Former USA men’s soccer captain Alexi Lalas shared his thoughts on the USWNT after their loss to Sweden over the weekend. Lalas blamed a lot of things, but the main reason he thought they lost was their stance on certain political issues.
The former USMNT star tweeted this out:
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. https://t.co/J5yFxOuBet
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 6, 2023
“Don’t kill the messenger. This #USWNT is polarizing,” said Lalas. “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.”
He’s not the only one who feels this way. A lot of conservatives took glee in the USWNT losing, including Donald Trump, who basically echoed what Lalas was saying.
Trump posted on his Truth Social site, “Woke equals fear,” when Megan Rapinoe missed a penalty shot.
But other people felt as if Alexi was way out of line and expressed their thoughts on social media.
Some fans came for Alexi Lalas after his comments on the USWNT, and few even reminded his lack of success with the men’s team.
I so wish you would become irrelevant. Just like your USMNT career.
— Chelsea McGuigan (@cmcguigs) August 7, 2023
Jesus. Please go do literally anything else with your life.
— Ploo and Orange (@PlooandOrange) August 7, 2023
Some fans, however, stood with Lalas and agree with his words about USWNT.
Oh my god, I actually liked an Alexi Lalas post.
— Alberto berry (@Albertico_ya) August 7, 2023
I have two girls who are getting into soccer & appreciating the more nuanced aspects of the game. We are trying to get them to watch the World Cup to improve their enjoyment and understanding.
This squad was not a good example on or off the field compared to those in years past
— Kyle Beckley (@Kyle_Beckley) August 7, 2023
But the overall feeling is that Lalas should have kept his mouth shut and been a little bit more supportive of the women’s team.
In the end the fact remains they are the only ones that have won a World Cup in the US. Not the men and more little girls have started playing bec of them not the men.
— Kathia Woods (@kathia_woods) August 7, 2023
