The National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer

The National Team traces the complete history of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team from its foundation in the 1980s through its 2019 World Cup victory. In 2019, the team won their fourth World Cup championship. Beyond their on-field success, the team's story encompasses significant off-field challenges, including sexism, striking inequality, low pay, poor playing conditions, and limited opportunities in professional leagues. Based on nearly one hundred exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and team officials—including Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Heather O'Reilly, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Pia Sundhage, Tom Sermanni, and Sunil Gulati—author Caitlin Murray provides detailed accounts from locker rooms and boardrooms. The book presents a portrait of the team's endurance and determination across decades, documenting their fight for better treatment and equality within the sport.