Christen Press, Tobin Heath Score as USA Cruises Past Mexico in 2021 Friendly
Jul 2, 2021
AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 16: Christen Press #23 of the United States psyching up her teammates during a game between Nigeria and USWNT at Q2 Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States and Mexico squared off amidst a Connecticut downpour on Thursday night in their first of two matchups in the Send Off Series. And the USWNT provided a downpour of goals to match the rainy weather.
Christen Press led the way with a brace, while Sam Mewis and Tobin Heath added goals of their own to pace the USWNT in a comfortable 4-0 win.
Alongside the dominant win, the United States also saw Heath return to action for the first time since December after suffering an ankle injury with Manchester United in January.
So of course, all Heath did in her return was score a golazo. Oh, and it was her first touch of the game.
Can’t come back from a long layoff any better than Tobin Heath just did.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) July 2, 2021
You can't draw it up much better than that.
Mexico, to their credit, didn't sit back and park the bus against the superior United States attackers, especially in the first half.
While Mexico's chances were few and far between, they had a few, with Abby Dahlkemper making a superb defensive play in the first half to prevent a dangerous shot on goal:
There was no way @AbbyDahlkemper was letting this chance go through 😤
All in all, it was a great showing for the USWNT as they ramp up for the Tokyo Olympics. They dominated the midfield, were strong in defense, pestered Mexico's goal with chances and looked the vastly superior side. Every goal was the result of fantastic build-up play.
Friendly or not, the USWNT looks primed and ready for Tokyo.
These teams will conclude the Send Off Series when they face off again on Monday at 5 p.m. ET (FS1).
USWNT 'LFG' HBO Documentary Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Jun 23, 2021
United States' Megan Rapinoe ,center, with Alex Morgan, left, and Allie Long, celebrate with the trophy after winning the Women's World Cup final soccer match between US and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Sunday, July 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
If you simply cannot wait until the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo to watch the United States women's national team, HBO Max can provide your temporary fix.
CNN Films will present the documentary LFG on the streaming service starting Thursday. The film offers a "a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. women's national team's ongoing fight for equal pay."
In March 2016, five members of the USWNT (Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo) filed a complaint against U.S. Soccer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A group of 28 players subsequently pursued legal action in March 2019, citing what they believed to be unequal pay and conditions compared to members of the U.S. men's national team.
ESPN.com's Graham Hays detailed 2019 court filings saying USWNT stars could earn a maximum of $99,000 by competing in and winning 20 friendlies over the course of a year, and that the average pay for a USMNT player over a similar stretch was $263,320, though a full comparison requires a deeper review. In a 2019 feature for the Washington Post's Fact Checker section, Meg Kelly wrote that those figures are from a collective bargaining agreement that was renegotiated in 2017, and did not factor base salaries: "Using the same 20-game scenario, we calculated the player on the women’s team would earn ... about 89 percent of the compensation of a similarly situated men’s team player. If both teams lost all 20 games, the players would make the same amount. That’s because the men [still] earn a $5,000 bonus when they lose and the women have a $100,000 base salary."
AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 16: United States fans hold up an Equal Pay banner in protest of unequal wages for female athletes in action during a Summer Series friendly international match between Nigeria and the United States on June 16, 2021 at Q2 Stadium in Aust
Kelly also delved into the moneymaking financials and concluded it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but that while the men's team was once more profitable, in recent years it's clear that revenue and profits between the two programs are now close.
"USWNT players and U.S. Soccer have offered contradictory narratives over whether USWNT players are paid more based on revenue generation attributed to their play," Michael McCann, University of New Hampshire law professor and former Sports Illustrated writer, told Kelly. "To the extent degree of revenue generation influences any pay increases, the two sides will need to find common ground on how that topic is empirically measured."
The litigation, which seeks back pay, included claims of unequal working conditions as well. The USWNT said they played on artificial turf far more frequently than the men and had to travel on commercial flights more often. In a 2020 settlement, the sides agreed to effectively equalize those issues across the two programs and provide "comparable budgets" for hotel stays.
Relations between the two sides reached a nadir in the spring of 2020 when details of U.S. Soccer's argument in court came to light.
"The overall soccer-playing ability required to compete at the senior men's national team level is materially influenced by the level of certain physical attributes, such as speed and strength, required for the job," the organization said.
U.S. Soccer also argued that members of the USWNT didn't require "equal skill, effort and responsibility under similar working conditions."
Prior to their 3-1 victory over Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final on March 11, 2020, the USWNT players wore their warmup shirt inside out as a statement against U.S. Soccer:
The outcry led Carlos Cordeiro to resign from his role as president of the federation.
A federal judge ruled in May 2020 that U.S. Soccer hadn't violated the Equal Pay Act and dismissed that portion of the lawsuit. The USWNT was allowed to continue with the allegations of unequal working conditions. The two sides reached the settlement on working conditions last December.
A statement from U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone on today’s agreement with the USWNT.
More than seeking equal treatment from U.S. Soccer, the lawsuit helped bring attention to the often wide disparity in resources allocated to male and female athletes.
One such example came during the NCAA basketball tournament this past spring.
Oregon forward Sedona Prince shared a video that immediately went viral contrasting the weight rooms the NCAA had arranged for the men's and women's players.
That was one of multiple areas in which the men enjoyed better amenities over the course of the tournament.
Followers of the WNBA have also pointed to the absence of coverage dedicated to the league for many years, on top of the sexism the players have experienced away from the court.
Editor's note: This article was updated after publish to provide a fuller detailing of the compensation picture and context around the litigation points and 2020 settlement.
Christen Press Leads US Women's National Team to 2-0 Win vs. Nigeria
Jun 17, 2021
AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 16: Christen Press #23 of United States kicks the ball during the Summer Series game between United States and Nigeria at Q2 Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Teamchristened the brand-new Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas with a 2-0victory over Nigeria on Wednesday in the final game of the USWNT Summer Series.
The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,500, according to The Athletic's Meg Linehan.
Now unbeaten in 42 consecutive games (and 56 straight in the United States), the U.S. maintained its perfect record against Nigeria, improving to 6-0 all-time against the Super Falcons in their first meeting in six years.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
Playing without Rose Lavelle, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half of Sunday's 4-0 victory over Jamaica, the USWNT edged Nigeria thanks to a first-half goal from Christen Press, and then doubled down with a last-minute score from Lynn Williams.
Press scored in the second minute of added time to lead the U.S. into the break up 1-0, and it was a pretty historic moment for the star:
On the mark 💥
With that goal, @ChristenPress pushes her 🇺🇸 career total to 61, breaking a tie with Shannon MacMillan to take sole possession of 9th on the #USWNT all-time scoring charts 📈 pic.twitter.com/0UjYhvZsHH
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
She's now been directly involved in 33 goals in her last 35 games (and we've still got another half to play 🤫) pic.twitter.com/eYFpyAKubK
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
But the scoreboard didn't exactly reflect the domination by the Stars and Stripes in the opening half.
For starters, Press found the back of the net on another shot in the middle of the half, but it was called away because it deflected off of an offside Megan Rapinoe. Though it wasn't just Press who was putting on a clinic for the Flying Eagles.
The U.S. maintained possession for 70 percent of the game and passed with 81 percent accuracy, while Nigeria struggled to get the ball where it wanted it and maintained only 50 percent accuracy in passing.
Alex Morgan took the pitch in the 53rd minute, replacing Carli Lloyd, who was recognized before the game for earning her 300th cap with the USWNT—a feat she accomplished back in April in Stockholm.
Wednesday's game was her 304th, and only two other players have more: Kristine Lilly (354) and Christie Pearce Rampone (311).
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
Another pair of substitutions came in the 61st minute, when Emily Sonnett and Catarina Macario came in to replace Kristie and Sam Mewis, respectively.
A quiet second half was punctuated when the Press-Rapinoe combination that had been everywhere offensively had a look that would have doubled the lead, but Rapinoe's shot went too high.
And just when it seemed like the quiet night would end there, Williams forced Tochukwu Oluehi out of the net to meet her, then broke around her to score on a wide-open net and make it 2-0 in the 94th minute.
The only shot on target by Nigeria came from star Asisat Oshoala, who helped lead Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League.
Next up for the U.S. squad is a pair of friendlies against Mexico on July 1 and July 5 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Sam Mewis' Late Goal Powers USWNT Past Portugal in International Friendly
Jun 11, 2021
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 10: Jéssica Silva #10 of Portugal and Megan Rapinoe #15 of United States fight the ball uring the Summer Series game between United States and Portugal at BBVA Stadium on June 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
As part of their final preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, the United States women's soccer team kicked off a three-game Summer Series on Thursday with a 1-0win over Portugal in a friendly match.
Samantha Mewis, who was left unmarked, broke the scoreless tie in the 76th minute with a header that was set up by a fantastic corner kick from Christen Press.
Press also made history with her assist, becoming the 14th player in U.S. women's national team history to reach 100 combined goals and assists in her career:
With that *chef's kiss* assist, @ChristenPress now has 40 career assists to go with 60 career goals 🎯⚽️
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 11, 2021
Playing in their first game since April 13, Team USA showed some rust in the first half. They dominated the stats, holding possession for nearly 34 of the first 48 minutes and a 14-2 advantage in shots.
But none of the shots on goal were able to get past Portugal goalie Ines Pereira. Press had the best attempt at breaking the scoreless tie in the first half, but Pereira made a fantastic stop with her right leg.
The U.S. didn't come into this game at full strength, with Tobin Heath and Julie Ertz still recovering from injuries. Manager Vlatko Andonovski told reporters both players are expected back for the Olympics, but neither will play in the Summer Series.
Portugal entered Thursday with a 1-2-1 record in four matches this year, though that record doesn't do justice to how well it has been at preventing goals. Opponents scored a total of two goals in those four games.
Head coach Francisco Neto's defense continued to shine against a U.S. squad had outscored its opponents by a 22-1 score in eight matches coming into today.
Pereira, in particular, played like a superstar against the American's relentless offensive attack.
22' Still scoreless here at BBVA Stadium.
U.S. are knocking on the door, but finishing at close range has been an issue. Possession has overwhelmingly favored the Americans. Portugal, to their credit, have blocked a few key shots courtesy the back line and keeper Inês Pereira
43’ Rose Lavelle gets free on the right wing and sends a spinning cross to the far post that looked to be right on target for Alex Morgan’s head, but Portugal GK Pereira comes off her line to punch the ball out. Spectacular play by the keeper.
The one goal that Pereira allowed was mostly due to the fact that Portugal's defense, for whatever reason, decided to let Mewis stand in front of the net without putting a body on her.
Even though Team USA was clearly the more dominant squad on the field, it wasn't able to pull away from an overmatched Portugal team. The Americans only converted one of their 10 shot-on-goal attempts into a goal.
The U.S. defense does deserve a lot of credit for making things very easy on Alyssa Naeher. She only had to stop one shot-on-goal attempt the entire game.
It's certainly reasonable to expect that things will get better for Team USA as they continue to work their way back into form after an extended layoff.
They will return to the pitch on Sunday for an exhibition against Jamaica at BBVA Stadium in Houston. The game will be broadcast on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET.
U.S. Soccer Repeals Rule Requiring Players to Stand for National Anthem
Feb 28, 2021
United States forward Megan Rapinoe is interviewed after a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match against Argentina, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The U.S. Soccer Federation's national council officially repealed a rule that required players to stand for the national anthem.
The vote took place at the annual national council meeting Saturday and received 71.3 percent of a weighted vote. Its passing was seen as something of a formality given the board of directors repealed the rule last June.
The council first put the rule in place in 2017 as a response to Megan Rapinoe, who knelt during the anthem in 2016 as an act of solidarity with then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. While kneeling during the anthem remains polarizing to some, the act of protest has more support in 2021 than it did five years ago—especially amid several acts of violence against Black people by police last year.
Kaepernick's anthem protest began as a way to protest police brutality and discrimination against Black Americans. He has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, in large part because of the backlash his protest caused.
Rapinoe stopped kneeling during USWNT games once the USSF implemented its policy. However, she continued to speak out against racial injustice on numerous occasions and offer support to Kaepernick and other athletes.
"This is about the athletes' and our staff's right to peacefully protest racial inequalities and police brutality,"USSF President Cindy Parlow said in the meeting. "So I urge our membership to please support our staff and our athletes on this policy."
While the vote generated strong support, some were vocal in their displeasure in the repeal. Seth Jahn, a Paralympian and member of the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council, made comments that downplayed the impacts of slavery and police brutality on Black people.
U.S. Soccer released a statement Saturday calling Jahn's comments "offensive."
Sam Mewis' Hat Trick Propels US Women's National Team Past Colombia in Friendly
Jan 18, 2021
United States midfielder Samantha Mewis, left, celebrates after scoring a goal against Colombia with defender Kelly O'Hara, right, during the first half of an international friendly soccer match, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Thanks to a hat trick by Sam Mewis, the United States women's national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Colombia in a friendly at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Monday.
It was a family affair as Kristie Mewis tacked on a fourth goal in the 85th minute to put an exclamation point on a comprehensive win.
Mewis Family now Conmebol’s second-ranked women’s team.
The U.S. finished with 22 total shots and 11 shots on target. Colombia didn't register a single shot.
This was the USWNT's first match since beating the Netherlands 2-0 in November. The team hadn't hosted a fixture since the conclusion of the SheBelieves Cup last March.
The squad remains perfect under coach Vlatko Andonovski, winning all 12 matches after he succeeded Jill Ellis to improve upon what was already a team record for the 44-year-old.
While the USWNT players started to report for training camp on Jan. 9, a level of rust can be expected after going months without competitive action together. The U.S. wasn't lacking much sharpness to open Monday's match, though, as the first of Mewis' three goals came in the fourth minute.
Lindsey Horan found Megan Rapinoe down the left flank with a through ball, and Rapinoe's low cross allowed Mewis to measure up her left-footed shot past Sandra Sepulveda.
The 28-year-old used her head to double the United States' lead in the 33rd minute. Carli Lloyd knocked the ball across goal to set her teammate up with a straightforward finish.
Mewis completed the hat trick from the penalty spot in the first minute of the second half after Horan was fouled in the 18-yard box.
The Mewises will grab the headlines, but the match was also notable for serving as the debut for 21-year-old Catarina Macario.
A native of Brazil, Macario moved to San Diego in 2012 and was a star at Stanford prior to moving on to the pro ranks, signing with Lyon. Last week, FIFA gave her the final approval to represent the U.S. at the international level.
Almost immediately upon stepping onto the pitch to open the second half, Macario made her presence felt:
Catarina Macario is... I don’t wanna hype her too much. But she’s uhhhh worth the price of the ticket by herself type baller from everything EYE have seen
Andonovski is not only keeping an eye on the Summer Olympics this year but also the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Longtime stalwarts Lloyd (38) and Rapinoe (35) probably won't be making the trip to Australia and New Zealand, while Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Christen Press will all be in their mid-30s.
Even though the USWNT isn't lacking in attacking talent, Macario figures to be a big part of the team in the years ahead.
What's Next?
The USWNT has one more tuneup friendly against Colombia on Friday before the SheBelieves Cup kicks off in February.
USWNT vs. Colombia: 2021 Friendly Start Time, Live Stream, TV Schedule and More
Jan 18, 2021
U.S. forward Carli Lloyd, center, celebrates her goal against the Costa Rica with Emily Sonnett, left, and Christen Press during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The United States women's national team will play their first matches of 2021 with two international friendlies against Colombia on Monday and Friday.
The Americans had a perfect nine wins in nine matches in 2020, taking their unbeaten streak to 48 games. Even in an exhibition, the team will want to keep this momentum going as it prepares for the SheBelieves Cup and the Tokyo Olympics.
Monday's matchup will also represent a homecoming for the players, especially for the stars playing in Europe. The USWNT have not played together on U.S. soil since March 11 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colombia represents a tough challenge as the No. 26 team in the FIFA rankings, but Team USA is the world champion for a reason.
USA vs. Colombia Game 1
Date: Monday, Jan. 18, 2021
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: FS1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
USA vs. Colombia Game 2
Date: Friday, Jan. 22, 2021
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN
Top Storylines
New Leadership
Becky Sauerbrunn has 178 caps and will go into her next match for the USWNT as the captain, which head coach Vlatko Andonovski announced Sunday:
The skill set and experience are a major reason for this honor, but she also has an incredible amount of respect from her peers.
"Becky's moral compass points north," teammate Sam Mewis said. "... I'd describe her as a selfless leader and she's always putting the team ahead of herself. ... She's the type of leader we all strive to be."
Sauerbrunn has won an Olympic gold medal and two World Cups, not to mention her success in the NWSL. The U.S. team should be in good hands with the 35-year-old wearing the armband.
Meanwhile, Andonovski is still relatively new in his role after taking over for Jill Ellis in 2019. He has won 11 straight matches to begin his tenure but could still use these friendlies to experiment with new lineups or formations.
Who's Scoring Goals?
Alex Morgan has been one of the best scorers in the world during her career and a focal point in the attack every time she suits up for the squad. Tobin Heath is also an elite threat offensively with her ability to create opportunities for herself and others.
Neither player will be available in these matches, though.
The Americans could play veterans Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe further up in an effort to solidify the attack with 175 combined international goals in their career. Conversely, it might be better to see what other players can do with the opportunity.
Lynn Williams scored three goals during Olympic qualifying in 2020 and could work her way into a bigger role going forward, while the 20-year-old Sophia Smith could be given a chance to shine.
Mallory Pugh should also see plenty of looks around the net over the two friendlies.
Opportunity for Young Stars
Smith is going to get a lot of attention whenever she is on the pitch. The former Stanford star was the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NWSL draft and has as much upside as anyone on the roster.
However, she is one of eight players in the 27-woman squad with three or fewer caps.
Catarina Macario will make her national team debut shortly after leaving Stanford to sign with Lyon. Florida State's Jaelin Howell is the only amateur on the roster, but she has flashed her elite talent. Both players will try to provide some creativity in the midfield while showing they can be the future of this team.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Alana Cook should also get plenty of minutes going forward.
There are few starting spots up for grabs when all the stars are healthy, but there could be a lot of turnover in the next few years, so these games provide a chance for the younger players to prove they belong.
1999 USA Women's World Cup Team Tease Netflix Movie with Twitter Video
May 12, 2020
FILE - In this July 10, 1999, file photo, the United States' Brandi Chastain celebrates by taking off her jersey after kicking in the game-winning goal in a penalty shootout against China in the FIFA Women's World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Social media is finding little to like about the likeness on a plaque honoring the retired soccer champion. The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in San Francisco unveiled the plaque on Monday, May 21, 2018. Chastain diplomatically said
Several members of the United States Women's Team that won the 1999 World Cup teased a new movie about the squad coming to Netflix.
What's the 1999 World Cup winning US Women's Soccer Team up to now?
According to Brian Welk of The Wrap, "Netflix scored the rights to Jere Longman's book, "The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women's Soccer Team and How It Changed The World," in a competitive situation and has also nabbed the life rights of eight players from the team."
The 1999 World Cup was hosted in the United States and famously came down to the final of the United States vs. China. That went to penalty kicks, with Brandi Chastain converting the game-winning penalty.
That moment increased the visibility of the women's game in the United States and was the second of the country's four women's titles.
"Watching the USA team that summer made me forget I had no money and little more than a dream to feed me," said Netflix's vice president, Tendo Nagenda. "That team, that goal, and Brandi Chastain's unforgettable reaction—in which she ripped off her shirt and dropped to her knees in astonishment—made me believe I could do anything, and do it my way.'
U.S. Women's Soccer Team Files Appeal in Equal Pay Case, Seeks Trial Delay
May 9, 2020
FRISCO, TX - MARCH 11: Megan Rapinoe #15 of the United States celebrates during a game between Japan and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on March 11, 2020 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States women's national soccer team filed a motion Friday to appeal last week's ruling that U.S. Soccer did not violate the Equal Pay Act with regard to the USWNT's pay compared to their male counterparts'.
According to ESPN's Graham Hays, the USWNT also filed a motion to postpone a trial scheduled to begin June 16. The trial is related to two Title VII claims made by the USWNT: that U.S. Soccer discriminated against the team in the areas of travel and accommodations as well as support staffing.
A U.S. Soccer spokesperson told ESPN the organization is open to holding settlement talks with the USWNT to avoid a trial, but the USWNT hasn't agreed to resume talks.
Judge R. Gary Klausner ruled last week that any imbalance in pay between the USWNT and USMNT was a result of their differing collective bargaining agreements rather than a conscious effort by U.S. Soccer to make it so.
Molly Levinson, who is a spokesperson for the USWNT players, said the following regarding the decision to appeal:
"The argument that women gave up a right to equal pay by accepting the best collective bargaining agreement possible in response to the federation's refusal to put equal pay on the table is not legit reason for continuing to discriminate against them. Today we are filing a motion to allow us to appeal immediately the district court's decision so that the Ninth Circuit will be able to review these claims.
"... Equal pay means paying women players the same rate for winning a game as men get paid. The argument that women are paid enough if they make close to the same amount as men while winning twice as often is not equal pay. The argument that maternity leave is some sort of substitute for paying players the same rate for winning as men is not valid, not fair, nor equal."
Haysreported last week that Klausner came to his decision since the USWNT players were unable to prove they earned more than their male counterparts from 2015-19 only because they played more matches.
Unless the appeal is expedited, Hays noted that it is likely to take at least a year, which means the issue could be ongoing through a couple of important events. The Summer Olympics are scheduled for July and August 2021, and the USWNT's CBA expires Dec. 31, 2021.
U.S. Women's Soccer Team's Equal Pay Lawsuit Dismissed; Appeal to Be Filed
May 1, 2020
FRISCO, TX - MARCH 11: Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States raises the trophy during a game between Japan and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on March 11, 2020 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team's fight for equal pay suffered a major blow Friday evening with a federal judge tossing out the team's lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, according to the New York Times.
R. Gary Klausner of the United States District Court for the Central District of California delivered a summary judgment in which he ruled the team was not underpaid compared to the men's national team.
The players have already announced their intention to appeal.
While Klausner's 32-page decision dismissed the allegations of unequal pay, claims asserting violations of the Civil Rights Act will move forward to a June 16 trial in Los Angeles. The players are arguing the USWNT is discriminated against in travel, hotel accommodations, medical support and training services.
"We are shocked and disappointed with today's decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay," Molly Levinson, a spokesperson for the players, wrote in a statement sent to the New York Times. "We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.
"We have learned that there are tremendous obstacles to change; we know that it takes bravery and courage and perseverance to stand up to them. We will appeal and press on."
In seeking an appeal,Anne M. Peterson and Ronald Blumof the Associated Press noted the June 16 trial is subject to delay. An appeal could take anywhere between 12-20 months, per UCLA law professorSteven Bank. The players have already spent five years arguing for fair pay.
Klausner's decision in that regard calls into question the USWNT's collective bargaining tactics, writing in part: "Plaintiffs cannot now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the [men's national team] CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT's pay-to-play terms structure when they themselves rejected such a structure."
The two-time defending FIFA World Cup champions were seeking more than $66 million in damages for what it asserts are violations of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by the United States Soccer Federation.
