United States (Women's Football)

The United States women's national team had a quick reply following Ellen White's equalizer in Tuesday's Women's World Cup semifinal against England.

Lindsey Horan found Alex Morgan just outside the six-yard box and Morgan gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead in the 31st minute.

Alex Morgan scores her first goal since the opening game and retakes the lead in the Golden Boot race (6 goals, 3 assists)

She's the first player in #FIFAWWC history to score on her birthday 🎂 pic.twitter.com/EGWBNIyaxI

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2019

Morgan's goal celebration appeared to be a direct shot at the USWNT's critics, who have taken issue with the squad's perceived arrogance.

🐸🍵 pic.twitter.com/7AaP1M48w9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2019

Beyond putting the United States ahead, Morgan's tally could have an impact in the race for the World Cup's top individual honor. The Orlando Pride forward now has a tournament-best six goals, tying her with White.

Morgan's three assists would put her ahead of White, though, for the Golden Boot.

Megan Rapinoe wasn't in the starting lineup for Team USA in the Women's World Cup semifinal against England on Tuesday.

The starting 11 released by head coach Jill Ellis featured Christen Press in the team, with Rapinoe on the bench. It was a mystery as to why she wasn't playing up until halftime, when Fox Sports' Rob Stone reported Rapinoe had a hamstring injury.

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported Rapinoe didn't participate in warmups, which could "suggest she won't play at all today."

Rapinoe not even warming up as of now. #USWNT #ENGUSA pic.twitter.com/O3GnBUw1VC

— Aly Wagner (@alywagner) July 2, 2019

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl said Ellis' choice to go with Press over Rapinoe could also have been a tactical one to get "more speed/defensive cover" because "England's right-sided attack with Lucy Bronze and Nikita Parris is the biggest U.S. concern."

Ellis hasn't hesitated to make key lineup changes if she thinks it will help Team USA. Sam Mewis took Lindsay Horan's spot in the starting lineup in the quarterfinals against France. Horan didn't get in the game until the second half.

Rapinoe is coming off a memorable week at the World Cup. The 33-year-old scored all four goals for the American squad in the knockout-stage matches against Spain and France.

Megan Rapinoe isn't backing down from her comments about not wanting to visit the White House and President Donald Trump if the United States women's national team wins the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. 

Per Yahoo Sports' Doug McIntyre, the USWNT co-captain reiterated her stance of not wanting to go to the White House but apologized for the language she used. 

Eight By Eight released a video on Tuesday in which Rapinoe used an expletive when asked if she was excited about potentially visiting the president after the World Cup:

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” - @mPinoe pic.twitter.com/sz1ADG2WdT

— Eight by Eight (@8by8mag) June 25, 2019

Speaking to reporters in France on Thursday, Rapinoe said her remarks haven't had any negative impact on Team USA's locker room. 

She also addressed her popularity spike in France in the wake of those comments: "I think I was already popular before in France? I played here. ... They try not to like me, but I think they do."

USA head coach Jill Ellis told reporters the entire team supports Rapinoe and revealed how much what she said resonated in their locker room. 

Rapinoe noted in the Eight by Eight video she's not expecting the team to receive an invitation to the White House anyway. 

Per Andrew Das of the New York Times, the video was recorded in January during a cover shoot for the magazine but wasn't released until Tuesday. 

After being made aware of Rapinoe's remarks, Trump went on a Twitter rant in which he invited the U.S. national team to Washington D.C., regardless of whether they win the tournament, and accused her of disrespecting the country for protesting during the national anthem:

Rapinoe has been protesting during the national anthem since 2016 in a show of solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to raise awareness of racial injustice. 

Trump has frequently criticized athletes during his presidency. After Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said he didn't want to visit the White House in 2017 after winning the NBA title, Trump tweeted he was rescinding the team's invitation. He's also called for the firing of any NFL player who protested during the national anthem, saying an owner's response should be, "Get that son of a bitch off the field right now."

 

United States women's national team defender Ali Krieger supported teammate Megan Rapinoe, who was a target of President Donald Trump on Twitter, and spoke out against the president Wednesday.

In regards to the “President’s” tweet today, I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you, but I stand by @mPinoe & will sit this one out as well. I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable.

— Ali Krieger (@alikrieger) June 26, 2019

Krieger was responding to a series of tweets from Trump in which he criticized Rapinoe for preemptively turning down an invitation to the White House should the USWNT win the 2019 Women's World Cup.

Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is “not going to the F...ing White House if we win.” Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

....invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

During an interview with David Hirshey for Eight by Eight magazine, Rapinoe was dismissive of a celebratory trip to the nation's capital.

"No f--kin' way will we be invited to the White House," she said. "[Trump] tries to avoid inviting a team that might decline. Or, like he did when the Warriors turned him down, he'll claim they hadn't been invited in the first place."

Eight by Eight also shared a video from Rapinoe's interview that has since gone viral (warning: video contains profanity):

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” - @mPinoe pic.twitter.com/sz1ADG2WdT

— Eight by Eight (@8by8mag) June 25, 2019

In September 2016, Rapinoe began kneeling during the national anthem in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started the movement to protest social injustice and racial inequality.

The USWNT is three wins away from its fourth World Cup trophy. The United States plays host France on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Megan Rapinoe is one of the most accomplished and talented soccer players in United States history, though for President Donald Trump, identifying her correct Twitter handle proved to be difficult.

On Wednesday, the president responded to Rapinoe's statement that she wouldn't visit the White House if the USWNT won this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. Trump also extended a White House invite to Rapinoe and the team, regardless of whether they win or lose. The only problem?

He tagged the wrong person:

Trump tweeted his rage at Megan Rapinoe to.. the wrong Megan Rapinoe pic.twitter.com/cJlXoyj58b

— Betches News (@Betches_News) June 26, 2019

After Rapinoe said she's "not going to the f***ing White House" after #WomensWorldCup , Trump says they have to finish the job first and haven't invited them yet...but then says the team is invited win or lose. But that Megan should also not disrespect the country, WH or flag. pic.twitter.com/LdPuVK5D06

— Lucas Meyer (@meyer_lucas) June 26, 2019

The owner of the fake account responded to Trump:

and she was right to say so cry me a river plus this isn’t even her acc https://t.co/gKQnfclIUZ

— not megan rapinoe (@meganrapino) June 26, 2019

In a video released Tuesday by Eight by Eight magazine, Rapinoe said she wasn't interested in visiting with Trump at the White House and didn't expect to be invited (warning: contains profanity):

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” - @mPinoe pic.twitter.com/sz1ADG2WdT

— Eight by Eight (@8by8mag) June 25, 2019

FYI: the good folks at @8by8mag say Rapinoe comments were shot at cover shoot in January. Issue released in May, story online in June, video yesterday, nuclear detonation today.

— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) June 26, 2019

Of course, it isn't the first time the president has decided to publicly spar with an athlete. From Colin Kaepernick to LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Trump hasn't been shy about his criticisms of athletes.

Oh, and Rapinoe's actual Twitter account is @mPinoe, just in case you were wondering.

United States co-captain Megan Rapinoe has said she will not visit Donald Trump's White House if her side win the FIFA Women's World Cup this summer.

Asked by Eight by Eight magazine if she was excited about potentially visiting the White House in a video released on Tuesday, Rapinoe said, "I'm not going to the f--king White House. No, I'm not going to the White House. We're not gonna be invited. I doubt it."

In an interview with The Hill on Monday, Trump criticized Rapinoe for refusing to sing or put her hand on her chest during "The Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of World Cup games. When asked if her actions were "appropriate," Trump responded, "No. I don't think so."

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” - @mPinoe pic.twitter.com/sz1ADG2WdT

— Eight by Eight (@8by8mag) June 25, 2019

Jill Ellis' U.S. side are the defending champions and face hosts France in the quarter-finals on Friday in Paris.

The triumphant squad from 2015, including Rapinoe, were guests of President Barack Obama at the White House after they beat Japan in the final in Canada.

However, the tradition of victorious sports teams being honoured at the White House has faltered under Trump, and Danny Green of the 2019 NBA champion Toronto Raptors told Yahoo Sports (h/t New York Post) on Saturday that he is doubtful his team would accept an invitation to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

In recent years, the NBA's Golden State Warriors and the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles notably didn't meet with Trump following championships, despite a White House visit being a tradition for victorious sports teams.

Rapinoe has been outspoken in the past against Trump, labelling him "sexist," "misogynistic," "racist" and "not a good person," per Henry Bushnell of Yahoo Sports.

In 2016, she was one of the first athletes to join former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said U.S. women's national team co-captain Megan Rapinoe should not protest during the country's national anthem at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Rapinoe has stood next to her team-mates during the national anthem, though she has still faced criticism for not singing it or putting her hand over her heart.

When asked if Rapinoe's actions were appropriate, Trump told The Hill's Jordan Fabian and Saagar Enjeti: "No. I don't think so."

Rapinoe began protesting in solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling during the anthem in 2016 to protest against racial injustice and oppression in the United States.

Per ESPN.com, the United States Soccer Federation made it a requirement that players stand during the anthem after Rapinoe began kneeling.

The women's team also filed a lawsuit against the Federation in March citing gender-based discrimination in pay.

Trump said the issue should take into consideration "the economics," as the biggest stars in the men's game like Cristiano Ronaldo "draw hundreds of thousands of people."

However, he added: "But I haven't taken a position on that at all. I'd have to look at it."

Rapinoe dispatched two penalties as the USA saw off Spain 2-1 in the round of 16 on Monday, and she reflected on the match:

Megan Rapinoe's guide to becoming a #PlayeroftheMatch presented by @Visa for the next gen:

1⃣ Love the game
2⃣ Enjoy yourself
3⃣ Dye your hair

Solid advice! #ESPUSA 🇪🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tBv4Dt1VZ4

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 24, 2019

The 33-year-old, who has described herself as a "walking protest" against Trump, is eagerly anticipating Friday's quarter-final with hosts France at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Per Goal's Seth Vertelney, she said:

"Hopefully [it's] a complete spectacle, just an absolute media circus. I hope it's huge and crazy, that's what it should be.

"I hope it's just a total s--tshow circus. It's going to be totally awesome.

"I think this is what everybody wants, these are the biggest games that you dream about as a kid."

That @mPinoe accuracy 💯

(➡️ @drinkbodyarmor) https://t.co/tNOJxKdSrj

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 24, 2019

Alongside the U.S., who are the defending champions after winning the World Cup for the third time in 2015, France are among the favourites for the tournament.

Les Bleues won all three matches in the group stage as they saw off South Korea, Norway and Nigeria. In the round of 16, they beat Brazil 2-1 after extra time on Sunday.

Their clash with the Americans on Friday could be one of the best matches of the tournament. It might also have a significant say in who goes on to lift the trophy, and Rapinoe will be key to the USA's efforts.

There's being invested as a fan, and then there's being invested.

According to ESPN.com's Tom VanHaaren, tickets for the Women's World Cup quarterfinal match between the United States and France have hit the secondary market for more than $11,000. 

VanHaaren relayed that the least expensive ticket on StubHub for Friday's match in Paris is listed at $681, while the top-priced ticket is over $11,398. 

The U.S. defeated Spain 2-1 Monday to advance to the final eight, while France outlasted Brazil 2-1 Sunday in extra time. 

U.S. captain Megan Rapinoe converted two penalty kicks to send the Americans through past Spain, and following the victory, the 33-year-old relayed what she expects from fans at the United States-France quarterfinal:

Megan Rapinoe on what she’s expecting for the huge USA-France quarterfinal showdown. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zl0igjZsEC

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 24, 2019

The fan representation should be pretty evenly split, even with France being the host country. For example,  USWNT legend Abby Wambach and her wife, Glennon Doyle, were among countless American fans in the streets of Reims on Monday night:

Streets of France two hours post game!!! Lined with @USWNT fans!!! @FIFAWWC #FIFAWomensWorldCup19 pic.twitter.com/gXuXYFtCvu

— Glennon Doyle (@GlennonDoyle) June 24, 2019

"I've actually been really surprised—I didn't expect this many Americans to come over," U.S. defender Kelley O'Hara told Yahoo Sports' Caitlin Murray on Saturday. "The stadiums have been jam-packed for us and just full of American support. Walking around the streets and seeing people in jerseys and USA gear has been really cool." 

The atmosphere at Parc des Princes on Friday should be more intense than any other match so far. 

The U.S. and France last met in January, and the French prevailed 3-1. According to Paul Carr, France is the only team to beat the U.S. in 42 games dating back to July 2017.

The host nation is seeking its first Women's World Cup—after the men's national team won the World Cup last summer—while the U.S. is trying to defend its 2015 World Cup title.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on Fox.

Two Megan Rapinoe penalty kicks saw the United States secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday after a 2-1 win over Spain.  

The holders got off to the perfect start by taking the lead after just seven minutes. Rapinoe struck the opener from the spot after Tobin Heath was brought down in the penalty area.

Yet Spain hit back within three minutes of going behind after some poor defensive play by the United States. Lucia Garcia took advantage and teed up Jennifer Hermoso to chip the ball over goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

The United States went on to have more of the play throughout the game but were not at their best and needed a second spot-kick with 15 minutes left to play to end Spain's resistance.

Rose Lavelle went down under minimal contact from Virginia Torrecilla, allowing Rapinoe to bag her second of the match and secure a hard-fought win.

USA manager Jill Ellis opted to replace Lindsey Horan with Julie Ertz in midfield, while Spain brought in Vicky Losada and Alexia Putellas for the last-16 clash:

📢 15 MINUTE WARNING! 📢

TV listings 👉 https://t.co/t64sDOmQGs
Live Blog 👉 https://t.co/bACKnpbycY#ESPUSA 🇪🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Dvsr8qervS

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 24, 2019

There was plenty of drama right from kick-off, as Spain midfielder Patricia Guijarro tried her luck with a shot that hit Becky Sauerbrunn flush in the face.

The United States then won a spot-kick with just five minutes on the clock after Heath was clipped by Maria Pilar Leon as she cut inside the penalty area.

Captain Rapinoe made no mistake with her penalty, sending goalkeeper Sandra Panos the wrong way with a fierce low shot that flew into the corner.

Yet the holders' lead was short-lived, as Spain hit back quickly:

169 - There were just 169 seconds between Megan Rapinoe's opener for @USWNT and Jenni Hermoso's equaliser for Spain. Response. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/imOBz9tyVZ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 24, 2019

Sauerbrunn was robbed by Lucia Garcia after a poor pass from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Garcia fed Hermoso, who curled a brilliant finish past the goalkeeper:

Jennifer Hermoso is the first player to score against the #USA at the 2019 #FIFAWWC

It was well worth the wait. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/isQiUTh0Xa

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 24, 2019

Rapinoe came close to restoring USA's lead within minutes of the equaliser. Lavelle picked out the captain with a superb pass, but Rapinoe's low shot was tipped around the post by a diving Panos.

The holders began to dominate the first half, while Spain suffered a blow when Losada was forced off just after the half-hour mark following a hit to the face:

#ESP's Vicky Losada has picked up quite a shiner.

📺 Watch on @BBCTwo & online now 👉 https://t.co/g9LErSc4se#USA #FIFAWWC #ChangeTheGame pic.twitter.com/J23nHH79Ob

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 24, 2019

Spain brought on Nahikari Garcia in her place, and the change seemed to help La Roja. Although the United States saw more of the ball, Spain looked a threat on the break.

Grant Wahl at Sports Illustrated offered a neat summary of the first half:

HT #USA 1:1 #ESP. US in a dogfight it might not have expected. Haven't built on early goal, not sharp enough in attacking end. Decision to sit Horan looking sketchy. Questions about Naeher in goal will only continue. Spain's best game of the tournament so far.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 24, 2019

Heath and Lavelle both went close with shots that flew narrowly over the bar at the start of the second half, while Guijarro saw an effort trickle just past the far post for Spain.

The United States toiled but were awarded a contentious penalty when Lavelle went down under slight contact from Torrecilla.

The decision was allowed to stand after a video assistant referee check, but it still divided opinion:

that is never EVER a penalty. what????? #FIFAWWC

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) June 24, 2019

It's a kick to the knee, it's a penalty. It's a little unlucky, defender missed the ball and got Lavelle. #USA with a bit of a gift. Correct call.

— Jason Longshore (@Longshoe) June 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/EniAlu/status/1143210672962048000

Spain made their protests felt, and Rapinoe was also forced to move the ball back onto the spot before she took her kick, but she kept her composure to fire home the winning goal.

It was hardly a convincing win by the United States, who did just enough to edge Spain, but they will need to sharpen up in defense and attack if they are to retain their title in France.

      

What's Next?

USA progress to face tournament hosts France in the quarter-finals on Friday at Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes stadium.

The United States maintained their perfect record at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday, as they beat Sweden 2-0 at the Stade Oceane to secure the top spot in Group F.

The holders got off to the perfect start, as Lindsey Horan was on hand to prod home after just three minutes. Sweden struggled to get hold of the ball for much of the first period, with the U.S. dominating and spurning chances to add to their lead.

Early in the second half, the United States consolidated their position, as Tobin Heath's shot flicked off Jonna Andersson and beyond the goalkeeper on the 50-minute mark.

With this win, the United States set up a last-16 showdown with Spain on Monday, while Sweden will face Canada on the same day.

Sweden would have been desperate to avoid conceding early in this encounter and frustrate their opponents. Unfortunately for them, they were not switched on in the opening minutes.

Horan was in the right place at the right time, as Sam Mewis flicked a corner into her path. The team Twitter account shared the goal: 

This is the Greatest Show 🎶 feat. @LindseyHoran aka The Great Horan. https://t.co/Bekbk2GNvm

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 20, 2019

Per OptaJoe, it was the fastest strike by any team at the tournament in France so far: 

2:40 - Lindsey Horan's goal for the USA vs Sweden is the fastest scored at the 2019 Women's World Cup (2 minutes 40 seconds). Eager. #FIFAWWC #SWEUSA pic.twitter.com/OYjmjFUkh1

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 20, 2019

That early goal set the tempo for the rest of the half, as Jill Ellis' side bossed possession and pinned back their opponents for spells of the game.

In the main, sloppy touches or poor decisions in the final third cost the United States in their efforts to net more goals. Further back, their midfield was in complete control of the contest and Juventus forward Eni Aluko was especially impressed with the work being done in this area of the pitch: 

https://twitter.com/EniAlu/status/1141789462013366275

Having picked up a knock in the first period, Ellis opted to bring Alex Morgan off at half-time, replacing the forward with veteran Carli Lloyd.

When the match restarted, once again the Swedes were unable to live with the quality and dynamism of the American team.

In the 50th minute, the USWNT added a second, as Heath's deflected shot from a tight angle deceived Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. Aaron West of FOX Sports praised the American winger, who had caused problems for the Sweden defence throughout: 

Tobin Heath was literally grown in a lab to abuse defenders

— Aaron West (@oeste) June 20, 2019

The team's Twitter account confirmed that Heath's effort had officially been ruled as an own goal: 

Update: FIFA has changed the goal to a Sweden own goal (Andersson).

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 20, 2019

At this point it appeared as though both teams started to think of conserving energy for the knockout stages, with Sweden reluctant to be quite so aggressive in their pressing. The United States were happy to recycle the ball in defence and midfield.

The biggest chance in the latter stages fell to Lloyd, who was denied by a smart stop from Lindahl after racing through on goal.

Sweden will be pleased with aspects of their performance against the tournament favourites and will definitely be a tough team to overcome in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, for those teams hoping to win the competition, the ease with which the USWNT brushed aside their opponents on Thursday is an ominous sign.