Guest Rory Smith, chief soccer correspondent for The Times, discusses the end of an era for U.S. women's soccer after their World Cup loss. He reflects on the team's activism and fight for equality while questioning the future success of the team.
The US women's soccer team's dominance is coming to an end as the rest of the world, especially Europe, has caught up and invested heavily in women's soccer, narrowing the gap.
The US women's soccer team's activism and advocacy, led by players like Megan Rapinoe, has had a lasting impact, fighting for causes such as equal pay for women athletes and LGBTQ rights, and inspiring players around the world.
Deep dives
The Era of US Women's Soccer Dominance is Over
The dominance of the US women's soccer team, which has been a defining force in the sport for the past 30 years, seems to be coming to an end. Over the last decade, the US team has won the World Cup twice and had a significant impact off the field with their activism on issues like equal pay and LGBTQ rights. However, the rest of the world, especially Europe, has caught up and invested heavily in women's soccer, narrowing the gap. The US team's recent performance in the World Cup reflects their fading dominance, with lackluster play and a sense that they are not the unstoppable champions they once were.
The Legacy of US Women's Soccer Activism
One of the lasting legacies of the US women's soccer team is their activism and advocacy. Led by players like Megan Rapinoe, the team has used their platform to fight for causes such as equal pay for women athletes and LGBTQ rights. Their success on the field has given them the power to speak out and be heard, inspiring other players around the world. This activist edge has become synonymous with women's soccer, and the impact of the US team's efforts will continue to be felt even as their dominance wanes.
The Challenging Road Ahead for US Women's Soccer
As the era of US women's soccer dominance comes to an end, the road ahead for the team looks challenging. The pipeline of talent in Europe has caught up, and the US system with its reliance on college soccer and pay-to-play structure puts American players at a disadvantage. While the US team may still be competitive and have the potential to win future World Cups, the days of being the default champions are over. The rest of the world has caught up, and the US will need to adjust and adapt to maintain its place among the top teams.
A few days ago, when the U.S. team was eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it marked the end of a history-making run.
Rory Smith, chief soccer correspondent for The Times, argues that it also marked the end of something even bigger: an entire era that redefined women’s sports.
Guest: Rory Smith, the chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
After 48 games in the Women’s World Cup, half the teams had been sent home.And yet the field of potential winners feels bigger than it did at the start.
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