The U.S Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) played their first match in 1985. From the beginning the players were treated differently—and worse—than their counterparts on the men’s national team regarding both working conditions and compensation. This riveting and sometimes infuriating account details efforts that began in the early 1990s to address this unequal treatment, which culminated in a 2022 agreement between the USWNT and their employer, the non-profit US Soccer. Across years of demands from the USWNT for improvements that impacted their physical well-being as well as pay, US Soccer moved the dial only incrementally each time the players negotiated a new contract. When the USWNT took their battle to the courts (and to the court of public opinion) US Soccer continued to dig in its heels, until public revelation of their blatantly sexist and antiquated thinking cleared the stage for new leadership, creating the opportunity for real change. This fast-paced work balances the fight of the USWNT across decades with stories of individual players, placing it all in the context of the law, social attitudes, and the struggle for equal pay for women both within and beyond the United States. The inspiring unity of the women on the USWNT in their quest, knowing they were fighting not just for themselves but future generations, leaves a lasting impression. So, too, does the solidarity offered by others. All of it reinforces a profound yet matter-of-fact message to readers: No one’s worth should be defined or limited by their gender.

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist

A CCBC Choice

More than 250 women have played on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and most contributed to the battle for equal pay. This narrative nonfiction book by the award-winning author and journalist Elizabeth Rusch traces the evolution of that fight, bringing this important rights issue in sports and in our culture to the attention of young readers. Features extensive back matter.

With the passage of Title IX in 1972, the doors opened for young women to play sports at a higher level. But for the women on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, being able to compete at an international level didn’t mean fair treatment and fair compensation.

From economy-class airplane seats and inadequate lodging to minimal marketing and slashed wages, the women representing the United States at the Olympics, the World Cup, and other tournaments had reason to be fed up. They were expected to—and did—win, but they weren’t compensated for their talent and dedication. With the help of their union and in collaboration with the men’s team, they secured an equitable contract in 2022 that ultimately benefited both national teams as well as athletes of the future.

Elizabeth Rusch’s A Greater Goal chronicles how members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team fought to receive fair treatment and equal pay despite the intense pushback they received from U.S. Soccer, the governing body of soccer in the United States. With a narrative that includes player profiles and vignettes framed from team member perspectives, A Greater Goal illuminates the work, support, and grit needed to be treated with equality in a world that often undervalues the contributions of women.

Features extensive back matter, including a call to action, additional resources, and an index.