OT - US Soccer

[hunkgolden]

What a stark contrast in performances between the MNT and the WNT in the span of about 6 hours. Late last night the men scored with just 2 minutes left in the second half of extra time beating their arch rival Mexico to win the Gold Cup. They've beat Mexico twice this summer; both times in thrilling style to win international tournaments. The women, supposedly heavy favorites to win Gold at the Olympics, started 4 hours later and were beat by Canada for the first time in 20 years to get knocked out of contention for Olympic gold. The women played very uninspiring soccer the entire Olympics and will be fortunate to win bronze.

The men's game was incredibly emotional as evident by ALexi Lalas' tears in the broadcast booth after the game ended. Contrast that with the women's team who has had plenty of distractions of late - lawsuit for more pay; turning back on flag at recent game; intrasquad dating; and seemingly more focused on social causes than winning. They were not a united team and it showed.

United we stand, divided we fall.

 

[Level 42]

They should of spent more time practicing instead of spewing their nonsense. Clearly they needed the extra practice time.

I truly hate seeing the US lose at anything, but this has a bit of karma to it.

 

[BoilerTom90]

They should of spent more time practicing instead of spewing their nonsense. Clearly they needed the extra practice time.

I truly hate seeing the US lose at anything, but this has a bit of karma to it.

Since they didn't appear to be playing for the US, you didn't see them lose.

 

[BTBall]

The core of this women's team have won the last two world cups and are as accomplished as any group in the history of the game. The idea that they needed extra practice or spent too much time spewing nonsense to be prepared is of course absurd.

They lost because this core is aging and no longer decidedly better than the rest of the world. I would expect that a new group of players will emerge heading into the next world cup cycle.

 

[purduepat1969]

The core of this women's team have won the last two world cups and are as accomplished as any group in the history of the game. The idea that they needed extra practice or spent too much time spewing nonsense to be prepared is of course absurd.

They lost because this core is aging and no longer decidedly better than the rest of the world. I would expect that a new group of players will emerge heading into the next world cup cycle.

Maybe the US women's team picked the wrong players this year and went with "experience" rather than better youth...

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

"Plenty of distractions of late - lawsuit for more pay; turning back on flag at recent game; intrasquad dating; and seemingly more focused on social causes than winning. They were not a united team and it showed."
United we stand, divided we fall.

I've got two young adults that play soccer. One in men's collegiate soccer and one in women's collegiate soccer that just graduated from women's in Spring 2020 and was fortunate to have played in Fall 2019 her Sr. year.

I wholeheartedly agree that the women's team lost their focus and as a result, got beat soundly by Sweden and competed and knocked out by Canada. This happens in all sports and with a variety of athletes, they get bigger money, start playing for the name on the back of the jersey vs the front and consequently don't answer the bell as they are no longer best prepared and ready to play the game. No women's team should fear the US like they used to. The world caught up to them no differently than the NBA players getting beat in group play as well.

Want to change that culture? Fire the coach and as many of the problem makers that won't play for the team and instead create controversy at every turn and try to capitalize off of it. May even need to erase the roster of all players and start fresh.

Stand for the National Anthem. If you can't, that is your right. You also have the right to not be on the team. Pack your bags, we'll find someone who will.

 

[Level 42]

The core of this women's team have won the last two world cups and are as accomplished as any group in the history of the game. The idea that they needed extra practice or spent too much time spewing nonsense to be prepared is of course absurd.

The also got beat by a JV men's team. They needed more practice and less kneeling and social justice. You don't lose the way they have unless you were unprepared. Period. Glossing over that fact is what is absurd.

 

[Level 42]

Since they didn't appear to be playing for the US, you didn't see them lose.

Really hard to argue against that point.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

I've got two young adults that play soccer. One in men's collegiate soccer and one in women's collegiate soccer that just graduated from women's in Spring 2020 and was fortunate to have played in Fall 2019 her Sr. year.

I wholeheartedly agree that the women's team lost their focus and as a result, got beat soundly by Sweden and competed and knocked out by Canada. This happens in all sports and with a variety of athletes, they get bigger money, start playing for the name on the back of the jersey vs the front and consequently don't answer the bell as they are no longer best prepared and ready to play the game. No women's team should fear the US like they used to. The world caught up to them no differently than the NBA players getting beat in group play as well.

Want to change that culture? Fire the coach and as many of the problem makers that won't play for the team and instead create controversy at every turn and try to capitalize off of it. May even need to erase the roster of all players and start fresh.

Stand for the National Anthem. If you can't, that is your right. You also have the right to not be on the team. Pack your bags, we'll find someone who will.

I’d argue that the bulk of the stars being on the wrong side of 30 isn’t helping, in addition to the reasons you mentioned.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

I’d argue that the bulk of the stars being on the wrong side of 30 isn’t helping, in addition to the reasons you mentioned.

Carli Lloyd at 39 and Megan Rapinoe at 36 are specific age range that are concerning. An age range of 22-32 likely yields enough experienced players that can get the job done. It is being blunt, but the game requires stamina of being able to jog & run 5-8 + miles during a 90 minute contest.
I'm not evaluating Canada roster down to that age level, but it appeared they were A) Younger B) Defense was hard to penetrate and get a great shot off. USA team was in position and got many more opportunities, but could not capitalize.
How much was fatigue and how much was not focused...who knows? Bottom line is USA lost to Canada for the 1st time in 20 years. An overhaul is needed.

 

[bonefish1]

Go woke, go broke.
I couldn't give 2 craps about the woman's soccer team and their virtue signaling. Shut up and kick the ball.

 

[purduepat1969]

Go woke, go broke.
I couldn't give 2 craps about the woman's soccer team and their virtue signaling. Shut up and kick the ball.

The fact that they have Rapinoe as their de facto leader the media chose for them tells you everything you need to know. It's apparently not about how you lead the team to win. It's how you showcase yourself and become the loudest voice...

 

[PUBV]

The also got beat by a JV men's team. They needed more practice and less kneeling and social justice. You don't lose the way they have unless you were unprepared. Period. Glossing over that fact is what is absurd.

Good to see the men’s team on the uptick after struggling on the world stage for the past 10-15yrs. Some point to the team coalescing last year after wearing social justice jackets with messages on the back like “gasp” end racism, and “double gasp” Black Lives Matter! The women’s team has been lights out for like 10 years. But you’re probably right, it’s not the fact that some of the stars are closing in on 40, it’s all that damn kneeling😂

 

[FirstDownB]

I wonder what the pay gap is between the US and Canadian teams

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

Good to see the men’s team on the uptick after struggling on the world stage for the past 10-15yrs. Some point to the team coalescing last year after wearing social justice jackets with messages on the back like “gasp” end racism, and “double gasp” Black Lives Matter! The women’s team has been lights out for like 10 years. But you’re probably right, it’s not the fact that some of the stars are closing in on 40, it’s all that damn kneeling😂

Damn kneeling for 40 yr old can hurt after awhile.😀

 

[BTBall]

There' s just a ridiculous amount of nonsense in this thread. Megan Rapinoe was outspoken and kneeling before the last world cup and proceeded to have a great tournament. They didn't lose because of a lack of focus or leadership or because of virtue signaling.

You don't have to like Rapinoe or her teammates but to suggest their politics are why they lost is ignorant and lazy. They had the exact same politics when they won the last two world cups. The only difference now is that they're aging and not as good as they used to be.

 

[Level 42]

There' s just a ridiculous amount of nonsense in this thread. Megan Rapinoe was outspoken and kneeling before the last world cup and proceeded to have a great tournament. They didn't lose because of a lack of focus or leadership or because of virtue signaling.

You don't have to like Rapinoe or her teammates but to suggest their politics are why they lost is ignorant and lazy. They had the exact same politics when they won the last two world cups. The only difference now is that they're aging and not as good as they used to be.

And they are spending more time being social justice warriors instead of practicing. Just because you don't like that fact, it doesn't make it any less accurate. They had zero focus the entire Olympics and it came back to haunt them.

Just like the other 'woke' Olympians and how they are failing as well and it's no coincidence.

 

[rgarlitz]

I'll be upfront: I like the USWNT, I support the team and what they stand for. I know that's not necessarily popular with a lot of folks here, but I think it's important.

On the soccer: the team got beat up pretty good, there's no denying that. They weren't able to impose their will on teams they way they could in 2019. I don't have a deep enough understanding of the game to comment on tactics, but it's clear they haven't been as crisp. Passing errors have cost them possession and scoring opportunities throughout the tournament. Other teams know also know them too well. Sweden, Netherlands and Canada all smothered them in the midfield. It wasn't because our midfielders suddenly weren't good. The opponents just knew exactly what our players were going to do. (On a side note, I did get frustrated with some of the off-sides calls that wiped out goals, especially against Netherlands. It looked to me like the Dutch defenders just stopped on Christen Press's last called-off goal.)

I was concerned about sharpness in some of their matches leading up to the Olympics. I'm not saying this is why they lost, but the practice clips the USWNT posted online leading up to the Olympics weren't exactly the stuff of Vince Lombardi.

On the roster: I'm not sure what to say. It's true that the front line are all veteran players over 30 (except Lynn Williams who was originally cast as an alternate but has made the most of her chances). As others have pointed out, age is only an issue with Carly Lloyd and Megan Rapino--and those two have been among the most productive offensive players this year. Maybe Andonovski was too conservative in drawing up the roster. But, I also ask myself, who should have been cut? The veterans who blew threw the World Cup in 2019 didn't lose a match until the Olympics. Christen Press just dominated everybody this spring. Of the veteran attackers, Tobin Heath, who spent much of the year recovering from injury, is probably the only one who's inclusion was really questionable. Plus, we have to admit that one of the biggest disappointments in this Olympics has been center back Abby Dahlkemper, who had been the teams most reliable defender. She's only 28, and for the anti-woke crowd, she might be the least political player on the team.

The other side of the roster coin is this: who else should have been called up? For whatever reason, Mallory Pugh seems to have fallen out of favor with Andonovski. Other than Pugh, the rest of the attackers have very little international experience--and nothing like playing in the Olympics.

Maybe that's the problem. Maybe Andonovski should've given players like Sophia Smith and Midge Purce a bigger role over the past 20 months. But, in fairness, this is a common problem in team sports--and one that has absolutely nothing to do with personal politics. Vlatko rode his proven winners until they couldn't win anymore. As long as they were winning, there was little incentive to change. But that meant that the up-and-coming players never really had much of a chance.

Just my $.02. I hope they win the bronze.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

There' s just a ridiculous amount of nonsense in this thread. Megan Rapinoe was outspoken and kneeling before the last world cup and proceeded to have a great tournament. They didn't lose because of a lack of focus or leadership or because of virtue signaling.

You don't have to like Rapinoe or her teammates but to suggest their politics are why they lost is ignorant and lazy. They had the exact same politics when they won the last two world cups. The only difference now is that they're aging and not as good as they used to be.

Don't mind some of the "stuff" i.e. equal work equal pay. When you set yourself up on a pedestal before your team & country and going divisive, then take a seat at the end of the bench. Pine time always allows for moments of clarity. To say that when they are calling attention to themselves, then cannot back it up when pressure is high has no affect...not so fast!!! Numerous sports athletes that have mouths usually back it up. Our USWNT didn't and got swallowed up in the mid-field and against the defensive backs time and again or just didn't capitalize when the moments were there (head game). Comes down to strength & stamina OR choked at a higher stage. I'm not in a position to say I know, but can say that this Olympics was not good for the group play. A disaster in knockout round and we'll see how they fare against Sweden or Australia both of which can take them to the wire.
For the record, I too like soccer.

I put myself before team over four decades ago against Pendleton Heights and told the coach if you don't like the way I'm playing, then take me out. He did and told me to take a seat at the end of the bench. He went on to tell me as he passed by before half time that the way to get back into the game is to apologize to the team and him at half time. I did and still sat the entire 3rd Qtr and only got back into the game for garbage time in 4th Qtr. Being a starter to garbage time player that game was a humbling experience. What did I learn? Shut your mouth and play the way your being told to play. If coach wants you to play a certain way, better play it the coach's way.
For the record, got beat going to the right baseline three times for points in the first half. Coach called a time out and reviewed early in the huddle wanting me to not allow post and spin right to continue. Didn't help that I had a smart mouth!

 

[bonefish1]

There' s just a ridiculous amount of nonsense in this thread. Megan Rapinoe was outspoken and kneeling before the last world cup and proceeded to have a great tournament. They didn't lose because of a lack of focus or leadership or because of virtue signaling.

You don't have to like Rapinoe or her teammates but to suggest their politics are why they lost is ignorant and lazy. They had the exact same politics when they won the last two world cups. The only difference now is that they're aging and not as good as they used to be.

Maybe Rapinoe didn't play well because she's oppressed? Or at least suffers from white guilt?

 

[13thman]

Damn kneeling for 40 yr old can hurt after awhile.😀

It's not the kneeling. It's trying to get back up. vbg

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

It's not the kneeling. It's trying to get back up. vbg

Upper 50’s and it hurts for any length of time.

 

[SCBoiler1]

Too many people posting political commentary lightly disguised as commentary on sports. They either don't know what they are talking about or are purposely creating a narrative that fits their agenda.

The US men's soccer team hasn't even qualified for the last three Olympics or the 2018 World Cup. The USA is ranked 20th in the world and beat Mexico which was ranked 11th. Mexico had most of its best U24 players competing in the Olympics instead of the Gold Cup. No other team in the tournament was ranked in the top 40 by FIFA.

The women's team is the #1 ranked team in the world and was trying to get a gold medal the year after their 2019 World Cup victory — something that's never been done before. They lost on a penalty kick to Canada which is ranked 8th in the world and to Sweden which is ranked 5th. They can still get a bronze medal.

Comparing the accomplishments of the two teams is like comparing apples to oranges,

 

[Level 42]

Too many people posting political commentary lightly disguised as commentary on sports. They either don't know what they are talking about or are purposely creating a narrative that fits their agenda.

The hypocrisy and irony of this statement is astounding. This entire thread is about playing for your country and not craping the bed because of SJW. You can slap in rankings all you want, but it is no coincidence that the most 'woke' athletes are the ones losing and the women's soccer team is just another in that list that is also the most vocal and divisive.

To my point: See what practicing and less social just gets you? A Gold Medal!

That is how you represent your country. And of course not losing to a JV squad.

And with how the SJWs are losing more than they are winning and with the rating for the Wokyo Olympics being in the tank, more agree with those of us calling it out than don't.

 

[rgarlitz]

The hypocrisy and irony of this statement is astounding. This entire thread is about playing for your country and not craping the bed because of SJW. You can slap in rankings all you want, but it is no coincidence that the most 'woke' athletes are the ones losing and the women's soccer team is just another in that list that is also the most vocal and divisive.

To my point: See what practicing and less social just gets you? A Gold Medal!

That is how you represent your country. And of course not losing to a JV squad.

And with how the SJWs are losing more than they are winning and with the rating for the Wokyo Olympics being in the tank, more agree with those of us calling it out than don't.

What real evidence is there that activism had anything to do with the USWNT's Olympic struggles? That sounds like convenient spin.

As SC (and just about everyone else) has pointed out, no team has ever won an Olympic gold medal immediately after winning the World Cup. What the team was trying to do in Tokyo is literally unprecedented.

And, the USWNT should know that better than anybody. Mia Hamm and Company failed to win gold in 2000 after their epic World Cup run in '99. That was long before any activism. Three times it's been the USWNT winning Olympic gold after somebody else won the previous year's World Cup.

Again, there are plenty of grounds to criticize the team's play in Tokyo. No matter what they said going in, it's clear that other teams were sharper and hungrier. The players have to own that and be accountable. There will also be plenty of second guessing on some roster selections. But, again, Rapino hasn't been the problem and some of the most disappointing performances came from players who aren't activists and were locks to make the roster.

The anti-woke spin sounds like an argument of convenience. Again, as somebody else pointed out, the team did plenty of activism before tearing through the 2019 World Cup.

 

[Level 42]

What real evidence is there that activism had anything to do with the USWNT's Olympic struggles? That sounds like convenient spin.

As SC (and just about everyone else) has pointed out, no team has ever won an Olympic gold medal immediately after winning the World Cup. What the team was trying to do in Tokyo is literally unprecedented.

And, the USWNT should know that better than anybody. Mia Hamm and Company failed to win gold in 2000 after their epic World Cup run in '99. That was long before any activism. Three times it's been the USWNT winning Olympic gold after somebody else won the previous year's World Cup.

Again, there are plenty of grounds to criticize the team's play in Tokyo. No matter what they said going in, it's clear that other teams were sharper and hungrier. The players have to own that and be accountable. There will also be plenty of second guessing on some roster selections. But, again, Rapino hasn't been the problem and some of the most disappointing performances came from players who aren't activists and were locks to make the roster.

The anti-woke spin sounds like an argument of convenience. Again, as somebody else pointed out, the team did plenty of activism before tearing through the 2019 World Cup.

It's simple correlation, not any spin. The 'woke' teams/players are losing and the non-SJW are not. There have been plenty of examples already given. But the UWNT have run their mouths the most and simply can't back it up.

Also your comparison to Mia and this team is hilarious because unlike the current team, Mia was prod to play for her country where the current team is at best playing to make it all about them. Karma just had different plans for them.

As SC (and just about everyone else) has pointed out, no team has ever won an Olympic gold medal immediately after winning the World Cup.

And while that is an irrelevant stat, looks like you can add no team has ever one a gold medal after all their antics.

 

[rgarlitz]

Also your comparison to Mia and this team is hilarious because unlike the current team, Mia was prod to play for her country where the current team is at best playing to make it all about them. Karma just had different plans for them.

But, that's just the point. Not even a team that did everything right (in your view)--maybe the greatest women's soccer team of all-time-- was able to pull off the WC/Olympics sweep.

Again, that's an indication of how difficult it is for any team to do. It's never been done. By anybody.

 

[Level 42]

But, that's just the point. Not even a team that did everything right (in your view)--maybe the greatest women's soccer team of all-time-- was able to pull off the WC/Olympics sweep.

Again, that's an indication of how difficult it is for any team to do. It's never been done. By anybody.

That's like saying no one has done it while wearing plaid. It's an irrelevant excuse.

Here I'll even make it simple:

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

Have not seen the game yet, but will give props to the oldies which goes against the grain of this thread.
US wins bronze over Australia 4-3 with both Carli Lloyd (39) and Megan Rapinoe (36) each scoring 2 goals apiece.
For fun, just started watching Ted Lasso and the gruff seasoned vet on the team is instrumental in their turnaround. I'm five shows in and like it! Two thumbs up.

 

[LedZep17]

US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. The development programs in the US for girls soccer are insanely competitive and well managed. Anyone who actually follows the sport and watches the national games (instead of just waiting to hear about 1 loss against a very quality opponent to try and further the narrative that social justice messaging is now their downfall) knows the US Women's program branded their identity and popularity behind BOTH winning and instilling an equalized culture that they relished knowing they could back up with their play.

Whether any of us here like it or not, American soccer actually further grew in popularity because of what they've done. Youth girls soccer in US was already widely popular thanks to the OG trailblazers like Hamm, Akers, Chastain, Foudy, et al, (who by the way also had an equality message) but they actually saw their numbers rise even more after this current veteran-led team and US soccer org. realized the huge benefit of marketing their success and equality messaging.

I'd say they know what they're doing.

 

[Professor Emeritus]

US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. The development programs in the US for girls soccer are insanely competitive and well managed. Anyone who actually follows the sport and watches the national games (instead of just waiting to hear about 1 loss against a very quality opponent to try and further the narrative that social justice messaging is now their downfall) knows the US Women's program branded their identity and popularity behind BOTH winning and instilling an equalized culture that they relished knowing they could back up with their play.

Whether any of us here like it or not, American soccer actually further grew in popularity because of what they've done. Youth girls soccer in US was already widely popular thanks to the OG trailblazers like Hamm, Akers, Chastain, Foudy, et al, (who by the way also had an equality message) but they actually saw their numbers rise even more after this current veteran-led team and US soccer org. realized the huge benefit of marketing their success and equality messaging.

I'd say they know what they're doing.

It's great that US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. Neither is the rest of the world, which is obviously rapidly catching up with what heretofore has largely been a Globetrotters-Generals scenario. So the ladies may want to become accustomed to different places on the medal stand.

Putting aside the unappealing manner and ignorant presumption of Rapinoe and friends, the equality or equity argument is disdained because it is so easily dismissed: These women are not comparing like with like.

Women's soccer has limited appeal and financial value compared to men's soccer. After the US women won the 1999 World Cup (on PKs), a women's professional soccer league should have begun and demonstrated sustained growth equal to or better than the MLS. If women's soccer were as popular or more popular than men's in the United States, this should have been simple.

MLS not only competes with most of the established North American professional sports leagues for eyeballs on the screen and bodies in the seats, but also with powerhouse foreign leagues and teams for quality players. Yet MLS is flourishing and successfully carving out its niche here. Yes, MLS had a head start but, again, if the women are indeed as popular and worth as much or more, a professional league would be on equal footing or beyond MLS.

Women's professional soccer does not face anywhere near the same obstacles, but it cannot get off the ground because it's simply not as popular with viewers and fans. Outside of the national team, few but family and friends are watching.

To base the equality argument on a strict comparison between the success of the US men and women in international competition is downright silly. There is no comparison. No elite men's national team like Brazil, Italy, or Germany wins the World Cup time after time as have the US women.

So the US men are supposed to meet the standard against objectively better competition that the women set by blasting a bunch of tomato cans? No sale.

n.b. While the success of the women has undoubtedly yielded results in terms of competitive girls' soccer development, it seems that the men are reaping similar benefits in spite of their relative lack of success. As Hunk pointed out, it was no small feat for a very young US team to win the Gold Cup the other night.

 

[BBG]

It's great that US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. Neither is the rest of the world, which is obviously rapidly catching up with what heretofore has largely been a Globetrotters-Generals scenario. So the ladies may want to become accustomed to different places on the medal stand.

Putting aside the unappealing manner and ignorant presumption of Rapinoe and friends, the equality or equity argument is disdained because it is so easily dismissed: These women are not comparing like with like.

Women's soccer has limited appeal and financial value compared to men's soccer. After the US women won the 1999 World Cup (on PKs), a women's professional soccer league should have begun and demonstrated sustained growth equal to or better than the MLS. If women's soccer were as popular or more popular than men's in the United States, this should have been simple.

MLS not only competes with most of the established North American professional sports leagues for eyeballs on the screen and bodies in the seats, but also with powerhouse foreign leagues and teams for quality players. Yet MLS is flourishing and successfully carving out its niche here. Yes, MLS had a head start but, again, if the women are indeed as popular and worth as much or more, a professional league would have be on equal footing or beyond MLS.

Women's professional soccer does not face anywhere near the same obstacles, but it cannot get off the ground because it's simply not as popular with viewers and fans. Outside of the national team, few but family and friends are watching.

To base the equality argument on a strict comparison between the success of the US men and women in international competition is downright silly. There is no comparison. No elite men's national team like Brazil, Italy, or Germany wins the World Cup time after time as have the US women.

So the US men are supposed to meet the standard against objectively better competition that the women set by blasting a bunch of tomato cans? No sale.

n.b. While the success of the women have undoubtedly yielded results in terms of competitive girls' soccer development, it seems that the men are reaping similar benefits in spite of their relative lack of success. As Hunk pointed out, it was no small feat for a very young US team to win the Gold Cup the other night.

I've been avoiding this thread like IU does the NCAA tourney, but this is a great and 100% accurate post.

 

[YouSayPotato]

Damn kneeling for 40 yr old can hurt after awhile.😀

Kneeling ain't a problem when they're playing the Canadian/Swedish national anthem and the American team ain't on the field.

 

[bonefish1]

It's great that US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. Neither is the rest of the world, which is obviously rapidly catching up with what heretofore has largely been a Globetrotters-Generals scenario. So the ladies may want to become accustomed to different places on the medal stand.

Putting aside the unappealing manner and ignorant presumption of Rapinoe and friends, the equality or equity argument is disdained because it is so easily dismissed: These women are not comparing like with like.

Women's soccer has limited appeal and financial value compared to men's soccer. After the US women won the 1999 World Cup (on PKs), a women's professional soccer league should have begun and demonstrated sustained growth equal to or better than the MLS. If women's soccer were as popular or more popular than men's in the United States, this should have been simple.

MLS not only competes with most of the established North American professional sports leagues for eyeballs on the screen and bodies in the seats, but also with powerhouse foreign leagues and teams for quality players. Yet MLS is flourishing and successfully carving out its niche here. Yes, MLS had a head start but, again, if the women are indeed as popular and worth as much or more, a professional league would be on equal footing or beyond MLS.

Women's professional soccer does not face anywhere near the same obstacles, but it cannot get off the ground because it's simply not as popular with viewers and fans. Outside of the national team, few but family and friends are watching.

To base the equality argument on a strict comparison between the success of the US men and women in international competition is downright silly. There is no comparison. No elite men's national team like Brazil, Italy, or Germany wins the World Cup time after time as have the US women.

So the US men are supposed to meet the standard against objectively better competition that the women set by blasting a bunch of tomato cans? No sale.

n.b. While the success of the women has undoubtedly yielded results in terms of competitive girls' soccer development, it seems that the men are reaping similar benefits in spite of their relative lack of success. As Hunk pointed out, it was no small feat for a very young US team to win the Gold Cup the other night.

solid, solid take. Well said.

 

[bonefish1]

US Women's Soccer isn't going anywhere. The development programs in the US for girls soccer are insanely competitive and well managed. Anyone who actually follows the sport and watches the national games (instead of just waiting to hear about 1 loss against a very quality opponent to try and further the narrative that social justice messaging is now their downfall) knows the US Women's program branded their identity and popularity behind BOTH winning and instilling an equalized culture that they relished knowing they could back up with their play.

Whether any of us here like it or not, American soccer actually further grew in popularity because of what they've done. Youth girls soccer in US was already widely popular thanks to the OG trailblazers like Hamm, Akers, Chastain, Foudy, et al, (who by the way also had an equality message) but they actually saw their numbers rise even more after this current veteran-led team and US soccer org. realized the huge benefit of marketing their success and equality messaging.

I'd say they know what they're doing.

I won't watch the US women's team based solely on principle. Same reason I don't watch the NBA. I watch sports to be entertained, not lectured to.

God forbid Purdue athletics ever becomes woke as it'll be a real "come to Jesus" struggle for me internally.