Washington Spirit

[Anonymous]

Let's go Spirit!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

What if the player is good enough?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

What if the player is good enough?

Many are good enough.. most are good enough. They will not retire wealthy from pro soccer. They will very likely have a very productive life with a college degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

What if the player is good enough?

Many are good enough.. most are good enough. They will not retire wealthy from pro soccer. They will very likely have a very productive life with a college degree.

College may be easier after any playing days are over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

Her mom took to social media to complain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

That player left Duke for the pros after what? 1 year. Interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

It actually looks like their daughter is better. It actually looks like the owners can do whatever they want. It actually looks like AP needs to step down to Gainesbridge and develop a bit more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

What if owner’s daughter is better? She has a better resume and played a year in college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

What if owner’s daughter is better? She has a better resume and played a year in college.

She tore her ACL. Doesn't matter now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chloe Ricketts starts and should be credited with a goal

Glad she is on the field and playing well now.

Choe Ricketts contract was not renewed by the Washington Spirit. Sad to see how she was advised by parents and adults around her. Her options going forward are limited and she is 18.

Why are her options limited? What's preventing her from signing with another team or going international? Your view seems limited.

The obvious thing limiting her options is that the Spirit didn’t think she was good enough to offer her a contract. That’s after watching her up close for years. International is a possibility or maybe the other local pro team DC Power. Is college still an option or did she become ineligible when she signed a pro contract.

She can go to college. She can't play for a college soccer team.

I’ll bet her parents are wishing they just kept her in school. Could have gone to a top college with a nice soccer scholarship.

Like many soccer parents they were told and believed she was better than she actually was. But my daughter is different.

This player is still on the Spirit roster, practicing and did play, score a goal in that match against the Central American club ... Yes, she's not starting/second string but she clearly got game for a young player. We should wish her well wherever she lands next.

Ricketts traded to Houston for the rest of the year and then goes to Boston to try and play for a new NWSL team next year.

Still in NWSL. Seems like probably still better than college -- with money in her pocket and with experience far ahead of all her peers.

I would disagree. She was way to young to make this decision and live on her own. Maybe she's happy as can be and made some decent money, I have no idea...I'm just coming at this as a parent. Not playing at all, generally sits the bench and is only rostered because it's in her contract until she turns 18 so the Spirit had no choice. Now that they had a choice she got dumped for a 15K transfer fee and will move to Houston for a month for 2 games that she probably won't play in...though it looks like Houston is out of the playoffs, so maybe she'll get some minutes. Then moves to Boston to join the new team hoping to start over. I did watch her play on her age group national team and she was not very good against girls her own age. It's impossible to project players, but this was a total whiff by all involved. She is very small, completely out of her depth and while this is a harsh opinion, that's what I think.

She doesn't live on her own. She's been living with family who collectively supported her decision to go after her dream -- which continues. Any player can find themselves on the bench at any level, including college, be for injury or change in coaches (which both happened at the Spirit). From an FAQ on her website from when she started her pro contract:

"What about college? She`s going to miss out on a college scholarship and the whole college experience.

"It was a lengthy decision to choose the professional path but in the end, that`s been Chloe`s objective ever since she started playing soccer. She won`t get a "scholarship" but college will be paid for nonetheless. What if she got hurt in college and that end her dream completely. Chloe plays with a lot of highly developed technical skills and can play at the professional level now... so why not?

"After she graduates high school (which she`s taking on-line now), she`ll attend college on-line like so many students do today even if they have the choice between on-line and brick and mortar. Both her brother and sister attend "regular" college and each only have one class with a "classroom"."

She barely played however many years she was here. None of your on-line class comparisons can compare to her playing in the ACC for a couple of years and developing in so many ways while she was still a kid. The top ACC teams can compete if not beat some of these NWSL team. Hype her all you want. She's tiny and has not developed (she doesn't play). I'm sure she is a wonderful kid and happy with her decision. That's not the point I'm making.

It's not hype that she played/practiced with some of the best players in the world and made some money doing it, including an endorsement deal and got to be a fan favorite. What would the alternative have been? Paying to play club and your own way to travel until now when she'd just be a freshmen in college? Before signing, she already had played USL (scoring goals and doing well) and played for many top GA and ECNL clubs. I think the thinking was there wasn't anything more for her at those levels. And she is playing on her age USYNT. Someone said she's not measuring up but she's out there competing and getting minutes. Why is it a disappointment if someone isn't dominating?

So, yeah, she didn't really break through on the Spirit but she hasn't washed out of the league yet, either, and has another opportunity to become a regular in the top women's pro league. I think it's too soon to say it's a cautionary tale or failure.

Not sure why you are defending a decision that is a blatant fail from a soccer perspective. Total marketing stunt. Do you realize the NWSL is expanding and bringing in international players and how many good young players that are coming out of college next year? The women's EPL is exploding...the NWSL needs to compete...she has little to no chance of being a regular in any professional league that pays real dollars.

Then she would have not gotten a second contract. She's ahead of all those college players. Someone who is professional soccer talent evaluator is betting she'll keep developing and be a valuable player. As a previous poster said, the current Spirit is strong and deep. This is professional sports. Some talented players make it, some don't. No one seems to be throwing the Thompson sisters any shade for going pro before most do. There are now multiple pathways for women pros. They don't have to play college OR live in a system where you have pay-to-play for ALL of their teen years. Who's really the smarter ones?

She’s ahead of all college players is a wild take. You should watch more college soccer.

Ricketts wasn’t even the best player in her age the last 2 years in the DMV.

Then those kids maybe are missing out. Maybe they should try to sign with the NWSL instead of college. Seems like there are plenty of spots with expansion. College isn't for everybody. Not sure why all the push back is needed. Kid did well for herself and is talented and followed her dreams. She wouldn't be on the U20 team if she wasn't OR still playing in the pros.

Hi, Chloe's mom!!!

Kids turn it down and go to college for a year or two because they have responsible parents.

Alex Pfeiffer from KC Current not offered new contract at 18 years old. Looks bad when owners keep their daughter of the same age.

That player left Duke for the pros after what? 1 year. Interesting.

Because her parents purchased a team. She's not a great player. Is she good? Maybe but it does not matter. She's a nepo baby. She will be an NWSL player as long as her parents own that team.

100% she'd be released from the other teams in the league. Better players than her have been let go by teams their mommy and daddy don't own. She should have stayed at Duke and had her parents strong arm the student paper into writing a beautiful public interest story about her.