Lindsey Horan discussed the recent allegations of abuse against former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames ahead of the USWNT’s two friendlies against Australia.
“You can sit here and you just want some positivity,” she said, when asked about the news. “I think the positive you can take out of it is that these coaches are being released or fired or resigning themselves because they know what’s about to come.”
It’s been a tumultuous year for the NWSL off the field, with five out of the league’s 10 coaches resigning or being fired due to abuse allegations. Dames is the latest, with Christen Press, Jen Hoy and Samantha Johnson all coming forward and sharing their experiences with the Washington Post.
“I think the bravery from these women coming out and speaking about it is incredible,” Horan said.
Horan then added that it’s “really hard” to wake up to more news about coaches who are abusing players, adding that she’s also “had a personal experience.”
The forward played under Farid Benstiti with Paris Saint-Germain from 2012 until 2016. Benstiti resigned from the head coaching role with OL Reign in July, reportedly over abuse allegations. Horan has publicly spoken out in the past about her experiences with Benstiti, saying he body shamed her to the point that she considered quitting soccer altogether.
The USWNT will face off against Australia in the first of two friendlies on Friday at 11 p.m. ET on FS2.