LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The alleged systemic abuse in the National Women's Soccer League uncovered by the bombshell U.S. Soccer investigation is both "infuriating and unacceptable," Racing Louisville FC players said in a statement released Saturday.

Players from the professional soccer club, including Savannah DeMelo, Emina Ekic and Lauren Milliet shared the statement on social media Saturday afternoon. The full statement reads:

"We, the players of Racing Louisville, are deeply saddened and horrified by the findings of U.S. Soccer's investigation as detailed in the Sally Yates report. We commend and support our former teammate, Erin Simon, and the other courageous players that have come forward and shed light on the systemic abuse in women's soccer. Their bravery and resilience have inspired us and so many others to use their voices to demand change.

We hope the NWSL and NWSLPA joint investigation will continue to uncover the remaining truths we deserve and demand. The conclusion of this investigation will give us much needed insight and recommendations on the future of our club. The systemic abuse that has plagued this league for far too long is both infuriating and unacceptable. No human being should ever feel unsafe in their work environment. The fact that this abuse and harassment occurred within our club is an unimaginable horror. We expect the club's full cooperation in the ongoing investigation, as silence is no longer an option.

To our fans and community, we want to thank you for your continued support and love during this difficult time. While we understand your outrage, we urge you to continue to stand behind the players as we await the results of the investigation. The past few days have been emotionally exhausting as players across the league relive past traumas. However, the overwhelming support has strengthened our resolve to vehemently demand solutions for change and a better future for all those who come after us."

The statement comes days after the nearly 200-page investigation commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and led by former U.S. Attorney Sally Yates was released on Monday. The scathing report details how emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the NWSL, impacting multiple teams, coaches and players, including alleged abuse by former Louisville coach Christy Holly.

It recounts an April 2021 encounter between Holly and a player, Erin Simon, who now plays in Europe. Holly invited her to watch game film with him and allegedly told her that for every pass she messed up, he was going to touch her. Simon told investigators Holly "pushed his hands down her pants and up her shirt."

Simon, now with Leicester City, said too many athletes suffer in silence because they are afraid they won't be heard.

"I know because that is how I felt," the 28-year-old said in a statement. "Through many difficult days, my faith alone sustained me and kept me going. I want to do everything in my power to ensure that no other player must experience what I did."

Holly was terminated for cause but Racing Louisville declined to publicly state the reason. Yates' report noted that Racing did not provide investigators with details about Holly's employment, citing mutual nondisclosure and non-disparagement clauses.

James O’Connor, president of Racing Louisville and Louisville City FC, said the club would cooperate with the ongoing NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigation and welcomed any recommendations to improve the organization in a statement released Wednesday.

More than 200 people were interviewed by investigators. Some two dozen entities and individuals provided documents. U.S. Soccer also provided documents and the firm reviewed 89,000 deemed likely to be relevant.

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone called the findings "heartbreaking and deeply troubling."