nytimes.com
Veteran NWSL Midfielder Earns First USWNT Call-Up at 32
Lo'eau LaBonta, a 32-year-old midfielder for the Kansas City Current, received her first USWNT call-up for friendlies against China and Jamaica, highlighting a strategy of balancing youth and experience in a tournament off-year. This follows her consistent, high-level play for the Current, where she improved her tackle win-rate from 45.9 percent in 2021 to 62.2 percent in 2025.
- What long-term implications could LaBonta's inclusion have on the USWNT's midfield strategy and team dynamics?
- LaBonta's inclusion could significantly impact team dynamics, providing a veteran leader and experienced midfielder. Her unique style and energy could boost team morale. The impact of her call-up will depend on her performance in training and matches, potentially leading to a more permanent role on the team if she impresses the coaching staff. Her presence also signifies the USWNT's willingness to look beyond the usual pool of players for talented individuals.
- How did injuries, roster decisions, and the upcoming off-year in the tournament cycle contribute to LaBonta's selection?
- LaBonta's call-up reflects USWNT coach Emma Hayes' strategy of balancing youth and experience, particularly given injuries to key players and the upcoming off-year in the tournament cycle. This approach, also evident in the use of overage players in under-23 friendlies, allows for experimentation and player development. LaBonta's strong performance in the NWSL, including a significant improvement in her tackle win-rate and demonstrated leadership qualities, contributed to her selection.
- What is the significance of Lo'eau LaBonta's late call-up to the USWNT, and what immediate impact might this have on the team?
- At 32, Lo'eau LaBonta received her first USWNT call-up after a consistent performance with the Kansas City Current. This call-up is notable due to LaBonta's age and her unique goal celebrations, adding a veteran presence to a team with many younger players. She's known for her leadership and strong defensive abilities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is clearly framed around LaBonta's impressive late-career call-up. The headline (not provided, but inferred) would likely highlight this aspect, and the introduction immediately establishes her age and the unusual nature of her selection. While this makes for an engaging story, it risks overshadowing other important aspects of the USWNT situation, such as the overall team strategy or the contributions of other players.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and positive, though the descriptive phrases such as "five-foot fireball" and "infectious energy" lean towards a celebratory and admiring tone. These are not inherently biased, but do contribute to a largely positive portrayal of LaBonta. The article's overall tone is overwhelmingly favorable, but given the context of her late-career call-up, this is not necessarily inappropriate.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on LaBonta's journey and contributions, but provides limited detail on other players in the USWNT midfield pool beyond mentioning a few names. While this is understandable given the focus on LaBonta's unique story, a broader overview of the midfield competition and the selection rationale for other players might provide a more complete picture. The article does mention injuries and the under-23 friendlies in Germany as contributing factors to LaBonta's call-up, but more nuanced explanation of the team's overall selection process would be beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the call-up of Lo'eau LaBonta to the US women's national soccer team at age 32, showcasing that women can achieve success in professional sports later in their careers and challenging gender stereotypes. This contributes to the positive portrayal of women in sports and promotes gender equality. The inclusion of multiple women athletes of different ages further underscores this.