The US women’s team struggled to contain Thailand's formidable attack. Yet, the team's 13-0 defeat reflected a larger problem: women's football isn't supported like men's soccer. Thailand has a less well-funded program than the US team. The federations would rather support women's soccer than divert their resources towards their male counterparts.
United States wins the FIFA Women's World Cup's first game
The United States has won the title, after setting a new record with their 13-0 win over Thailand to kick off the tournament. The women's national team is now in third place after beating the Netherlands 2-0 on July 7. The tournament was the Dutch's first appearance after they reached the finals last season. The tournament also welcomes South Africa, Chile and Scotland.
Alex Morgan scored five goals in their opening match for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. That gives her 26 goals this season, which is 13 more than any other player. She became the 32nd different American player to score during the World Cup. France and Germany are the only two that have more. Carli Lloyd and Michelle Akers also scored hat-tricks on behalf of the USA. Alex Morgan's opener tied Michelle Akers' record for the most goals scored in a World Cup match with five.
Morgan scores five goals
The USA women's soccer team began their defense of their title against Thailand in style. Morgan scored five goals in the first half, tying the record set by Michelle Akers against Canada four years ago. Thailand only managed two goals in the first period, while the US had 27 percent possession. In the second period, Thailand was outshot 15-1 by the U.S. The U.S. won, but Thailand did not let this lead slip.
Five goals were scored against Thailand by the United States, including two from the penalty spot. The first came from Morgan, who guided in a free kick after a pass from Crystal Dunn. Mewis, who was playing out wide before being tripped and then guiding her shot in the box, took the second. Morgan also assisted Lavelle with her second goal. Both players scored in the last minute.
Goalkeeper Sukanya Chor Charoenying
Sukanya Chor Charoenying, Thai goalkeeper, was at the top of her game when she stood in front the United States net against Thailand. The score was lopsided. After a series of saves, a ball that had whizzed by her was finally tipped in the USA's favor. The score so thrilled the pro-American crowd they started a chorus of "Go USA!" The score was played throughout the game.
Carli Lloyd was the one to defend the USWNT victory over Thailand. Carli Lloyd, however, stood by the United States team and defended them against some mocking remarks. The United States goalkeeper thanked Lloyd for offering words of encouragement. Lloyd was also commended by the goalkeeper for his words of encouragement.
There is a significant pay disparity in US soccer between men, women and the players
With a stunning 2-0 win over the Netherlands on Sunday, the U.S. Women's Soccer Team stunned all of the world. The women have won four World Cups, while the men have yet to do so. In addition to winning four titles, women have never earned the same amount of money as men. This is just one reason the U.S. Soccer Federation did not pay the women the same amount it paid men.
The long-standing issue of pay disparities between men/women in the US soccer teams has been a matter of contention. However, the recent performances by the United States have been the most notable. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted the 13-0 win over Thailand. The US women have scored more than the Thai team in one World Cup match, a record set by any country.