“Krashlyn” – Two Major US Soccer Stars Set to Marry This Month

By Charlotte Price

Two USWNT and Orlando Pride soccer stars, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, are set to marry this month. Krieger attended Penn State University and Harris attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they both played soccer and sparked the beginning of their careers. Now, they are both stars on the outstanding women’s national team and live a very happy life together. In a Vogue article/interview, Krieger said “everything is a competition” in their relationship because of the athletes they are, and they have so much fun with it. They met nine years ago at a training camp but kept their romance completely private, even with the “Krashlyn” fan-fiction that was published every time they posted a photo together. 

This December, the wedding will take place in Miami. Harris, who is known for her hipster style, will most likely be wearing a custom suit by Thom Browne or Tom Ford, and Krieger will be wearing a dress but wants to keep it a complete surprise until the special day. To read more from a Vogue article, click here. 

And, to learn more about their relationship dynamic, watch this fun Buzzfeed quiz video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clczF9tMSuA.

Australia Has Announced Gender Equality in Soccer

By Zac Cornell

The gender pay gap between men’s and women’s soccer has become a worldwide issue in recent years. The U.S. women’s team has brought a gender discrimination lawsuit in the U.S. that was recently assigned class action status, arguing that they are grossly underpaid compared to the men’s team despite being World Champions and significantly more successful. Likewise, the Australian women’s team, the Matildas who are ranked 8th in the world by FIFA, are more successful than the men’s team, the Caltex Socceroos who are ranked 44th. 

Last month, a four-year deal between the Football Federation Australia and the Professional Footballers Australia determined that the teams will now receive equal shares of total player revenue. The Football Federation Australia announced “The new agreement reflects football’s determination to address issues of gender equity in all facets of the game and build a sustainable financial model.”

While the deal will ensure equal resources, upgraded parental leave policy and funds for youth soccer programs for both teams, there will still be a pay gap for World Cup payouts. This pay discrepancy is due to the significant difference in prize money for the men’s and women’s tournament, valued at $400 million and $30 million respectively. However, players will now receive an increased portion of the World Cup and Asian Cup prize money.

Australia is hoping to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and Australian defender Ellie Carpenter told the Australian Associated Press that she thought this historic collective bargaining agreement would help the country secure the tournament. Defender Alanna Kennedy celebrated the milestone achievement on Twitter, saying “I am extremely proud to be a part of history with today’s equal pay news.” Midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight said “Thank you to everyone involved in this momentous day…So many have played a part to help grow the game to where it is today. But remember, we’re not finished yet.”

World renowned tennis champion and feminist leader Billie Jean King announced on her Twitter “#EqualPay is possible!” 

Here’s hoping that the U.S. Soccer Federation follows Australia’s lead, as they are scheduled to start trial in May.