“From the Suits, to the Dancing, to the Arrogance” – After Megan Rapinoe’s Penalty Miss, USWNT Bashed by Ex-MLS Great

The bar for success is getting higher in sports. Be it an athlete or a team, their every move or decision, every win, and every defeat is dissected and analyzed in the age of social media. If it is an influential team like USWNT, admired as the trendsetter in women’s soccer, the stakes are high. And their dismal USWNT campaign garnered heavy criticism all over.

After the likes of Donald Trump and Carli Lloyd, a former MLS superstar has joined the bandwagon. Herculez Gomez recently slammed the big-mouth USWNT and its players for not walking their talk. USWNT is a prime example of what happens when expectations falter, and dreams crumble. 

Herculez Gomez trashes USWNT

USWNT entered the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, and New Zealand pumped. It was their chance to achieve an unattainable, a three-peat in World Cup history. US soccer kicked off the preparations with an exciting promo video. All eyes were on the Stars and Stripes as they arrived in style for every game. The players were speaking about their chances.

Everything went well until the Sweden game. The World No. 3 ousted USWNT from the Round of 16 on penalties. Criticism crept in, especially towards superstars who spoke of winning the competition. The former USMNT star favored the criticism the team received. “All I have kept hearing from everybody who supports the USWNT is how great they were and how they were going to three-peat in this tournament,” Gomez said while speaking to ESPN. 

READ MORE: After Calling Out Megan Rapinoe and Co. USWNT Legend Carli Lloyd Gives a Shout-Out to 18YO Colombian Star for Consistent Achievements

He further denounced the team, saying, “From the suits to the dancing to the arrogance that we saw, that is all good and fine. I’m for it if you back it up. Because if you’re about it, you need to back it up, and that’s the problem. We wouldn’t be sitting here talking about this. Everybody like that’s great. I love dancing. That’s great. I love the sharp suits if you back it up, and when you don’t, you open yourself up to this type of criticism.”

Herculez Gomez didn’t hold back. The USWNT superstar who got the most slack was Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe is synonymous to outspoken. She is all about progress and equality. The OL Reign forward announced retirement before the tournament started and was sure of winning the trophy the third time. However, Rapinoe was the one who faltered at a crucial time by missing her penalty, paving the way for harsh criticism.

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When do you think the criticism surrounding the USWNT will stop?