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Women’s soccer has come a long way in the U.S. — and across the globe. In the U.S., the women’s game started out as barely a blip on the radar.
Did you know that on this day in 1985 the United States Women’s National team played their first-ever match? The team played their inaugural match against Italy’s national team in Jesolo, Italy.
Here's to the incredible women who paved the way!
#OTD 1985: The #USWNT played it's first-ever match, facing off against Italy in Jesolo, Italy. pic.twitter.com/nuJB0B0Knu— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) August 18, 2020
The USWNT gained a large following after the ‘99ers squad won the World Cup and captured the hearts of the American people. Players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became the face of U.S. women’s soccer.
Fewer people know of FIFA Female Player of the Century Michelle Akers. She was on that first USWNT squad and scored the team’s first-ever goal back in ‘85. Akers then went on to help the team win the 1991 and the 1999 World Cups. The dynasty came from humble beginnings. Akers spoke with FIFA about that tournament, saying the women spent the night before “sewing the letters U-S-A on to their jerseys” — cast offs from the men’s team.
The @USWNT played its 1st-ever match 35 years ago #OnThisDay
The legendary @MichelleAkers10 recalls the team's humble beginnings - from being outplayed on the field to sewing badges on men's hand-me-downs off ithttps://t.co/MbUAz6weeWpic.twitter.com/SPs4gjqWaR
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 18, 2020
The tournament resulted in a tie and three losses for the squad. The first match was a 1-0 loss to the host nation on August 18, 1985. In the second match, Akers made history. She scored the first-ever USWNT goal against Denmark — the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
There are few moments in life that offer the opportunity to make history. And to be on the first USWNT, score the first USA goal, win the first ever WC etc is a privilege experienced by a rare few. It makes me feel both incredibly old & extremely honored https://t.co/MquPLjjdR4
— Michelle Akers (@MichelleAkers10) August 18, 2020
The team lost another two matches — 3-1 to England and 1-0 in a rematch against Denmark. After that, the team returned home to an uncertain future.
But the story doesn’t end there, obviously. The USWNT rose through the ranks over the years and is the dynasty we know it to be. None of that would have happened without the hard work from the ‘85 squad.
Another beauty born from the ‘85 squad is the ‘oosa-oosa-oosa-ah’ cheer before every match. Back in Italy, during the team's first match, Italian fans began cheering for the USWNT. The fans pronounced ‘USA’ like ‘OOSA’ and thus a tradition began.
Happy Birthday, @USWNT! First international game was played 35 years ago, and a pregame tradition was born. Love ya. pic.twitter.com/GKjQp7RVMa
— Jimena Panduro (@jimemaud) August 18, 2020
Our gals wouldn’t be our gals today if the ‘85 team hadn’t sacrificed so much and worked so hard. A lot of props go to the ‘99ers for their contributions to the game — and rightfully so, they were also amazing — but the ‘85 team deserves some more recognition. The Italians back on that day saw the greatness that was being made. And the greatness hasn't stopped. The USWNT has come a long way thanks to that OG squad.
