Alex Morgan Aug 1, 2023; Auckland, NZL; United States forward Alex Morgan (13) reacts after a play during the second half a group stage match against Portugal during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

From Carli Lloyd to Alexi Lalas and everyone else in between, analysts and pundits have been extremely critical of the United States Women’s National Team. They have yet to live up to the expectations set for them in this year’s 2023 Women’s World Cup, and they’ve certainly been made aware of the criticism, especially when it’s coming from those like Lloyd, a USWNT legend herself.

This week, Lloyd absolutely blasted the team for their mentality, particularly after watching players dance and celebrate on the field following a near-loss to Portugal on Tuesday. 

Ahead of the team’s match against Sweden on Sunday, U.S. co-captain Alex Morgan was asked about the fans and pundits in the United States that have been extremely tough on the national team for not meeting expectations.

“We want to continue to prove ourselves right,” Morgan said, via Fox Sports. “I don’t blame people for holding a high standard [for us]. …

“We still want to stay on top, but we have to prove that time and time again, and we have to be able to show that [Sunday].”

They certainly have a lot to prove Sunday. But if they’re able to get past the World’s No. 3 ranked team in Sweden, even with a lackluster start to the tournament, Morgan and her teammates may have a chance to prove some pundits wrong.

[Fox Sports]

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.