United States Women’s National Team superstar Megan Rapinoe stated that their upcoming match against England will be a “nice distraction” from an earlier report regarding the NWSL. Earlier in the week, an independent report suggested that there was abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.

The 172-page report investigated three former NWSL coaches. The trio face accusations of various abuses, including sexual, by former players. All three coaches ran clubs in the league up until 2021.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rapinoe said that the players were looking forward to the England match. ”We’re really excited to play and that’s a nice distraction,” stated Rapinoe. ”This is an incredible game, an incredible moment, that sits nicely with this horrific thing.”

Rapinoe leads USWNT away from the darkness of recent report

“The players pushed it to this point where it’s a sellout. 90,000+ at Wembley, another team fighting for respect in their country and fighting for the right treatment, having an incredible run, and being able to galvanize their fans and their country behind them and feeling like this is a special moment for us to all come together and celebrate women’s football for all of the good that it is.”

England players plan to show solidarity to their counterparts by wearing special teal armbands for the game.

Three Lions and Arsenal superstar Beth Mead also spoke on the report. “It’s a worldwide problem,” claimed Mead. “Women need to be taken seriously. I’m very proud of the victims who stepped up and said it.”

“Governing bodies need to be doing better, U.S. Soccer needs to do better and worldwide we need to do better.”

The matchup between the two powerhouses will take place on Friday. U.S. viewers can find the game on FuboTV at 3PM (ET).

FIFA currently has the USWNT as the top-ranked team in the world, while England have risen to fourth. The Three Lions moved up four spots in the rankings since their 2022 Euro title.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire