The American Women’s National Team bowed out unceremoniously at the World Cup on Sunday, marking the earliest exit in their history and leaving many fans wondering what happened. The team seemed distracted and lethargic and appeared to think they could just show up and steamroll the rest of the world. They were sorely mistaken, and US Womens Soccer now has a black eye because of it.
It is difficult to lay blame for the stunning disappointment, as so many people were culpable for the loss. However, there were too numerous factors to lay blame on any one thing. Suffice it to say, the failure was a team failure, and one the international soccer community won’t soon forget.
Many in the sports world and elsewhere have weighed in on the loss, with former President Trump and Franklin Graham pointing out what even the casual fan knows; the team was too interested in social issues and outside distractions.
Spearheaded by ultra-leftist Megan Rapinoe, the USWNT was anything but focused on soccer. From the raging debate about pay equity to high-profile appearances bemoaning Roe V Wade and the transgender sports issue, Rapinoe led this team in every conceivable direction.
Ultimately it led to their demise, and now America is left to wait until 2027 for a crack at redemption. In the meantime, hopefully, the remaining players and coaches will heed the critics. Among the most recent to weigh in is former Men’s star Alexi Lalas.
Lalas, now a broadcaster at Fox Sports, had a harsh reality check for the ladies. He said: “Don’t kill the messenger. This #USWNT is polarizing. Politics, causes, stances, & behavior have made this team unlikeable to a portion of America. This team has built its brand and has derived its power from being the best/winning. If that goes away they risk becoming irrelevant.”
It is an indisputable fact that a large portion of the American fan base was disillusioned by the antics of this team. Carli Lloyd, herself a World Cup winner, ripped the team for their behavior after a scoreless tie against Portugal. She said: “I have never witnessed something like that. There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family. But to be dancing, to be smiling. I mean, the player of the match was that post. You were lucky to not be going home right now.”
Obviously, the criticism fell on deaf ears, as the team bowed out in the round of 16 shortly thereafter. Megan Rapinoe, who missed badly on her shootout kick against Sweden, smiled and hung her head after her last act as a professional soccer player, prompting harsh criticism. She replied: “That’s like a sick, sick joke. I’ve never hit it over, when I miss they are saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face. I’m like, ‘You’ve got to be f–king kidding me.’ I’m going to miss a penalty?’ Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.”
Perhaps her miss was emblematic of her eroded skillset and a demonstration of the poor coaching that allowed the team to be in that position, to begin with. Either way, it is a stinging end to a career that has been tainted by activism for Rapinoe and a disappointing loss for a group of women that should have ample chances at redemption.
The real question is, can they focus on soccer? Without the distraction of Megan Rapinoe, the Women’s team should be able to refocus on exactly why they are getting equal pay and redeem themselves and their country.
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