For Pride month, we’ve dedicated each day of June to an individual athlete or coach whose shining moment changed LGBTQ sports.
Today, we revisit July 7, 2019, the day the United States Women’s National Team won the Women’s World Cup in Lyon, France.
Megan Rapinoe’s penalty kick broke a 0-0 deadlock with The Netherlands in the 61st minute after Alex Morgan caught a high boot in the box from Dutch defender Stefanie van de Gragt.
The foul wasn’t initially called on the field but the penalty was awarded following a VAR review. The goal was Rapinoe’s 50th in international play, and earned her the tournament’s Golden Boot. In addition, Rapinoe received the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s most outstanding player, prior to the medal ceremony.
She also became the oldest woman to score in a Women’s World Cup final.
Rapinoe exited to a standing ovation in the 79th minute. Rapinoe even took the time to visit with her family in the stands before the final whistle blew.
Upon their return, New York City threw the world champions a ticker-tape parade, during which Rapinoe held aloft her Golden Boot and recreated for the crowd and cameras her famous “Are You Not Entertained?” pose.
We’ll have another Moment of Pride tomorrow and every day in June.
