What is going on? Women’s National Team star (and Trump critic) Megan Rapinoe is not in the starting lineup for today’s Women’s World Cup match vs. England:
OH WHEN THE YANKS…
Lineups Notes: https://t.co/wg1Ha9BIcU#OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/zzVufCgvCX
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 2, 2019
What’s going on?
Megan Rapinoe is not in the starting lineup today against England. Replaced by Christen Press. No explanation … yet. https://t.co/2F9LJsjunh
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) July 2, 2019
She’s scored 4 goals in the last two games:
Megan Rapinoe is not starting vs. England today
She’s scored four goals in the last two games https://t.co/A7hOl4bBfR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2019
Some fans are in panic mode:
just over here, trying not to be stressed out by the starting lineup ?♀️ https://t.co/b2IGFQZ5Uv
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) July 2, 2019
Admittedly, we don’t know much about soccer, so there is probably some sort of strategy behind it:
So You're Wondering Why Megan Rapinoe Isn't Starting For The USWNT:
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.
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
In the event that England abandons their usual high-tempo style and the USWNT needs to break down a structured defense late, they can bring Pinoe off the bench.
For once, I'm defending a controversial Jill Ellis decision. I think it's a good one.
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
Update: Or maybe she’s injured?
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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
England is also playing around with its starting lineup, FWIW:
On the other side, brave decision to drop Kirby for Daly and go 4-4-2. I like it, Kirby has been average. https://t.co/BoW68NSKZO
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
***
Update:
More from SBNation’s Kim McCauley:
So You're Wondering Why Megan Rapinoe Isn't Starting For The USWNT:
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.
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
In the event that England abandons their usual high-tempo style and the USWNT needs to break down a structured defense late, they can bring Pinoe off the bench.
For once, I'm defending a controversial Jill Ellis decision. I think it's a good one.
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
On the other side, brave decision to drop Kirby for Daly and go 4-4-2. I like it, Kirby has been average. https://t.co/BoW68NSKZO
— Kim McCauley (@lgbtqfc) July 2, 2019
Editor’s note: This post has been updated.
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