The National Women’s Soccer League is in a wave of crisis.
On July 9, Gotham FC fired general manager Alyse LaHue after the league conducted an investigation per their anti-harassment policy. LaHue denied the allegations. On Aug. 11 The Washington Post published allegations of racist language and verbal abuse against Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke. Burke was eventually terminated for cause on Sept. 28 after NWSL initiated a third-party investigation into the allegations.
Then came Racing Louisville’s sudden announcement on Aug. 31 that head coach Christy Holly’s contract had been terminated for cause. Local news WDRB reported that players complained about a “toxic environment.” Then came the latest disgrace: a September 30 report from The Athletic detailing multiple allegations of sexual coercion against North Carolina head coach Paul Riley, which Riley denied. The Courage announced Riley’s termination the same day. And that same evening, another name was added to the list, as The Washington Post revealed that former head coach Farid Benstiti
