one of Washington Spirit’s talented forwards, had a strong game, netting the team’s only goal, and helping to develop much of Washington’s offensive presses.

After the loss, Dunn took time to speak with Backline Soccer about the result, sharing thoughts on her change in play this year, as well as the upcoming playoffs and the unpredictability of the 2016 NWSL season. We also discussed recent headlines regarding Megan Rapinoe’s protest that started in Chicago a few weeks ago, and the importance of respecting people’s opinions while also respecting the right to protest. And we took up the issue of the particular pressures that athletes of color may carry in the sports they play.

Backline Soccer (BS): Tonight’s game had playoff implications for both teams. Can you share your thoughts on the game?

Crystal Dunn (CD): Yeah, it was a bit of a bummer. Obviously we stepped into this game wanting to win the shield. We wanted to come out and do really well so we could have that good momentum heading into the semis;  it didn’t go our way. I think we had our chances. We didn’t get into our rhythm until after being down 2-0, and unfortunately it’s tough coming back in this league from being down 2-0. So for us, I feel like the game was lost in the first fifteen minutes. We worked hard to get back in the rhythm of things, we did a good job of that, but it just didn’t go our way.

BS: You’ve had an interesting role on the Spirit this year. There has been a lot mentioned about your lack of goals this season, but your assist game is very strong. Do you feel any different having scored a couple goals now?

CD: You know I’ve played a different role this year. New coach. New system. I will say, it hasn’t been easy this year. Just because I’ve played in the nine [position], I’ve played the seven, I’ve played the eleven. It’s not like last year where I was just in one position and that was it. That was my position. That was my role. To just be in that one spot. Honestly, looking back, I’ve never had a season where I’ve had five assists and for me you have to take that for what it is. I don’t look at this year as a disappointment in any way. I look at it at as, “hey, I’ve never assisted so many goals in a season,” so it’s something to look forward to.

BS: As far as a season in general, the NWSL this year has been kind of unpredictable. Playoff opponents still up in the air, down to the wire, final week scenarios. Was prepping for tonight’s game perhaps a playoff preview?

CD: It’s been wild! I think for us we know that were hosting. And I think that is something to take the weight off of our shoulders. We know we have a good field, we know we play really well on our field and for our home fans. For us, tonight was obviously disappointing. But I think going into the semis I think we’re going to regroup and refocus.

BS:  It was a busy night in Chicago tonight. Many events, including tonight’s game. Chance the Rapper is on a huge tour right now. He planned a whole special event just for his hometown Chicago. In the event that this game wasn’t scheduled for Saturday, but instead on Sunday, would you have tried to find tickets to the concert?

CD: One hundred percent. YES! Absolutely.

BS: Quick follow up, who is the one teammate who would’ve been trying to scrounge up tickets with you?

CD: Teammate! It would definitely be Estelle Johnson. She’s freakin’ silly, and she’s all about getting into shenanigans with me. So for sure her. She’s my ride or die on the team.

BS: Chicago made some headlines the other week as well. Your national team teammate Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the anthem here in the game against the Red Stars. She extended that into the national team games. There has been a ton of discussion regarding this. Sometimes just discussing the form of protest, not the issues. Carli Lloyd has mentioned that there have been discussions with teammates about it. Did she ever talk to you about it? Or ask for advice?

CD: You know Pinoe [Megan Rapinoe] is a good friend of mine. We’ve had multiple conversations about it. I did share my views with her on the situation [form of protest]. I told her “look, as a black woman who is playing a sport that is majority white, I love that fact she’s trying to stand up for people’s rights. For something that’s so close to my heart.”  I just further expressed to her that, “No, I can’t be with you in NOT standing for the national anthem.”  Because for me it’s about the fact that people have given their lives for this country. Yes, a country that is NOT perfect. One that has LOTS of flaws. Trust me. I know. I have friends who have been victimized for just for being the way they are and looking the way the look. But to me, the flag and the national anthem doesn’t mean that this country is perfect, for me it means we want to hope for what this country is going to be, what this country could and should be. When I put my hand over my heart, it’s about closing my eyes and thinking about the people who’ve given their lives for me to be living in this world. Yes, it is not perfect and there are rights and methods to express the way you feel about those things. Ultimately, she [Rapinoe] said she understood exactly where I was coming from, and she told me she respected my opinion and she was going to continue doing what she’s been doing. We also have to respect that, I respect her for that and I would never, ever in my life tell her or anyone that you should not be doing this. We live in a country where we have freedom of expression, and I can’t take that away from her.

BS: Exactly, it’s literally a right. I myself have been pretty vocal on some of these issues at Backline Soccer. Whether it’s in my writing, or webcasts. Because I feel similarly–it’s her right to protest–but I also feel it’s necessary to have those types of conversations.

CD: Yes. One hundred percent. Absolutely.

BS: I’ve also mentioned, as you have here, the game is very Anglo. And there is a need to support women of color in this sport. Because at times there can be certain level of weight, or pressure on athletes of color in the game. Do you ever feel that kind of weight?

CD: For those who don’t know, I’ve grown up in a predominately white neighborhood. I’ve been around white people all my life. For me, it never bothered. It was what I was used to ever since I was 2 years old. It was like this is all I know. This is what I know. It really wasn’t until I got older, where I really started to take notice of my environments. I noticed “WOW. I am really, REALLY the only black girl on all of my teams, I’m the only black girl in all of my classes.” Even with me being on the national team, it’s funny, because in my conversations with Pinoe, we also talked about that, how there has maybe been about fourteen black women on the national team. In its history. Those things matter. Especially for me. I know we have a lot of mixed people on the national team. I think something people don’t understand is – that the way you look? It matters. For me? I’m a chocolate girl on the national team. You know, I’m not mixed, I’m not light skinned. I’m not any of that. So my experience on the team is completely different from someone who doesn’t look like me. I hold that very dear to my heart because I want people to know that when they see me on the national team, that they can look at me and still feel like they can make it to where you want to get in life. I don’t think that’s something everyone can understand. People don’t realize that. They might see a mixed girl and say “oh she’s mixed, she counts” and yes, absolutely the do. Mixed girls are technically black. But the reality is that if you don’t look like me? You will be treated differently.

BS: Experiences are different, even within certain racial groups.

CD:  And that’s the colorism that people don’t understand. That’s what ties into bigger things. Like the whole minorities and people of color being on the national stage. So yeah, I do sense a bit of pressure. But it’s not negative pressure. Every day I wake up and want to hold myself in the right way, and carry myself in the right way. To allow people to feel like “look, Crystal Dunn made it. I look like her. If she can make it.  Maybe I could make it too.”

Portland Looks to Win (the Playoffs) Pretty in the Rose City

Posted on by RJ Allen

The 2016 Portland Thorns have been one of the most consistent teams in the NWSL this season. Currently in second place with 38 points, they look to march into the playoffs with the confidence of knowing they have a great chance to make the championship.

Offense:

The Thorns are second in the league in scoring, tallying an impressive 32 goals with eight different players contributing. The top two scorers on the team are Nadia Nadim with nine and Christine Sinclair with six. This high powered offense has been a result of the talent the team has accumulated under first-year coach Mark Parsons. Newcomers who adjusted and found success with Parsons and his system include USWNT members Meghan Klingenberg, Lindsey Horan, and Emily Sonnett; Danish international Nadim, French star Amandine Henry, and Iceland’s young talent Dagny Brynjarsdottir. The biggest star on the team is USWNT veteran Tobin Heath, who has been with the club since the league began in 2013. In just one season together, this team has managed to find a way to become an elite threat and one that could very well win the championship.

Defense:

The defense hasn’t been as consistent in my eyes but it’s gotten the job done. The Thorns have allowed 18 goals against; which is tied with the Washington Spirit for league-best. In goal the Thorns have Michelle Betos and Adrianna Franch, who have both done well when called upon. Both are in the top seven in shutouts; Betos with four while Franch has earned three. The backline of Klingenberg, Sonnett, Emily Menges and Katherine Reynolds is a young but experienced group. Klingenberg and Sonnett started the season off strong but to be honest, I haven’t been impressed with the last handful of games by either. If they can sharpen up in time for the playoffs, I expect them to once again be a strong defense.

Rose City Advantage:

One reason I think this team could go far; they’ve only lost three times in 19 games this season; coming against FCKC, the Houston Dash and most recently, the Seattle Reign, their NWSL rivals. But none of their losses have been to playoff teams. Their record against Washington, the Chicago Red Stars, and WNY Flash this year stands at four wins, two draws. Three of those wins have come at Providence Park, where they’ve outscored the above opponents nine to three. While these may just be numbers to some, they can’t be ignored and certainly Thorns fans have to feel good about them hosting a playoff game given the team’s success there. Another part of the advantage is the atmosphere they provide every game; an average of 16,945 passionate fans showing up to disrupt any challenger.

With two weeks until the playoffs start, we still don’t know who Portland will face, but one thing is for sure–they will be ready.

Chicago’s Best Football Team Isn’t the Bears, or the Fire

Posted on by RJ Allen

Last Sunday marked an eventful day for professional women’s sports leagues in Chicago.

Both the Chicago Sky of the WNBA and the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL clinched their playoff spots in their respective leagues. Just last month, the Chicago Bandits won their fourth league championship for National Pro Fast Pitch softball. Each professional woman’s league in Chicago has had their share of successes.  However, the Chicago Red Stars seem to be just hitting their stride.

The National Women’s Soccer League has only one week left in its regular season, but the Red Stars are already playoff bound. Their final game against current league leaders, Washington Spirit, will determine whether Chicago heads to Portland or DC for their semi-final. Last season, in the club’s first ever playoff appearance, they lost to eventual champions FC Kansas City, 0-3. A very young team at its core, Chicago will look to redeem themselves in this year’s playoffs.

That’s right. A winning football team in Chicago will be going to the playoffs.

YOU DON’T KNOW IT YET, BUT THIS IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM

When the NWSL entered a historic fourth season, it found the Red Stars calling Toyota Park (Bridgeview, IL) their new permanent home.  It was sort of a homecoming for the former WPS club. The organization as a whole set goals for themselves and have exceeded many expectations due to the efforts of front office trinity, owner Arnim Whisler, General Manager Alyse LaHue, and Head Coach Rory Dames. These three helped lay the blue print for the team that continues to grow even before our eyes.

Their successful draft strategy has resulted in picks of players like Jen Hoy, Julie Johnson, Vanessa DiBernardo, Arin Gilliland, Danielle Colaprico, and Sofia Huerta. They haven’t been afraid to make trades in order  to acquire players like Christen Press and Steph McCaffrey. Many of their players are only in their second year in the league. Specifically, players like Gilliland and Colaprico, who have been dominating their positions at outside back and defensive midfielder.

Off season acquisitions, including United States National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and versatile defender Casey Short, have helped solidify Chicago’s defensive backline, one that has given teams problems all year. Given the recent news of U.S. Soccer terminating Hope Solo’s contract, there has been speculation about Naeher’s rise as the potential starter.

It’s a perfect team to root for considering Chicago has always been a town that rallies behind defensive minded teams.

SO WHY ISN’T CHICAGO SUPPORTING A WINNER?

Last weekend also marked the beginning of a new NFL season. Chicago Bears fans found themselves licking their wounds on Monday morning after an opening game that felt like fans should prepare themselves for another season of mediocrity in 2016.  And the Chicago Fire celebrated their thirteenth loss of the season, leaving them to battle for the second worst team in MLS.

Exciting.

It’s difficult to gauge exactly why a team like the Red Stars are unable to draw a crowd similar to markets like the Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns, or Houston Dash. Chicago is a very sports-saturated city, with its eyes centered in on the big four of NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Some might say that soccer isn’t quite as popular as other pro-sports. Some also might argue that an audience for Women’s Pro-leagues are already small and niche to begin with.

Others have mentioned location. At its inception, the NWSL found the Red Stars playing their games at a Benedictine University, a small private college in Lisle, IL. Although it’s hard to debate location anymore since the move to Toyota Park this season, especially considering the Benedictine field is further from Chicago (25.5mi) than Bridgeview (15.8 mi) is. Furthermore, is there really a debate when you’re comparing a college facility to a pro major league facility?

A team that will have back to back playoff appearances in a four-year-old league deserves to play in a facility and pitch designed for professional athletes.

Still others complain about the difficulty had finding the games, considering they’re not aired on television–local or national–regularly. But even that isn’t really an excuse.

You haven’t been able to watch their games? They’re on YouTube. You can go catch up right now.

SEIZING THE MOMENT

Whatever the reason, you probably haven’t made it to a game. Yet. There’s still time. Despite all the above mentioned reasons, that doesn’t mean that the product on the field is less competitive by any means.  

In the NWSL, the top four teams head to the playoffs. Since the start of this season, the Red Stars have found themselves constantly in the playoff mix. They have players who have battled through injuries, week in and week out. A defensive minded, blue collar team, full of grit. They’ve managed to start scoring more than one goal a game. Whatever the scoreline, they don’t quit.

You shouldn’t either.

So while you may enjoy watching wide receivers run incomplete routes that lead to interceptions, or teams that rack up losses like they’re trying to break a world record, you might consider supporting the Chicago Red Stars. It’s not too late. Again, they have a one last home game of the season before they’re off to compete for a championship. That’s right. A real league championship.

You can catch your Chicago Red Stars final home game at Toyota Park. Saturday, September 24th against the Washington Spirit.

 

Media Circus Skirts the Issue on Rapinoe Protest

Posted on by RJ Allen

Megan Rapinoe took a knee for the third time in four games on Sunday night. This time it wasn’t in an NWSL game in her Seattle Reign FC jersey, but an international friendly in her national team colors. In the days leading up to the match, many had offered speculation on whether or not Rapinoe would choose to take a knee during the friendly against Thailand, and she was asked about her process on her protest.

“It seems like I’m thinking 400 hours a day, that’s kind of how it feels,” Rapinoe said. “I will continue to talk to the people in my life that I trust, and take all sides into account. Ultimately, it will be up to me and what I feel convicted about, what’s in my bones and what I feel like is right.”

On days leading up to the match some wondered if she would, or if she wouldn’t continue. Others whether or not her method was appropriate. Whether or not her actions would take away from the retirement of longtime national team veteran Heather O’Reilly. Even whether or not taking a knee was the most effective way for her message to be conveyed. 

COVERAGE

Thursday evening, we got our answer:  she did it. So, in a mainstream sports media that usually ignores women’s athletics, this became an instant highlight. It brought several things to the forefront of the news cycle–not just the national team, but the women’s pro league, the NWSL, as well. 

Rapinoe’s actions spawned constant dialogue from ESPN commentator and former national team icon Julie Foudy during coverage of the match against Thailand on Thursday:

“Wherever you fall on the spectrum of love it or hate it with an anthem protest, I hope there is one thing we all can agree on. And that is that honoring freedom comes in many forms, and one of the beautiful rights we’ve been given in this country is freedom of expression and we all have that right even during the national anthem, even in a USA jersey. I know it wasn’t easy”

Foudy was repeatedly asked about it before and even during the game.

“I am torn by it, I think it’s one of the greatest aspects of our country, that we have the freedom to do just that. That is what makes this country so beautiful. I couldn’t have done it [kneel] as a US player standing on that line, I know that.”

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Soccer Federation noted that it held its players to certain standards regarding the anthem, and that they didn’t want attention taken away from national team legend Heather O’Reilly’s retirement game. Head Coach Jill Ellis echoed similar statements in interviews.  And the Federation had a statement prepared to release immediately after the end of the Thailand match–the same retirement game they didn’t want to take focus away from O’Reilly.

Despite their apparent concern, the statement was released live on ESPN for Foudy to give closing statements on, leaving O’Reilly to give her farewell speech in the background, as if live viewers were uninterested in hearing it:

“As part of the privilege of living in this country, don’t you also have the right to do just [protest] that? [..] Not to say you have to agree with it, but isn’t that what this country is about? What does that mean, ‘expectations?’ does that mean there will be repercussions?”

On Sunday, hours before the friendly against the Netherlands, Rapinoe was listed as an active player on the national team roster. The decision to have Rapinoe dress appeared to many as proof that the USSF will would allow Rapinoe to go unpunished for exercising her right to protest. Even though Rapinoe’s right to refuse to participate in the national anthem is constitutionally protected, the USSF’s statement implies that they could take action against her if they decided to do so.

Furthermore, this is women’s soccer we’re discussing. We have seen enough examples of what happens to players who speak out against their coaches. When they speak out about their federations. When they bring unwanted attention to the team.

It usually results in some kind of punishment, banishment, or unemployment.

Rapinoe knelt during the anthem in both friendlies. She came in as a second-half sub in both, to a crowds that responded with both boos and cheers.  More boos in Georgia than Ohio, but still present at both. The Fox Sports 1 commentary during Sunday night’s match didn’t help the narrative either. Not once in the commentary was the actual message discussed. Not one of the specific issues mentioned by Rapinoe was discussed by the media. Not once were the struggles that black citizens of this country face talked about. The word RACE itself was rarely mentioned if at all.

In the end, the US won the match 3-1 over Netherlands. 

And while U.S. Soccer has been a constant in our news feeds since the women’s national team was eliminated from the Rio Olympics, this is not the type of coverage–or the fan tour–they were hoping it would be. Just last night co-captain Carli Lloyd was asked if the protest has been a distraction for the team. Though she answered yes, Lloyd emphasized that they are a team used to distractions and would overcome these current ones as well.

THERE’S TOO MANY ISSUES

We Americans love our sports. We also love to express our patriotism through those sports. Race relations and race issues in this country have been so intense of late that much of what Rapinoe has tried to get discussed has been drowned out by the reactions of others to her protest. So far, there has been far more discussion about her form and method than her actual reasons.

For people who are struggling with recognizing what race issues actually are, here is a very short list that only mentions some, not all, of the issues at play:

  • General Race Issues:  racism, discrimination, prejudice, etc., against people of color in the United States
  • Visible representation:  lack of diverse colleges/universities, government, or work place as well as lack of representation in media, movies, books, tv, or other products of pop culture
  • Civic Oppression:  deeply segregated cities, gentrification, police brutality, black on black crime, gun violence, limited access to health care, groceries, jobs

When Kaepernick was asked for something specific about his protest, he mentioned police brutality.  He has also stated his protest includes, but is NOT limited to only that. It’s to highlight the general struggles and oppression of black citizens in this country. 

Rapinoe has been asked to elaborate on her stance with taking a knee along with Kaepernick and the other athletes who have joined him. Here is a short list of the things she has mentioned:

  • Solidarity with Kaepernick’s protest
  • Finding common ground to discuss race issues
  • Trying to be a voice in creating open dialogue that rarely has high profile white athletes speaking out
  • Struggle of gay Americans
  • Wage gap struggle for white women vs women of color
  • And far more

NOT ENOUGH REASONS TO IGNORE

It’s 2016 and there is still a sector of Americans who are uncomfortable with discussing race issues. The reality is this, there are absolutely too many race issues to take on in such a general protest, and that fact alone should make you concerned as an American citizen.

It should make you so sad that you want to do something about it, to create change in whatever way you can find yourself capable of.

Instead some fans and citizens are upset at a form of protest interrupting their sports event.

Rapinoe has a huge opportunity and huge platform. I hope that U.S. Soccer doesn’t try and take that away from her. I am hoping she uses it to be active in more than just discussions but literal actions. Whether that includes more activism or charitable work, eventually this does need to move beyond the pitch, beyond just conversations and creating awareness.

People are aware there are race issues. Some just choose to ignore them.

That’s why it’s important to use a platform you’ve been given but also to step off the soap box and take actual action.

This is a country that has given its citizens certain freedoms, liberties, and opportunities. It has been built on the backs of slaves, on the shoulders of immigrants and it is still seen as a land of opportunity for the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

But how do we make sure the poor, the tired, and those huddled masses can truly prosper in the land of the free and the home of the brave?

It can start with taking a stand, in taking a knee.

It can lead to conversations, to action, and hopefully, to change.

Grading USWNT Clothing Lines

Posted on by RJ Allen

It seems that more and more athletes are creating their own clothing lines lately and the U.S. Women’s National Team is no exception. Even though many players have had clothing lines in the past, most have since discontinued them. Currently, only four players have clothing lines that are available through their personal websites or through a direct affiliate website. Of the existing four, I have examined each of the clothing lines and in my unprofessional fashion opinion and professional fan opinion, graded them on a scale of A-F.  During the process, I will keep in mind each line’s marketing strategies, options, and overall appeal.

 

Grading Scale:

A- Great job. Might only need one or two slight improvements.

B- Overall good. Could improve in a few areas.

C- Not the best. Could significantly improve in many areas.

D- Clear flaws. Needs a lot of help.

F- Why did you do this?

 

For each clothing line I will be doing an “initial grade” and a “final grade”. I did this to show that my perception of each line changed after analysis and overall comparison.

 

Ashlyn Harris

 

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Initial Grade: A-

 

I was aware that Ashlyn had a fairly popular line. I had seen a few of her items on Instagram, but I wasn’t aware of the extent of her line. 

Overall, her items are great. They are trendy, unique, and refreshing in a non-traditional sense–the clothing isn’t limited to articles simply featuring her name and number. 

Currently, her items are only available through her page in Sqor Sport’s Sqor Shop. And at first, this turned me off. I felt that Ashlyn having her own personal domain would be more advantageous for her as a brand. But, after browsing through Sqor Sports’ website, I realized how much foot traffic they get. They also carry other items from athletes like Odell Beckham, Jr., Peyton Manning, and Cristiano Ronaldo. This has to be helpful for her in terms of exposure and accessibility.

Ultimately, Ashlyn’s offbeat and eclectic line remains as one of the best among the four and receives a final grade of an A.   

 

Final Grade: A

 

Ali Krieger

ak11_primary

Initial Grade: A

You have to give Ali Krieger credit. Her clothing line, available at AliKrieger.com, is always sold out. Always.

I joke that it’s harder to get her snapback than it was to buy tickets to Hamilton when the original cast was still intact.

I also obviously have a massive amount of respect and love that she is receptive to fan’s critiques, but at what point does the unavailability of her line become more inconvenient than exclusive? Her brand also only carries one hat, one T-shirt, and one cinch bag.

While all of these items are popular, I can’t give a higher final grade than a B for a line with only three items. Even if they are, apparently, topnotch.

 

Final Grade: B-

 

Hope Solo

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Initial Grade: B

 

I’m not sure if the recent events that have transpired around Hope make her ineligible for this article (I’m trying to stick to current and active players), but I’m going to include her because her line is still available through her website.

All in all, Hope’s clothing line seemed pretty traditional. Shirts and hoodies with her name, “Hope.”, are in the forefront of her website’s store. Even though this seems pretty standard, Hope does include other items that are more sentimental and amusing.

One of my personal favorites (that I didn’t realize was a thing!), is the #GetTheGoals T-Shirt. Any true Hope Solo fan knows this is a reference to a quote from her late grandmother, who was arguably the biggest national team fan in the country. Hope gets bonus points for this alone. But, in the long run, even though her line defied a few of my expectations, I can’t give her more than an A- for a clothing line that lacks a little excitement.

 

Final Grade: A-

 

Megan Rapinoe

rapinoe

Initial Grade: C

 

With the catchy hashtag of #BeYourBestYou, and a logo that is both simple and smart, I’m sure you’re wondering why I initially rated Megan Rapinoe’s clothing brand so low.

My reasoning is this: Social. Media. Spamming.

At first, I couldn’t handle it … “Made the Olympic Squad! #BeYourBestYou,” “Flying to Madrid! #BeYourBestYou,” “Getting my hair done! “BeYourBestYou,” “Tore my ACL! #BeYourBestYou.”

Okay, the last one clearly didn’t happen, but you get my point. Like those friends you have on Facebook who sell body wraps through pyramid scheme companies, I couldn’t help but feel that she has overcompensating for an under-performing clothing line.

One day, I finally took a leap and clicked one of her many posts on Twitter …  and guys … her clothes are actually kinda cool. I respect that not all of the items have her name plastered across the front. Most of them have her message: “Be Your Best You.” It may sound campy, but it carries a meaning that is universally understood. She also carries an assortment of items from tanks and tees to beanies and track jackets.

I also love that every item is unisex and can be worn by whatever gender you may be. So, ultimately, I’m going to apologize to Megan Rapinoe. I judged your clothing line pretty harshly, but then bought my husband and myself one of your tanks and we can’t deny that they are both very soft and very versatile in terms of appearance.

I am upgrading you to an A+.

 

Final Grade: A+

Around the World of WoSo: A weird week

Posted on by RJ Allen

Seattle Reign Captain Announces Retirement:

Keelin Winters has been captain of the NWSL club Seattle Reign since day one back in 2013 when the league began. She has been the heart and soul of this club without question. In her 85 appearances for the club, her role hasn’t necessarily been to score goals, but to create opportunities for her teammates. She does the little things right every game and has helped guide her team to two Shield titles and two trips to the NWSL championship. She’s been absolutely remarkable in her role and became one of the most consistent players in the league. The script couldn’t have been written any better for Winters-in her last professional game at Memorial Stadium this past weekend, she scored the game winning goal against Washington.  Winters’ representation has been nothing short of class both on and off the field. It’s been a pleasure watching her play and while I am sad to see her leave the game, Winters’ will continue to work for Pro Skills Soccer—a company she founded to assist youth and adult players in the Seattle area. The next chapter of her life will be of service, as she has plans to join the Kirkland Fire Department in January 2017.

NWSL Golden Boot Race Still Lively:

With one game left in the 2016 season, the Golden Boot winner has yet to be decided, a different race compared to last year where Washington’s Crystal Dunn ran away with it mid-season. Currently, four players are within reach to win the award. Leading the pack is Houston’s Kealia Ohai and WNY’s Lynn Williams each with 10, while tied at nine is WNY’s Jess McDonald and Portland’s Nadia Nadim. Ohai has been a on a tear the second half of the season, with all of her goals coming after July 9th, and in a total of nine games. Williams on the other hand has had a more complete season, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances. McDonald and Nadim have also been a little more consistent than Ohai. But nonetheless, the Dash forward has been the best player in the second half of the season. So, who has the better chance of actually winning it? Ohai will be going against Seattle, a team that shut out the number one team in the league in Washington last week. It will be a tough task but certainly one that Ohai is capable of doing. Williams and McDonald will be going against the weakest team in Boston, but anything could happen and stopping two of the best forwards in the game doesn’t seem likely for the Breakers. Lastly, Nadim will be up against Sky Blue FC, a team that has given up the third most goals this season with 27. All of these players have the opportunity to go out and control their own destiny. Friendly reminder: The NWSL is on International break, so play will resume September 24th finishing the regular season.

Two Chicago Red Stars Down:

In a hard fought 0-0 draw last week in Kansas City, Chicago clinched a playoff spot but two players left the game with injury concern. First was Arin Gilliland in the ninth minute after a scramble for the ball near the sidelines left her clutching her ankle. Gilliland has been very solid for the Red Stars in her two years in the league. Starting 17 matches as a rookie in 2015 and starting in 19 matches this season. The defender has been a crucial part of the defense that has only allowed 19 goals. For Chicago’s sake, hopefully it’s not a serious injury and while her replacement Sarah Gorden has done reasonable in her limited minutes, no doubt Gilliland is a key piece to Chicago’s success. With any luck, she could return in the final regular game of the season against Washington. The second injury was to forward Stephanie McCaffrey in the 25th minute. Having played her first year and a half in Boston, McCaffrey was traded to Chicago mid way through the season. In her six games as a Red Star she has contributed with two goals. While most of Chicago’s goals have come from Christen Press and Sofia Huerta, McCaffrey provides the width and service needed for serious scoring opportunities. Coming in for her was Alyssa Mautz, a player who has been improving each year in the league since arriving in 2013 and became a starter in 2014. Mautz is more than capable of filling the role for the remainder of the way, should McCaffrey not be available. But the concern is do these two injuries disrupt the chemistry of the team going forward? Can they go deep into the playoffs without these two out? We will find out in two weeks when play continues.

UVA Loses to Georgetown:

After winning its first seven games of the year, Virginia is no longer undefeated. The number two team Virginia played to a 3-2 loss this weekend to a surprising Georgetown team that’s ranked 20th. This was the first regular season non-conference loss since 2012 (lost to Penn State) for UVA.  The good news for UVA is that it was the last non-conference match of the season. This one started out great for UVA, leading by two goals after nine minutes of play, but seemed to hit a wall the rest of the game. The Hoyas came storming back with three unanswered goals in the first half to stun the Cavs. It’s certainly an impressive feat when in the previous seven games UVA had allowed zero goals. The defense was bound to collapse at some point, but I didn’t have Georgetown winning this game at all—and not in that fashion. The Hoyas scored its first goal a few minutes after UVA scored its last. In the 14th minute Taylor Pak hit a lovely ball from distance to give her team life. That was all they needed. The tying goal came by way of Chloe Knott, who capitalized on a mistake by the Cavs and beat the keeper 1v1 to level.  The game winning goal in the 38th minute was constructed all by Rachel Corboz (Who was named to our Player to Watch List before the season started). Corboz hit a beautiful free kick from 25 yards out and into the net to give her team a very convincing win. For her effort, Corboz was awarded the Big East Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. Up next for UVA is Virginia Tech on Friday while Georgetown faces George Washington on Thursday.

Manchester City Women Close to Title:

Last weekend, City beat Arsenal Ladies to improve to 38 points and move one step closer to the Super League Title. The only other serious contender is Chelsea, who is sitting in second place with 31 points. They defeated Reading to keep themselves in the race for another week.  Ironically the next match is on September 25 against City, so if they win, City will have to wait to celebrate the Title.  It will be a tough task for City. Chelsea has the likes of Hedvig Lindahl (GK-SWE), England star midfielder Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko (F-ENG), Fran Kirby (F-ENG) and Gemma Davison (F-ENG). All nine teams in the league have quality squads, but City might have the most complete. Led by a handful of England’s finest in Karen Bardsley (GK), Lucy Bronze (D), Captain Steph Houghton (D), Jill Scott (M) and Toni Dugan (F). It’s easy to see why they are on top. They also have Ireland’s young talent on defense in Megan Campbell and the American midfielder you might recognize in Daphne Corboz, (the sister of Georgetown Hoya Rachel Corboz). I don’t gamble, but if I did, I would put my money on Manchester to win its first title in club history by beating Chelsea.

NCAA College Cup Moved Out of NC:

On Monday it was announced that the NCAA Women’s College Cup will not be played in North Carolina. The main reason is a legitimate one, and backed by the NCAA President Mark Emmert, is due to the anti-LGBT laws that are currently in place. In his statement, Emmert made it clear that it was a decision that needed to be made, saying this: “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships.”

The four factors that played a part in removing the College Cup and are as follows:

  • NC laws invalidate any local law that treats sexual orientation as a protected class, or has a purpose to prevent discrimination against LGBT individuals.
  • A statewide law in NC that prohibits anyone using the restroom of the gender not on birth certificate, regardless of gender identity.
  • NC law provides legal protections for government officials to refuse services to the LGBT community.
  • Five states (New York, Minnesota, Washington, Vermont and Connecticut) prohibit travel to NC for public employees and representatives of public institutions, which could include student-athletes and campus athletics staff.

Six other events will be relocated as well; Men’s and Women’s DIII Soccer Championships, 2017 DI Men’s Basketball first/second Round, 2017 DI Women’s Golf Regional, 2017 Men’s and Women’s DIII Tennis Championships, 2017 Women’s DI Lacrosse Championship and 2017 DII Baseball Championship. Without question, this was the right decision for the NCAA and the Board of Governors to make. Anyone who has a moral compass should be perfectly ok with these relocations.