Megan Rapinoe kneels for national anthem before U.S. friendly vs. Thailand

U.S. women’s national soccer team midfielder Megan Rapinoe knelt for the national anthem Thursday before playing Thailand in her first on-field appearance since a National Women’s Soccer League game Sept. 7.

Rapinoe did not start the game but entered along with four other substitutions at the start of the second half with the U.S. leading 4-0. Rapinoe took one shot, and the U.S. won 9-0.

On Sept. 4, Rapinoe became the first active non-black professional athlete to show support for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s cause by kneeling during The Star Spangled Banner prior to a game with the Seattle Reign.

Three days later she planned to kneel again, but the host Washington Spirit circumvented her wishes by playing the anthem before the teams were on the field. That night the Spirit released a statement that read, "In light of Seattle Reign and U.S. Women’s National Team member Megan Rapinoe’s public declaration that she intended to 'take a knee’ during the United States’ national anthem tonight, we decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent."

Rapinoe said she was "saddened" by the Spirit’s move.

In a statement Thursday night, U.S. Soccer said: "Representing your country is a privilege and honor for any player or coach that is associated with U.S. Soccer's National Team. Therefore, our national anthem has particular significance for U.S. Soccer. In front of national and often global audiences, the playing of our national anthem is an opportunity for our Men's and Women's National Team players and coaches to reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country.

"As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the National Anthem is played."

"I'm very proud to pull on this shirt and play for this country, and also represent my country in a different way in speaking out for people that are oppressed," Rapinoe told ESPN after the game.

Thursday’s international friendly against Thailand in Columbus, Ohio, was also midfielder Heather O’Reilly’s final game after 15 years with the women’s national team, a span that included three World Cup and three Olympic appearances.

Prior to the game, coach Jill Ellis said on ESPN that she wanted to keep the spotlight on O’Reilly but that she had several conversations with Rapinoe and understood her feelings on the anthem protest. Ellis said she believes in a "team-first" environment and would address the matter with Rapinoe again.

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