
<p>As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season came to a close on Saturday, Gotham FC completed an improbable run from the depths of the league to the summit by defeating the OL Reign 2-1 in the championship game.</p>



<p>It was meant to be a sendoff for legends <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-sends-off-megan-rapinoe-with-win-in-final-game-20230925-WST-458350.html">Megan Rapinoe</a> and Ali Krieger in the most anticipated <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL championship</a> game in the league’s short existence. </p>



<p>However, the plot of the game was abruptly altered by the early injury to Rapinoe.</p>



<p>In the third minute of a scoreless contest, Rapinoe fell down with an injury that wasn’t caused by contact. She made a run at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/gotham-fc-tv-schedule/">Gotham</a>‘s Maitane Lopez, who was dribbling just beyond the penalty area when she abruptly fell down.</p>



<p>After lying on the field for almost two minutes, the 38-year-old athlete was eventually helped up by the training personnel. After that, she returned to the Reign’s bench at Snapdragon Stadium by walking along the sideline.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="409" height="471" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231112_WST_469484_image-6.webp&amp;width=409&amp;height=471" alt="" class="wp-image-469551" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/image-6.png 409w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/image-6-261x300.png 261w" sizes="(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px"></figure><figcaption>Megan Rapinoe montage after her last game</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ali Krieger of Gotham FC and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">U.S. Women’s National Team</a>, who is also retiring from the sport like Rapinoe, went up to give her a hug at the conclusion of the game. The veteran winger’s injury was not immediately known to be serious. In a postgame interview with CBS, the Olympic gold medalist, however, revealed that she may have ruptured her Achilles tendon in the incident.</p>



<p>Despite the match being promoted as a battle between legends Rapinoe and Krieger, it was the latter who ended up on top, lifting her first NWSL title in her 18-year-old career.</p>



<h2>Gotham’s new signings overshone veterans’ efforts</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the New Jersey club had the worst record in the whole National Women’s Soccer League a year ago, finishing at the bottom of the table. Gotham made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history thanks to some key personnel changes, a new coaching staff, and an overhauled attitude.</p>



<p>On Saturday in San Diego, two of the new recruits shone as unsung heroes. One of them was Lynn Williams, a two-time NWSL champion who was acquired in a trade with Kansas City on draft day.</p>



<p>Williams matched Kristen Hamilton for the most NWSL championships finals played when she took the field for Gotham in this, her fifth appearance. However, with the victory, she became the league’s first four-time champion, a feat that had never been accomplished before. She significantly contributed to that achievement by opening the scoring in the 24th minute.</p>



<p>Five minutes later, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ol-reign-tv-schedule/">OL Reign</a> midfielder Rose Lavelle replied with a goal of her own, a beautiful left-footed effort that beat goalie Mandy Haught. Then, Esther Gonzalez scored in first-half stoppage time to give Gotham the lead for good after the Seattle opponents had tied the game.</p>



<h2>Contest peaked in dying minutes</h2>



<p>There was a lot of tension in the game’s closing minutes. Gotham FC almost lost control of the clash after their goalie Mandy Haught was sent out in extra time, but they were able to hang on to their advantage.</p>



<p>After the <a href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/var-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-ever VAR review</a> in NWSL Championship history, Haught was sent off for a handball infraction and the evident missed goal-scoring chance that resulted from the play. After all of Gotham’s subs were used up, defensive back Nealy Martin suited up in goal.</p>



<p>Reign midfielder Rose Lavelle took the subsequent free kick, but it was blocked by a group of players before it could reach the back of the goal. A few seconds later, the referee sounded the final whistle, officially giving Gotham the win.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Rapinoe forced to exit early as Gotham secure first NWSL title

On Saturday, Gotham FC beat Megan Rapinoe's OL Reign 2-1, forcing her to leave her final game in her professional career with an injury.

Rapinoe forced to exit early as Gotham secure first NWSL title - World Soccer Talk


<p>The United States Women’s National Team, or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>, defeated South Africa in a friendly to send off the iconic Megan Rapinoe in her last international game. Rapinoe announced <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-soccer-media-reflects-on-megan-rapinoes-retirement-20230709-WST-442293.html">she is retiring</a> from professional soccer at the end of the 2023 NWSL campaign. That concludes in November. Therefore, this friendly was her last chance to represent the United States.</p>



<p>Rapinoe started on the left wing, where she flanked Alex Morgan. It was Rapinoe’s 203rd time playing for the United States. Therefore, she ranks 12th all-time in caps by a USWNT player. Despite the best efforts of her teammates, Rapinoe did not score her 64th goal in the red, white and blue. Even though she retains her spot in the top 10 goalscorers in the history of the squad, her final time playing for the side did not yield a goal.</p>



<p>However, goals from Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett ensured the USWNT defeated South Africa. Rodman opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a thunderous volley from close range. Alex Morgan found space in the South Africa area before lobbing a cross through the six-yard box. Rodman met the cross on her first touch with a blast into the South Africa net. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">W̶i̶n̶d̶y̶ ̶ City<br>Trindy   <a href="https://twitter.com/trinity_rodman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trinity_rodman</a> opens the scoring! <a href="https://t.co/OJyGyZFn9S">pic.twitter.com/OJyGyZFn9S</a></p>— U.S. Women&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1706066153213170143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>While Rapinoe did not get on the scoresheet, she did play a role in the USWNT’s second goal. Andile Dlamini punched away a patented Rapinoe corner kick. However, Sonnett was the first to the rebound. <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1706080402207658369" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Her looping header</a> beat Dlamini just four minutes after the halftime interval. </p>



<h2>Rapinoe closes USWNT career with win over South Africa in last game</h2>



<p>Just five minutes after the United States opened a two-goal lead, Rapinoe took her last bow. In front of a rousing crowd at Soldier Field in Chicago, Rapinoe picked up hugs from teammates and applause from South African opponents. Midge Purce replaced Rapinoe to close out a sensational playing career.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A legend’s final bow. <a href="https://t.co/eZPaOrJ3rK">pic.twitter.com/eZPaOrJ3rK</a></p>— U.S. Women&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1706084463296319939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The USWNT dominated in a game to commemorate the career of Rapinoe. The Stars and Stripes outshot South Africa 19-0 on the night, but the focus was all on Rapinoe. Over 17 years since making her debut with the USWNT, Rapinoe retired from the squad. In terms of time, her career is the fourth-longest in the history of the USWNT. She made her debut representing the United States on July 23, 2006, against the Republic of Ireland. </p>



<p>In her time with the side, she won two World Cups and reached the Final of another. In 2019, she won the Golden Ball at the Women’s World Cup. That contributed to her winning the Ballon d’Or Femenin, the only American to win the award in the four times the award has been given. Rapinoe was unfortunate to miss a penalty in her <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usa-lose-by-a-millimeter-earliest-tournament-exit-ever-for-team-20230806-WST-448266.html">last World Cup game with the USWNT</a>, a game in which the United States lost. However, her career achievements with the side are indisputable, and she is one of the greatest women’s soccer players in history.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo</em></p>


USWNT sends off Megan Rapinoe with win in final game

The USWNT defeated South Africa in a friendly to send off the iconic Megan Rapinoe in her last international game.


<p>United States women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has revealed that two of his stars, Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, will ease back into action at the Women’s World Cup. Both have missed time on the pitch in recent weeks due to various injuries. However, the manager claimed that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/julie-ertz-to-join-angel-city-fc-in-nwsl-after-one-game-since-2019-20230417-WST-428721.html">Julie Ertz</a> is 100% fit and ready for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Women’s World Cup</a> after missing time.</p>



<p>“Rose actually has been really good. She’s trained with the team now for a good three weeks, and off-and-on she trained with us before that,” Andonovski <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38045382/uswnt-rapinoe-lavelle-limited-minutes-start-wwc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> on Friday. “She’s ready to play and we’re not going to force a lot of minutes from the beginning. We’ll ease everything up as we move on.”</p>



<p>“From minutes management, Julie is 100% where Megan is in the same boat like Rose. Her minutes are probably going to grow as the tournament goes by. They’re ready to play. From a medical standpoint, everyone’s available.”</p>



<h5>Both stars suffered lower body injuries in recent months</h5>



<p>Rapinoe has been dealing with a nagging calf issue for over a month now. The American star initially suffered a setback while playing for OL Reign in early June. Rapinoe recently declared that this will be her final Women’s World Cup tournament with the team. She has previously helped the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-soccer-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a> win two World Cup titles, as well as the 2012 Olympic gold medal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">US forward Megan Rapinoe said she was nervous and excited ahead of the Women’s World Cup. The 38-year-old will compete in her fourth World Cup when the tournament kicks off July 20 <a href="https://t.co/bZfyHhbbll">pic.twitter.com/bZfyHhbbll</a></p>— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1679312187297513472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Lavelle last featured for the USWNT back in April, when she injured her knee during a friendly with Ireland. Despite Andonovski downplaying the injury, she has not played a game since.</p>



<h2>Rapinoe, Lavelle and USWNT start World Cup defense on Friday</h2>



<p>The Stars and Stripes will kick off their Women’s World Cup Friday at 9 p.m. ET against Vietnam. The Americans are currently the favorites to win the competition and have collected the most Women’s World Cup trophies in the history of the tournament. Along with Vietnam, they will also face the Netherlands and Portugal in Group E of the competition.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


USWNT boss Vlatko Andonovski revealed Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle will receive limited minutes at the start of the Women's World Cup.

Rapinoe, Lavelle to be eased into action at Women's World Cup


<p>After the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup</a>, Megan Rapinoe plans to retire from professional soccer.</p>



<p>The news was announced during a press conference on Saturday by the two-time World Cup winner.</p>



<p>The US Womens National Team (<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>) has <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37980069/uswnt-teammates-react-losing-megan-rapinoe-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described Rapinoe</a> as a player renowned for her exceptional skills in the game, her inventive goal-scoring abilities, her critical contributions in high-stakes games, and her profound commitment to a range of societal issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial disparity, voting rights, and gender and wage equality.</p>



<p>Thus, she exits the sport as one of the most influential personalities in U.S. soccer history and within the worldwide women’s soccer community.</p>



<p>After finishing the 2023 NWSL season with her long-time team <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/stvs_team/ol-reign/">OL Reign</a>, she will retire from professional soccer after participating in her last World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is with a deep sense of peace &amp; gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game. I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape &amp; change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl’s face, she knew all along. <a href="https://t.co/XGZ1T9i7Wy">pic.twitter.com/XGZ1T9i7Wy</a></p>— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/mPinoe/status/1677728746789548032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Megan Rapinoe opens up on retirement plans</h5>



<p>“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people. </p>



<p>I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.</p>



<p>“I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue, for everything.</p>



<p> I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign”, she said at the press conference.</p>



<h5>What US soccer media thinks about Rapinoe’s retirement</h5>



<p>“It’s what she has done off the field that will define her legacy and be remembered as her biggest victories.” —&nbsp;Kevin Baxter, LA Times</p>



<p>“More and more players support causes these days but Rapinoe was in many ways a pioneer of that. 199 games for her country (and counting) but for much of the world she is more famous for her political activism than her skills on the field. That is unique.” —&nbsp;Simon Evans, Reuters</p>



<p>“Her role has changed, undoubtedly, but there’s never been any doubt about what Rapinoe has brought to this team as a leader, a locker room presence, a fighter, sometimes even a bit of a trickster god on the field, doing things simply out of joy or curiosity or sheer humor.” —&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/4676090/2023/07/08/megan-rapinoe-retirement-uswnt-nwsl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meg Linehan, The Athletic</a></p>



<p>“It has always been the moments and the creativity of her offense, not the volume of goals or assists, that truly set Rapinoe apart.” —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/09/sports/soccer/megan-rapinoe-highlights.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claire Fahy, New York Times</a></p>



<p>“Audacious. Progressive. Entertaining. Thoughtful. Choosing even a few superlatives to describe the incredible soccer career of Megan Rapinoe is a difficult task. She is a legend among legends, even in a United States women’s national team program replete with all-time greats.” —&nbsp;<a href="https://equalizersoccer.com/2023/07/08/megan-rapinoe-legacy-uswnt-nwsl-equality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Kassouf</a>, Equalizer Soccer</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


The legendary Megan Rapinoe has announced that she would retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season.

US soccer media reflects on Megan Rapinoe's retirement - World Soccer Talk

US soccer media reflects on Megan Rapinoe's retirement


<p>The United States House has passed a bill that allows equal pay for women competing at international events.  This means that all American women will receive the same financial compensation as men during tournaments such as the World Cup and the Olympics.</p>



<p>Passed late Wednesday evening, the Equal Pay for Team USA Act covers more than 50 sports that the country competes in internationally.  Organizations such as the Olympics and Paralympic committees are required to oversee the financial aspects of the agreement.</p>



<h2>Bill passed both House and Senate</h2>



<p>Co-sponsor of the bill Senator Maria Cantwell thanked soccer stars in her speech following the approval.  “I … want to thank heroes like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, who brought that case against U.S. Soccer,” <a href="https:\/\/apnews.com/article/biden-world-cup-sports-fifa-womens-addbf0a6ed17578a64ea056d3aa61b89" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Cantwell.  “U.S. women’s soccer led the charge after winning the World Cup and making it clear to everyone that women athletes deserve equal pay.”</p>



<p>The bill was previously approved unanimously by the Senate.  Now that it has passed both the Senate and House, the bill will now go to President Joe Biden’s desk for final approval. </p>



<p>U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone also released a statement regarding the news.  “By sending this legislation to the president, both houses have sent a clear message that this is the standard for all national teams in all sports and it underscores the importance of working with our athletes to achieve equal pay including equalizing international prize money,” Parlow Cone <a href="https:\/\/apnews.com/article/biden-world-cup-sports-fifa-womens-addbf0a6ed17578a64ea056d3aa61b89" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>.</p>



<h2>U.S. soccer previously agreed a new deal in May</h2>



<p>The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/womens-soccer-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a> received a major financial boost earlier in the month after the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> beat Iran in the World Cup.  Women on the USWNT roster <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-players-receive-380k-each-after-usmnt-beat-iran-20221201-WST-410710.html">picked up about $380,000</a> due to the victory.  An agreement between the two American teams was previously agreed last summer.  </p>



<p>Unions on the USMNT and USWNT settled a new collective bargaining agreement in May.  The deal allows the two teams to work together to benefit both unions.  Prior arrangements meant that the Americans were essentially competing for resources.</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


The United States House has passed a bill to allow equal pay for women during international sporting events.

US House passes bill for equal pay for women; A win for USWNT - World Soccer Talk

US House passes bill for equal pay for women; A win for USWNT


<p>United States Women’s National Team superstar <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2021/08/02/rapinoe-quiet-on-future-as-usa-suffer-olympic-heartbreak/">Megan Rapinoe</a> stated that their upcoming match against England will be a “nice distraction” from an earlier report regarding the NWSL. Earlier in the week, an independent report suggested that there was <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/10/03/us-soccer-releases-report-detailing-abusive-behavior-in-nwsl/">abusive behavior and sexual misconduct</a> in the National Women’s Soccer League.</p>



<p>The 172-page report investigated three former NWSL coaches. The trio face accusations of various abuses, including sexual, by former players. All three coaches ran clubs in the league up until 2021.</p>



<p>Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rapinoe said that the players were looking forward to the England match. ”We’re really excited to play and that’s a nice distraction,” <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/63158107" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated Rapinoe</a>. ”This is an incredible game, an incredible moment, that sits nicely with this horrific thing.”</p>



<h2>Rapinoe leads USWNT away from the darkness of recent report</h2>



<p>“The players pushed it to this point where it’s a sellout. 90,000+ at Wembley, another team fighting for respect in their country and fighting for the right treatment, having an incredible run, and being able to galvanize their fans and their country behind them and feeling like this is a special moment for us to all come together and celebrate women’s football for all of the good that it is.”</p>



<p>England players plan to show solidarity to their counterparts by wearing special teal armbands for the game.</p>



<p>Three Lions and Arsenal superstar Beth Mead also spoke on the report. “It’s a worldwide problem,” claimed Mead. “Women need to be taken seriously. I’m very proud of the victims who stepped up and said it.”</p>



<p>“Governing bodies need to be doing better, U.S. Soccer needs to do better and worldwide we need to do better.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Megan Rapinoe, just now: "I don&apos;t think Merritt Paulson is fit to be the owner of Portland." <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/NWSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NWSL</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/WEtlmoqLr4">pic.twitter.com/WEtlmoqLr4</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1578016442926120960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The matchup between the two powerhouses will take place on Friday. U.S. viewers can find the game on FuboTV at 3PM (ET).</p>



<p>FIFA currently has the USWNT as the top-ranked team in the world, while England have risen to fourth. The Three Lions moved up four spots in the rankings since their 2022 Euro title.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


Megan Rapinoe, one of the leading voices on the USWNT, says the friendly against England is a nice distraction from the recent NWSL report.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Megan Rapinoe"

Leagues: NWSL

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US House passes bill for equal pay for women; A win for USWNT

Leagues: NWSL

Rapinoe says USWNT vs England is a nice distraction from report