I think we're at the point in our society where there are very few places that gender needs to be called out for women but not for men (or vice-versa). To continue to do so reinforces increasingly (if not completely) obsolete models of what is "normal" vs "abnormal" (or "primary" vs "secondary"). It's something to think about in #writing , whether as a journalist or in fiction.
World Cup Soccer Stats Erase The Sport’s Most Dominant Players: Women
There are few sporting events I get as excited about as the World Cup. I played soccer in high school, in the NCAA, and for five years post-college, including two glorious years in the Golden Gate Women’s League, Premier Division. What the U.S. Men’s National Team has accomplished is extraordinary, with a second consecutive appearance in the knock-out round and incredible teamwork and fortitude against four formidable opponents.