Founding Futbol

Chapter Nine: The First US Women's National Team (with Emily Pickering Harner)

Episode Summary

In 1985, the United States finally assembled its first women’s national team. It was a critical step in moving this country towards international relevance – just not the way so many had anticipated. With the men’s team still struggling to gain traction, and the rapid emergence of women’s stars at the college level, a US Women’s National Team had the chance to become immediately relevant both nationally and internationally.  The initial journey was bumpy but the results of the first USWNT games launched players like Michelle Akers to super stardom and showed the world that the US could compete internationally. It was the beginning of America’s first truly great international success in the soccer world.  Our guest on this episode is former USWNT player Emily Pickering Harner, who is credited with assisting the first goal ever scored by the women’s national team, and scoring the second.  Emily also served as the captain of the team in 1986 and beyond. She was a four-time national champion at UNC.  Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America. Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com Subscribe to Founding Futbol on your platform of choice. Host: Kent Malmros Guest: Emily Pickering Harner (Former USWNT player) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Notes

In 1985, the United States finally assembled its first women’s national team. It was a critical step in moving this country towards international relevance – just not the way so many had anticipated. With the men’s team still struggling to gain traction, and the rapid emergence of women’s stars at the college level, a US Women’s National Team had the chance to become immediately relevant both nationally and internationally. 

The initial journey was bumpy but the results of the first USWNT games launched players like Michelle Akers to super stardom and showed the world that the US could compete internationally. It was the beginning of America’s first truly great international success in the soccer world. 

Our guest on this episode is former USWNT player Emily Pickering Harner, who is credited with assisting the first goal ever scored by the women’s national team, and scoring the second.  Emily also served as the captain of the team in 1986 and beyond. She was a four-time national champion at UNC. 

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.

Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com

Subscribe to Founding Futbol on your platform of choice.

Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Emily Pickering Harner (Former USWNT player)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices