Is Megan Rapinoe Playing Today? Why is Megan Rapinoe Not Playing?
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 27, 2023
Is Megan Rapinoe Playing Today?
Megan Rapinoe is not starting in the matches for the U.S. women's national team in the FIFA World Cup 2023. Due to her age and the emergence of younger, talented wingers like Sophie Smith and Trinity Rodman, coach Vlatko Andonovski has opted to use Rapinoe as a super substitute.
While Rapinoe's skills and experience are still valuable to the team, she is not starting in the matches. Andonovski recognizes her leadership qualities and believes she can make a significant impact on the field when she is brought on as a substitute. However, her role in the team has changed, and she is now playing a supporting role from the bench rather than being a regular starter.
Despite her impressive stats and contributions to the team in previous seasons, including 11 goal contributions in the 2022 NWSL season and five in the 2023 season, the competition from younger players has pushed her down the pecking order in the starting lineup. Additionally, Rapinoe has faced challenges, such as a minor calf injury that kept her out of games. Although she may not be starting, she continues to provide a positive influence on her teammates, supporting them with her energy and leadership.
Why is Megan Rapinoe Not Playing?
Megan Rapinoe is not playing as a regular starter for the U.S. women's national team in the FIFA World Cup 2023 due to a combination of factors. First and foremost, Rapinoe, who is approaching the age of 38, is nearing the end of her illustrious career and has announced her intention to retire after the 2023 NWSL season. As one of the oldest players in the U.S. squad and the tournament, her age has become a significant factor in the decision to manage her playing time.
Despite still possessing playmaking abilities and having a notable track record with 63 goals in 199 international appearances, Rapinoe faces stiff competition from younger and fresher wingers, particularly Sophie Smith and Trinity Rodman, who have been in scintillating form. Coach Vlatko Andonovski, given the abundance of youthful talent in the team's wide areas, has opted to use Rapinoe as a super substitute rather than a regular starter.
While Rapinoe's experience and leadership are invaluable to the squad, especially as they integrate younger players, her new role means she spends more time on the bench. Andonovski believes that she can make a significant impact when brought on as a substitute, leveraging her creativity, defensive skills, and ability to carry the ball.
Furthermore, Rapinoe has faced challenges, such as a "minor" calf injury that sidelined her from games and affected her match fitness. In contrast, younger players like Smith and Rodman have been consistently impressing and are considered higher-value options by the coach.
While it's a change for Rapinoe, she has embraced her new role and continues to be a positive presence in the team, supporting her teammates and fostering a comfortable and happy environment. Despite not being a regular starter, Rapinoe remains an essential asset to the U.S. women's national team at the FIFA World Cup 2023, contributing both on and off the field in pursuit of success.
Where is Megan Rapinoe Today?
Megan Rapinoe has made a significant announcement regarding her future in soccer. She revealed her intention to retire from the game after the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) season. Despite nearing the end of her career, Rapinoe continues to showcase her exceptional skills and qualities as a top-class playmaker.
During the 2022 NWSL season, Rapinoe made an impressive impact, contributing to a total of 11 goals for her team. This included scoring seven goals herself and providing four assists to her teammates. Even in the ongoing 2023 season, she has shown no signs of slowing down. In the seven starts she has made, Rapinoe has already been involved in five goals, either scoring them herself or setting up her teammates.
Her ability to make significant goal contributions demonstrates that she still possesses the attributes and talent needed to be a valuable asset on the field. As a creative force, she can make a difference with her playmaking abilities, which have been honed over her illustrious career.
As she approaches her retirement, Rapinoe's presence and contributions to the game remain highly regarded by both fans and fellow players. Her dedication and skill continue to leave a lasting impact on the sport of soccer, and she remains a respected figure in the world of women's soccer. As the 2023 NWSL season unfolds, fans will undoubtedly cherish every moment Rapinoe has left on the field before bidding farewell to one of the game's true legends.
How Old is Rapinoe US Soccer?
Megan Rapinoe, who is currently 38 years old in 2023, grew up in Redding, California, in a large and diverse family. Her parents, Jim and Denise, raised seven children together, including Megan and her fraternal twin, Rachael Rapinoe. Denise had two children, Michael and Jenny, from a previous marriage before having Brian, the oldest brother, and then the twins, Megan and Rachael, five years later.
Both Megan's father, Jim, and her grandfather, Jack, served in the Army. Megan's family has a mix of Italian and Irish ancestry. Growing up, Megan admired her older brother Brian and was inspired to start playing soccer at the age of three after watching him play. However, Brian faced struggles with drug abuse when Megan and Rachael were in second grade. By the time Megan was ten and Brian was fifteen, he was sent to juvenile detention and later had several stints in different prisons, including Pelican Bay State Prison.
Soccer became a refuge for Megan and Rachael, providing them with an escape from the drug abuse that was prevalent in their surroundings in California. While Brian's battles with drugs were difficult for the family, Megan's success in international soccer served as a motivation for him to turn his life around, leading to a determined effort to avoid drugs and make positive changes.
Throughout her journey, Megan Rapinoe's passion for soccer and her success on the international stage have been shaped by her family's experiences and her brother Brian's transformation. Despite the challenges they faced, soccer became not only a sport but also a path to escape and success for Megan and her twin sister, Rachael.
Who is Megan Rapinoe?
Megan Rapinoe, born on July 5, 1985, is a prominent American professional soccer player known for her exceptional skills as a winger. She currently plays for OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and is also a key member of the United States national team. Throughout her career, Rapinoe has achieved numerous accolades and triumphs, winning the Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019.
She has been a vital part of the success of the U.S. national team, contributing to their victories at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Additionally, Rapinoe played a crucial role in helping the team finish as runners-up in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Rapinoe's playing style is renowned for its craftiness, and she is well-regarded for her precise crosses and assists. Notably, her last-minute cross to Abby Wambach during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal match against Brazil resulted in a game-tying goal and eventual victory for the U.S.
Off the field, Rapinoe is a prominent activist and advocate for LGBTQIA+ organizations, including GLSEN and Athlete Ally. She has received recognition for her efforts, such as the Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. Time magazine also included her in their list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
In July 2022, Megan Rapinoe was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, acknowledging her significant contributions to both soccer and her advocacy work. Her impact on and off the pitch have made her a celebrated figure not just in sports but also as a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.
Is Megan Rapinoe Playing Today? - FAQs
No, Megan Rapinoe is not starting as a regular player for the U.S. women's national team in the FIFA World Cup 2023. She is being utilized as a super substitute.
Megan Rapinoe's reduced playing time as a substitute is influenced by her age, as she is approaching 38 years old during the World Cup. Additionally, the emergence of younger and talented wingers has pushed her down the pecking order in the starting lineup.
Despite not starting in every match, Rapinoe's experience, leadership, and skills remain valuable to the U.S. women's national team. She is considered a super substitute and is expected to make an impact on the field when brought on during games.
Throughout her career, Rapinoe has been instrumental in the team's victories, winning two FIFA Women's World Cups (2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. She is known for her crafty style of play and her ability to create goals for her team.
Rapinoe's soccer journey began at a young age, inspired by her older brother Brian. Despite facing challenges in her family, soccer became a means for her and her twin sister, Rachael, to escape drug abuse in their surroundings and find success in the sport.