Washington Spirit prevent Megan Rapinoe from 'hijacking' event by playing anthem before players took field

The Washington Spirit thwarted Seattle Reign’s Megan Rapinoe from taking a knee during the national anthem again by moving up the pre-game ceremonies rather than "subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent."

Players were caught off guard by the National Women's Soccer League team's intentional decision to play "The Star-Spangled Banner" earlier than usual at the Maryland SoccerPlex thus denying Rapinoe another chance to continue her anthem protest by kneeling during the song.

But in doing so, the Spirit's tactical move also denied the other players from honoring the flag before their 7 pm match.

In a statement, the Spirit, which plays in Boyds, Maryland, went on to call Rapinoe’s protest a “method of hijacking our organization’s event to draw attention to what is ultimately a personal — albeit worthy cause."

Washington Spirit's statement on decision to play anthem before #NWSL players come out: pic.twitter.com/G0llKp0uMl

— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) September 7, 2016

Rapinoe told the Washington Post that the Spirit’s statement was in poor taste, especially considering the language used and the timing — just a few days before the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

“It was incredibly distasteful. Four days before one of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event,” she said.

The Spirit countered by saying team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who has lost friends in overseas conflicts, as had his close friends.

"The tradition of honoring our military and our patriotism before our games is very important to us," the statement said. "We strongly feel that there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is so important to so many."

This is sure to throw fuel on a firestorm issue that has many pros and cons on each side.

Oh yeah. The Spirit went on to win, 2-1.

US Soccer president defends Hope Solo playing despite domestic violence charges: Report

U.S. Soccer defended its decision to allow goalkeeper Hope Solo to continue to play for the women's national team while she faces domestic violence charges.

The 33-year-old Solo is charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault in Washington state stemming from an altercation with her sister-in-law and 17-year-old nephew in June — but is still allowed to compete.

In a statement issued Monday night, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the federation would stand by its decision to allow due process to take its course before ruling on Solo's national team status.

"From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo's status with the National Team," Gulati said. "Based on that information, U.S. Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds. If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it."

The statement was issued hours after U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive Scott Blackmun called the allegations against Solo "disturbing and inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians," but he stopped short of saying she should face immediate disciplinary action from the team.

And contrary to a seemingly double-standard which applies for male athletes in the NFL charged with the same crime.

"We have had discussions with U.S. Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true," Blackmun told USA Today Sports in an email. "Abuse in all forms is unacceptable."

Solo, who has been with the national team since 2000 and recently set the team record for the most shutouts last week, continues to play for the United States in meaningless exhibition matches and with her National Women's Soccer League team, the Seattle Reign, following her arrest.

Gulati said Monday the organization will let her play until the legal matter is settled.

Solo has pleaded not guilty and the case is scheduled for trial on November 4. She faces up to six months in jail if convicted.