US Women's National Soccer Team Wins World Cup Over Netherlands 2-0

The US Women's National Soccer team has won the World Cup beating the Netherlands 2-0.

From CNN:

Competing in its first World Cup final, few gave the Dutch hope. The reigning European champion it may be, but it had not yet come up against the best team in the world, the dominant force of its generation.

The Netherlands held on for over an hour but two goals within eight minutes sealed the underdog's fate. In a tournament where she has transcended her sport, Megan Rapinoe coolly drilled home a penalty before a Rose Lavelle thunderbolt made sure of a second successive title for the US.

This win makes for back-to-back titles and the fourth championship in total for the US women's team.

W ⭐️ O ⭐️ R ⭐️L ⭐️ D
C H A M P I O N S
#OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/6JMJRTJ69b

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 7, 2019

ROSE. LAVELLE. 🌹🇺🇸

A beautiful solo effort doubles the @USWNT's lead in the #FIFAWWC final! pic.twitter.com/ToznvQiuxb

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019

A reminder that @USWNT, which just won its fourth World Cup, is suing @ussoccer for fair pay and equal treatment https://t.co/f9SGiTJBNm

— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) July 7, 2019

Trump Twitter Rants At US Womens Soccer Team's Megan Rapinoe

Donald Trump (L) Megan Rapinoe (R)

After hearing that the openly lesbian U.S. women’s soccer team co-captain, Megan Rapinoe told a reporter, “I’m not going to the f**king White House," if her team should win the the World Cup, Donald Trump took to his Twitter to rant at the soccer legend.

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” - @mPinoe pic.twitter.com/sz1ADG2WdT

— Eight by Eight (@8by8mag) June 25, 2019

Trouble is, Trump being Trump, he tweeted his rage at the wrong 'Megan Rapino.'

“Women’s soccer player, @meganrapino, just stated that she is “not going to the F…ing White House if we win.” Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level…….in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!”

It appears someone at the White House tipped off the Donald about his latest gaffe and he retweeted.

Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is “not going to the F...ing White House if we win.” Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

....in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

....invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

Rapinoe isn't the first athlete to decline a visit to Trump's White House.

The Toronto Raptors shooting guard, Danny Green told the press a visit to the White House now that the Raptors are NBA champs is a “hard pass."

More from the Twitterverse:

U.S. Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe: 'I'm Not Going To The F**king White House'- and I don’t blame you one bit, Megan. https://t.co/07SrnjDTOt

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 26, 2019

Guy who molests the flag regularly when he's not raping someone or grabbing a pussy, and disrespects the country with his every vulgar utterance is sad that Megan Rapinoe doesn't want his hamberders. https://t.co/dV6PpzcsEb

— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) June 26, 2019

Trump is now going after Megan Rapinoe because the “fuck your feelings” president flips out when members of groups targeted by his policies criticize him rather than knowing their place.

— Adam Serwer🍝 (@AdamSerwer) June 26, 2019

Megan Rapinoe is an incredible athlete who for years has used her platform to speak out against police brutality and racial profiling. The President should not be attacking @mPinoe’s right to protest. https://t.co/QA5ee8loG7

— GLAAD (@glaad) June 26, 2019

Btw, Megan Rapinoe has been one of the greatest human-athletes on the planet since she showed up on the scene. She's an advocate, she's a wonder, she's always been far ahead of the curve, like this 2014 op-ed. We have stanned, and continue to stan. https://t.co/6qKAij8TNp pic.twitter.com/tiWFCwu2k8

— Slade (@Slade) June 26, 2019

Pro Soccer Player Collin Martin Comes Out As Gay

Minnesota United's Collin Martin

Minnesota United FC midfielder Collin Martin came out this morning in a tweet on his personal Twitter account.

“Tonight my team, @mnufc , is having their Pride night. It's an important night for me — I'll be announcing that I am an openly gay player in Major League Soccer. #soccerforall,” wrote the 23-year-old just hours before Minnesota United hosts their Pride Night playing FC Dallas.

Tonight my team, @MNUFC , is having their Pride night. It's an important night for me — I'll be announcing that I am an openly gay player in Major League Soccer. #soccerforall pic.twitter.com/cOJQXfrBiv

— Collin Martin (@martcw12) June 29, 2018

Attached to his tweet was a more detailed statement which read:

"I have been out as a gay man for many years to my family and friends, and this includes my teammates. I have played Major League Soccer for 6 seasons: 4 seasons with DC United and 2 seasons with Minnesota United. Today, I'm proud that my entire team and the management of Minnesota United know that I am gay. I have received only kindness and acceptance from everyone in Major League Soccer and that has made the decision to come out publicly that much easier.
"As we celebrate Pride night, I want to thank my teammates for their unconditional support for who I am. In light of my experience as a professional athlete, I want to take this moment to encourage others who play sports professionally or otherwise to have confidence that sport will welcome them wholeheartedly. June is Pride month, and I am proud to be playing for Pride, and to be playing as an out gay man."

Pro soccer player Collin Martin comes out as gay

Martin is now the second openly gay professional soccer player in MLS history following Robbie Rogers, who came out in 2013.

That same year, Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay professional basketball player. And in 2014, Michael Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams becoming the first openly gay football player to be drafted by an NFL team.

Rogers, Collins and Sam have retired from their sports, which means Martin is currently the only openly gay active player in any major pro sports league in the United States.

Don Garber, MLS commissioner, said in a statement, "We admire Collin's courage, and are proud of him and of the support from the soccer community."

Visibility is the key to acceptance, so here’s opening more pro athletes step up and come out.

Congratulations, Collin, on living your authentic life! #BeTrue.

His team followed up Collin’s announcement with a tweet of support with the hashtag #SoccerForAll:

#SoccerForAll pic.twitter.com/78BMidQ4nt

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 29, 2018

And his old team tweeted their support as well:

Sending you love and support from D.C., Collin! Have fun tonight!

— D.C. United (@dcunited) June 29, 2018

And Robbie Rogers also tweeted his support:

Love this! So so inspiring thank you Collin! Good luck this season, except against the @LAGalaxy https://t.co/trkAO9YI2i

— Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) June 29, 2018

U.S. Soccer Teams To Wear Rainbow-Themed Uniforms In Honor Of Pride Month

From USSoccer.com:

In recognition of LGBTQ Pride month in June, U.S. Soccer will activate a number initiatives in partnership with the You Can Play Project, along with the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association and the Women's National Team Players Association.

The You Can Play Project is an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches, and fans without regard for sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

As the highlight, the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams will wear pride-inspired rainbow numbers during the June friendlies.

The MNT will debut the look for the World Cup Qualifying tune-up against Venezuela on June 3 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

The WNT will wear the kits in away friendlies against Sweden on June 8, and Norway three days later.

After the games, the shirts will be auctioned off for charity. In addition, fans will be able to purchase the customized rainbow jerseys online at USSoccerstore.com.

🇺🇸 x 🏳️‍🌈. To celebrate LGBTQ Pride month, the #USMNT and #USWNT will wear pride-inspired rainbow numbers.

Details: https://t.co/WwC7qCZ36z pic.twitter.com/WHJagaFMHk

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 26, 2017

FIFA Fines Five Countries Over Anti-Gay Chants

FIFA fined Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay on Wednesday for anti-gay chants by their national team's fans.

The "insulting and discriminatory chants" came during qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup, FIFA said.

Chile's fine is the biggest at 70,000 Swiss francs ($70,000) over cases at four different matches. The governing body imposed fines of 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,000) on Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. Proceedings continue against Honduras for what FIFA described as "apparent homophobic chants by its supporters."

The fines were imposed despite FIFA for several years insisting that financial sanctions alone were not enough for discriminatory cases.

(from ABC News)

Naked Soccer Players Get Ballsy In Photo Shoot

The Gaily Grind tips us to Spanish soccer team “Club Deportivo Lealtad,” who go "au natural" for a ballsy photo shoot.

Happy Monday!

USA advances to round of 16 at World Cup

The US is still in the World Cup despite losing to Germany today 0-1.

German Pro Footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger comes out

From BBC Sports:

Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has revealed he is gay.

The 31-year-old, who won 52 caps for Germany and also played for West Ham and Everton, made the announcement in newspaper Die Zeit.

He is the most prominent footballer to publicly reveal his homosexuality and said it was "a good time" to do so. "I'm coming out about my homosexuality because I want to move the discussion about homosexuality among professional sportspeople forwards," he added.

The midfielder said he has only realised "in the past few years" that he would "prefer to live together with another man", adding: "I've never been ashamed of the way I am."

Hitzlsperger had this to say to the Guardian:

"In England, Italy and Germany being a homosexual is no big thing, at least not in the dressing room... I was never ashamed of being who I am but it was not always easy to sit on a table with 20 young men and listen to jokes about gays. You let them get on with it as long as the jokes are somewhat funny and not too insulting.

"Being gay is topic that is 'ignored' in football and not 'a serious topic in the changing room'. Fighting spirit, passion and winning mentality are intrinsically linked, that doesn't fit the cliché: 'Gays are soft'."

Support throughout the sports world has been strong:

Congratulations to Thomas Hitzlsperger on bravely being the first player to have played in the PL to 'come out' http://t.co/9boXWNpnFZ
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2014

Brave and right decision. Respect, Thomas Hitzlsperger. His outing is a important sign in our time. pic.twitter.com/c69Oml2Ocp
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) January 8, 2014

Thomas Hitzlsperger has shown a lot of courage today. Sad times when people have to wait till they retire from their chosen profession...
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) January 8, 2014

Congratulations to Thomas Hitzelsperger - welcome to the club!
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) January 8, 2014

Dolce & Gabbana has a new spokesman - soccer star Leo Messi

Barcelona soccer star Lionel “Leo” Messi will be the new face of Dolce & Gabbana.  And for good reason.

Messi is already being called one of the greatest players soccer has ever seen. And on top of that, he's clearly very eye friendly.  With photos like the one above, I see D&G selling some merch.

I'm getting handsome "every man" mixed with a sports hero theme and great abs.  Works for me!

More photos from Leo's first shoot can be found here.

(via Queerty)

Is Robbie Rogers the 1st openly gay MLS player?

According to the AP, out gay footballer Robbie Rogers will be returning to professional soccer, joining the LA Galaxy and becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in the MLS:

"I don't know what I was so afraid of," Rogers said Friday. "It's been such a positive experience for me. The one thing I've learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people."

"People are just really growing and accepting and loving," he added. "Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting."

Rumors of Rogers return began when Robbie recently trained with the Galaxy.
Outstanding news.  Congrats to Robbie!

UK: Gay pro footballers say they stay closeted out of fear of fans reactions

Eight pro soccer players in the UK have revealed to the Professional Footballers Association they are gay, but remain closeted out of fear of fan reactions. From the Guardian:

Gay campaigners told the Observer that Clarke Carlisle, chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, had revealed that eight players had approached him to disclose that they were gay. Seven told him that the reason they would not reveal their sexual orientation publicly was not the reaction from the dressing room or club, but the potential reaction from the media and supporters.

Chris Basiurski, chair of the Gay Football Supporters' Network, said that, although progressive attitudes had begun to infiltrate the dressing room, the fear of how supporters would react remained a problem.

American Robbie Rogers, who had played for Leeds United, came out earlier this year and simultaneously retired saying he didn't think it possible to continue to play and be out. Recently, he's begun training with the LA Galaxy and may return to the game. Time will tell.

The Guardian goes on to say there are reports of players in the pro soccer world who are openly gay within their team organizations but continue to be closeted to the world due to concerns regarding pressures and reactions in the aftermath of coming out:

"We have anecdotal evidence that players are out within their clubs and don't have a problem. But we are trying to create an atmosphere for people to come out safely, but at the moment there is a big barrier. The fact is, we have never really tested the fans, both home or away, on this.

"The danger is what happens when a player comes out and gets loads of support and attention, but then start playing badly. The worry is that fans will start getting on their backs and they may lose the confidence of their manager and it could be connected to their sexuality."

Out pro soccer player Robbie Rogers training with LA Galaxy

Former U.S. National Team midfielder Robbie Rogers trained with the Galaxy on April 29.

This was his first professional training session since revealing that he was gay 2 months earlier. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena as well as Landon Donovan and Mike Magee discuss Rogers' arrival and its significance.

The Guardian reports:

The former international, 25, was released by Leeds United in January, after a loan spell at Stevenage, and in February said he was leaving the game that had "hid his secret". But on Tuesday he trained with the Galaxy, whose coach, Bruce Arena, said it was "open-ended" as to what his future with the club might hold. The Chicago Fire hold Rogers' Major League Soccer rights, meaning the Galaxy would need to work out a trade in order to sign him.

"He looked a lot sharper than I thought he would today, given the fact he's been away from the game for a while" Arena told the Galaxy's website. "The timing I guess is good. I think our league is a progressive league. Our league is a league comprised of all different races, colours and creeds, and to be accepting of a gay athlete I don't think is anything that's difficult for our league.

Is out soccer player Robbie Rogers planning his return to the game?

Robbie Rogers, pro soccer player who retired and came "out" last February looks like he's testing the waters in terms of a return to the "beautiful game" by currently training with the LA Galaxy.

Perhaps with the huge support Jason is seeing, Rogers may be rethinking the retirement thing.

Regarding Jason Collins' recent coming out, Robbie said:

"I think I was surprised like everyone else. Obviously, I know what it is like going through being gay and being a professional athlete and being closeted and all the emotions and all the thoughts that go through your mind. I don’t know him, but I was very happy and proud for him.

“But most of all, I was happy that our society gave him such a positive response including athletes from all over the world on Twitter. Society is really changing, people are moving along and accepting gay athletes and I think more athletes will follow in his footsteps.

“We will see what happens, but it is definitely a positive step. You can’t just say to someone, ‘Come out, come out,’ it really depends on them.”

German campaign to fight homophobia

Outsports reports on a German campaign fighting homophobia in sports with this poster and caption: “Would you also beat up your favorite player for this?”