U.S. Women's Soccer Star Alex Morgan Recovering After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Jan 5, 2021
FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 file photo, Tottenham Hotspur's Alex Morgan gestures to her teammates during the English Women's Super League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Reading at the Hive stadium in London. American World Cup winner Alex Morgan won't be staying at Tottenham for the second half of the season after deciding to return home. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
United States women's national team star Alex Morgan announced Tuesday she tested positive for COVID-19.
Morgan said she and her family "are all in good spirits and recovering well."
The USWNT has been out of action since November, when it defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in a friendly. Morgan started on the bench and came on in the 46th minute.
my body is fully recovered and I can join my teammates back on the field soon. Be safe and happy new year. (2/2)
The 31-year-old completed a brief spell with Tottenham Hotspur last month, with the clubconfirmingshe wouldn't extend her contract beyond December. She made four appearances in the FA Women's Super League, scoring a pair of goals.
Making the move to England allowed Morgan to get back onto the pitch following her pregnancy. She gave birth in May, precluding her from representing the Orlando Pride in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Pride ultimately withdrewfrom the event after multiple positive COVID-19 tests.
The two-time World Cup winner intends to represent the United States in the 2021 Summer Olympics, whichfactored into her decisionto sign with Tottenham.
U.S. Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe to Have Memoir Adapted into TV Series
Dec 17, 2020
United States forward Megan Rapinoe (15) runs over to take a corner kick during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Spain Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Harrison, N.J. The United States won 1-0. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
U.S. women's national team star Megan Rapinoe will have her memoir adapted into a scripted television series, per Deadline's Peter White.
White shared a statement from Rapinoe after Sony Pictures Television optioned the rights for One Life:
"My intention with One Lifewas to inspire others to action. I hope that by sharing my experiences, both on and especially off the field, others will be moved to educate themselves, speak up for justice and push for a more hopeful future. I'm excited to be working with the Sony Pictures Television team to bring my story to life on screen. They have a true understanding of the universality of the themes in the book and I cannot wait to see how this develops."
Rapinoe is a two-time Women's World Cup winner and was a member of the USWNT when it won gold in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The 35-year-old briefly played overseas at Olympique Lyonnais and helped the club win the top division in French women's soccer. The bulk of her career has come in the United States across spells at multiple clubs.
Rapinoe, who is engaged to Seattle Storm star Sue Bird, has been outspoken on social justice issues and was one of the first prominent athletes to kneel in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. She also famously said she was "not going to the f--king White House" in the event the USWNT went on to win the 2019 World Cup.
USWNT, US Soccer Reach Settlement over Unequal Working Conditions
Dec 1, 2020
The United States Women's National Team poses for a team photo before a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match against Japan, Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
The United States women's national team announced Tuesday it had reached a settlement with U.S. Soccer regarding unequal working conditions for the USWNT, per Yahoo Sports' Caitlin Murray.
In a statement, USWNT spokesperson Molly Levinson signaled her satisfaction with the deal while making clear the group's legal fight with U.S. Soccer over equal pay remains unresolved:
"We are pleased that the USWNT Players have fought for – and achieved – long overdue equal working conditions. We now intend to file our appeal to the court's decision which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job.
"We remain as committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve. Our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play for this team and this country."
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone also provided a statement, which read in part:
"This is an important and welcomed moment for U.S. Soccer and the Women's National Team players. Earlier this year, I stepped into the role as President, and shortly after we hired Will Wilson as our new CEO. We, and the rest of the leadership team at U.S. Soccer, are focused on taking a new approach at the Federation in handling all matters.
"I believe our approach helped us reach this agreement and demonstrates the commitment of U.S. Soccer's new leadership to find a new way forward with the USWNT. This settlement is good news for everyone and I believe will serve as a springboard for continued progress."
A statement from U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone on today’s agreement with the USWNT.
In March 2019, members of the USWNT player pool filed a lawsuit against U.S. Soccer arguing the federation was failing to provide compensation, treatment and working conditions that matched those offered to the men's national team.
TheNew York Times'Andrew Dasexplained that prior to the litigation U.S. Soccer addressed some concerns raised by the USWNT, such as travel and hotel accommodations and the quality of playing surface for matches, in the collective bargaining agreement theparties signedin 2017.
A federal judgedismissed the part of the case centered on unequal pay in May, ruling that U.S. Soccer hadn't violated the Equal Pay Act. Judge R. Gary Klausner did, however, allow the USWNT to continue pursuing its case regarding the unequal working conditions.
Murray noted the settlement on working conditions allows the USWNT to turn its focus toward appealing Klausner's ruling on the equal pay suit.
Rose Lavelle Leads US Women's National Team to 2-0 Win vs. Netherlands
Nov 27, 2020
United States players celebrate with teammate Rose Lavelle, right, who scored her side's first goal during the international friendly women's soccer match between The Netherlands and the US at the Rat Verlegh stadium in Breda, southern Netherlands, Friday Nov. 27, 2020. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Pool via AP)
In a rematch of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands, the USWNT once again prevailed Friday 2-0in an international friendly played at Rat Verlegh Stadion in Breda.
It marked the first match played by the USWNT in more than eight months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, after they last played in the SheBelieves Cup in March.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle was fittingly the biggest difference-maker, as she scored the firstgoal in spectacular fashion in the 41st minute:
It was Lavelle who scored a highlight-reel goal in the 2019 World Cup final to extend the United States' lead to 2-0, which ended up being the final tally.
Meg Linehan of The Athletic commented on yet another beauty of a goal produced by Lavelle against the Dutch:
While those who follow the USWNT have grown accustomed to Lavelle's mesmerizing offensive ability, few could have predicted how the second goal would be scored.
Making her first appearance for the United States in six years, Kristie Mewis netted after Lynn Williams sprung her with a perfect touch pass:
To make the moment even more special, Mewis' younger sister, Sam Mewis, was also on the field when the goal was scored.
Aside from the goals by Lavelle and Mewis, another significant happening in Friday's match was forward Alex Morgan's appearance as a substitute at the start of the second half.
While it had been eight months since the USWNT's last match, Morgan hadn't made an appearance for the USWNT in 509 days:
Prior to Friday, Morgan's last cap was that 2019 World Cup final. A big reason for that was the birth of Morgan's first child, daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco, on May 7.
Morgan's official return to soccer came back on Nov. 7 when she played in her first match for Tottenham Hotspur.
Friday's result was never in doubt, as the stacked USWNT imposed its will on the hosts throughout with 14shots while the Dutch were only able to attempt two, with none on goal.
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher secured a clean sheet for the U.S., although she was far from busy and can largely attribute it to the fine defensive play of her teammates.
The Americans have no additional matches officially scheduled at this time, but with the 2020 Summer Olympics scheduled to start in July 2021, they figure to play several more friendlies in the coming months.
USWNT vs. Netherlands: 2020 Friendly Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Nov 27, 2020
FILE - In this July 7, 2019, file photo, United States' Alex Morgan controls the ball during the Women's World Cup final soccer match against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. Tottenham secured the biggest signing yet in a summer of high-profile acquisitions in the Women’s Super League by bringing in United States striker Alex Morgan on a one-season deal. The 31-year-old Morgan will play in England for the first time and moves four months after giving birth to her first child. (AP Photo/David Vincent, File)
For the first time since March, the USWNT will take the field.
The USWNT will face off against the Netherlands on Friday, a rematch of the United States' 2-0 victory in the World Cup final from 2019. The stakes will be a bit lower this time around, with no fans in attendance because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the USWNT looking to shake off the international rust after such a long layoff.
Below, we'll go over all the key viewing details and preview the match.
Odds: United States (-134, bet $134 to win $100), Netherlands (+280), draw (+260), per DraftKings.
Preview
The United States is actually 8-0-0 this year, though it feels like an empty number at this point given how long it has been since they played. For head coach Vlatko Andonovski and his squad, the Dutch women represent a big challenge to return to on Friday.
"We know that we're nowhere close to our best," he acknowledged Wednesday, per Nancy Armour of USA Today. "We're nowhere close from a tactical perspective, nowhere close from a physical preparation and not even in our mental preparation. We've been off for so many months...we have only a few players who are 90 minutes ready."
Andonovski is nothing if not honest. Well, that and eager to see his group in action.
"I'm excited to see where this team is," he added. "We can see in training...but until we put them in a real test, especially against a team like the Netherlands, we don't know where we're at."
Granted, players such as Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis and Alex Morgan—all currently playing in the English Premier League—are in match shape. The NWSL players, however, last played in October.
Contrast that to the Netherlands, which has far more players currently playing club football in Europe and also has been going through Euros qualifying. It wouldn't be shocking if the Oranje came out sharper than the USWNT. They'll also be short-handed, with all-time leading scorer Vivianne Miedema missing the match with a hip injury.
Most friendlies don't have the gravitas of Friday's matchup. Two World Cup finalists meeting is part of that, but given the USWNT's long layoff—and next summer's Olympics knocking on the door—these games are pretty important for both teams.
The United States is attempting to become the first women's team to win the Olympics after winning the World Cup. It would be a feather in the cap of the four-time World Cup champions (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) and four-time Olympics champions (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012).
But for now, the Dutch are the focus.
"Obviously the Netherlands are a top team. And a tough opponent for us to be facing. That's exciting," goalkeeper AlyssaNaeher told Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times. "You always want to play those types of teams, the most competitive matches."
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Megan Rapinoe: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Could Do More to Fight Racism
Oct 30, 2020
FILE - In this March 8, 2020, file photo, U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe runs during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Spain in Harrison, N.J. Rapinoe is among the athletes touting the benefits of CBD for pain management and recovery. CBD products have become big business after the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp a legal agricultural crop. CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana plants. It has been hailed as a health and wellness aid and infused in everything from gummies to lotions. Rapinoe's twin sister Rachael has helped launch a CBD products company called Mendi, which is geared toward athletes. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)
United States women's national team star Megan Rapinoe called upon Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to do more to heighten awareness of and address social justice issues.
"They could do so much if they decided to use their stupendous level of popularity to fight racism, for example," Rapinoe said in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Goal's Robin Bairner). "I'm not talking about wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt, I'm talking about going deeper."
Rapinoe added that Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe can make a significant impact as well as one of the faces of the sport for the future:
"I hope he understands the impact he can have, and how this influence can prove to be formidable for himself. He came into the world with an extraordinary gift which allows him to lead an extraordinary, very comfortable life. Perhaps he can ask himself how to establish a balance, how to inspire youth.
"I hope he understands that he can change the world, that it is not just an empty idea. Sometimes you decide for yourself to change the world, sometimes it falls on you. If you want to be the king, then be the best king you can be."
Rapinoe has been outspoken on social issues in recent years.
The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner showed solidarity with then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick when she knelt during the national anthem prior to a 2016 NWSL game.
She continued with the protest during national team games until U.S. Soccer issued a policy mandating players stand for the anthem, a policy the federation has since rolled back.
During an interview with Eight by Eight magazine, Rapinoe said she was "not going to the f--king White House" in the event the USWNT won the 2019 Women's World Cup(warning: tweet contains profanity):
The squad staged a celebration in New York City rather than take a ceremonial visit to the White House to celebrate their successful World Cup title defense.
Rapinoe was also among the USWNT stars who filed suit against U.S. Soccer, alleging the federation was failing to compensate women's national team players at a rate that equaled their peers on the men's team. A judge ruled in U.S. Soccer's favor in May.
Megan Rapinoe on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Death: 'Devastating...Incalculable Loss'
Sep 18, 2020
Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg waves to the audience as she prepares to speak at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe was among the many athletes and celebrities to send out their condolences Friday evening following the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Calling Ginsburg's death an "incalculable loss," Rapinoe tweeted praise for the longtime justice and gender rights icon.
Ginsburg died Friday evening from complications due to metastatic cancer of the pancreas, according to a press release from the Supreme Court. Diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Ginsburg was surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, D.C.
She was 87 years old.
Tonight we mourn. Tomorrow we fight. Rest In Peace RBG. We thank you.
The United States women's national team honored Ginsburg in a match against England during the SheBelieves Cup in March 2019. Each player chose a different iconic and influential woman whose name they would wear on the back of their jersey. Defender Becky Sauerbrunn chose Ginsburg, calling her a "rock star."
In her own tweet Friday, Sauerbrunn wrote that Ginsburg was a "progressive icon, a legend and a fighter to the last."
Throughout her career, Rapinoe has echoed many of the calls for action and equality that made Ginsburg a beloved figure.
During a speech following the United States' World Cup championship parade in 2019, Rapinoe stressed the need to embrace the values Ginsburg long fought for.
“We have to be better,” Rapinoe said. “We have to love more, hate less. We got to listen more and talk less. We got to know that this is everybody’s responsibility. Every single person here, every single person who’s not here, every single person who doesn’t want to be here. Every single person who agrees and doesn’t agree. It’s our responsibility to make this world a better place.”
Ginsburg made no secret of her love for the USWNT players as well. After Sauerbrunn sent her a personalized "RBG" jersey, the justice wrote back it would be her favorite item for her biweekly workouts.
US Soccer's Megan Rapinoe Named Top-Rated Women's Player in FIFA 21
Sep 18, 2020
FILE - In this March 8, 2020, file photo, United States forward Megan Rapinoe (15) runs over to take a corner kick during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Spain, in Harrison, N.J. U.S. national team players Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Christen Press have opted out of the National Women's Soccer League tournament kicking off this weekend in Utah. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)
U.S Soccer Women's National Team star Megan Rapinoe is receiving the full treatment from EA Sports this year.
Ahead of FIFA 21's October 6 release date, EA Sports announced Rapinoe is the highest-rated women's player in the game, coming in with an overall score of 93. She's joined on the list of the top 15 women's players by USWNT teammates Tobin Heath (No. 10, 90 overall), Alex Morgan (No. 11, 90) and Julie Ertz (No. 15, 88).
Rapinoe tied Morgan and England's Ellen White with six goals during the 2019 Women's World Cup and added another goal and assist in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup.
Australia's Samantha Kerr (92 overall) is the No. 2 women's player in the game followed by France's Wendie Renard (92). The Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema (91), France's Amandine Henry (91) and Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan (91) round out the top five.
USWNT's Alex Morgan Agrees to Join Tottenham on Loan from Orlando Pride
Sep 11, 2020
FILE - In this July 7, 2019, file photo, United States' Alex Morgan controls the ball during the Women's World Cup final soccer match against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. The U.S. national soccer team star and husband Servando Carrasco, who is a midfielder for the LA Galaxy, are expecting their first child, according to an announcement Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, on social media. (AP Photo/David Vincent, File)
United States women's national team star Alex Morgan will join FA Women's Super League side Tottenham Hotspur on loan from the NWSL's Orlando Pride for the upcoming FA Women's Super League campaign, Spurs announced Saturday morning.
ESPN's Graham Hays first reported the news on Friday.
Morgan's temporary move to Tottenham continues the recent trend of USWNT soccer stars joining the FA Women's Super League for the 2020-21 campaign. Tobin Heath and Christen Press are set to play for Manchester United, while Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis will join Manchester City.
The first match Morgan plays for Tottenham will be her first game action in months, as she gave birth to her daughter, Charlie, in May.
The California native had recently began training with the Pride to prepare for the NWSL's six-week fall season, but the decision to loan her to Tottenham means the FA Women's Super League will be home to arguably the biggest star in women's soccer during the 2020-21 season.
The 31-year-old is among the most prolific scorers in USWNT history, as her 107 international goals are tied for fifth all-timeon the national-team list with Michelle Akers. Only Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Carli Lloyd have scored more for the U.S.
Morgan was a driving force behind the United States winning an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and the FIFA Women's World Cup in both 2015 and 2019. She also led the Western New York Flash to a Women's Professional Soccer championship in 2011 and the Portland Thorns to a NWSL title in 2013.
This will mark Morgan's second stint in Europe, as she previously played for Lyon of Division 1 Feminine in France while on loan from Orlando during the 2016-17 season.
Best Moments from the USWNT at the 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 29, 2020
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 07: Megan Rapinoe of the USA celebrates scoring the first goal from the penalty spot with Alex Morgan during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Final match between The United State of America and The Netherlands at Stade de Lyon on July 07, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The United States Women's National Team headed to the 2019 Women's World Cup as a favorite to lift the trophy. Led by Megan Rapinoe, the American powerhouse backed up the billing.
Rapinoe and Co. opened the tournament in Group F with a 13-0 drubbing of Thailand and a 3-0 victory over Chile. Then, the U.S. topped Sweden 2-0—because what's a major tournament without playing Sweden?—and advanced to the knockout round.
After a thrilling 2-1 triumph opposite Spain, Jill Ellis' side eliminated host and co-favorite France by a 2-1 margin. Wins against England (2-1) and the Netherlands (2-0) sealed the second straight and fourth overall Women's World Cup title for the USWNT.
That seven-win streak featured plenty of memorable moments, and we're reliving the best of them.
Morgan's Massive Day in 13-0 Rout
One of the world's most prolific strikers, Alex Morgan opened the scoring for the USWNT against Thailand and hardly stopped.
Morgan broke through in the 12th minute, painlessly heading home a cross from Kelley O'Hara. She assisted on Rose Lavelle's goal eight minutes later, a score that sealed the result against the overmatched Thailand squad and contributed to a 13-0 final.
After taking a 3-0 lead into halftime, the USWNT scored four times in the next 11 minutes. Morgan added her second goal in that span, then she netted a hat trick—plus an assist—in the final 17 minutes alone.
Morgan finished the blowout with a Women's World Cup record-tying five goals, as well as two assists.
Horan Sparks Win Over Sweden
The 2019 Women's World Cup marked the eighth edition of the tournament and the sixth time the U.S. and Sweden shared a group. As if that trend weren't enough, Sweden had eliminated the USWNT in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympics.
Rivalry. Revenge. Two undefeated teams in group play. This contest had any number of compelling storylines.
But it took only three minutes for midfielder Lindsey Horan to put the United States in front.
On a corner kick, Rapinoe drove a low ball to the near post. Samantha Mewis flicked the cross, and Horan split two defenders to finish off a tone-setting goal.
Early in the second half, Tobin Heath scorched a tight-angle shot off Sweden's Jonna Andersson to double the lead. The 2-0 victory sealed the USWNT's top finish in Group F.
U.S. Survives Spain on Rapinoe PK
The opening half ended 1-1 after Rapinoe buried a penalty kick and a careless U.S. turnover resulted in Spain's goal. Rapinoe drilled a second PK in the second half to give the USWNT a 2-1 win.
During the 76th minute, Spain's Virginia Torrecilla tripped Lavelle as she attacked a loose ball in the box. Controversial though it was, VAR (video assistant referee) confirmed the referee's decision and awarded the USWNT the penalty.
Rapinoe stepped up and calmly slotted it home, propelling the Americans to a much-anticipated showdown in the quarterfinals.
Rapinoe Strikes The Pose, U.S. Knocks Out France
Rapinoe only needed five minutes to make a statement.
The set-piece specialist hit a curling ball toward the near post, and a mass of bodies created confusion in front of net. U.S. midfielder Julie Ertz dummied a flick and jumped over the ball, which managed to avoid all those bodies and hit the French net.
After scoring the goal, Rapinoe headed to the corner and threw up her arms in defiant celebration. "Love me or hate me," the pose effectively said. "You've seen my greatness."
Rapinoe backed up the confidence with another goal in the 65th minute, powering home a cross from Heath.
France scored in the 81st minute, but the USWNT survived late for a 2-1 victory that bounced the host nation.
Morgan Sips the Tea, Naeher's PK Save
The tournament's heavy favorite after defeating France, the U.S. side-stepped England in the semifinals thanks to Morgan and Alyssa Naeher.
Christen Press opened the scoring with a beautiful header in the 10th minute. England's Ellen White answered nine minutes later, but Morgan soon headed home a cross from Horan for a 2-1 edge. She then unveiled a tea-sipping celebration.
While the reactions to Morgan's celebration varied, Naeher's save on a penalty kick deserved universal praise.
After VAR overturned an England goal due to a missed offsides call, England had another chance in the 79th minute. U.S. defender Becky Sauerbrunn tripped White in the box, sending England captain Stephanie Houghton to the spot.
Naeher chose correctly, diving to the right, trapping the ball and sealing the nerve-filled 2-1 triumph.
Rapinoe, Lavelle Vault USWNT to Fourth Star
In the 2015 Women's World Cup final, the Carli Lloyd-led group raced to a 4-0 advantage over Japan and looked every bit the dominant team. It wasn't as straightforward in 2019, to say the least.
Not until the 61st minute did the USWNT break through, perhaps fittingly on a penalty kick from Rapinoe.
Morgan took a kick to the upper body inside the box, resulting in the penalty. After drilling both kicks to the left corner against Spain, Rapinoe crossed up the Netherlands and went right. She once again ran to the corner and threw up her arms in celebration.
Eight minutes later, Lavelle doubled the USWNT lead. Following a calm run that started near midfield, the left-footer unleashed an 18-yard rocket into the right corner.
As the U.S. celebrated its fourth Women's World Cup title, Rapinoe earned the Golden Ball and Golden Boot as the tournament's best overall player and top scorer, respectively. Lavelle took home the Bronze Ball, and Morgan landed the Silver Boot.
