On Wednesday the United States Women’s National Team defeated Japan 3-1 to win the SheBelievesCup. With the win, United States went a perfect 3-for-3 in the 2020 SheBelievesCup.
The United States got things cooking early with Megan Rapinoe scoring in the 7th minute off a free-kick from just outside the box. Rapinoe elected to go far post over the wall and was able to get it past the goalkeeper to make it 1-nil. In the 26th minute, Christen Press chipped the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
In the 58th minute, Japan was able to get within one with Mana Iwabuchi scoring. With Japan gaining some momentum USWNT was able to earn a corner kick. In the 83rd minute, Mallory Pugh‘s service on a corner kick found Lindsey Horan for a header at the near post to make it 3-1.
Main Storyline Off The Field
While USWNT continues to win on the field the main storyline surrounding the team has been their legal battle with U.S. Soccer. Earlier this week in court filings U.S. Soccer claimed that “it is undisputed that the job of [Men’s National Team] player requires materially more strength and speed than the job of [Women’s National Team] player,” the court filing reads. It also adds, “the job of MNT players carries more responsibility than the job of a WNT player.”
In the ensuing days, they have faced serious backlash from fans, players, and sponsors. On Wednesday one of their largest sponsors, Coca-Cola, called the comments “unacceptable and offensive” and have called for a meeting to discuss the matter with the federation.
Just as the match with Japan was drawing to a U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro released a statement. In the statement, he apologized for the language in the court filings and that it “did not reflect the values of our Federations or our tremendous admiration of four Women’s Nationa Team”. A bit odd that the President of U.S. Soccer or someone on his team wouldn’t be aware of the tone or arguments being made on a major issue. Needed a tad more ownership in the statement.
