Here's Why Megan Rapinoe Isn't Starting for the USWNT Against England
By Michael Luciano
Most of America was left puzzled and confused when star forward Megan Rapinoe, who has netted four times in the last two fixtures against Spain and France, was left out of the Starting XI against Phil Neville, Jill Scott, and England in favor of Christen Press.
Wait... Rapinoe not playing? Well, She's listed amongst the subs, so she's hasn't been ruled out. She's duly eligible to participate. But let's discuss a few explanations for the current situation here.
Why is Megan Rapinoe Not Starting?
First of all, signs point to the fact that the superstar attacker is injured in some way.
This is not tactical. Rapinoe not even warming up on sideline. She had tape on right leg yesterday. https://t.co/LBNJeHpeQ0
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) July 2, 2019
Super Julie Foudy knows a thing or two about US Soccer. If she sees these signs, the rest of us had better listen.
Rapinoe didn't participate in the warm-up, which would suggest that she's unlikely to play at all in this game. Seems odd that US Soccer wouldn't specify if she has an injury—it did so for Ertz/Sauerbrunn earlier in the WC—and would only say it isn't for disciplinary reasons.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 2, 2019
We don't know exactly whats bothering Pinoe here, but the wear and tear of a World Cup campaign on a hard-charging athlete pushing age 34 would seem to be explanation enough.
And furthermore:
Starting Christen Press Over Pinoe Actually Makes Sense Tactically
While it seems ridiculous on the surface, Jill Ellis' decision is one rooted completely the logic of this matchup, as Press offers a more pace and defensive support to deal with dynamic English fullback Lucy Bronze on the right, as well as counterpart Demi Stokes if the wings ever get swapped.
So You're Wondering Why Megan Rapinoe Isn't Starting For The USWNT:
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
As good as Pinoe is, she doesn't contribute a lot defensively. Christen Press is the fastest and fittest player on the USWNT. England RB Lucy Bronze has been the best player at this tournament. So, that's why.
Given how hot she has been in this tournament and the fact she can offer a more controlled option that can drift into the center of the pitch, there is almost a 100% percent chance that we will see Rapinoe come off the bench as a sub at some point if the US needs a goal.
It’s wild to me that Rapinoe might be injured, they did a straight swap, and it STILL could’ve been tactical. The #USWNT depth is really something else.
— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) July 2, 2019
Starting Press is a far cry from calling a JV player up to varsity, of course, as she'd be a sure-fire everyday starter on just about every team in the world. With 121 caps and 48 goals, Press is up to the challenge the English side will provide.
Don't mind us we'll be just be here watching this bit of @ChristenPress magic ✨ on a loop.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 23, 2019
Tomorrow can't come soon enough! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/y9bOTNfzrH
While we won't get to see 90 minutes of Pinoe magic against England, Ellis has gotten the US this far, so she's earned the right to take a bit of a risk with her squad rotation. All systems go for a rip-roaring semifinal!