USWNT - World Cup > Olympics

[The Price Is Wrong]

Carli Lloyd pens an editorial in the NY Times to argue for equal pay. Never knew Kessler's tactics included high-end PR, but maybe he's not the only cook in the kitchen on this one. A sampling:

When wecaptured the Women’s World Cup title in Canada in July, we drew the highest American television rating for soccer in history and, according to a financial report published by U.S. Soccer last month, helped generate $17.7 million in profit for the federation.
(...)
I won’t bury you with numbers, but there are a few important basic facts worth noting. Each year, the United States men’s and women’s national teams each play a minimum of 20 friendly matches. The top five players on the men’s team make an average of $406,000 each year from these games. The top five women are guaranteed only $72,000 each year.
(...)
I understand that the men’s World Cup generates vastly more money globally than the women’s event, but the simple truth is that U.S. Soccer projects that our team will generate a profit of $5.2 million in 2017 while the men are forecast to lose almost $1 million. Yet we get shortchanged coming and going.

I was on the road for about 260 days last year. When I am traveling internationally, I get $60 a day for expenses. Michael Bradley gets $75. Maybe they figure that women are smaller and thus eat less.

When Hope Solo or Alex Morgan, say, makes a sponsor appearance for U.S. Soccer, she gets $3,000. When Geoff Cameron or Jermaine Jones makes the same sort of appearance, he gets $3,750.

There does appear to be an edge to her commentary (if it is indeed her commentary) on the ancillary issues of per-diems and accommodations and field quality and so on. But the meat of the argument has to be what value the USWNT creates for US Soccer relative to the USMNT. If it's even anything close to parity, then a 5x pay disparity is indeed shockingly callous, short-sighted (is Sunil thinking "where else can they go for employment"?), and anachronistic.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

The women definitely have a case to collectively bargain for more money, but that quote is another example of what I hate about this whole discussion.

The top five players on the men’s team make an average of $406,000 each year from these games. The top five women are guaranteed only $72,000 each year.

Those are not the same figures. Don't tell me how much the women are guaranteed (which assumes they lose every game) and compare it to what the men did make (including several win bonuses). Tell me how much the top 5 women actually made. I'm sure the men's figure is higher, which supports their argument, but don't compare apples to oranges to make the disparity look larger than it really is.

 

[soxhop411]

USWNT may boycott RIO

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/04/11/u-s-womens-soccer-players-could-boycott-olympics-over-pay-dispute/

In announcing that they had filed a wage-discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission late last month, the five members of the U.S. women’s soccer team seemed to suggest that the move was in lieu of an actual boycott.

“I think that’s why we’re here taking this action and filing this complaint,”Alex Morgan said when asked by NBC’s Matt Lauer whether a boycott or strike was on the table.

But USWNT co-captain Becky Sauerbrunn is taking a stronger stance, suggesting that the team could very well boycott this year’s Rio Olympics if the players’ salary demands aren’t met.

“It would still be on the table,” Sauerbrunn told ESPNW’s Julie Foudy when asked about an Olympic boycott. “We are reserving every right to do so and we’re leaving every avenue open. If nothing has changed and we don’t feel any progress has been made, then it’s a conversation that we’re gonna have.”

 

[DJnVa]

And their biggest fans, the 11-14 year old girls, will not really understand what's wrong and will just be upset they aren't playing.

Not sure that's the best route...

 

[Cellar-Door]

Yeah that would be a bad idea. The only real leverage they have is PR and trying to make the comp to USMNT. Boycotting Olympics brings negative PR and comps to the other Olympians who would love to see USWNT money.

 

[Ale Xander]

It's a bluff and a bad one. Why are people taking this seriously?

Multiple players get significant endorsements
Morgan alone makes over $2 million annually, dwarfing her checks from USS. Plus she is a NYT best selling author, and her fans are the same age as readers, obviously.

They're not going to pass on the Olympics.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Assuming the team decides to show up, they will play New Zealand, France, and Colombia in their group games at the Olympics.

 

[The Price Is Wrong]

The USWNT's reserves would easily beat NZ, give Colombia a game, and have a prayer vs France (Though they wouldn't be favored). They'd make it out of their group and might even win the QF and get to a medal round (but they'd need to beat at least one of England, France, Germany and Japan to actually win anything). That'd be an interesting outcome, but not quite so much as to give USSC leverage to make a "you're replaceable" statement. Depends on how many of Jill Ellis's starting XI would boycott

 

[SoxFanInCali]

England and Japan aren't in the tournament.

I don't think they boycott, but would wager that if they did, it would be team-wide, and probably include anyone they could bring in that ever had a hope of making the full squad.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Well the USSF is starting to put out their numbers:
http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/article/15277241/us-soccer-federation-says-uswnt-earns-only-22-percent-less-men

They have the USWNT making 2.2% less than the men.
Also as you would expect almost all of the individual women make more than the men (women get salary, men only get paid per game and few play even half the USMNT games).
They also put out a per diem explanation.. (basically it was equal when the USWNT negotitions concluded, men's has changed, They are open to adding language to the next CBA that will track the two).

Now I'm sure they are being selective in their use of data much as Kessler is, but it's about what I expected them to come out with, and I still think the EEOC complaint goes nowhere and this is just press negotiation sideshow for the other suits and CBA groundwork.

In addressing that somewhat, USSF says this is the first year ever that the USWNT has out-earned the men, and that using this and the projection in an Olympic year is unfair since the USWNT usually makes basically nothing between them, and an Olympic finish anywhere other than gold may kill the chances to make money in the rest of the year. Also obviously that the USMNT revenue will go up for their WC year,

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Carli Lloyd sprained an MCL while playing for the Houston Dash in a WPSL game. She will be out 3-6 weeks but should be full strength in time for the Olympics.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

A 25 player roster was named for training camp ahead of two friendlies against Japan in June. 18 players will dress for each game (the same number of players allowed on the Olympic squad).

Christie Rampone has recovered from knee surgery and has something to prove if she is going to make her 5th Olympic roster. Carli Lloyd is still recovering from an injury but should be fine well in advance of the start of the Games.

I will miss it when Pugh starts school at UCLA and they stop listing her club team in these rosters. Real Colorado cracks me up each time.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)

DEFENDERS (10): Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Gina Lewandowski (FC Bayern Munich), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Heather O’Reilly (FC Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)

 

[The Price Is Wrong]

edit: nm

 

[soxfan121]

n/m

 

[DJnVa]

USWNT bound by no-strike clause.

http://pilotonline.com/sports/other/soccer/judge-us-women-s-soccer-team-bound-by-no-strike/article_58ae5620-7d2f-53ea-a03a-c65e41f978d3.html

 

[Titans Bastard]

The roster for Rio was unveiled today:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)

DEFENDERS (6): Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)

FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)

Alternates are Ashlyn Harris, Emily Sonnett, Heather O'Reilly, and Samantha Mewis.

Rapinoe's fitness level will be an ongoing question.

 

[The Price Is Wrong]

Rapinoe's only really needed for the semis and final, plus tune-ups to keep the rust off. Can easily sub her at 60' or 75', Horan and Brian are drop-offs in set pieces, passing skill and winning the ball, but upgrades in pace and work rate. Her collection of skills is as unique as that of Carli Lloyd; you accept whatever tradeoffs that playing her demands, because of the crazy shit that can happen when she's dialed in.

Pugh making the 18 is awesome news, because it means her game has come along even faster than some might have thought. Hardly missing LeRoux and Rodriguez out there.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Nothing too surprising in the team selection. It basically came down to Engen over Sonnett for the backup center back, Long over Mewis as depth in the center of midfield, and Naeher over Harris as the reserve keeper. I'm guessing O'Reilly would be the sub if Rapinoe isn't ready to go in time, as she's the only reserve with experience playing out wide.

Christie Rampone was invited into the camp prior to the recent friendlies to make a case for making the Olympic team after recovering from knee surgery, but turned it down because she didn't feel she could give 100% every day. She's played every game at club level this season, but said she needs to manage her training between games, and would have a tough time with the busy Olympic schedule. If this is it for her on the national team, it's a very quiet way to go out for a longtime former captain with 311 caps, 2 World Cups, and 4 Olympic medals (3 golds, 1 silver). I would hope that she would be brought back into the team one more time in a post-Olympics friendly to give her the send-off she deserves.

 

[The Price Is Wrong]

Friendly vs Costa Rica tonight 9pm ET.

Should be a fun 4-0 win where Hope Solo could doze off for large parts of the game without impact.

 

[DJnVa]

Speaking of blowouts, Germany beat Ghana 11-0.

It's was 9-0 at the half.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

The opening ceremony isn't until Friday, but the USWNT's first game of the Olympics is tomorrow at 6 Eastern / 3 Pacific against New Zealand.

I've heard nothing about any setbacks for Rapinoe during her recovery, and she traveled with the team to Brazil, so it seems the squad is set.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Game 1 vs. New Zealand on NBCSN. Pugh gets the start.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

And Carli Lloyd picks up where she left off in the World Cup, netting the first goal in the 9th minute.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Alex Morgan doubles the lead 30 seconds into the second half.

Probably will want to get Morgan Brian and Tobin Heath off soon, as they are both coming back from injuries.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

The Brazilians are booing Hope Solo every time she touches the ball, likely because of this tweet.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

I didn't realize how much I've missed Rebecca Lowe.

 

[Cellar-Door]

The Brazilians are booing Hope Solo every time she touches the ball, likely because of this tweet.

I had assumed it was because she's Hope Solo. I'm American and I want to boo her, she's by all accounts a shitty human being who happens to be really good at soccer.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

She was good in the post-game about it. Complimented Brazilian passion for footie and said she's glad they are excited and would rather hear boos than a pin drop.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

I had assumed it was because she's Hope Solo. I'm American and I want to boo her, she's by all accounts a shitty human being who happens to be really good at soccer.

It started as just boos, but by the end they were shouting "ZIKA!" on all of her goal kicks.

 

[soxfan121]

I had assumed it was because she's Hope Solo. I'm American and I want to boo her, she's by all accounts a shitty human being who happens to be really good at soccer.

She is an unbleached asshole, but she's our unbleached asshole.

 

[Titans Bastard]

Engen is in for Johnston, who has a groin injury. Dunn is in for Pugh (ankle).

 

[SoxFanInCali]

They can boo and shout Zika all they want, but Solo just showed why she's the best in the world.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Heath off the post to Lloyd and the US lead.

 

[DJnVa]

I asked in the Rio thread, but not much action there--why is women's not U23?

 

[SoxFanInCali]

I asked in the Rio thread, but not much action there--why is women's not U23?

It always has been full squads since women's soccer was added to the Olympics in 1996. The bigger question is probably why the men's is limited to U23 + a few overage players (which I think has only been the rule for 20 years or so). I'm guessing it's just due to the women's calendar not being as full as the men's.

 

[DJnVa]

Thanks.

France close there. That Wendie Renard--she looks 6'7 out there.

 

[Titans Bastard]

Yeah. Clubs would revolt if asked to release some players twice in one summer for the Copa/Euros and then the Olympics -- the latter occurring as league seasons begin.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Press for Klingenberg. You don't often see a striker subbed in for a defender in the 90th minute when up a goal. Assuming that was for height reasons more than anything.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

That was a copy of every France game against a good team in a big tournament. Technically great, dominant in possession, dangerous on set pieces...and somehow come up short.

That was huge, as second place in the group likely gets Germany in the quarters.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

Johnston was missed today I guess. Is there news?

 

[Cellar-Door]

Thoroughly outplayed, but won. Very German.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Canada just beat Germany to win their group, so it's likely Canada, France, and Germany on one side of the bracket, and the US, Brazil, and two 3rd place teams on the other side.

It's not as easy as it sounds for the US, though, as those 3rd place teams could end up being Sweden and Australia.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Rapinoe gets the start (her first since coming back from knee surgery), Morgan and Klingenberg get some rest, and Engen gets another game in the center of defense to give Johnston more recovery time. A point clinches the group.

 

[luckysox]

Boy this team is deep. It doesn't even look like there is a fall off when 3 regular "starters" are sitting.

 

[Ale Xander]

Lol @ Alex and Tobin being 'regular'
Pugh also out

Solid point though re depth

Do we post in this thread or Rio?

 

[SoxFanInCali]

I've been posting in this one because I'm too lazy to go to other forums.

 

[Ale Xander]

Ugggggh
Hopeless

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Solo just pulled a Robert Green.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

And..breathe. Dunn equalizes.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Why is USWNT commentary always so bad? Morgan was definitely not trying to turn a breakaway into a 22 yard shot with a touch 8 feet away from her, she fucked up and tried to save it with the long shot.