Football
ESPN staff 8y

U.S.' Mix Diskerud responds to Abby Wambach about foreign-born players

United States midfielder Mix Diskerud hit back at Abby Wambach on Thursday, a day after the retired U.S. women's star criticised men's coach Jurgen Klinsmann for bringing in "a bunch of these foreign guys."

"Wow Abby," Diskerud wrote on Instagram. "I guess there are pros and cons in limiting the base for selection."

Wambach, the all-time leading international goal scorer, told the Bill Simmons podcast that she believed Klinsmann was not spending enough time developing domestic youth programs while giving playing time to foreign-born players and dual nationals.

Diskerud has an American mother but was born and raised in Norway. He made his U.S. debut under Klinsmann's predecessor, Bob Bradley, in 2010.

In a post that sometimes veered into political territory, the New York City FC player accused Wambach of trying to "disenfranchise" U.S. players who were not raised in the United States, a subsection he referred to as "our group."

"You have just singled out a few of us. But why? Why are we your single oddballs?"

"Think about who you try to disenfranchise. Because if you see us as the group to disenfranchise, then at least let it be known who we are.

"Stats and history will show -- 'our group' has more than others produced volunteer and defending soldiers for what, by us, is willingly chosen and gathered to be worth protecting: Your nation. Wish you would accept it as ours too."

Diskerud suggested the only difference between foreign-born Americans and those born in the U.S. is that the latter can serve as president of the country -- a statement that may not be true in all cases.

"I know we're not quite equal," he continued. "From 'your group of people' the country's Commander in Chief need to be selected. However, other than that -- you and I share something not unique, but constitutionally earned, a birthright to defend this nation as an American.

"Wherever we go. Led by whoever has earned, by democratic process, his/her right to lead, on or off the field, in peace, in war, in practice, or in any other kind of pursuit of your happiness.

"Enjoy your retirement. But stay active. We all need you. Oddballs or not. Mix"

^ Back to Top ^