The National Women’s Soccer League playoffs are here, a time of year when the best players and teams from one of the world’s top leagues are on display. For the second straight year, however, there is a heaviness around what would otherwise be a celebratory moment. NWSL players again enter the postseason shortly after publicly reliving some of their most traumatic experiences.
It was a little over a year ago that the allegations of sexual harassment and coercion against former Portland Thorns head coach Paul Riley were first reported by The Athletic. The report came out the same week that former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke was fired following an investigation into alleged verbal abuse. By year’s end, five of the 10 teams had fired a coach for cause or allowed him to resign amid allegations of misconduct.
This time around, the aftershocks of the Yates report — which detailed not only what happened with Riley but also with Rory Dames, formerly of the Chicago Red Stars, and former Racing Louisville head coach Christy Holly — are still being felt. The blind eye turned by team and U.S. Soccer Federation executives was also laid out in more detail, adding to the level of pain.
“It’s really sad to say, but in a way, I think we’re used to having to deal with one thing or another,” United States and OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe said last week, letting out a knowing exhale at the reality. Now, the players, who have already been through so much, must find a way to absorb the contents of the Yates Report, and carry on trying to push their teams to a championship. That requires a delicate balancing act.
Players — at least those who have spoken publicly since the Yates report was released — are asking for focus to remain on their play on the field. Their intent is not to ignore what has happened, but rather to not let it define them. “I feel like we’ve said our piece, we’ve done as much as we can,” San Diego Wave forward and MVP finalist Alex Morgan said Friday.
