Lawmakers congratulate US women’s soccer team on winning opening World Cup match

Members of Congress celebrated the U.S. Women’s soccer team following an impressive 13-0 victory over Thailand’s team during their first match at the 2019 World Cup.

A number of lawmakers took to Twitter to cheer the team’s win in the match Tuesday afternoon, which broke a World Cup record for margin of victory.

“Fantastic win for @USWNT in their first game of the Women’s World Cup! I’m cheering them on from DC today, but of course @USRepKCastor and I are ready if they need a sub!” tweeted Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Fla.).

Fantastic win for @USWNT in their first game of the Women’s World Cup! I’m cheering them on from DC today, but of course @USRepKCastor and I are ready if they need a sub! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/fj4lmzlhG4

— Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@RepDMP) June 11, 2019

“Congratulations Team #USA on today’s win against Thailand and the kick off to this year’s Women’s World Cup. #FIFAWWC #WWC2019” added Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.).

Congratulations Team #USA on today’s win against Thailand and the kick off to this year’s Women’s World Cup. #FIFAWWC #WWC2019 https://t.co/4t2Yxel9rg

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) June 11, 2019

Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) contributed to the victory celebrations by tweeting 13 soccer ball emojis.

Literally No One:

USA Women’s Team: ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽#OneNationOneTeam https://t.co/jSVKoypaqG

— Rep. Susie Lee (@RepSusieLee) June 11, 2019

Some lawmakers, including Espaillat, used the win to call for equal pay, adding that the U.S. women’s soccer team should see their pay raised to that of members of the U.S. men’s soccer team, which has been comparatively less successful at the World Cup in recent years.{mosads}

Earlier this year, the women’s team sued the United States Soccer Federation, alleging gender discrimination largely tied to difference in pay.

“We hear you! We see you! We support you! Team #USA inspires us and countless young people around the world. You pack stadiums at home and around the world and deserve just as much support and our attention as your male counterparts as well as #EqualPay 100%,” Espaillat tweeted.

We hear you! We see you! We support you! Team #USA inspires us and countless young people around the world. You pack stadiums at home and around the world and deserve just as much support and our attention as your male counterparts as well as #EqualPay 100%… #FIFAWWC #WWC2019

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) June 11, 2019

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who is running for president in 2020, also joined the calls, tweeting: “Here’s an idea: If you win 13-0—the most goals for a single game in World Cup history—you should be paid at least equally to the men’s team.”

Here’s an idea: If you win 13-0—the most goals for a single game in World Cup history—you should be paid at least equally to the men’s team.

Congratulations, #USWNT!

— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 11, 2019

Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) tweeted that the team had given U.S. soccer authorities 13 reasons to raise their pay following Tuesday’s blowout match.

“As if there weren’t enough reasons the USWNT deserves #EqualPay, they just gave us 13 more,” she wrote. “Congrats to the @USWNT on their first of many wins of #WorldCup2019! I’m behind you in your fight for 1st place and your fight for #EqualPay.”

As if there weren’t enough reasons the USWNT deserves #EqualPay, they just gave us 13 more.

Congrats to the @USWNT on their first of many wins of #WorldCup2019! I’m behind you in your fight for 1st place and your fight for #EqualPay.https://t.co/qwEsKcSGUG

— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) June 11, 2019