Also in today’s Roundup, the National Soccer Referees Association excoriates NWSL for handling of Mark Parsons suspension
Paul Riley will lead a shorthanded version of the Courage into the inaugural Women’s International Champions’ Cup in July (Photo copyright Lewis Gettier)
The International Champions Cup will add a women’s event this summer and the NWSL Shield holders North Carolina Courage will be one of four sides to compete. Andrew Das of the New York Times was the first to report the news. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will also take part plus a fourth team to be determined.
The Courage did not expand on the report but did tweet out a link to Das’s story. A formal announcement is expected in the coming days.
- Richard, Dan, and John on how the USWNT attack is flowing:
The event will take place over two matchdays at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. There will be semifinal matches July 27 followed by a third-place match and final on July 29.
The drawback is that United States will be competing in the Tournament of Nations that weekend meaning the Courage will be without several of their most important pieces across all three lines.
PSRA releases statement condemning NWSL
The Professional Soccer Referees Association released a statement Wednesday afternoon condemning the NWSL’s handling of recent discipline handed down to Portland Thorns head coach Mark Parsons.
Our statement regarding the recent unprofessional actions by coach Mark Parsons of the Portland Thorns, as well as the inadequate management of the appeal process by @NWSL. We call on NWSL & @ussoccer to substantially improve their protocols & oversight in the future. #NWSL pic.twitter.com/nLtjZmrumJ
— PSRA Officials (@PSRAofficials) April 11, 2018
Parsons was suspended one game for his sendoff at the end of the March 24 game in North Carolina and then given an extra game for what was termed “major game misconduct.” Last week the league rescinded the extra game. Neither NWSL nor the Thorns have commented on the incident. A source told The Equalizer that neutral observers had different interpretations about what transpired at Sahlen’s Stadium and that not all of them agreed with the details laid out by PSRA.
NWSL does not disclose who is part of their Disciplinary Committee.
UPDATE: When asked for comment in response to the PSRA, a spokesperson for the NWSL gave The Equalizer the following statement:
“We reviewed the information available and are confident the situation deemed a one-game suspension and applicable fine, which was upheld. We all want our games to be played, coached and officiated with integrity and at the highest level. The type of behavior that warranted the suspension and fine is unacceptable and the league will continue to ensure that players and coaches respect officials at all times.”
The Portland Thorns have not yet responded to a request for comment.
