US Women's National Soccer Team

Just over a year on from lifting the 2015 World Cup, the U.S. women's national soccer team face their penultimate Olympic warm-up match against South Africa at Chicago's Soldier Field on Saturday.

Jill Ellis' side are aiming to claim a fourth straight gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month, while they could also be the first-ever side to celebrate World Cup and Olympic glory in back-to-back years.

In the match against South Africa, they'll face up to a side who they have never played before, which will bring its own challenges and rewards before their final warm-up game against Costa Rica.

Read on for a preview of the clash between the U.S. and Banyana Banyana, along with scheduling, television and live-streaming details.

  

Date: Saturday, July 9

Time: 1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST

TV Info: Live on Fox Sports 1 (U.S. Only)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go (U.S. Only)

  

Preview

South Africa face a daunting task in Chicago as they attempt to hold their own against the best outfit in the world.

Their last outing was a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands, which ended an unbeaten run stretching back to March 2015.

They are making a huge step up in quality facing the USWNT, but it will be valuable preparation ahead of the Olympics, in which they join hosts Brazil, China PR and Sweden in a tough Group A.

Captain Janine Van Wyk and veteran forward Portia Modise will be the key players for South Africa in what is likely to be an exercise in damage limitation.

The U.S. side simply have much more quality and experience in their ranks. They are unbeaten in 2016, winning all but a recent 3-3 draw with Japan.

There have been plenty of changes to the squad that lifted the World Cup a year ago, but the USWNT just keep on winning.

The likes of Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux may be absent, but new faces have emerged, most excitingly 18-year-old Mallory Pugh.

Pugh made her debut back in January and excelled during Olympic qualifying, causing havoc on the left flank, per CONCACAF:

Goal USA - No. 16 Crystal DUNN @crysdunn_19 | @ussoccer_wnt @FutbolPR #CWOQ2 https://t.co/2lQ5LrPzMb

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 16, 2016

The experience still also remains in the U.S. squad, and Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe both returned to the squad ahead of the South Africa clash—although Rapinoe will not play and is only involved "for training and evaluation," per U.S. Soccer.

No. 1 goalkeeper Hope Solo is also still a firm fixture in Ellis' side, and she could reach a stunning milestone against South Africa, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

.@hopesolo is one shutout away from history.

By the Numbers: https://t.co/D79zGBYBmf pic.twitter.com/glYiitjv6h

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 7, 2016

The World Cup victory is a mere memory now, and Ellis insisted the only focus has been an Olympic gold for some time, per Paul Tenorio on FourFourTwo: "I’ve said this before, as a coach you don’t really have a rearview mirror. You’re just constantly looking at what’s ahead of you. For us we’ve put that [the World Cup win] behind us a long time and now it’s focused on the Olympics."

The USWNT will need to be on their game against South Africa, but they should earn a routine victory and gain some more confidence ahead of their trip to Rio.

There are still roster spots to be fought for as well, so there will be no complacency in Chicago, but the U.S. side's excellent 2016 is likely to continue against Banyana Banyana.

The reigning @FIFAWWC champions will wear a new @Nike home kit at the @Olympics: https://t.co/IvHRfx07KX pic.twitter.com/2PpvtMGGkD

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 28, 2016

Earlier this year, Nike unveiled new kits for both the U.S. men's and women's national soccer teams that helped U.S. Soccer move forward with a new crest.

Now, as it prepares for the 2016 Rio Olympics, the U.S. women's team is the recipient of a brand-new set of home kits. 

Not only do the uniforms feature the country's red, white and blue, but there is also a flashy addition to the tops:

Team USA women's soccer jersey for Rio has sparkles on the shoulders pic.twitter.com/UbuQ6xXgbi

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 28, 2016

What the kits don't feature, however, is the new crest, due to Olympic uniform regulations. Rather, there is a "USA" wordmark on both the chest and the shorts.

These USWNT kits will be used strictly for the Summer Games as the team looks to become the first squad to follow up a World Cup title with an Olympic gold medal.

[Twitter]

The United States women's national team put on an impressive display at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on Sunday, defeating Japan 2-0 in a game called in the 76th minute due to lightning, per U.S. Soccer WNT.

Julie Johnston's goal in the 27th minute and Alex Morgan's tally in the 62nd were the difference for the United States, who conceded 54 percent of possession to Japan but created far more opportunities. The United States outshot Japan 12-3 (7-1 on goal) and held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks, according to ESPN FC.

Johnston's goal to open the scoring was something of a salvage job. After Japan failed to clear a poor USWNT set piece, Allie Long was played through into space on the left side of the box. She sent a low cross to the opposite post, where Johnston was poaching and was easily able to slot home for the goal.

Japan had some justified gripes with the goal, as Johnston appeared to be a hair offside on the play. Nonetheless, the United States would take a 1-0 lead into the half.

There was little questioning the country's second goal, however. 

The United States hit Japan quickly again, with Crystal Dunn racing down the right flank. She spotted Morgan making a probing run between two Japanese defenders, and perfectly curled a low cross that beat the first defender. Morgan took it from there, deflecting the pass over the sprawling goalkeeper for the game's second goal.

U.S. Soccer WNT shared the fantastic setup and finish:

FACT: 13 games this year for the #USWNT, @alexmorgan13 has played in 11. This is her 11th goal of 2016. #OnFiyahttps://t.co/kq8Zl5r51Y

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 5, 2016

That continued Morgan's hot streak, as Julie Stewart-Binks of Fox Sports 1 noted:

Nice cross from Crystal Dunn. Perfectly timed one-touch from Alex Morgan. Her third goal in 2 games. #USWNT

— Julie Stewart-Binks (@JSB_TV) June 5, 2016

It was also her seventh goal against Japan, the most goals she has versus any country, according to Paul Carr of ESPN.

The pair of Dunn and Morgan is also quite a handful for opposing defenses, as Caitlin Murray of the Guardian noted:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/739524073374392321

Play was then halted in the 76th minute for a lightning delay as thunderstorms broke out, before the game was ultimately canceled. 

Up next for the United States will be a matchup against South Africa in an international friendly on July 9 as the team continues its buildup to the 2016 Rio Games. The United States will open its gold-medal defense on August 9 against Colombia.

Japan, meanwhile, shockingly failed to qualify for the Olympics after a devastating qualifying campaign, keeping it out of the most prestigious tournament in women's soccer outside of the World Cup. It's a disappointing result for one of the best international teams in the world, though if Sunday's matchup was any indication, even Japan would struggle to keep the United States from repeating as Olympic champions.

Post-Match Reaction

Two members of the national team tweeted out their disappointment about being unable to play the full 90 minutes in Cleveland:

Wish we could have kept playing for you Cleveland! Thanks for coming out and supporting us. #USWNT

— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) June 5, 2016

Bummer we didn't get to finish that game but thank you Cleveland for being an awesome crowd! That was fun 🤗🇺🇸

— Kelley O'Hara (@kelleymohara) June 5, 2016

Coach Jill Ellis was still pleased with what she saw from her team in the 76 minutes of action, per the Plain Dealer's Elton Alexander: "From the last game to this game, big positives. We broke down a lot of film, had some good meetings and I saw a definite response. Our defensive lines were tighter. Our organization was better."

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.   

USA take on Japan for the second time in a matter of days after drawing 3-3 last time out in Denver. Now, the winners of the last two FIFA World Cups will meet in Cleveland on Sunday.

The first encounter was breathtaking, and given the talent of the U.S. women's national soccer team, as well as Japan's stylish, attacking approach, expect more goals in Ohio.

Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:

Date: Sunday, June 5

Time: 12:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Preview

Shipping three goals is a rarity for USWNT, as ESPN's Paul Carr detailed:

#USWNT has allowed three goals for the first time in 40 games, since Dec. 2014 at Brazil.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) June 3, 2016

The fact Japan managed what doesn't happen often is a testament to their free-flowing and expansive brand of football. They pass the ball quickly and intelligently between the lines, combining in mini triangles that always leave opponents chasing shadows.

But it's the subtle movement off the ball that really stands out about Japan's game. Their runs are expertly timed and always meant to exploit pockets of space in the final third.

Japan's equaliser in Colorado, courtesy of Fox Sports highlights relayed by Our Game Magazine, was the perfect illustration of their slick, pass-and-move game at its best:

Look at the pretty. pic.twitter.com/Xo3hNdf6Ym

— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) June 3, 2016

WTA Insider Courtney Nguyen believes Japan's brand of football will be a big miss at the Rio Olympics:

It’s absolutely criminal that Japan didn’t qualify for Rio. Weakens that tournament like whoa. https://t.co/JyyIdItbM1

— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) June 3, 2016

Head coach Jill Ellis' squad is more direct, but it still boasts its own considerable attacking menace. Specifically, the Japanese couldn't cope with Alex Morgan last time out, as the striker bagged a brace.

Those goals pushed her single-year tally into double digits for the first time in a while, according to U.S. Soccer WNT:

Alex's goal was her 66th for the #USWNT & 10th of 2016. Last time she hit double digits in goals in a year? 2012. pic.twitter.com/T3r2IbeIHa

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 3, 2016

Morgan can strike again, but even her prolific streak may not be enough to subdue a Japanese side playing some thrilling football at the moment. It will also be interesting to see how the USWNT approach the game after a federal judge ruled they can't go on strike before the Olympics over pay, per an AP report (h/t Fox Sports).

Prediction: USA 1-2 Japan

The U.S. Women's national soccer team will take on Japan in an upcoming international friendly double-header in a replay of the 2015 Women's FIFA World Cup final.

Jill Ellis' side will take on their World Cup rivals in the run-up to the Rio Olympics this summer at Dick's Sporting Goods Park—the home of MLS side Colorado Rapids—on Thursday, June 2, and again on Sunday, June 5, in Cleveland.

Read on for a preview of the upcoming friendlies, but first, here is the schedule and live-streaming information to ensure you don't miss any of the action:

Date	Time (ET)	Fixture	TV	Live Stream
Thursday, June 2	9 p.m.	USA vs. Japan	Fox Sports 1	Fox Sports Go
Sunday, June 5	12:30 p.m.	USA vs. Japan	ESPN 2	Watch ESPN

Live streaming can be accessed at Fox Sports Go and Watch ESPN.

Preview

The USWNT come into the match unbeaten in 2016, having won all of their 11 matches.

Incredibly, they've conceded just one goal in that time and netted a staggering 42, 10 of which came in their last two matches—friendlies with Colombia on the back of winning the inaugural SheBelieves Cup.

The USA are riding the crest of a wave right now, so it's of little surprise that Thursday's friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City will be packed with supporters, per Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl:

The USWNT-Japan game in Denver area didn't just sell out—it sold out in 10 minutes. Rockstars.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) April 8, 2016

Indeed, the women's team's matches have been especially well-attended in recent months, per football writer John D. Halloran:

Comparison of attendance for recent #USMNT/#USWNT home friendlies. pic.twitter.com/8qR16gM3bu

— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) May 29, 2016

Against an excellent team like Japan, fans should be in for a treat if the last two World Cup finals have been anything to go by.

USWNT won 5-2 in the final last year to avenge their defeat in the 2011 showpiece, which Japan won on penalties.

It's not likely to be quite so high-scoring this time around despite the number of goals the U.S. has been racking up of late—they've put plenty of minnows to the sword, but against bigger sides such as England, France, Canada and Germany, they've been limited to one or two goals.

The Chicago Red Stars' Christen Press netted in both games against Colombia. She now has 33 goals in her 66 international caps, which helped her continue her climb up the team's goalscoring rankings, per ESPN's Paul Carr:

33rd goal in 66 caps for Christen Press, passing Lindsay Tarpley into 16th on #USWNT career scoring list.

Next up: Leroux/Heinrichs w/ 35.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) April 10, 2016

Even more impressive has been Denver native Mallory Pugh, who has stood out despite all of her caps thus far coming before the age of 18:

This was Mallory Pugh's last U.S. game before turning 18.

She has 11 caps (5th-most for #USWNT before 18), 2 goals (3rd), 5 assists (1st).

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) April 10, 2016

Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn have also enjoyed some fine form this year, which bodes well for the U.S. against even Japan's organised and solid defence.

Further back, Hope Solo could earn the 100th clean sheet of her USWNT career if she can shut out Japan in both friendlies—making her the first goalkeeper in American history to do so.

Per US Soccer, Solo is happy to be back in action with the national team to prepare for the Olympics and is relishing the prospect of facing Japan once again:

It’s good to be back in camp. I think what’s great is that everyone is fit because we’ve been playing games in the NWSL. Of course, there’s a couple of people who are battling injuries like Carli Lloyd but she’s coming back healthy and strong. It’s nice to see everyone feel confident because we’ve been playing, we’ve been getting minutes. I think it makes for a short, strong camp where we can get in specific work.

We have two games against a great team. I know Japan doesn’t have a lot of their well-known players but we’re all really excited to see the younger, technical side of Japan. We don’t know what they’re going to bring but it will be great, and it will be a little bit different than what we’ve seen in the past.

In contrast with their opponents, the Japanese have endured some mixed form this year, as they suffered defeats to Australia and China PR in two of their first three matches.

Results have picked up since, with a 6-1 win over Vietnam and a 1-0 win over North Korea, but it's clear they'll be up against it on Thursday.

With the far superior form and the partisan crowd behind them, the USA shouldn't have too much difficulty winning here.

United States international and Houston Dash superstar Carli Lloyd has a Grade 1 MCL strain, Houston confirmed in a press release (via Jonathan Tannenwald of Philly.com) on April 25.

Continue for updates.

---

Lloyd Comments on Recovery

Tuesday, May 17

The Houston Dash passed along the latest from Lloyd on her recovery:

Yes @CarliLloyd is in good spirits after MRI. 3 to 6 weeks is better than 6 months & no Olympics. Taking it on the nose and rebuilding. 👊🏻

— Coach Galanis (@coachgalanis) April 25, 2016

"I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. Obviously, I’m very disappointed with the injury. I was feeling great and starting to get comfortable with my Dash teammates," Lloyd said on April 25, per the press release (via Tannenwald).

"The timing is not great, but I’m confident that I will come back in peak condition. Rehab starts tomorrow, and you’ll see me on the field soon."

Along with Lloyd's MCL strain, Dan Lauletta of EqualizerSoccer.com reported: "I'm told there is also some stretching of Carli Lloyd's distal hamstring."

---

Lloyd Injury a Massive Blow to USWNT 

James Galanis, the director of the Universal Soccer Academy, tried to look on the bright side following news of the injury:

A quick rehab update from Carli. "Each day it is slowly getting better and better..." https://t.co/Le7Re2Q3i1

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) May 17, 2016

Indeed, not having Lloyd for the Olympics would be a gigantic blow to the U.S. Women's National Team's chances at earning a gold medal. Lloyd was spectacular at the 2015 World Cup, accumulating six goals and an assist in seven games, including a hat trick within the first 16 minutes during the country's title-winning match against Japan.

She was named the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in January. 

While the USWNT will be sighing a breath of relief that the injury isn't more serious, the Dash are losing their top playmaker and talent. Managing director Brian Ching professed faith in the club on Monday, however.

"We wish Carli the best as she recovers from this injury," he said in the team's release. "We have built a deep squad this season. There has been a lot of competition for playing time, and with the recent injuries, it is a great opportunity for other players to step in and get minutes this Friday against Sky Blue FC."

After two games, the Dash are fifth in the NWSL standings with three points.

 

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.

After initially pleading not guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicants stemming from an April 2 traffic stop, former United States women's national team soccer player Abby Wambach reportedly changed her plea Tuesday.

According to TMZ Sports, the 35-year-old retiree pleaded guilty and will be placed in a diversion program rather than being forced to serve jail time. The terms of the program have not yet been released.

The arrest occurred in Portland, Oregon, after Wambach allegedly ran a red light and failed a field sobriety test, per USA Today.

Attorney Ben Eder entered a not guilty plea for Wambach days after her arrest, according to Julia Jacobo of ABC News, but the two-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion reportedly had a change of heart.

The morning following Wambach's traffic stop, she addressed the situation and apologized on Facebook:

Last night I was arrested for DUII in Portland after dinner at a friend's house.

Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.

I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.

I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.

- Abby

The Rochester, New York, native retired in the months following her first and only World Cup triumph last year in Canada.

She stepped away from the sport as the United States' all-time leading goalscorer in international play with 184 tallies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's soccer players of all time.

While her arrest may have damaged what was previously a sterling reputation, Wambach now has a chance to further her status as a role model to many by accepting responsibility and moving past her mistake.  

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.

The United States women's national soccer team is contemplating a boycott of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro if there is no balance in pay between the men's and women's national teams.

In an op-ed for the New York Times, U.S. captain Carli Lloyd said she believes she and her teammates are being treated like "second-class citizens," and it's time for a change:

We've won three World Cups and will try to win our fifth Olympic gold medal this summer in Brazil. When we captured the Women's World Cup title in Canada in July, we drew the highest American television rating for soccer in history and, according to a financial report published by U.S. Soccer last month, helped generate $17.7 million in profit for the federation.

Yet even though U.S. Soccer's financials confirm that we are the driving force that generates a majority of the revenue for the federation, when we as a team presented our proposal for increased compensation in our new collective bargaining agreement, U.S. Soccer told us, on more than one occasion, that our proposal was not rational. Essentially, the federation said that it had a certain sum of money set aside for the women's team and that our proposal was unacceptable.

We've gotten nowhere negotiating with our federation for years, and it became clear to us that nothing had changed. That's why we went to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with our complaint.

Top players on the national team filed a wage-discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on March 31. Along with Lloyd, stars Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn are among those who are looking for an increase in pay.

Sauerbrunn told espnW if no changes were made in terms of compensation, the women would seriously consider a boycott of this year's games in Rio and not defend their gold medal.

Lloyd mentioned the U.S. Soccer Federation has done its part to help with the National Women's Soccer League, but the gap between the men's and women's salaries for international play is still wide:

If I were a male soccer player who won a World Cup for the United States, my bonus would be $390,000. Because I am a female soccer player, the bonus I got for our World Cup victory last summer was $75,000.

The men get almost $69,000 for making a World Cup roster. As women, we get $15,000 for making the World Cup team.

I understand that the men's World Cup generates vastly more money globally than the women's event, but the simple truth is that U.S. Soccer projects that our team will generate a profit of $5.2 million in 2017 while the men are forecast to lose almost $1 million. Yet we get shortchanged coming and going.

Lloyd also said the players have no issues with the men on the team; rather, their issues lie with the institution as a whole for not treating women fairly. She also noted the discrimination in women's sports happens everywhere, not just soccer.

"When I first made the national team, there were no salaries and no health benefits, so yes, we've made some progress," Lloyd said. "But we're nowhere near where we should be."

The USWNT has proved to be the best women's soccer team in the world over the last five years, and the accolades speak for themselves. A boycott of the Olympics would hinder the overall appeal and superstar power in women's soccer. It could also be a wake-up call for the U.S. Soccer Federation to try to accommodate its women in a more respectable manner.

"We are not backing down anymore," Lloyd said.

Fresh from doling out a 7-0 beatdown to the same opponents in Connecticut on Wednesday, the United States women's national team thumped Colombia again, this time winning, 3-0, at the Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.  

Strikes from Christen Press and Julie Johnston rewarded a superb first-half display, before the latter completed her brace deep into the second half to wrap up the scoring.

Netting 10 times and keeping back-to-back clean sheets is solid preparation for the World Cup holders ahead of the Olympics.

It wasn't until just after the half-hour mark that the USWNT finally converted their territorial dominance into a lead. The goal came from a well-fashioned move featuring Lindsey Horan teeing up Press to convert.

The U.S. Soccer YouTube channel provided a highlight of the smartly crafted goal:

Portland Thorns coach Mark Parsons was suitably impressed with the contribution from one of his key players:

Wow. Lindsey with the 💃🏻 and assist. Class finish from Press #USWNT

— Mark Parsons (@mparsons_1) April 10, 2016

Then just two minutes before the break, Johnston ghosted in behind to meet a teasing free-kick whipped in by midfielder Tobin Heath. It was an emphatic finish from Johnston, even if FourFourTwo USA's Jeff Kassouf felt the visitors' were guilty of poor preparation:

Julie Johnston near post should be first on your scouting report of set pieces when playing the U.S. Spectacular finish from her there.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 10, 2016

The U.S. Soccer official YouTube channel relayed highlights of the clever delivery and equally shrewd finish:

While the Chicago Red Stars defender may have been afforded too much space, there's no denying Johnston's natural threat in these situations, a fact supported by numbers from U.S. Soccer WNT:

Sixth career goal for Johnston and first of 2016. All of her goals have come off set pieces.

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 10, 2016

A two-goal half-time lead was the minimum the hosts deserved for the way they simply overpowered Colombia early on. The pace of passing was quick, and the off-the-ball movement from Press and Co. consistently left markers chasing shadows.

Heath's expertise in dead-ball situations had also proved a consistent menace, with more than a few deliveries causing havoc among the Colombian defence.

As for their own efforts going forward, the Colombians seemed to miss the creative verve of classic No. 10 Yoreli Rincon. Kassouf detailed exactly why the able playmaker wasn't featuring:

No Yoreli Rincon from start today, purportedly for speaking out against federation. She deflected that postgame Wed: https://t.co/ptJKGmCzCl

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 10, 2016

Sub Kelley O'Hara was denied from close range with just over 20 minutes remaining, as the home side generally coasted through the second half. But it wasn't just going through the motions that left the U.S. frustrated in front of goal.

Instead, 21-year-old goalkeeper Catalina Perez was really standing out, per Kassouf:

Catalina Perez having a great day in net for Colombia. She played vs. U.S. at WWC before seeing red. Well-spoken and still in college, too.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 10, 2016

Skipper Carli Lloyd soon made way for defender Ali Krieger as the hosts seemed content to settle for what they had.

But any thoughts of settling were banished moments when Johnston got her second. Once again, she met a devilish set piece from Heath. That ended the scoring and capped a dominant two-game tilt from the World Cup holders.

Post-Match Reaction

Despite three more goals and another clean sheet, coach Jill Ellis was less than impressed by her players' execution in the final third, according to Steven Goff of the Washington Post: “Whether it was the entry ball into the box, whether it was the actual finish, those were the things I thought were off. At times, the decision was right; the technical execution was off a little bit."

Goff also quoted Heath applauding two-goal hero Johnston: “J.J. matched up one on one with anyone banging to the near post, she is going to win that matchup. Just give her a good ball; she’ll do the rest.”

Midfielder Heath had filled in along the defence, something Ellis counts as important before the Olympics:

https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/719268385771634689

The USWNT weren't as impressive as they were in Connecticut. But this still rates as another emphatic win for Ellis' deep and talented squad. On this form, a strong campaign at the Olympics looks like a certainty.

U.S. women's national team member Becky Sauerbrunn won't rule out boycotting the 2016 Summer Olympics unless the ongoing dispute between the team and U.S. Soccer regarding unfair wages is resolved.

The star defender made the admission during a recent interview with ESPN W. Asked whether a boycott would be "on the table" if the issue hasn't been resolved by July, she said:

It would still be on the table. We are reserving every right to do so and we're leaving every avenue open. And if nothing has changed, if we don't feel real progress has been made, then that's a conversation that we're going to have. 

... The outcome I hope is equal pay for equal play. I think, compensation-wise, respect-wise, that's what I'm really hoping comes out of this complaint. I hope that it puts enough pressure on the federation to show them our worth, our value.

Per Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated, the USWNT filed a discrimination suit against U.S. Soccer in March, stating its players are entitled to the same wages as the men's team, as they've had more recent success on the pitch and generate greater revenue.

A total of five players filed the suit, including Sauerbrunn. The other four were Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe. In the suit, the players alleged they're paid almost four times less than the men, despite producing almost $20 million in revenue last year, per Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

While only five players were named in the suit, Sauerbrunn took to Twitter to inform her fans the entire team was behind it:

Five players signed the complaint, but the decision to file was whole-heartedly supported by the entire team. #equalplayequalpay #thegals

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 31, 2016

The USWNT will enter this year's Olympics as the strong favourites to win the gold after their dominant showing during last year's World Cup. The Stars and Stripes cruised through the tournament, crushed Japan, 5-2, in the final and have been in excellent form ever since.

The men's team didn't even qualify for the Olympics, losing to Honduras in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF qualifiers and to Colombia in a play-off.

Support for the team's suit has been widespread, with even former male player Landon Donovan siding with the USWNT:

You're correct, I'm not for equal pay, I'm for fair pay. If #USWMT generate more revenue, they should be paid more https://t.co/T0ecya9eBk

— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) March 31, 2016

But per Wahl, U.S. Soccer argues the current payment structure was agreed on as part of a collective bargaining agreement, and while the team believes the CBA has expired, the federation maintains it's in effect for the rest of 2016.

An Olympic boycott is something both sides will want to avoid, but it would be a powerful bargaining tool for the USWNT. The hype surrounding Sauerbrunn and her team-mates has never been greater. And if the side isn't there to defend its title, it would be a humiliating development for U.S. Soccer.

It would also be a blow for some of the younger players who have yet to taste international success, but given the team's recent track record, they'll have every chance to win silverware in the future. Sitting out one tournament is a sacrifice most will likely make if it means better wages moving forward.

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