I decided to go ahead and start this thread, as we watch what is happening with the Spanish WNT. The USWNT will play Spain during their 2022 European tour on October 11. The game will be played in Pamplona and will be televised on ESPN2 at 2:30 pm ET. The Spanish federation had announced (and subsequently multiple media outlets had reported) that 15 Spanish national team players had resigned from the team and would not return until the coach was fired. They said that they could issue bans of up to 5 years to those players. 📍 COMUNICADO OFICIAL | Selección absoluta femenina de fútbol🔗 https://t.co/TojMlGrRe6 pic.twitter.com/Da3zAtHZ8c— RFEF (@rfef) September 22, 2022 But the players made this public statement in response: pic.twitter.com/OwKIr3tWt3— Alexia Putellas (@alexiaputellas) September 23, 2022 1573354612991873024 is not a valid tweet id Becky Sauerbrunn and Megan Rapinoe (and possibly other USWNT players) have made statements of support for the players on social media, so as the story continues to develop, I think this match proceeding as originally planned should not be a foregone conclusion at this point. We'll have to wait and see.
And for those like me who have little context for what is happening, some places to start: First, a Twitter thread with some translated quotes about recent history with the Spanish WNT, but note that this is about Quereda, not Vilda (but it has key quotes about how the federation was responding then): Yesterday, a documentary came out detailing the abuse Spain's WNT had to endure under coach Ignacio (Nacho) Quereda from 1988-2015.I'm going to translate some key quotes because this needs to reach an English-speaking audience.#InformeRomperElSilenciohttps://t.co/3MgVytB1I4— 🇵🇸 (@am_orvind) October 29, 2021 And an article about some of the recent history in which apparently the players have asked Vilda to step down (and why) and what is happening now with the team: https://sportingher.com/seven-years-and-zero-titles-later-its-time-for-jorge-vilda-to-leave/ And an Equalizer article that is pretty up-to-date as things keep progressing daily: https://equalizersoccer.com/2022/09...ge-federation-threaten-suspension-media-role/ To me (and I'm willing to be corrected if someone knows more), it sounds like there's not any actual abuse under Vilda (as far as we know) but the players have some valid concerns about his management style and his lack of qualifications for the job. Plus, they do not get the support they need from the federation (no surprise there). But, I don't think either the players or the federation have handled these concerns well. It also sounds like there's a pretty toxic NT environment now; it's hard to see how they move forward.
If you read the comments from Marca and other Spanish outlets, the sentiment is still pretty backwards. Not necessarily support for the Spanish FA but more against the women footballers. In addition, the communications from the players was private to the FA. The FA is the one who chose to make this public.
So with Spain not inviting basically the entire A team, is there a reason for the US to still play this game? https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/09/30/spain-women-squad-uswnt-jorge-vilda-player-protest should the US drop the game regardless as a solidarity move?
There’s a few Catch-22’s in this as the players are accusing the coach of ‘emotional distress’ but I believe made it clear it’s not inappropriate behavior. Vilda was an major influence as well as coached some what’s got to be regarded as the best youth woso program in the world(their current u17 & u20 World Champs) possibly cultural differences too as Spain might not as readily accept women’s empowerment movement like we do/or at least their woso soccer federation might be stacked with predominantly men in power
That would be up to USSF, not the players, because if the current CBA is similar to previous ones, there would be a no strike/no lockout clause. And for USSF, there is a contract/money involved. USSF would be more likely to cancel if there was actual evidence of abuse involved, but not as it currently stands, imo. I do expect the US players to make some act of solidarity though, at the very least a statement.
Posting the US roster here (after Howell replaced Kornieck) for everyone's reference: GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) DEFENDERS (7): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC) MIDFIELDERS (8): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit) FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Total Futbol Academy)
Carson Pickett will join the team in Spain since Fox is in concussion protocol: 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: Defender @Cars_Pickett16 will join the #USWNT in Spain as a replacement for defender Emily Fox, who is in concussion protocols. Feel better soon, @___emilyfox! pic.twitter.com/3xhsTefsCc— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 8, 2022
the rebellious 15 still haven't gone back to Spain's NT, meantime their coach had said "his feelings are hurt". But Spain did manage to tie Sweden 1-1 in the first encounter with their newly formed B squad. the one to llok out for is 21 year old winger named Del Castillo. Has some really good dribbling skills as she chops her way through various opposing defenses(she plays for Real Madrid)
I was expecting the Spanish B team to use the ticky tacky, but it’s the US with if’s own passing versin dominating possession right now
The Spanish GK is punching balls she could easily catch. If that keeps up the US just needs to keep flighting balls into the goal area and, eventually, there will be a goal. I wish the STUPID commentators would just SHUT UP. It is not necessary to discuss soccer politics during the match. It take away from the enjoyment of the match.
The Spanish player I was hyping previously—#10 De Castello, not even starting. Maybe she joined the rebellion?
OMG.... 23 minutes, no shots. Where will the goals come from Vlat? Rapinoe? bahahaha. Were bad so far Spoke too soon. Now we're down 1-0 To a Spain B team
I do not think Rapinoe will score. (but there is always the possibility her body remember some of the greatness she used to have) Rapinoe is rapidly playing herself out of any further involvement in the play of the USWNT. She may be a leader but she is even making stupid and lazy errors. Spain is gradually playing themselves into a dominate position in this match. Things could still go either way but it is looking more like a 0-0 draw with few shots on goal either way.
Spain scores simply because the US cannot clear the ball. Incompetent defending and I hope the players standing around watching learned that just watching is not how to play defense in front of your own goal.
Rapinoe is not even hitting decent corners. The primary justification for having her play is rapidly going away.
Are you going to the Germany game in Ft. Lauderdale 11/10? I'm planning on being there if all goes well.