AFTER HER TEAM took a knee during the US national anthem, Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan helped her North Carolina Courage side to victory in their National Women’s Soccer League [NWSL] return yesterday.
Courage’s 2-1 Challenge Cup win over Portland Thorns kicked off team sports in the US following the coronavirus shutdown.
Both sides kneeled during the pre-game playing of the anthem in Salt Lake City, Utah, with players wearing t-shirts that read “Black Lives Matter.” During the game, players wore “Black Lives Matter” armbands.
“We took a knee today to protest racial injustice, police brutality and systemic racism against black people and people of color in America,” the teams said in a joint statement.
“We love our country and we have taken this opportunity to hold it to a higher standard.
“It is our duty to demand that the liberties and freedoms this nation was founded upon are extended to everyone.”
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick became a lightning rod for controversy after kneeling for the anthem and starting the gesture to protest racial injustice in 2016.
He has been out of an NFL job for four years, but Kaepernick’s protest has gained huge backing as demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality have swept across the US after the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police in May.
Athletes from various sports have backed kneeling for the anthem in peaceful protest when their leagues return from their respective Covid-19 enforced shutdowns.
It was Courage striker Lynn Williams who scored the winner in injury time, heading home a cross from Samantha Mewis to secure the 2-1 triumph.
North Carolina’s Brazilian star Debinha had opened the scoring in the 75th minute of the rematch of the league’s 2017 and 2018 championship games, only for Portland’s Naomi Charley to level matters five minutes later.
Cork native O’Sullivan — voted MVP by her team-mates for the last two consecutive seasons — impressed throughout, and was referred to as “maybe one of the most underrated players in the league” at one point in commentary.
“Me and Sam have been working for years to try to get on the same page,” match winner Williams said afterwards, reflecting on the decisive finish.
“I think in that moment, the clock is counting down, I like to think we have a mental connection. I just saw an opening and right when she looked up I thought ‘she’s going to cross it in.’”
While plans for the return of the NBA (basketball), NHL (hockey), MLS (men’s football) and Major League Baseball have garnered headlines, the NWSL yesterday became the first professional team league in action through the Challenge Cup.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the tournament — scheduled to run until 26 July — with Orlando Pride pulling out last week after six players and four staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
You love to see it. You love to see these women using their voice, demanding better for America, and for black people and people of color. @TheNCCourage and @ThornsFC kneeling in solidarity with @Kaepernick7 and @Blklivesmatter ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/8Urlj5FMPn
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) June 27, 2020
The tournament is also missing some of the best-known US stars, with Megan Rapinoe and two of her World Cup 2019 winning team-mates– Christen Press and Tobin Heath — opting out.
But Ballon D’Or Rapinoe still had her eye on the proceedings, tweeting her support for the pre-game protest.
“You love to see it,” Rapinoe tweeted. “You love to see these women using their voice, demanding better for America, and for black people and people of colour.”
Later, there was a powerful moment between Chicago Red Star duo Casey Short and Julie Ertz as they took a knee for the anthem.
An emotional moment for Casey Short and Julie Ertz during the national anthem.#CHIvWAS | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/1SExbhaKvL
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) June 28, 2020
— Lucas Muller (@lucaswmuller) June 28, 2020
- Additional reporting from AFP
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I reckon they’ll put him in the 23 shirt. He hasn’t played a game in 5 months and this is a must win game. Henshaw and Osborne have been solid so far already this season.
It’s harsh on Osborne but I’d start Ringrose, he’s World Class, but would put Osborne on the bench, meaning no 6-2 so Connors misses out.
Interesting selection call, Leo might go 5/3 to fit him on the bench . Would be a big ask to start him after 5 months of no game time
@Owen ODonoghue: Big risk indeed, but I think worth it, our attack and defence without GR hasn’t been at the same level – RH and JO are really 12s who can fill in at 13 (thought RH was actually a brilliant 13 up until the last 6 months when he’s played there regularly and has only been ok)
@Andrew Slazenger: And by ok I mean in the specific roles a 13 has, shutting the door on outside channel, calling the rush, biting in or not and then striking into outside space in attack, knowing when to take on the space or distribute etc etc as a rugby player RH has been excellent though
@Andrew Slazenger: I get your point! Robbie’s recent journey, since his return from injury, has been impacted in Green by Bundee’s stellar 2023 and Garry’s absence in Blue. The fact that he has been doing a brilliant job at 13 is in part a reflection of the lack of competition there and the surfeit of talent at 12. Robbie is still the best 12 on the island and makes most impact on games when he plays there.
@John Morris: bundee best 12 in world
@Owen ODonoghue: still go 6/ 2. Garry and Robbie. Frawley and foley cover the whole backline.
@chris mcdonnell: Hmm, could be interesting. Foley is having a great season.
@chris mcdonnell: based on McBrydes update it looks very likely a 6/2 with Frawley and McGrath as backs cover
@Gary Galligan: yep and we have 3 other excellent centres with Ringrose, Henshaw and McCloskey
Our depth is crazy too with Osborne, Forde, Gavin coming through and the likes of Frawley, Crowley and JOB all able to play there. Its like Irelands backrow depth now
@Owen ODonoghue: 100 pc. Pity about loose head props
@Owen ODonoghue: mcgrath is not a better option than foley. JgP is playing the full game barring injury so why not have a player who can play more than one position
@chris mcdonnell: i agree with you, Leo does not tho!
They said ringrose available last week to let’s see if he gets named on the team v bulls
Seeing lots of chatter on here about 5-3 vs 6-2 and how that affects Ringrose. I think he’s a naturally very fit guy but would a big ask to play at the high altitude with no game time in 5 months? My initial thoughts are go 6-2, well because it’s a Springbok team, but you can’t hardly start Ringrose can you so he’d miss out? But because it’s such a physical toll playing that high up will we need 3 back subs as guys are likely to be absolutely gassed. In any case – Leinster have badly missed Ringrose in both attack and D.
I think Osbourne & Ringrose will start as centres. The bench is likely to be 5-3 unless Foley surpasses McGrath as scrumhalf back-up & emergency wing cover.
@D Farrell: u dropping Robbie ?? Lol