New Zealand's Meikayla Moore had a worse day than you did Sunday. In a She Believes Cup match in Frisco, Texas, Moore, a veteran with 50 caps, scored the first three goals of the match - for the United States. The U.S. went on to score two more goals to wrap up the 5-0 win.
Showing posts with label Women's Pro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's Pro. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
U.S. Women Finally Achieve Equality
After some six years of litigation, the current and former United States Women's National Team players agreed to a settlement with U.S. Soccer that will pay about $24 million to compensate for underpayment compared to the men's team. The agreement is subject to ratification of an agreement between the women's player's union and U.S. Soccer.
Andrew Das reports on the settlement in the New York Times.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Carli's Hometown Retirement Party
Delran, New Jersey, threw a huge party to celebrate the imminent retirement from professional soccer of its most famous citizen: Carli Lloyd, who played for the '81-82 Medford Strikers I helped coach.
At least 10 women who played on that team showed up for the event at Delran Community Park. Most I keep in touch with on Facebook, but it was great to see them in person and also to see Bobbi Dadura, wife of the late Joe Dadura, who founded the team and with whom I had the pleasure of coaching for four years. Also nice to see Carli's parents, Steve and Pam.
Some of us had a chance to chat with Carli before the program began, and to pose for a picture. Unfortunately a few of our teammates had not yet arrived when the photo was taken.
Speakers for the event included the governor's wife and Carli's college coach, Glenn Crooks. But the star was Carli, who gave an impressive speech about her career. Mayor Gary Catrambone announced that a soccer field to be built at this park would be named Carli Lloyd Field. A very fitting tribute to the GOAT of women's soccer.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Carli's Farewell Tour in Philadelphia
Pretty cool to watch my former player, Carli Lloyd, on TV playing her next to last regular season league game in Philadelphia -actually Chester southwest of the city - at Subaru Park, home of the MLS Philadelphia Union. Game ended in a 0-0 draw. Many girls from our '81-'82 Medford Strikers team were there and planned a tailgate. I would loved to have gone, but did not want to commit just a week after Debbie's surgery. So I had to settle for watching on television. I am hoping to have some photos from players who were there.
Carli's hometown of Delran Township is throwing a party for her next week and I plan to be at that.
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Sad Day For Women's Soccer
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the most successful of three women's pro leagues founded in the last two decades, canceled its five games scheduled this weekend amid a torrent of allegations against coaches for abusing players and the league for not supporting the players.
The New York Times had a detailed account by Kevin Draper yesterday. "But as has become evident this week, bullying and abusive behavior have been a part of the league from its earliest days. And, according to players, team executives and league officials have not done nearly enough to prevent it," Draper writes. He notes that in the past the months, 40 percent of the league's coaches were fired or resigned for inappropriate behavior. Then yesterday, Commissioner Lisa Baird resigned. CNN provided a report.
The worst of the coaching departures appears to have been Paul Riley, who was fired by the Portland Thorns in 2015 for unspecified violations of team policy but then went to another team. In 2018 and 2019 he coached the Carolina Courage to league championships but there were allegations that he had coerced a player into having sex with him, forced two players to kiss then sent them unsolicited sexual pictures and yelled at and belittled players. He has denied the charges.
Yelling at players is one thing. Think NFL coaches don't yell at players? But there is no excuse whatsoever for sexual abuse or for creating a hostile environment of a sexual nature. Prosecutors in the various jurisdictions need to carefully examine the allegations against Riley and the others for possible criminal conduct.
Former National Team player Meghan Klingenberg tweeted: "It is enraging that the NWSL knew about this abuse and allowed the abuser to be rehired." Well put.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
U.S. Women Suffer "Crushing Blow" in Court
A federal judge in California dismissed the U.S. Women's National Team's claims against U.S. Soccer of being paid less than the men's team. It was described by Andrew Das in the New York Times as a crushing blow. The court left standing claims of unequal treatment in areas such as travel, hotel accommodations and team staffing. Trial is scheduled for June 16.
The judge granted U.S. Soccer's motion for summary judgment, meaning that based on undisputed facts of record the women could not win and defendant U.S. Soccer was entitled to a dismissal as a matter of law.
As Kelsey Trainor (who like Coach P is a lawyer) states in her article on The Equalizer, Judge Gary Klausner wrote in a 32-page opinion "that the U.S. women rejected an offer to operate under a CBA with a pay structure similar to the men’s national team and therefore, they cannot now claim unequal pay. The judge also found that, based on evidence and expert testimony submitted by the parties, the U.S. women actually earned more than the men over the same time span. He noted that while the U.S. women earned on average $221,000 per game during the class period (2015 – 2019) the U.S. men earned $213,000 per game. This, of course, does not take into account the fact that had the men’s team been successful like the women (who won two World Cups during that time), the men would have earned a far higher rate of pay. "
The women have said they would appeal, but as Trainor points out, because the appeal would be interlocutory, that is a appeal of less than a final judgment on all issues, and those are very difficult to file. Unless the appellate court grants permission, the women would have to go through a trial on the remaining issue and then appeal the dismissal of the equal pay claim.
It is still possible the sides will reach a settlement before the trial date.
The judge granted U.S. Soccer's motion for summary judgment, meaning that based on undisputed facts of record the women could not win and defendant U.S. Soccer was entitled to a dismissal as a matter of law.
As Kelsey Trainor (who like Coach P is a lawyer) states in her article on The Equalizer, Judge Gary Klausner wrote in a 32-page opinion "that the U.S. women rejected an offer to operate under a CBA with a pay structure similar to the men’s national team and therefore, they cannot now claim unequal pay. The judge also found that, based on evidence and expert testimony submitted by the parties, the U.S. women actually earned more than the men over the same time span. He noted that while the U.S. women earned on average $221,000 per game during the class period (2015 – 2019) the U.S. men earned $213,000 per game. This, of course, does not take into account the fact that had the men’s team been successful like the women (who won two World Cups during that time), the men would have earned a far higher rate of pay. "
The women have said they would appeal, but as Trainor points out, because the appeal would be interlocutory, that is a appeal of less than a final judgment on all issues, and those are very difficult to file. Unless the appellate court grants permission, the women would have to go through a trial on the remaining issue and then appeal the dismissal of the equal pay claim.
It is still possible the sides will reach a settlement before the trial date.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Three Shutouts in First Round, Spain Up Next
So the United States completed its stroll through the group phase of the Women's World Cup with 16 goals for, none against and three wins. The most recent victory was 2-10 against Sweden in LeHavre Thursday. Sweden, which hasd already clinched a spot in the knockout phase, will face Canada Monday, June 24 while the Americans take on Spain at the same time.
Andrew Keh and Andrew Das of the New York Times reported on the Sweden match. The Times' Jere Longman reports on the growth of women's soccer in Spain.
Andrew Keh and Andrew Das of the New York Times reported on the Sweden match. The Times' Jere Longman reports on the growth of women's soccer in Spain.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
On To The Sweet 16 - But First Sweden
Nobody expected 13 goals and although the U.S. scored "only" three against Chile, they dominated the match and would have had at least three more but for the brilliant goalkeeping of Christiane Endler, who robbed Christen Press of sure goals twice and did the same on other shots. Endler, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was named player of the match.
Good to see my former player, Carli Lloyd get back into the starting line-up and reward Coach Jill Ellis for the decision by scoring in the 11th and 35th minutes. The first goal was a left footer one-timed into the corner and the second a header. Sandwiched between these two was a goal by Julie Ertz off a corner.
Lloyd missed a chance for a hat trick when she hooked a PK wide left in the 81st minute. I thought the penalty was questionable and was awarded after VAR review. There was a foul, but it appeared to be just outside the 18. Not so said the ref as she pointed to the penalty mark.
Sweden beat Thailand, 5-1 so the only question that remains is which team will finished first and which second. Given the huge goal differential favoring the United States, Sweden would have to win Thursday's showdown,. but regardless of the result both teams will advance.
Andrew Das has game coverage in the New Yorks Times.
Good to see my former player, Carli Lloyd get back into the starting line-up and reward Coach Jill Ellis for the decision by scoring in the 11th and 35th minutes. The first goal was a left footer one-timed into the corner and the second a header. Sandwiched between these two was a goal by Julie Ertz off a corner.
Lloyd missed a chance for a hat trick when she hooked a PK wide left in the 81st minute. I thought the penalty was questionable and was awarded after VAR review. There was a foul, but it appeared to be just outside the 18. Not so said the ref as she pointed to the penalty mark.
Sweden beat Thailand, 5-1 so the only question that remains is which team will finished first and which second. Given the huge goal differential favoring the United States, Sweden would have to win Thursday's showdown,. but regardless of the result both teams will advance.
Andrew Das has game coverage in the New Yorks Times.
Forget Thailand. Chile's Up Today
Much has been written and said about the United States women's 13-0 thrashing of Thailand in the World Cup opener. Many have defended the scoring as necessary because goal differential is the first tie-breaker in the group stage. Agreed - but celebrating each goal like it was the World Cup winner was over the top. Keep in mind, Eastern High School's team probably would have been a tougher opponent than Thailand. In other words, the goals were expected so why act like it was such a big deal, even for women playing in their first World Cup?
The U.S. plays another less than stellar opponent - Chile - today before taking on powerhouse Sweden in the last match of the group stage.
The U.S. plays another less than stellar opponent - Chile - today before taking on powerhouse Sweden in the last match of the group stage.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
13 Proves Lucky For U.S. in World Cup Opener
JUNE 11, 2019 -- The United States women exploded for 13 goals in a rout of Thailand in the World Cup opener for both teams before 18,591 in Reims. Alex Morgan scored five times for the U.S. and Carli Lloyd, who (along with Christen Press) came on in the 57th minute, netted the final goal in stoppage time. Andrew Keh reports for the New York Times.
In the other Group F match, as expected Sweden defeated Chile, 2-0. The U.S. will face Chile and Sweden will take on Thailand on June 16.
In the other Group F match, as expected Sweden defeated Chile, 2-0. The U.S. will face Chile and Sweden will take on Thailand on June 16.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Almost World Cup Time
With the dismal (U.S. not qualifying and Germany not advancing) 2018 World Cup far in the past, it's time to look to the Women's World Cup, where the Americans will begin defense of their title June 11 against Thailand in Reims, France. We hope to see them in the final come July 7.
The bookies seem to like the red, white and blue, setting the odds for an American repeat at 2-1. CBS Sports has a story on the odds for all the teams.
Follow all the results at the official FIFA site.
After the opener, the U.S. will face Chile on June 16 in Paris and wrap up group play against Sweden in LeHavre June 20. Assuming U.S. advances out of Group F, they would play in the Round of 16 on June 24.
And finally, Jonathan Tannenwald had a piece in today's Inquirer about Team USA goalie, Alyssa Naeher, a Penn State graduate, Class of '09. Fellow Nittany Lion Ali Krieger, Class of '06, is also on the roster and will be appearing in her third World Cup.
The bookies seem to like the red, white and blue, setting the odds for an American repeat at 2-1. CBS Sports has a story on the odds for all the teams.
Follow all the results at the official FIFA site.
After the opener, the U.S. will face Chile on June 16 in Paris and wrap up group play against Sweden in LeHavre June 20. Assuming U.S. advances out of Group F, they would play in the Round of 16 on June 24.
And finally, Jonathan Tannenwald had a piece in today's Inquirer about Team USA goalie, Alyssa Naeher, a Penn State graduate, Class of '09. Fellow Nittany Lion Ali Krieger, Class of '06, is also on the roster and will be appearing in her third World Cup.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
U.S. Women Back in Court
Three years after the Women's National Team was sued by the U.S. Soccer Federation the team sued USSF alleging gender discrimination in pay and working conditions. The lawsuit is reported by Andrew Das in today's New York Times. The Times also ran a piece about eight times when women fought inequality in sports.
More later when I've had a chance to review the complaint, filed in federal court in California.
More later when I've had a chance to review the complaint, filed in federal court in California.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Rutgers' Wright's Dream Comes True
Many years ago, an 8-year old girl in Mt. Laurel, NJ declared she would someday be a professional soccer player. That dream came true for Rutgers senior Kenie Wright last week, when Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League drafted her in the 4th round, 26th overall.
Kenie's grandfather, Pete McCorkle, is a long-time (35 years) running buddy of mine and he told me last weekend how hard Kenie had worked, how she went all out for 90 minutes every game and how she was deadly on set pieces. She was a co-captain this year, earned South Jersey Collegiate Player of the Year honors as well as being Third Team All Region and Second Team All Big Ten. Oh, yes, and she won the sportsmanship award.
Wright will be joining Rutgers alumnae Carli Lloyd, Madison Tiernan and Erica Skroski on the Sky Blue squad, which is coached by Scarlet Knight alum Denise Reddy. Appropriately, Sky Blue plays homes matches at Rutgers' Yurcak Field.
We're looking forward to seeing Kenie live out the dream when the NWSL season begins.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Lloyd's 100th Goal
All he wanted was for his daughter to get one cap, one chance with the full national team, Carli Lloyd's father told me one night at the Medford Strikers soccer fields while his son was practicing. She was a star at Rutgers and had played for the U20 and U23 national teams but had yet to crack the full national team.
We all know how that turned out as Lloyd long ago notched her 200th cap. Today, before 15,349 fans in Houston she became the sixth woman to score 100 goals for the United States when her header put the U.S. up, 3-2 against Mexico enroute to a 6-2 victory.
Ahead of Lloyd on the scoring list are Abby Wambach (184), Mia Hamm (158), Kristine Lilly (130), Michelle Akers (107) and Tiffany Milbrett (100).
The U.S. Soccer story on the game, which includes video of all the goals, is here.
We all know how that turned out as Lloyd long ago notched her 200th cap. Today, before 15,349 fans in Houston she became the sixth woman to score 100 goals for the United States when her header put the U.S. up, 3-2 against Mexico enroute to a 6-2 victory.
Ahead of Lloyd on the scoring list are Abby Wambach (184), Mia Hamm (158), Kristine Lilly (130), Michelle Akers (107) and Tiffany Milbrett (100).
The U.S. Soccer story on the game, which includes video of all the goals, is here.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Carli Lloyd Comes Back to NJ
Carli Lloyd will play her league games this summer in the Rutgers University stadium she called home for her college career.
As reported in the Inquirer, her NWSL team of the past three years, the Houston Dash, traded Lloyd to New Jersey's Sky Blue. She requested the trade to be able to live with her husband, Brian Hollins, who is a local golf pro, year round.
Dash manager Vera Pauw showed class in granting Lloyd's wish even though the team was not required to. “She is a player you don’t want to trade…," Pauw is quoted as telling the Houston Chronicle, "but I know what it is like to live away from the one you love. We could stop her from going to New Jersey because we had her rights, but in the end, there is more in life than soccer.” The Chronicle ran a story on the trade. Lloyd expressed her gratitude to Pauw and the Houston fans on Twitter.
As reported in the Inquirer, her NWSL team of the past three years, the Houston Dash, traded Lloyd to New Jersey's Sky Blue. She requested the trade to be able to live with her husband, Brian Hollins, who is a local golf pro, year round.
Dash manager Vera Pauw showed class in granting Lloyd's wish even though the team was not required to. “She is a player you don’t want to trade…," Pauw is quoted as telling the Houston Chronicle, "but I know what it is like to live away from the one you love. We could stop her from going to New Jersey because we had her rights, but in the end, there is more in life than soccer.” The Chronicle ran a story on the trade. Lloyd expressed her gratitude to Pauw and the Houston fans on Twitter.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Carli Lloyd On The Go
It's been awhile since the last post, so might as well start off with a Carli Lloyd update. Jonathan Tannenwald has a good article in today's Inquirer about Carlie's travels from Manchester City to Houston to the Women's National Team.
Speaking of Houston, about two weeks ago they gave up a 1-0 lead to Portland on a perfectly placed free kick into the upper left corner in the 90th minute. Then in the 92nd minute the referee made what looked to me to be a bad call in sending Carli off. The announcers seemed to agree saying there was nothing malicious about the foul, and maybe she came in "a bit late" but at worst a yellow card would have sufficed.
Anyway, I hope the rest of the season goes well for carli.
Speaking of Houston, about two weeks ago they gave up a 1-0 lead to Portland on a perfectly placed free kick into the upper left corner in the 90th minute. Then in the 92nd minute the referee made what looked to me to be a bad call in sending Carli off. The announcers seemed to agree saying there was nothing malicious about the foul, and maybe she came in "a bit late" but at worst a yellow card would have sufficed.
Anyway, I hope the rest of the season goes well for carli.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Tony DiCicco, Former WNT Coach, Dies at 68
Soccer Hall of Famer Tony DiCicco, who coached the U.S. Women's National Team to the 1999 World Cup, has died at age 68. His life was detailed in the New York Times as well as by the NSCAA and of course U.S. Soccer.
I had the pleasure of meeting DiCicco back in the 90s - before the World Cup victory, when the National Tam played a friendly against Germany at the German Hungarians club outside Philadelphia and I was invited to a reception for the teams. My daughter, Kirsten, accompanied me and I had a picture of her with DiCicco. Years later, at the JAGS Tournament, DiCicco was coaching a Connecticut team and I approached him and showed him the photo from some 15 years ago. He had a good laugh and we agreed we had both aged a bit since then.
R.I.P., Coach.
I had the pleasure of meeting DiCicco back in the 90s - before the World Cup victory, when the National Tam played a friendly against Germany at the German Hungarians club outside Philadelphia and I was invited to a reception for the teams. My daughter, Kirsten, accompanied me and I had a picture of her with DiCicco. Years later, at the JAGS Tournament, DiCicco was coaching a Connecticut team and I approached him and showed him the photo from some 15 years ago. He had a good laugh and we agreed we had both aged a bit since then.
R.I.P., Coach.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Carla Overbeck: Carrying the Luggage
A new book that studies sport's greatest teams found that what they all had in common was an extraordinary captain. The Captain Class: The Hidden Force That Creates the World's Greatest Teams, by Wall Street Journal editor Sam Walker, writes about Carla Overbeck, captain of the 1999 U.S. Women's team that won the World Cup, and how she used to carry her teammates' luggage to their rooms. The book is reviewed by Dan Lyons on Linked-In.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Standing For The United States
As reported in today's New York Times, U.S. Soccer will now require national team players to stand during the playing of the national anthem. The new rule is apparently in response to Megan Rapinoe, who knelt during the playing of the anthem before a friendly against Thailand as well as before a match with her club team, the Seattle Reign.
For those who howl "she has a right of free speech": no she doesn't when it comes to a non-governmental entity such as U.S. Soccer. A governmental agency may not require someone to stand during the Star Spangled Banner, but an employer may. And that aside, if an athlete is representing the United States, she should show respect for the country. She is certainly free to express her opinions on Twitter, to the media or whatever, but when it comes to the national anthem, it is not unreasonable to expect American athletes to show respect.
For those who howl "she has a right of free speech": no she doesn't when it comes to a non-governmental entity such as U.S. Soccer. A governmental agency may not require someone to stand during the Star Spangled Banner, but an employer may. And that aside, if an athlete is representing the United States, she should show respect for the country. She is certainly free to express her opinions on Twitter, to the media or whatever, but when it comes to the national anthem, it is not unreasonable to expect American athletes to show respect.
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