“It Was a Bad Performance” – USMNT Legend Voices Dissatisfaction With USWNT, Despite Inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup Triumph

The USWNT proved all the doubters wrong and etched its name on the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup trophy. Pundits and veterans alike had predicted the US team’s doom after they lost a group match against Mexico. But they stood their ground against Canada, facing adverse weather in the SF. Thereafter, Twila Kilgore’s side outclassed Brazil, who shattered its opponents en route to the final. Nevertheless, ex-USMNT defender Alexi Lalas thinks the women’s team lacks “ruthlessness,” implying they are yet to fully bounce back from last year’s FIFA World Cup exit.

Lalas stressed that the USWNT is still in transition. Anyhow, youngsters like Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith are spearheading the transition. With 4 goals in her credit, Shaw won the W Gold Cup’s Golden Ball award.

Alexi Lalas insists the USWNT should do better, despite winning the W Gold Cup

In reply to one of Alexi Lalas’ tweets, a user asked the ex-star what were the learnings from the USWNT’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup win. “I thought it was a bad performance and a good result,” said Alexi Lalas. Soon, the veteran laid bare the US team’s persistent struggles. “It’s a USWNT still in transition that lacks ruthlessness, direction, and identity. But winning is much better than losing….in my professional opinion,” he added. Notably, the US side’s struggles in their post-World Cup phase got them exposed in the group-stage clash against Mexico.

They outplayed the US in all aspects of the game, including ball possession and goal attempts. Mexico maintained a clean sheet while sending two goals into the US team’s net. Thereafter, in the game against Canada, even though the USWNT had more possession and more goal attempts, they conceded goals in crucial moments to push the game to penalties. Even the triumphant final against Brazil saw the USWNT have less possession and attempts. Such factors might have upset Alexi Lalas. Nonetheless, another piece of silverware now awaits the US to prove every critic wrong.

Team USA to chase another title in a month

Having won the last 4 editions of the SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT now aims for a 5th consecutive title, as they face Japan in the tournament’s SF on April 06. If won, the US team will face the winner of the Brazil-Canada SF. Hence, if the USWNT plays in the final, either opponent will be looking for revenge after the losses in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

Furthermore, the USWNT’s star players will be heavily engaged with the opening few games of the 2024 NWSL season shortly before heading to the SheBelieves Cup. So, Alex Morgan and Co. have little time and a lot more to prove in the coming days.

If things go right, the USWNT will complete its resurrection after exiting last year’s World Cup in the RO16.

READ MORE: San Diego Wave Star Jaedyn Shaw Recreates Lionel Messi’s Iconic World Cup Moment Following USWNT’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup Triumph