Tag: USWNT

Whitney Engen’s Time Over with the National Team

Posted on by RJ Allen

Today on Twitter Whitney Engen reveled that her time with the United States women’s national team has come to a close.

After 5 years, 40 caps and 4 goals, Head Coach Jill Ellis has informed Engen that she is “no longer in her future plans”.

The World Cup winning centerback currently plays for the Boston Breakers and joined the USWNT in Rio on the Olympic roster. The end of her statement implies that next season is an uncertainty in both where she would play and if she would play club soccer.

The full statement can be read below.

 

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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.

Around the World of WoSo: Farewell to HAO

Posted on by RJ Allen

HAO Says Goodbye to the USWNT:

It was a bittersweet week for fans of the U.S. Women’s National team as midfielder Heather O’Reilly officially retired. While it is sad that she will be gone as a member of USWNT, the good news is that we get to remember all the amazing things she accomplished over her 15-year career at the National level. The other good news is that she is only retiring from International soccer but will continue to play for her NWSL club team, FC Kansas City. Simply known as HAO to her many fans, O’Reilly had a historic career–231 caps, 47 goals, 55 assists. These came along the way as she won the U-19 World Cup in 2002, three Olympic Gold medals (’04, ’08, and ’12), and most recently became a World Cup Champion in 2015. HAO also holds the record for most games played consecutively at 74. She was a crucial part of creating a new team image during the transition from the 99ers, even getting to wear the number nine that was passed down from Mia Hamm herself all those years ago. I’d be lying if I said seeing Mia on the field to honor HAO didn’t make me emotional, because it did.

In her last game in a U.S. jersey against Thailand last week, HAO scored one last goal and grabbed an assist to lead the gals to a 9-0 victory. It was certainly an emotional night for all; teammates, coaches, fans and any soccer fan who knew how special she was to the sport over the years. I think it’s safe to say she will be remembered for her iconic game face and record setting beep test numbers. She was the very definition of determination; every practice, every game, no matter if she was starting or on the bench, Heather O’Reilly gave it her all. Like many fans, I am forever grateful for her work and her dedication to make this team great for so long.

International Break for EURO 2017 Qualifying:

This past week, several NWSL players were off for their respective countries for European Qualifying. Countries that have made it and the NWSL players involved:

England- Rachel Daly (Houston Dash),

France- Amandine Henry (Portland Thorns FC)

Iceland- Dagny Brynjarsdottir (Portland Thorns FC),

Scotland- Kim Little & Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign FC).

Other countries who have qualified are Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

Hoyas Continue to Impress:

Last week, Georgetown upset the number three team in the nation (Virginia); this week they managed one better. The Hoyas needed a double overtime goal (102nd minute) from Grace Damaska to best West Virginia, who are ranked number one. Another impressive outing, considering the Hoyas are ranked 16th, and will surely crack the top 10 when the latest rankings are released. With the win, they snapped a two-year streak of 30 games won at home by WVU. With huge wins like this on their resume, Georgetown is surely grabbing everyone’s attention. Up next, the Hoyas will host Providence on Sunday while WVU travel to Richmond on Friday.

FSU has a pair of Aces:

Florida State has two players who are playing very well and have grabbed my attention: Megan Connolly (M) and Deyna Castellanos (F). The two have combined for seven goals and two assist in eight games so far. Connolly had a breakout season last year and now as a sophomore, she is aiming to do even more damage. The 19 year-old Irish international is leading the Seminoles in shots with 24, one of which was a game winner against Middle Tennessee earlier this season. The other notable standout is 17 year-old Castellanos, who hails from Venezuela and is only a freshman. She already has three game winners in her catalog; against Texas A & M, UConn, and added another versus Miami on Sunday. Castellanos is second on the team in shots, with 23. The Seminoles have started the season strong with seven wins and one loss. Their next two opponents are Wake Forest and number three ranked Virginia after that. This team is worth keeping an eye on to see what they can do against other top ten teams. With Connolly and Castellanos engineering the offense for FSU, I think they could go very far into the College Cup.

USWNT Friendly with the Netherlands:

Sunday night proved to be a very competitive match between the United States and the Netherlands. Not that I wasn’t expecting one, but the Dutch really impressed me with how they executed their game plan. They started out fast and the Americans were exposed in the first two minutes when forward Shanice Van De Sanden pounced on a loose ball to give the Netherlands the lead. For most of the Dutch found ways to stretch our defense, which was interesting in itself considering we had three centerbacks on the backline.  Fielding Whitney Engen, Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn, the U.S. struggled to find a rhythm in the first half hour. Meghan Klingenberg was the only true outside back starting the game and she had a sub-par game to say the least. She got beat more than enough to count and for me was the worst player on the field in the first half. With ten minutes until halftime, the United States finally got on the board. Tobin Heath broke free on the right side and found Carli Lloyd alone, who tucked inside the eighteen to blast it top shelf for the equalizer.

 The second half was a little bit more organized than the first for the United States, but still the Dutch continued to win battles in the air and work through Van De Sanden and Danielle Van De Donk. In goal for the U.S. was Alyssa Naeher and in her 14th appearance, she was tested plenty. As the game went on, Naeher seemed to get settled in and that showed as the Dutch couldn’t get anything else past her. After an own goal in the 50th minute by the Netherlands, the United States tightened up on defense and brought on subs to push the match up a notch. Two of those included Crystal Dunn and Megan Rapinoe. On several occasions, Dunn blew past multiple defenders but couldn’t control in the final third to get any dangerous shot off. The third and final goal came by way of a Rapinoe cross that was headed back towards the Netherlands goal by Lloyd and Allie Long made sure it found the back of the net.

Overall, I really enjoyed this game by both teams. While the U.S. certainly have areas to improve, for a friendly it was solid effort. As for the Netherlands, I am excited to see what they can do next. They really impressed me with not only the style they perform with, but the physical nature they imposed. I was familiar with a few players before the match and now I am exposed to a handful of quality players. Nothing but respect and newfound love for the Netherlands, they have a solid foundation to build on.

Arkansas Shocks Florida:

The Razorbacks had yet another tremendous outing at home against a top five opponent; the first you may recall was beating number two Duke almost a month ago. This time they beat SEC rival Florida for the first time in program history. The Gators were ranked fourth and went into the game with a three game win streak in which they scored 13 goals over that span. Arkansas was more than up to the challenge, scoring twice in a three minute span in the first half. Junior Jessi Hartzler dominated Florida’s defense to give Arkansas the lead and never looked back. It was a brilliant individual effort and as the game went on, the rest of the Razorbacks started to believe they could once again pull off an upset. Florida managed to get a goal back early in the second half but that wasn’t enough to fully recover. Even with a two hour lightening delay, the crowd of 1,155 stayed until the end. Florida drop to six wins and two losses. They look to recover against Auburn on Thursday in Gainesville. Arkansas climbs to nine wins and one loss; the best start in program history. They face off against Alabama in Fayetteville on Thursday.

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+

Five Questions with Ali Krieger

Posted on by RJ Allen

Editor’s note: This interview was conducted on 8/31. 

When living in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area – the DMV as we call it – it’s hard to talk about soccer without mentioning one particular name, Ali Krieger. It’s also hard to mention her name and not have whoever you are talking to smile, because that’s the kind of effect she has.

As hard-nosed and brash as she can be on the field, she is as kind and soft spoken off of it. She cares about her fans, her teammates and her sport. When you see pictures of her being the last player on the field signing autographs, that’s not for show, that’s just Ali being Ali.

For as popular and talented as she is, you could forgive her if she was cocky and a bit egotistical, but anyone who has had the pleasure of spending five minutes with her would tell you, that is the last thing that she is. I happen to be one of those people who have been lucky enough, on a few occasions, to speak with Ali.

Backline Soccer (BS): With the Spirit in 1st going into the playoffs this year, a little different than the last couple of seasons, how is that mindset and what do you think have been the changes that have put you in this position?

Ali Krieger (AK): I think we have a team this year that is all on the same page, we all respect each other and we really, really care about each other and get along so well. I think there’s constant support and everyone knows their role and gives it 100% everyday, not that there wasn’t in previous years. I think that there’s a certain communication and understanding that everyone is just here to work hard, to play well and be a good teammate and to want to win, most importantly. That’s the way that we’ve become so successful, I think that each game that we’re winning with that mindset, we’ve built confidence off of that. I think that that is the few keys and mainly the reason why we’ve been having success.

BS: As Captain and knowing how well the team was playing going into the break, did it make it easier to concentrate and be away, knowing the national team players didn’t have to be there, whereas other teams really needed their national team players?

AK: Absolutely, we have such depth within in this team and you couldn’t even tell we were away, at times I was thinking to myself, “do I even need to go back, I could just chill on the bench the whole time and cheer them on.” Not that I wanted to continue to do that.

In all seriousness, I love this team so much, we have such depth and great players with great attitudes who just want to work hard and get better and the willingness to learn and get better every single day has improved since day one. I think that just goes to show you that everybody who gets the opportunity to play and fill in those holes, we had 5 starters unavailable for the break, I think that players have been doing so well with just filling in and playing their role and possibly even doing it better than we were before. It makes it more difficult for us to join the team and come back in now, but that’s the way it should be, players should want to take that opportunity and run with it. I think that a lot of our teammates have done that and have done a great job. It’s a battle every single day and everyone has a fire underneath them and that’s the type of atmosphere you want at the professional level.

BS: With the growth of the NWSL into a 4th season, what changes have you seen making it possible for the 4th season and what could keep moving it forward?

AK: Obviously the addition of more teams has helped. The team in Orlando, which has been a tremendous addition because it’s so professional there, right from the start. Having the connection with the men’s team has helped them and they’ve only been in the league for 2 seasons. I think it was such a great addition and very professional and I think that that’s the way it’s going to be from now on. I think that is the key to automatically have a team that has a set up in some way.

Also, just really good support, having a great manager and a great owner who really loves women’s football, who really wants to see the game grow and the players happy. We have Bill Lynch and the Washington Spirit organization that has cared for women’s football for over 25 years. I remember, Bill, he always tells me that he used to watch me when I was so young, growing up and now I’m here playing for his club. That’s the way it should be, giving back to the women’s game. I think, in order for the NWSL to grow, we need owners like Bill and more support for the women’s game. But obviously, to have that professionalism that we have and some of the other teams that are connected with a men’s team. Obviously every team and owner that you see, in the NWSL now after 4 years, is all in and full go. I think that’s something that will help the NWSL to continue to grow as long as you have that support, I think it will continue to be successful like it has been.

I also think the more money we get into the league and the support from US Soccer, that needs to continue for it to be stabilized. It’s having great owners, good managers and staff that want to be here and want to see the women’s game grow and not because of the money, that’s just the idea you have to have coming into this.

BS: IF there was a NWSL All-Star game and you were the starting right back…

AK: Yes, I wish that was coming back, one of these days.

BS: Who would your other 4 of the back 5 be?

AK: Oh gosh, that’s a tough question. I would want all of MY teammates to be the back five, for sure, hands down. I love my teammates so much and I think that they’re some of the best players in the country. I think that I would love to just continue to crush with them, we’re so comfortable with each other, we’re doing really well. I don’t know how many goals against we have, not too many, it’s fewer than some other teams. I would love to just continue to play with my teammates. In all seriousness, to have an All-Star backline, I would have to sit and think about that and look at the other rosters. I’m just so focused on paying attention to what we have in our little bubble.

BS: In keeping with the Olympic Spirit, if you could take one athlete from any other sport and convert them from another sport and bring them to the Spirit, who would it be and what position?

AK: I think it would be either Allyson Felix or Simone Biles. That girl is so good she could probably do anything. If you put the pace of Allyson Felix with Simone Biles, if you mix the two I think you’d have an even more incredible athlete. I’d throw a jersey on her and put her up front with Crystal. I think her and Crystal could do the damn thing, wheeling and dealing.

Around the World of WoSo

Posted on by RJ Allen

This week we have plenty of upsets to catch up on as well as some shocking news from a former a USWNT member concerning her health.

Kealia Ohai can’t be stopped:

Houston are finally playing like we thought they could way back in April at the start of the 2016 NWSL season; more specifically Ohai is simply playing out of her mind. On Saturday night she added two more goals to help her Dash beat the Orlando Pride in a thrilling 4-2 outing. Ohai has scored nine goals in the last seven games to keep her team alive at seventh place and still searching for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Orlando lost its fifth consecutive game, and is officially eliminated from the playoffs. With Ohai in the lead for the Golden Boot, her play has certainly caught the attention of many fans, but has USWNT coach Jill Ellis been paying attention? I hope so because with her play, she has shown she is ready for another USWNT call-up. The home crowd for Houston was an impressive 6,819 strong and I would think that helped to give the Dash the extra motivation needed.

Washington first to clinch playoff spot:

The Spirit has officially made the playoffs for the third consecutive year after a 1-1 draw with WNY on Saturday night.  In front of a nice crowd of 4,527 at the Plex, the Spirit has performed well at home, grabbing their sixth win to tie WNY for league best. Washington has very consistent this season, and winning the Shield could be next for them, sitting on 36 points while Portland is in second with 29 points. Everything seems to be clicking for Jim Gabarra’s team, so could this finally be the year for a championship title? It certainly is possible the way they are performing.

Lauren Holiday to have brain surgery:

Earlier this week Lauren Holiday’s family announced that a benign tumor was found and will require surgery. The Holidays have known about it since late June. The former USWNT and NWSL (FCKC) star is a month away from giving birth to her first child, but the operation regarding the tumor will have to wait until 6 weeks after the baby is born. Holiday retired last year after the World Cup at the age of 27. A two-time Olympic champion and World Cup champion, Holiday is adored by fans all over the world. I’m sending positive energy and thoughts to the Holiday family as they go through this tough time.

FSU upset by South Alabama:

The number one ranked team Florida State has fallen to unranked South Alabama on Monday night. In their first loss of the year, FSU had a fair amount of chances. None more than Sophomore Megan Connolly who had several chances in the first half alone, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Although the Seminoles had better possession, South Alabama managed to counter and in the 25th minute forward Charde Hannah found the winning goal. The goal was the first goal allowed by FSU this season, after shutting out its previous three opponents by a combined score of seven to nothing. The Jaguars did a solid job defensively in the second half, putting all 11 players behind the ball to secure the victory. FSU looks to rebound at home against UConn on Thursday. South Alabama should be confident as they face Austin Peay on Friday.

UCLA beat defending champs Penn State:

The Bruins are ranked 11th while the Lions are ranked 13th, but since Penn State are the defending champions, I would still consider this an upset. UCLA are quickly becoming one of my favorite teams to watch. Led by a couple of exciting in freshman Jessie Fleming and Teagan Micah, the Bruins have three wins and one loss to start the year. Fleming has now scored three goals in two games for the Bruins since arriving on campus from Rio, where she helped Canada win the Bronze medal. In goal, UCLA have Micah, who made six saves en route to her third shutout of the year. In a back-and-forth match that needed two overtimes, UCLA finally found the right combination. In the 99th minute, Fleming got on the end of a MacKenzie Cerda cross and headed home the game winner. For me, this was a statement win for the Bruins. The schedule doesn’t get any easier as they host seventh ranked North Carolina on Friday. Penn State faces San Diego State on Friday also.

Clemson fall to South Carolina:

Heading into this match, the Clemson Tigers were ranked sixth while South Carolina was sitting at 22nd. Savannah McCaskill scored two goals late in the first half to lead her Gamecocks to their fourth win on the season. South Carolina played a fast and energetic first half, so by halftime Clemson looked a little tired and a bit shocked. A slow start didn’t derail the Tigers for long, pulling one back in the 79th minute thanks to a 30 yard rocket by Sophomore Sam Staab. It was too little too late and Clemson fell to 3-2 on the season and slip in the rankings as well, dropping to 14th. Clemson play High Point on Friday and South Carolina take the field against Georgia on Friday as well.

(Scape)GOAT: On Hope Solo’s Suspension and Termination

Posted on by RJ Allen

In an unexpected announcement Wednesday afternoon, US Soccer revealed that long-time goalkeeper Hope Solo had been suspended for six months after comments made regarding the playing of Sweden in the quarterfinal loss in Brasilia on August 12. Solo’s comments, widely reported as variants on “Hope Solo Calls Sweden Cowards,” were, in context, much less offensive than the media or casual observers wanted to believe. But the Federation apparently disagreed, referring them as “conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles” in the official statement.

Asked her thoughts on the loss by Grant Wahl, Solo said that she believed the US played a “courageous game,” referring to the team’s many attacks on goal, but suggested that Sweden’s defensive strategy was representative of their opponent’s acknowledgement of their inferior offensive skills when faced with Fifa’s top ranked women’s team. But it’s so much easier to boil down a good point (with a questionable choice of word) to a biting headline than to engage into the tactical discussion that Solo wanted.

Let me be clear–I do not excuse Hope Solo’s comment. If I were in her position, I hope that I would not have used the word “coward.” But at the same time, her position was not exactly wrong–Sweden’s defensive tactics worked. But they worked at the cost of their own offensive opportunities, and when they finally encountered a team their defense couldn’t stymie in Silvia Neid’s German squad, they did not possess the offensive mind necessary to win the Gold medal game.

So despite the outrage displayed by media heads–including ex-USWNT player Julie Foudy for NBC–an immediate censure from the USSF, and, later, criticism from fellow USWNT teammates, Solo’s comments were not inherently offensive in the way they were portrayed and disseminated. When questioned by the media, Swedish player Lotta Schelin made a statement insisting that the comment was made in the heat of the moment, and that their personal relationship remains positive and friendly. Kosovare Asllani concurred, stating that while Solo should apologize, she should be allowed to speak her mind, and acknowledged that sometimes a person says more than they mean. And Pia Sundhage, former USWNT coach and current coach of the Swedish WNT, laughed Solo’s words off, saying, famously now, “I’m going to Rio, she’s going home.”

The issue today with the Federation’s response to Solo’s comments–a six-month suspension and, as reported by Grant Wahl, the termination of her National Team contract–however, is that such a decision, in this age of social media and 24-hour news cycles, does not occur in a vacuum. This comes in the wake of months of unrest between the players and US Soccer regarding the imbalance in compensation between the men’s and women’s teams, including an EEOC lawsuit with Solo’s name on it. It comes after increasing concerns regarding the safety and treatment of players in the NWSL, including the conditions of fields and training equipment, and the poverty level at which many of the league’s players live near.

And it occurs in a moment when an Olympic athlete can egregiously lie about events that occurred–making a false report to the police about being held up at gunpoint–and be escorted safely away to the United States, given a Primetime interview, and fielding a request to join the next season of Dancing With the Stars. In the light of all this, hearing that Solo’s off-hand remarks have effectively ended her career with the USWNT is not only disheartening, but discouraging.

For some, outright infuriating.

Because Hope Solo is not the only soccer player in the US system whose conduct has come under review by the USSF. Nor is she the only player who has made comments that could be considered to be counter to the principles of the organization. But, in these other cases, the disciplinary action taken by the Federation has been much milder.

Zero action was taken for comments made by Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Bedoya on the subject of former USWNT member Abby Wambach’s suspected DUI earlier this year, despite the fact that their tweets targeted both Wambach and then-current USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo, referencing Wambach’s statements about dual-nationality players on the USMNT and a 2015 DUI incident in which Solo’s husband Jerramy Stevens was driving a team van while under the influence (and for which Solo was suspended from the USWNT for 30 days).

Altidore, in addition, is also known for his sexist comments toward fellow US soccer star Alex Morgan. Comments which, considering the fact that they are colleagues, cross over into the realm of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones, on the other hand, were each suspended in 2015 when their conduct on the field for their club teams threatened the safety of the referee. In a US Open Cup game on June 16, 2015, Dempsey approached the referee after a controversial call, took his notebook, and ripped it up. This earned him a three game suspension from his MLS team and, eventually, a six game (or two-year) suspension from US Open Cup play by the US Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel. Dempsey’s MLS suspension, however, was short enough that he was able to compete with the USMNT in both the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup that same summer and the 2016 Copa America Centenario. And, as Ethan Swenson pointed out in an article for Sounder At Heart, the USSF could penalized him with a suspension of at least three months on their own, finding him guilty of violating US Soccer’s policy regarding threats and violence against referee personnel. Of course, that might have jeopardized the USMNT’s performance in their tournament play, considering the fact that Dempsey is one of their headline players.

The charge against Jones of “making contact with a referee” earned him a six match suspension from his MLS team in October 2015, a suspension that also prevented him from playing in other soccer competition or tournaments while it was in effect.

The misconduct involved Jones putting his hands on the referee multiple times, upset at a call that had awarded a penalty kick against his team. Any intentional threat or assault against a referee is punishable by a mandatory six game suspension according to USSF policy and bylaws, while a three game suspension is mandatory for milder misconduct, including “verbal and nonverbal communication which […] implies or directly threatens physical harm” to any of the referee staff. Unlike Dempsey’s suspension, which did not keep him from National Team duty, Jones’s prevented him from playing in the USMNT’s two World Cup qualifiers in March of this year.

And in the larger world of soccer, beyond the USSF, there are more chilling offenses that have received far less attention and were certainly penalized to a lesser extent than Hope Solo’s post-game comments.

There is John Terry, for example, of the English Men’s National Team and Chelsea FC. Terry has been accused of misconduct on and off the field–including drunkenly accosting American tourists at an airport immediately after the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. But it’s the accusations of racism against Terry that found him suspended for four games and removed as Captain by England’s Football Association in 2012.

Luis Suarez has also been held accountable for racist comments on the field. Specifically for his comments toward Patrice Evra in 2011, where he was suspended for eight games for his comments. “I never asked for Evra’s forgiveness,” Suarez wrote in his memoir, Crossing the Line, “because I felt I had done him no wrong.” But Suarez is also the same player whose Wikipedia article has to number his biting incidents in order to keep them straight. An Uruguayan National Team player who was traded to Barcelona from Liverpool in 2014, he has been disciplined for biting opponents during matches a total of three times. “I know biting appalls a lot of people, but it’s relatively harmless,” Suarez wrote, seemingly unaware of why he was sentenced to a seven game suspension for the first incident and a ten game suspension for the second. For the third, the biting of Italian player Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World Cup, he was given a four month suspension by Fifa that forbade him from stepping foot into a stadium, much less practicing or training with his teams.

What, one might ask after reading about Suarez and his habit of biting people, is misconduct worthy of having one’s contract terminated?

Until yesterday, I thought the line was set fairly high. As in the case of Romeo Parkes, Jamaican international and member of the USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds, whose contract with the club was terminated in May 2016 after he kicked Karl Ouimette, New York Red Bulls II player, in the back after Ouimette received a red card and was sent off the field. The owner of the Riverhounds released a statement indicating that the player’s conduct was “not representative of what our organization and its Academy stands for in regards to helping promote and grow this sport,” and Parkes was immediately suspended by the USL, a suspension that was later extended worldwide until late October by Fifa, preventing him from joining the Jamaican team in their Copa America Centenario play this past summer.

What do all these examples have to do with Hope Solo and the punishment handed down by US Soccer yesterday?

I should think it’s obvious.

Look, I’m not saying that these male players deserved more or less in terms of punishment for their actions, but I am saying that there is a double standard in the way misconduct of male players is handled when compared to misconduct of female players. I am saying that Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Bedoya are allowed to speak their minds, but Hope Solo has to watch what she says. I’m saying that Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones can threaten and intimidate referees, but Hope Solo’s words are considered too damaging to allow her to wear the US kit. I’m saying that Luis Suarez and Romeo Parkes can cause physical harm to their opponents but receive minor suspensions, or terminations from their 3rd-tier club with only a temporary ban on their international play, but Hope Solo’s mere presence on the National Team is dangerous to the philosophy and principles of the USSF.

I’m saying that Hope Solo’s six month suspension and termination are at odds with the USSF’s own bylaws and policy manual, which make no claims about player misconduct beyond what receiving yellow or red cards during a match means for their upcoming play, or what the consequences for harming or threatening a referee will be (and in the case of Dempsey–even when they apply that standard they do so inconsistently). I’m saying that there is no official policy on “conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles,” and certainly not one that, lacking transparency, appears to penalize Solo at a much higher rate than her male colleagues.

Finally, let me leave you with this.

During the 2016 Euros in France this past summer, Cristiano Ronaldo exited a rough 1-1 draw with the underdog Iceland National Team with some harsh comments about the opponent that Portugal had been expected to thrash:

“Iceland didn’t try anything,” Ronaldo said, “They were just defend, defend, defend and playing on the counterattack. It was a lucky night for them. We should have three points but we are OK. […] When they don’t try to play and just defend, defend, defend, this in my opinion shows a small mentality and they are not going to do anything in the competition.”

But in the end, Ronaldo and Portugal took home the Euro Cup. And Madeira announced that it will rename their international airport in his honor.

Hope Solo got a tersely written letter from her Federation.