It seems that every former United States Women’s National Team player has something to say these days. The culture of excellence that’s come with winning four World Cups and the expectations that come with it have led to a lot of criticism for what many have viewed as lackluster play from the 2023 team.
After a rather forgettable group stage, in which the U.S. just barely advanced to the knockout round, they were ousted from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday. The U.S. saw their tournament run come to an end after losing a penalty shootout to Sweden. They had their chances, but ultimately scoring just four goals in four games eventually caught up to them in Melbourne. Unable to find the back of the net, Sweden inched out the U.S. 5-4 on penalty kicks.
Naturally, former USWNT reacted on social media, just as they have the entire world cup. Two-time World Cup champion Julie Foudy weighed in on the U.S. women’s loss to Sweden.
“I am gutted for this group,” Foudy wrote. “Just never could get the USA mojo going. Had a much better performance today but just not nearly good enough on so many levels at this World Cup.”
I am gutted for this group. Just never could get the USA mojo going. Had a much better performance today but just not nearly good enough on so many levels at this World Cup. #USWNT
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) August 6, 2023
Foudy isn’t entirely wrong, but it’s still a brutal response nonetheless. Though, she seemed to have a bit more sympathy for the team than other USWNT legends did.
[Julie Foudy on Twitter]
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.