Proud of players for even being on field vs. England after 'extremely difficult week'

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The United States women's national coach said he was proud of his players for being on the field after they lost to England at Wembley Stadium.

Sally Yates released a report on Monday detailing abuse within the National Women's Soccer League.

He was full of praise for the mentality of his team.

"Obviously, it's been an extremely difficult week for everyone and I'm proud of the players for even being on the field and playing the game," he stated. It was difficult.

Some of them who were in the environment to see and experience everything they went through, I applaud their bravery. They showed that they can still play the game that they love. I hope we don't have to go through that again.

The U.S. was beaten by England in front of a sell out crowd at Wembley. Sophia Smith scored for the U.S., which was also controversially denied a second goal when the video assistant referee ruled there had been an obstruction in the build up.

The game was much more than that.

The English and USWNT players came together before the game to show their support for victims of sexual abuse.

Wembley's arch was lit teal for 15 minutes before the game, while the players held a banner saying protect the players. The teams wore teal in a show of support.

The players got together and had a banner in front of them.

The fans applauded the moment and gave me goosebumps. The players did an incredible job in using this game and event as a platform to fight against sexual violence and it was a statement that we have to stop.

It was very important. We all wanted to support one another. These situations are terrible. The victims have to live with it for the rest of their lives. It shouldn't continue.

We need to make sure that it doesn't happen anymore because people are speaking up and it is very strong.

You can't just let things go when they happen. We use this momentum to spread the word that it is unacceptable and horrible.

Megan Rapinoe spoke on the eve of the match and said she was "emotionally exhausted" after processing the report and called for accountability for those who were involved in covering up the abuse.

Rapinoe praised the USWNT team for how they dealt with the report and continued to do their job.