According to coach Vlato Andonovski, Megan Rapinoe was not selected to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) roster for the team’s upcoming SheBelieves Cup tournament. Andonovski instead decided to tweak the roster in favor of younger player’s who could help the team in the future. Rapinoe has repeatedly used her position on the national team to promote far left causes and has protested during the anthem prior to games. In 2020, Rapinoe called then-President Donald Trump a “white nationalist.”
While Rapinoe will be absent for the team’s upcoming tournament run, Andonovski noted that Rapinoe’s national team career is not necessarily finished. “All these players are very good players, we know that they’ve done so much for this team,” Andonovski told ESPN in reference to the veteran players he decided to leave off the roster. “But right now I want to give a chance to players like Sophia Smith and Mal Pugh and Catarina Macario, Ashley Hatch, players that have earned their spot on the national team or earn their spot back. I want to give them maximum minutes or whatever minutes they earn so we can evaluate every aspect of their game, in the training environment or game setting.”
Rapinoe — now 36 — and her USWNT teammates are fresh off a disappointing Olympic run in which the team was heavily favored to win gold. After a shocking 3-0 loss to Sweden in the group stage, the team handled a limited New Zealand squad before squeaking by the Netherlands. The team was then defeated by Canada before besting team Australia and earning a bronze medal.
President Trump criticized the team during their World Cup run after most players protested during the national anthem. Trump and others argued that since they were representing the country, they should not engage in activism during the game.
During the team’s World Cup run, Rapinoe said that she would not accept a Trump invite to the white house if one were to be extended. “I’m not going to the f****ng White House,” Rapinoe said in an interview at the time. “No, I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited. I doubt it.”
Trump replied to Rapinoe’s comments in a tweet. “I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!” Trump wrote. “We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose,” Trump, 73, added. “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!”
Rapinoe later accepted a White House visit from President Biden in 2021. Rapinoe used her visit to push for “equal pay” legislation, arguing that the USWNT was paid far less than their male counterparts. Despite the fact that women’s soccer generates a fraction of the revenue when compared with men’s organizations, Rapinoe and 19 others filed a class-action lawsuit and demanded $66 million in damages. The suit was eventually thrown out, with Judge R. Gary Klausner pointing out that the USWNT actually made more than the men’s team over the time period in question.
Megan Rapinoe at the White House: “Despite all the wins, I’m still paid less than men who do the same job that I do. For each trophy — of which there are many — and for each win … it’s less.” pic.twitter.com/sqXAY3i3TX
— The Recount (@therecount) March 24, 2021
