USA Soccer's Sydney Leroux Dwyer, Dom Dwyer Announce Birth of Baby Girl
Jun 29, 2019
HOLLYWOOD, CA - JULY 14: Professional soccer players Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux attend BODY at ESPYs at Milk Studios on July 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for ESPN)
Former United States soccer star Sydney Leroux Dwyer announced the birth of her daughter Roux James on Twitter on Friday.
Roux James 💕 our sweet girl came into the world kicking and screaming (just like her parents) at 3:42 am. Welcome to the world baby girl. pic.twitter.com/DnxuxNt8Ql
Her husband, Orlando City and United States player Dom Dwyer, also posted images of the baby, alongside her mother and the couple's oldest son, Cassius, per Yahoo.
The soccer stars married in 2015, with Leroux Dwyer going on to be part of the United States team that won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. The 29-year-old has not represented the national side since 2017, but she was still a regular for Orlando Pride in the 2018 NWSL season.
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Per BBC Sport, she was involved in pre-season training with the team in March while five-and-a-half months pregnant.
Leroux Dwyer shared the following post of herself watching the U.S. women's national team's win over France in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday:
Dwyer has played for the United States on four occasions, although he wasn't selected to be part of the squad for the ongoing Gold Cup. He's scored four goals in 13 Major League Soccer games so far this season.
Megan Rapinoe, USA Beat France, Advance to 2019 Women's World Cup Semi-Finals
Jun 28, 2019
Defending champions the United States have reached the semi-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, beating hosts France 2-1on Friday.
Megan Rapinoe scored twice before Wendie Renard got one back for Les Bleues as the U.S. advanced to a last-four tie against England.
France conceded an opening goal on home soil for the first time in 2019 when Rapinoe arrowed a free-kick past Sarah Bouhaddi in the fifth minute.
While it was a fine strike, Bouhaddi might have got across to it quicker:
The U.S. were causing plenty of problems early on by going direct. Rapinoe and the rest were taking on shots whenever they found space in and around the box, while the pace of Alex Morgan had Renard and the France defence on their heels.
French nerves soon settled, though, once the U.S. failed to add to their lead. The majority of the opening half saw Les Bleues do the running, promoting a stubborn rearguard action from the visitors.
In particular, full-back Crystal Dunn was in exceptional form to subdue Kadidiatou Diani. The lively winger had been France's biggest threat at these finals, but Dunn was tracking her movement well and not falling for any of her tricks.
45 mins to go! Curious if France move Diani centrally or swap wings bc @crysdunn_19 has been very good this first half! 👏🏾👏🏾lets gooooooo! @USWNT
France had been stunned by a quick goal in the opening half and nearly fell victim to the same thing as the sound of the whistle that signalled the restart still echoed in the air:
#USA made a great start to the first half - and almost made an even quicker start to the second.
Sam Mewis' involvement in the move summed up her industry and ingenuity throughout the game. The 26-year-old was the driving force for her team, knitting together the midfield and forward lines with breaks from deep.
France needed to show similar endeavour, and it was Amandine Henry who showed more than most. She began to roam beyond midfield and proved her threat with shots from the edge of the area.
Henry needed more help from those ahead of her, but with Diani still struggling, Eugenie Le Sommer shot into the side netting on the turn.
Despite the miss, France were piling on the pressure and making the U.S. look uncharacteristically shaky. It was against the run of play then when Rapinoe made it 2-0 on 65 minutes, finishing well after being found by a smart pull-back from the impressive Tobin Heath.
Even after seeing the deficit doubled, Les Bleues didn't give up hope. A necessary change saw Delphine Cascarino come off the bench to try her luck against Dunn, and the Lyon forward immediately started finding some joy.
Cascarino helped France keep the pressure on, and the reward came when Renard made amends for more than a few defensive lapses by heading in from a free-kick.
France thought they were owed a penalty soon after when Kelley O'Hara appeared to block an Amel Majri cross with her hand. Nothing was given despite furious appeals from the home side.
Ultimately, the U.S. had taught France a painful lesson in the value of clinical efficiency in front of goal.
What's Next?
The United States willface the Lionesses in Lyon on Tuesday.
Women's World Cup Quarterfinals 2019: Bracket Predictions for Friday Schedule
Jun 28, 2019
United States' Alex Morgan, second right, celebrates after scoring her side's 12th goal during the Women's World Cup Group F soccer match between United States and Thailand at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, France, Tuesday, June 11, 2019. Morgan scored five goals during the match. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The Women's World Cup continues Friday with the most anticipated matchup of the tournament so far.
France and the United States will battle it out in Parc des Princes in Paris with a trip to the semifinals on the line. The quarterfinal match is the only game of the day, keeping the full focus on two of the best teams in the world.
Although it's a matchup worthy of the tournament's final, only one team will advance to the next round.
Quarterfinal Schedule
June 27: England def. Norway, 3-0
June 28: United States vs. France at 3 p.m. ET
June 29: Italy vs. Netherlands at 9 a.m. ET
June 29: Germany vs. Sweden at 12:30 p.m. ET
United States vs. France Preview
Although this is only a quarterfinal, no one is overlooking this match. In fact, the Americans are hoping to have as much fanfare as possible.
"I hope it's huge and crazy," U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe said, per Nancy Armour of USA Today. "That's what it should be. This is the best game, this is what everybody wanted. I think we want it. It seems like they're up for it. ... These are the biggest games you dream about as a kid."
It's quite a statement from someone who won the 2015 World Cup.
Manager Jill Ellis also called the match "a magnificent showcase piece for our sport."
The United States is ready for the moment, and the team has enough talent to advance.
Alex Morgan hasn't even been at full strength in this tournament and still has five goals, while players like Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd are as dangerous on the attack as anyone in the world.
Meanwhile, Ellis has some tough choices to make in the midfield, with Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis all capable of making huge plays.
The biggest question mark comes on defense, with centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher at fault for Spain's goal in the previous match—although it was the first the U.S. conceded in the tournament.
Former U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo has some doubts about the team's ability to keep out France:
Hope Solo asked if she's now more confident than before the Spain game that USA can beat France on Friday: "No. France attack in numbers. Once again it will be quite a challenge for the US defense and the goalkeeper." #USWNT#FIFAWWC
The French have scoring options in Eugenie Le Sommer and Valerie Gauvin up front, while defender Wendie Renard is a threat at set pieces. These players can put a lot of pressure on the United States defense, just like in the January friendly when France earned a 3-1 victory.
Playing in front of their home fans will give France a bigger boost on Friday too.
However, the difference could come down to the United States' past success. Many of the players on the pitch have already won the World Cup, with some also winning Olympic gold medals.
The experience and added confidence could be just enough to put Team USA over the top.
Prediction: United States 2, France 1
USWNT, US Soccer Agree to Mediation over Salary Dispute
Jun 22, 2019
United States' Rose Lavelle, right, is substituted by teammate Christen Press during the Women's World Cup Group F soccer match between Sweden and the United States at Stade Océane, in Le Havre, France, Thursday, June 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The United States Soccer Federation and the 28 USWNT players suing the federation over pay discrimination have agreed to undergo a mediation process, according to Rachel Bachman of the Wall Street Journal and Andrew DasandKevin Draper of the New York Times.
Per the NYT report: "The mediation is to begin as soon as possible after the women complete play in the Women's World Cup, currently underway in France. The agreement may be the first sign that the long-running dispute between the players and the federation can be resolved outside federal court."
The players, includingCarli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, have also accused the federation of "discrimination related to the players' medical treatment, their working conditions and even the surface they play on during matches," and they are requesting wages more in line with the men's national team.
The players' lawsuit broke down the gulf in pay between the USWNT and USMNT:
"A comparison of the WNT and MNT pay shows that if each team played 20 friendlies in a year and each team won all twenty friendlies, female WNT players would earn a maximum of $99,000 or $4,950 per game, while similarly situated male MNT players would earn an average of $263,320 or $13,166 per game against the various levels of competition they would face. A 20-game winning top tier WNT player would earn only 38 percent of the compensation of a similarly situated MNT player."
Additionally, "The pay for advancement through the rounds of the World Cup was so skewed that, in 2014, the USSF provided the MNT with performance bonuses totaling $5,375,000 for losing in the Round of 16, while, in 2015, the USSF provided the WNT with only $1,725,000 for winning the entire tournament."
The United States Soccer Federation has countered that the USWNT signed a collective bargaining agreement in 2017, agreeing to the terms they are now suing to change. They've also argued that "disparity in prize money between the men's and women's World Cups are decided by FIFA, the sport's international governing body, and thus out of U.S. Soccer's control."
But this year's Women's World Cup has seen a surge in viewership, asNancy Armourof USA Today wrote:
"Ratings on Fox are, simply, stunning. They are up 13 percent overall from the 2015 World Cup, which was in time zone-friendlier Canada, and up 66 percent from 2011. Broadcasts of the U.S. women's games have seen a 3 percent increase from 2015, when all of the games were aired in prime time.
"There's a similar trend across the globe. Brazil's win over Italy in the group-stage finale was shown live and had a combined audience of 22.4 million viewers."
The USWNT's fight may ultimately become a fight with FIFA, which has had avoidable issues at this year's World Cup revolving aroundticketing and a lack of transportation for fans, among other concerns. There continues to be the sense within the soccer community that FIFA doesn't treat the Women's World Cup as a top priority.
And the U.S. women aren't alone in their protests. One of the top players in the world, Norway's Ada Hegerberg, hasboycotted the eventover unequal treatment for the women's team.
The United States women have won three of the seven Women's World Cups, while the U.S. men have never done so and failed to even qualify for the most recent World Cup.
The U.S. women are also favored to add a fourth title this summer after blasting through the group stage and outscoring Sweden, Chile and Thailand 18-0. But they are fighting a battle on two fronts, and the one on the pitch has offered less resistance to this point.
Video: Hope Solo Previews USA's Women's World Cup Group-Stage Finale vs. Sweden
Jun 20, 2019
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Former United States women's national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo breaks down Team USA's first real test of the World Cup versus Sweden, set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
USA Women's Soccer Roster 2019: USWNT Jerseys, Top Players and Reserves
Jun 10, 2019
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - MAY 26: Tobin Heath #17 of the United States is congratulated by teammates Megan Rapinoe #15 and Alex Morgan #13 after she scored in the first half against Mexico at Red Bull Arena on May 26, 2019 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh headline the United States' national team roster for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, set to face Thailand in their tournament opener on June 11.
The defending champions are among the favourites to win the tournament, courtesy of a deep squad filled with both young talent and experienced veterans.
Here is a look at the full squad of 23 players:
🗣 BACK FOR FOUR
23 players on the squad. A nation at our back. Our World Cup roster is here.#OneNationOneTeam#FIFAWWC
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 2, 2019
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For a full breakdown of the jersey numbers, visit US Soccer's official website.
With 18 total World Cup matches under her belt, Lloyd is arguably the biggest star on the team, and she'll be a key veteran in the weeks to come.
The 36-year-old was a standout four years ago, winning the Golden Ball and netting a hat-trick in the final against Japan.
It was a career-defining performance for one of the best players the team has ever had:
She is still scoring at a fair rate but has had to settle for a bench role with the national team lately, and that's not something she's comfortable with, per sports writer Steve Politi:
Carli Lloyd says she's "a way better soccer player" than she was four years ago when she dominated the World Cup. So is comfortable coming off the bench this time around? "No. I'm not." Uh oh. Column: https://t.co/bPX2GM6WrE
Lloyd is arguably the best impact player off the bench in the world right now, however, and will likely be a massive weapon in such a role.
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The biggest scoring threat may be Morgan, who has usually reserved her best football for the international stage and won last year's USWNT Player of the Year for scoring a remarkable 18 goals in 19 matches.
It was her best-ever return and raised hopes she would enter the World Cup in deadly form, but the 29-year-old has slowed down a bit since. She has three goals in seven outings this year.
Pugh is already an established star, even at the young age of 21, and the Washington Spirit forward will be gunning for her first World Cup win with the Stars and Stripes:
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Arguably the biggest surprise is the inclusion of Ali Krieger, who spent two years outside of the squad before she was recalled for the friendlies against Australia and Belgium.
The 34-year-old was also a part of the 2015 team, bringing even more experience to the side.
Alyssa Naeher will be the likely starter in goal and faces the biggest challenge of her international career, as Hope Solo's former backup will play as the top option in her first World Cup.
USA Women's Soccer Roster 2019: Alex Morgan and Top Players on USWNT Squad
Jun 8, 2019
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 12: Alex Morgan #13 of the United States during an international friendly match between the womens national teams of the United States and South Africa on May 12, 2019 at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brad Smith/isiphotos/Getty Images)
Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe are among the veterans named in Jill Ellis' squad of 23 US women's national team players for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.
The trio are included among 12 returning players from the 2015 World Cup as the USA look to defend their title and win the tournament for the fourth time.
The World Cup will run from June 7 to July 7, with the Americans opening their campaign against Thailand on June 11. They'll play Chile on June 16 and Sweden on June 20.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 2, 2019
The squad is packed with experience, with an average of 80 caps per player.
Eight players have represented the USWNT more than 100 times, including Lloyd with an astonishing 274 appearances for her country.
The 36-year-old is the only player in the squad who has previously played in three World Cups, though six players have been to two.
Aly Wagner, who played in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments, gave her insight into why Ellis was keen to name an experienced roster, per soccer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald:
This was, I think, the most powerful part of @alywagner's remarks: her view on why Jill Ellis took veterans over new players with the last spots on the World Cup roster. pic.twitter.com/T0QVUTQ5qa
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) May 4, 2019
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The team should have plenty of firepower, too, with Lloyd and Morgan having scored more than 100 international goals apiece.
The latter reached that tally in a 5-3 win against Australia in April:
That match was the United States' first after they finished behind England on home soil in the SheBelieves Cup.
The team have responded well since and warmed up for the World Cup with five consecutive friendly victories.
In that time, they've scored 22 goals and not conceded since the Australia clash, picking up 6-0, 3-0, 5-0 and 3-0 wins over Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand and Mexico, respectively.
The USA have never finished worse than third at a World Cup, and based on the strength of their squad and their excellent preparations for this year's tournament, they're unlikely to break that run.
In three short decades, the United States women's national team has established itself as the biggest force in the sport...
Abby Wambach to Be Inducted into US National Soccer Hall of Fame
May 25, 2019
After an incredible playing career, former United States women's national team star Abby Wambach has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Fellow Hall of Famer Julie Foudy personally announced the news to Wambach:
What a moment....and you knew it was bound to happen! @JulieFoudy just surprised @AbbyWambach to let her know she will be inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in September.
Wambach is not only one of seven U.S. players with over 100 goals in her career, she is also the all-time leading scorer in women's international soccer with 184 goals, breaking Mia Hamm's previous mark of 158.
She appeared in 255 international matches, including four World Cups and two Summer Olympics.
On the team level, the forward has helped the Americans thrive over the past couple of decades, including a World Cup title in 2015. The squad also won Olympic gold medals in each year with Wambach on the roster (2004 and 2012), although the team struggled to a fifth-place finish without her in 2016.
She was somehow even more impressive on an individual level, being named the USSF Women's Athlete of the Year six times and the FIFA World Women's Player of the Year once in 2012.
Her impact on and off the field was clear, as she won the ESPYsIcon Awardin 2016.
Wambach now has one more honor on her resume with a deserved spot in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Carli Lloyd, United States Top New Zealand in Friendly Ahead of 2019 World Cup
May 16, 2019
The United States women's national team continued to build momentum heading toward the World Cup, earning a 5-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly.
Carli Lloyd scored two second-half goals for the U.S. in Thursday's victory at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the second of three matches in the Send-Off Series. Tobin Heath also had a big impact with a goal and an assist, while Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis scored as well.
With five wins in a row dating back to March, the Americans are peaking at the right time.
It was a slow start on a 92-degree day, with New Zealand gaining the only shot for either team in the first 20 minutes; however, it ended up being the only shot from New Zealand all match compared to 25 from the United States, per ESPN.
The Americans showed increased urgency from there, gaining more scoring chances with an aggressive approach, and the U.S. broke the tie in the 35th minute when Heath scored on a tap-in:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 17, 2019
The second half featured several substitutes looking for eventual spots in the starting XI, including Lloyd, Mewis and Ali Krieger.
Lloyd, 36, took advantage with an easy goal in the 61st minute, just 44 seconds after coming on. Keeping with the theme, it came off a pretty assist from Heath.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 17, 2019
With another score in the 83rd minute, she now has five goals in her last three matches. Mewis added a fifth for good measure one minute later.
The Americans remained aggressive throughout, ensuring the Football Ferns had few opportunities in the final third. The team's depth was on full display during what became a rout against a quality opponent also heading to France next month:
The United States—the defending champs from 2015—will face Mexico on May 26 in its final friendly before the World Cup begins June 7. New Zealand will play three more friendlies before heading to France: Mexico on May 22, England on June 1 and Wales on June 4.
