BOYDS, Md. T.J. Clemmings Jersey . -- The Washington Spirit prevented Seattle midfielder Megan Rapinoe from kneeling again during the national anthem by altering its pregame ceremonies rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent.The National Womens Soccer League team moved up the anthem, playing it while the teams were off the field at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Wednesday.We decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent, the Spirit said in a statement. We understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night for our franchise.On Sunday before the Reigns match in Chicago, Rapinoe knelt during the anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick -- the San Francisco quarterback who has refused to stand during the anthem to protest racial injustice and minority oppression. Rapinoe said at the time she planned to continue to kneel.To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves, the Spirit said in the statement.Following the match, Rapinoe said she was saddened by the Spirits move.It was incredibly distasteful, four days before one of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event, The Washington Post quoted Rapinoe as saying.During the match, a group of supporters chanted Let Her Kneel!The Spirit said 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.Earlier Wednesday, the Reign said they were standing by Rapinoe. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoes action was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf, the Reign said. We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.Kaepernick drew attention when he remained seated on the bench before a preseason game against Green Bay. Last Thursday night in San Diego, he and safety Eric Reid knelt during the anthem before a preseason game against the Chargers.On Sunday night, Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem before the match against the Chicago Red Stars, in what she called a little nod to Kaepernick.I think its actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isnt. We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country, Rapinoe told the website American Soccer Now afterward.She went on to say: Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it. Its important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this. We dont need to be the leading voice, of course, but standing in support of them is something thats really powerful.The 31-year-old Rapinoe has been with the U.S. national team since 2006 and has played in two Womens World Cups and two Olympics. She has played for Seattle since 2013.Rapinoe injured her knee last December during training and required surgery, but played in the Rio Games. The United States, which had won three straight gold medals in the sport, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden.Since coming out in 2012, Rapinoe has been devoted advocate for LGBT rights and has worked with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and other organizations.Rapinoe also has been vocal about pay equity, and was among five national team players who lent their names to a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging wage discrimination. 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The Browns coaching search remains incomplete.Mauricio Pochettino says his Tottenham team believe they can win the Premier League but reckons they are fighting with Leicester and five other sides for the title. Spurs are second in the table, five points behind Claudio Ranieris side with seven games remaining, and lead north London rivals Arsenal in third by six points ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1.However, Pochettino has dismissed claims that the likes of Arsenal and the Manchester sides are out of the title race and says the top seven in the Premier League are realistic contenders. For me, at the moment, we are competing with different teams and not only Leicester, he said. Arsenal, Manchester City, United, West Ham and Southampton all have the possibility because mathematically it is possible.I think seven games is a lot. Its a lot of points and you never know what will happen in football.We always need to be focused in every game. It is not only a race between Leicester and us or Arsenal. There are a lot of teams involved. I am no politician. I am strong and friendly when I need to be but I am realistic. In football, a lot can happen. Pochettino explains why England are on the verge of something special We believe we can win the title but other teams have the possibility to fight with us and I am realistic.Despite that, Pochettino says Leicester are worthy leaders at this stage of the season after a remarkable campaign.We need to give credit to Leicester, he said. Today they are on the top because they deserve to be on the top. From the beginning of the season, they were fantastic. We cannot take the credit from them. Leicester celebrate after their 1-0 victory at Tottenham earlier this season We are in the position - a very good position - but we cannot compare with another team, in this case Leicester. Jalen Dalton Jersey. We need to fight in the last seven games and it is important for us to try to fight until the end of the season with the possibility to achieve big things.There is the chance to win the title and also to be in the top four, which would be a very big achievement for the club. Pochettino says Arsenal are not out of the title race Ahead of the Liverpool clash, Pochettino revealed Harry Kane is set to play without his face mask after leaving it off at training on Thursday. The striker has been wearing it for more than a month after breaking his nose against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup but has still scored six goals in that time for club and country.Its good because today he trained without the mask and this is good for him, Pochettino said. Its good because it always disturbs you a little bit to play with this on your face. Harry Kane should be without his face mask against Liverpool Jurgen Klopp began his time at Liverpool with a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane last October and, ahead of the return fixture this weekend, Pochettino called the German a great manager.He added: I am not at Liverpool so it is difficult to give my opinion [on how Klopp is adapting]. When you arrive in the middle of the season, you need to settle your ideas and that is always difficult. Jurgen Klopps first match in charge of Liverpool was against Tottenham You need your players to be available and to help you but it is difficult to give my opinion. But Klopp is a great manager and showed at a different club he had a good experience. He can develop his way. 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