USA stars Rapinoe, Morgan back Canada amid labor dispute

ORLANDO, Fla. — Three years after the United States women's national team protested their federation at the SheBelieves Cup, Canada's players find themselves in a similar situation.

Despite the longstanding rivalry between the teams, though, there is camaraderie from the common fight for equity off the field. On Thursday, that will play out on the field for a global audience.

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«We're with them 100% and obviously know exactly what they're going through, how difficult it is to do all that off the field and have to perform,» U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe said on Wednesday, one day before the two teams are scheduled to play at the exhibition tournament.

Canada players threatened their federation with a strike last week over what they say are unequal conditions and resources compared to the men's team. Players also said they were not paid at all in 2022.

The Canadian Soccer Association responded by threatening legal action, which could have potentially cost players millions in personal damages if they did not participate in the SheBelieves Cup.

Canadian players said they will participate in this tournament in protest, and that they will show that in some visual way when they take the field on Thursday at Exploria Stadium. U.S. captain Becky Sauerbrunn said her team will join them.

«I think you should plan on seeing some things for the game tomorrow,» Sauerbrunn told ESPN. «Whether it be statements or on-field protests, I think there will be stuff that we are organizing and we are in full support of them.»

On Wednesday, Canada players trained at Exploria Stadium in a combination of unmarked gear and apparel that was turned inside-out to hide the Canada Soccer logo.

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