CNN
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The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) was beaten 2-1 by England at Wembley in an international friendly that highlighted both the growing popularity of women’s football and its failures.
Billed as a clash between the world champions and the European champions, the two teams had displayed impressive form in recent months – the USWNT came on a 21-game unbeaten streak and England on their own run of 23 games unbeaten which included winning Euro 2022.
But the build-up to the match was dominated by off-field issues as women’s professional soccer in the United States was left reeling from an independent investigation that revealed systemic abuse and misconduct in the sport.
“It’s been an extremely tough week for everyone and I’m proud of the players for even being on the pitch and playing the game,” USA head coach Vltako Andonovski said after the game, according to the BBC. ” It was not easy.
“I applaud their bravery and I applaud their fearless mentality and doggedness. Once again they have shown that nothing can stop them from playing the game they love. I am very proud of them and I hope we never have to go through that again.
Before kick-off, the two teams stood together, holding a banner that read ‘Protect the Players’, while Wembley’s archway was lit up in teal to show support for victims of abuse.
“First and foremost, if the players are unprotected then you have no game, you have nothing. So for us to put that at the forefront of a night and a game so important was really amazing and powerful for all of us,” American football star Megan Rapinoe said after the game, according to Sky Sports.
Throughout the match, both teams also wore teal armbands in a further show of support.
“To take the time to do this, get the arm bands – I think they were flown in from California and a little tight for some people, I’m glad I have a skinny arm – just an amazing show of all of us, some things are bigger than the game and we were able to show that,” Rapinoe added.
“Obviously the report came out on our league but…it’s probably also a global issue. To anybody in the stands tonight who’s been affected by it, obviously to all the players, to show that kind of support on a night like this.
And the evening showed the growing reach of women’s football as 76,893 fans gathered at Wembley Stadium – the highest-attended friendly in USWNT history – to watch the two teams begin to fine-tune their preparations for next year’s World Cup.
England took the lead after just nine minutes, as Beth Mead played a ball into the box that slipped past United States defender Alana Cook and landed at the feet of Lauren Hemp, who guided the ball into the goal.
Although England continued to threaten, the American defense held firm and the USWNT leveled the scores less than 20 minutes later as Sophia Smith took advantage of an error to fire the ball past England keeper Mary Earps .
“[Smith] seemed like she had made a name for herself. But we can’t forget she’s 21,” U.S. head coach Vltako Andovnoski told the media after the game, according to CBS Sports.
“Coming into an environment like this and making a difference…it just shows the potential she has. I think we haven’t seen the best of her [yet].
“These are games that will accelerate Soph’s development, and I’m excited to see what she’ll look like in six months, in nine months.”
But England restored their lead soon after when VAR intervened to award the home side a penalty after a high foot from Hailie Mace caught Lucy Bronze on the head. Georgia Stanway converted for a 2-1 lead.
And the fluid first half seemed to show no signs of slowing down as Smith opened up the England defense for Rapinoe who powered Trinity Rodman for a goal. But once again VAR stepped in for England, ruling Smith had been slightly offside in the move.
The second half was an altogether more muted affair as England missed two chances to extend their lead, allowing the USWNT a glimmer of hope.
When the referee awarded the Americans a penalty for handball with just 10 minutes remaining, that glow deepened a bit but replays overturned the decision and England held on to close out their first win against reigning world champions since 2017.
“You are the best team in the world when you won the World Cup. We didn’t,” England head coach Sarina Wiegman told reporters, according to Reuters. “We are well placed, but there are so many good countries.
“We just have to do what we can, control, stick together and communicate with each other at all times. We have to have the freedom to make our own choices in the game. I think we’re doing well in that.
