Megan Rapinoe’s recent run of form has proven to Vlatko Andonovski that she’s not just with the U.S. women’s national team for her off-field leadership.
Rapinoe was somewhat controversially included on the USWNT roster for this summer’s CONCACAF W Championship, despite having only played in five total games in 2022.
Andonovski said at the time that Rapinoe was being brought along not just for her on-field ability, but for her locker-room presence as well.
The 37-year-old made three substitute appearances as the USWNT won the regional tournament but after returning to OL Reign, she’s begun to show glimpses of what she’s capable of on the pitch.
Rapinoe has four goals in her last three NWSL games, including a dramatic late winner against Orlando last time out.
“We saw in the last few games that she’s played that she’s still very capable of changing the outcome of a game,” Andonovski told reporters ahead of the USWNT’s friendly against Nigeria on Saturday.
“Just to make it clear: Megan is not here just because she’s a good leader, she’s good for our environment. First and foremost, she is here because she’s a good player. I mean, she’s still a good player.”
Andonovski added: “Ever since she came back from the injury she’s making the difference on the Reign. Now, on top of that, she has so many other qualities that are so important for this young group of players and young group of leaders as well.
“If we need to use the attributes that she has as a soccer player, I feel very comfortable of her getting on the field and performing.”
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