Paul Riley

“Abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women’s soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players,” wrote former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates.

After nearly a week of dealing with the fallout from accusations of sexual harassment and mistreatment leveled against a prominent coach, the players of the National Women’s Soccer League have returned to the field in hopes of reclaiming their sport.

The owner of the North Carolina Courage said Wednesday the organization was not aware of allegations of sexual harassment against former Head Coach Paul Riley until the report that led to his firing and apologized for the franchise's “failure” to create an environment where players felt safe in coming forward.

Following the resignation of the National Women’s Soccer League commissioner amid a sexual harassment and misconduct scandal involving a longtime coach, a three-woman executive committee has been formed to oversee league operations. The NWSL also launched an independent investigation into the league’s handling of abuse claims.

The National Women’s Soccer League will not play the games scheduled for this weekend as it deals with the fallout from allegations of sexual misconduct against a former coach. North Carolina Courage Coach Paul Riley was fired by the team following a report in the Athletic. Later Friday, NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird resigned.

The North Carolina Courage announced Thursday that head coach Paul Riley has been terminated effective immediately. The decision comes after multiple former players accused Riley of sexual coercion. The allegations were detailed in an investigative story published by The Athletic.

Sam Mewis, a key member of the U.S. 2019 women's soccer World Cup, has returned to the North Carolina Courage and the National Women's Soccer League on a multi-year deal after a stint with Manchester City.

Ally Watt is a newcomer to the North Carolina Courage, having been selected sixth overall in the National Women’s Soccer League’s college draft back in…