We suit up for soccer on a Saturday
Kick down the field and then we stop and watch our idols play
Tune into television spots that only used to show
One-sided celebrations, like we were invisible
Then came Italy and 1985
Mundialito international play came alive
We sent the ball aerodynamically across the line
Hat-tricked initiative, bent history toward Title IX
Megan Rapinoe I’ve been following you and Crystal Dunn
Carli, Tobin, Rose, Alyssa, Alex Morgan
I hang my cleats up next to photos of your team in play
Stepping up to the cup, there’s another way
Stepping up to the cup like this is our world to change
Now we join the captains for a trophy hold
The entire team is by our side and dancing big and bold
And then a leader takes the mic, and reaches for her stance
Arms out like a statue with our globe in hands
CHORUS
Do we have to fall in step with ancient history
Or can victory take on a different view
Can we be champions of not just equality
But something different, something new
CHORUS
Tobin, Alex, Abby, Allie, Ali, Mallory
Alyssa, Adrianna, Jessica, Sam, Emily
Carli, Kelley, Christen, Crystal, Tierna, Becky, Rose
Ashlynn, Morgan, Julie, Lindsey, Megan boots of gold
Stepping up to the cup like it’s our world to hold
Stepping up to the cup like it’s our world to change
Kicking down the field, kicking down the field
Goal
Music and Lyrics by Rachel Garlin
Illustrations by Kate Isenberg
Websites: www.rachelgarlin.com, www.kateisenberg.com
Facebook: rachelgarlinmusic, / kateisenbergmusic , / stewballcomics
Instagram: rachelgarlin, thekateisenberg, / stewballcomics
Vimeo: vimeo.com/kateisenberg
Original song and video by singer-songwriter Rachel Garlin (San Francisco) and illustrator Kate Isenberg (Los Angeles). Created as a tribute for the US Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) at an historic moment when women's sports are gaining international attention in a new way, following the team’s victory at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in France. The song celebrates coach Jill Ellis's national women's soccer team including all 23 players: Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (NC Courage), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O'Hara (Utah Royals FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC), Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit), Allie Long (Reign FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Jessica McDonald (NC Courage), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC)
The song and video celebrate the drive and conviction of these inspiring athletes while appreciating how they've become role models for younger players in their midst. Historically, girl's soccer and women's soccer have been marginalized. With its 1999 World Cup victory, the USWNT established the international prowess that its 2019 team solidified. Still, to this day, there are huge differences in how men's and women's soccer teams are compensated for their work and for their wins. Former USWNT member Hope Solo spearheaded a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. Several players, including the outspoken Megan Rapinoe, have been vocal about the need for equal pay. All 23 players from the World Cup roster have joined the legal fight for an end to gender discrimination in soccer.