The National Team (Updated and Expanded Edition)

The Inside Story of the Women Who Dreamed Big, Defied the Odds, and Changed Soccer

By: Caitlin Murray

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

The US Women’s National Soccer Team has won three World Cups and four Olympic gold medals, set record TV ratings, drawn massive crowds, earned huge revenues for FIFA and US Soccer, and helped to redefine the place of women in sports. But despite their dominance, and their rosters of superstar players, they’ve endured striking inequality: low pay, poor playing conditions, and limited opportunities to play in professional leagues.

The National Team, from leading soccer journalist Caitlin Murray, tells the history of the USWNT in full, from their formation in the 1980s to the run-up to the 2019 World Cup, chronicling both their athletic triumphs and less visible challenges off the pitch. Murray also recounts the rise and fall of US professional leagues, including the burgeoning National Women’s Soccer League, an essential part of the women’s game.

Through nearly 100 exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and team officials, including Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Heather O’Reilly, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Pia Sundhage, Tom Sermanni, and Sunil Gulati, Murray takes readers inside the locker rooms and board rooms in engrossing detail. A story of endurance and determination, The National Team is a complete portrait of this beloved and important team.

©2019 Caitlin Murray (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

A must read for any soccer fan

A great easy read/listen for any soccer fan to see how the USWNT has turned into the team we see today with testimonies from former players, coaches and the soccer federation it’s amazing to hear how far they have come and how much further they have to go to be tested equally.

Great journey chronicled wonderfully

I bought this to get psyched for the coming World Cup and to get some insight into the lawsuits the USWNT has been involved in over the years. It was fun to learn about how they fought for their rights, were mentored and then became mentors to other female athletes all while reliving some of the greatest sporting moments in modern history. I just wish it had been longer.

A must listen!

Fantastic read of the accounts leading to today! I could not put this book down. I knew the overall story of triumph but never imagined all of this. A must read!

Awesome!!!

It was really sad how these girls were treated so Overall this book is really good!!!

Always a fan of the USWNT

Engaging backstory of the development, success, and struggles of the women's national team. I've always been a fan of the USWNT and did not realize how much they had to endure and fight for to realize their success.