U.S. Soccer Presidential Candidate: Women Players Are "Mavericks" in the Sport
The U.S. Soccer Federation needs to change the way it treats the women’s national team, according to Kyle Martino, a candidate for the group’s presidency.
“They are the mavericks,” he told Cheddar. “If we don’t focus on treating them like World Cup winners...and investing and growing the grassroots on the women’s side, that success isn’t going to continue.”
The U.S. women’s team has won three Women’s World Cup titles since the tournament began as well as four Olympic gold medals.
Martino said the team should be paid as much as the men, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup following an embarrassing loss to Trinidad and Tobago.
In his race for the organization’s presidency, the former midfielder and sports broadcaster faces a crowded field. The eight candidatesinclude World Cup champion Hope Solo.
The elections will be held at the National Council Meeting this weekend.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-race-for-u-s-soccer-president-heats-up).
American officials expressed disappointment Monday after learning that bobsled, skeleton and luge events will not be held in Italy during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, a move that means athletes from those sports will likely be competing in either Austria or Switzerland during the games.
A memo sent ahead of the new season said that on-ice uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, which include Pride.
