Rose Lavelle was in uniform for the Washington Spirit on Wednesday in Houston for a National Women’s Soccer League match critical to her team’s pursuit of a playoff berth. However, she did not start or enter in the second half of a scoreless draw that begged for her dynamic presence.
The reason had nothing to do with an injury. The U.S. World Cup star had, in fact, returned last weekend from a month-long absence caused by a concussion and did not experience any setbacks.
Rather, the U.S. Soccer Federation, which employs the national team players, recommended to the Spirit last week that Lavelle should not play in Houston because of physical and travel demands.