USWNT blanks Canada, shows support in labor dispute at SheBelieves Cup – Orange County Register

ORLANDO, Fla. — Mallory Swanson scored twice in the first half and the United States beat Canada 2-0 Thursday night in a SheBelieves Cup game that was marred by a labor dispute between the Canadian players and their federation.

The Canadian women wore purple shirts with the slogan “Enough is enough” during the pre-game national anthems. Before kick-off, US players crossed their arms in the center circle with their Canadian counterparts to show their solidarity.

Canada’s women are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that would give them the same pay as their male counterparts. They say they haven’t been paid for 2022 yet.

“Purple has historically been associated with gender equality efforts,” the Canadian Players Association said in a statement Thursday. “Given the current circumstances, our players will continue to wear purple until our federation implements standards that ensure equal treatment and equal opportunities.”

The players initially said they wanted to boycott team activities around the tournament, but were informed by Canada Soccer that their work action would amount to an illegal strike.

In Thursday’s earlier SheBelieves Cup game at Exploria Stadium, Brazil beat Japan 1-0 through Debinha’s late goal from a cross from Marta, who was playing her first game since tearing her left cruciate ligament last March.

The four-team SheBelieves Cup moves to Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday. All four teams qualified for the World Cup.

Swanson scored her fourth goal of the new year in the seventh minute. She added a second in the 34th.

Swanson, formerly Mallory Pugh, married Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson in December. She has scored 30 goals for the United States, scoring in each of their last four games.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped Janine Beckie’s attempt for Canada in first-half added time.

US players took the opportunity to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights in Florida, some wearing bracelets reading “Defend Trans Joy” along with purple bracelets in support of Canadian players.

Alex Morgan was honored ahead of the game for her 200th cap for the national team, which came against Germany late last year.

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GO ON, @MALPUGH!!!! 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/gPvHwm2lyY

— US Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 17, 2023

Read like a book 📖 pic.twitter.com/suaEDAQbcT

— US Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 17, 2023

🚫 CLOSER IT KEEPS TO ZERO 🚫 pic.twitter.com/T6pWsUYfvu

— US Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 17, 2023