Mix Diskerud Responds To Abby Wambach’s Comments On Foreign-Born Players

After her final game with the United States National Team, Abby Wambach was a guest on Bill Simmon‘s podcast, where she took aim at USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann and his inclusion of foreign-born players.

“He hasn’t really focused, I feel, enough attention on the youth programs. Although he says he has, I don’t think that he has,” Wambach said. “The way that he has brought in a bunch of these foreign guys is not something I believe in wholeheartedly. I don’t believe in it. I don’t believe in it in my heart. And I love [Germany-born] Jermaine Jones, I love watching him play, and I love Fabian Johnson, and he plays in Germany and is actually killing it right now.”

In international soccer, national eligibility can be determined by place of birth or familial heritage. A player is free to play for any country he or she is eligible to represent, but is bound to that choice after making a single senior appearance. This can lead to issues as some feel a player may not truly belong to and represent the country they play for.

United States Men’s midfielder Mix Diskerud, for example, was born to an American mother in Norway. While he grew up in Europe, he is a United States national in soccer.

“Wow Abby,” he captioned an Instagram post. “I guess there are pros and cons in limiting the base for selection. 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,” he continued.

“I know we’re not quite equal. 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”

 

Photo: Mix Diskerud #10 of the United States dribbles past Carlos Lobaton #16 of Peru in the second half during an international friendly at RFK Stadium on September 4, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)