Robyn McNeil / ISI Photos
A goal for the record books, bilingual eloquence or an admirably firm handle on what she stands for – some things can always be counted on with Raquel Rodríguez. Change, however, came in spades for the Costa Rican international once she arrived in the U.S. five years ago, ably accompanied by tribulation, triumph, precious times of silliness, and of course, a now-synonymous nickname. Read more →
At each of her significant junctures, it seems Sky Blue FC midfielder Raquel Rodríguez manages to find an opportune moment to sign her name over a little pocket of history. A national championship-winning Penn State University career helped make her the adopted American she is, but her Costa Rican pride beats in time with all she does, and it was right there when her most treasured elements came together in a blissful crescendo, one June day, two years ago. Read more →
Stacked with pace, power and an irrepressible personality, Natasha Kai emerged as one of the most exciting players in women’s soccer before stepping away from the limelight over four years ago. Now the time has come for the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. forward to return to the professional game and to familiar surroundings with New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC, and there are no plans to do it quietly. Read more →
Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer / Portland Thorns FC
www.craigmitchelldyer.com
Representing her hometown at professional level for the first time this year, Portland Thorns defender Kendall Johnson has been back on loan with former team Western Sydney Wanderers of late, moving where the rhythm takes her as a love of life and longing for discovery plays on as her unfaltering melody. Read more →
Photo: Alfred Harder
Although more than familiar with the language of her new surroundings, Sophie Schmidt’s move to UEFA Champions League holders 1.FFC Frankfurt represents an undoubted change in picture for the Canadian international, and the midfielder has already brought her own pitch to the team harmony. Read more →
Beyond the dance-move celebrations and the headphone-clad player stepping off the team bus, lies a whole world connecting football and music. Beats & Rhymes FC tells the stories of how a song lights the fuse on match day, how bands and artists colourise a player's life outside the game, and how music itself can bond an entire team.
The nostalgia of a first album, the weakness in the knees before an initiation song, or even those who've swapped the stadium for the studio. Since 2011, the performers and the personalities from all around the men's and women's game have stepped into this arena to share their soundtrack and more. The features also cover career talk, the teammates, the memories and the lessons learned from a life in this magical game.
