The Australian women's national team was expected to feature against the United States on Sept. 17 and Sept. 20, but canceled 24 hours after a union representing the players said stalled contract talks meant the team wouldn't oblige.
Relive The USWNT's 7-2 Destruction Of Costa Rica
Even with no opponent to play, U.S. soccer refuses to cancel the matches.
Here’s the full @ussoccer_wnt statement on @ffa being out of the two friendlies: pic.twitter.com/U9I3EJspf3
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) September 10, 2015
Obviously, last-minute plans will limit U.S. Soccer's ability to find a quality matchup. A country from the CONCACAF region would serve as a logical replacement, given the proximity and desperation to compete.
But for the sake of women's soccer, for the sake of everyone's interest, please don't let that happen.
August's celebration tour saw the USWNT dismantle Costa Rica by a combined 15-2 score.
What purpose did that serve?
Already up 4-0 in the 56th minute of a meaningless friendly, players were still celebrating goals as if it was the final minute of the 2019 World Cup final. The crowd chanted "I believe that we will win" in a match they were very much expected to win in the first place.
Quite the sportsmanship example being set for young players in attendance.
Unless a Germany or France can be reached for the aforementioned dates, U.S. Soccer is better served canceling the matches. Spare the thousands in attendance. Spare that CONCACAF nation the embarrassment.
Better yet, allow Christen Press, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn and a slew of other NWSL players still in contention a chance to rest ahead of a potential league final.
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