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via Imago
Credits: IMAGO
USWNT suffered a shocking upset in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite being the favorites to win the tournament. Veteran players Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, who are known for their goal-scoring prowess, could not live up to their reputations in the grandest stage of soccer. Meanwhile, the USMNT soccer legend picked his favorites for the iconic and influential soccer players in history amidst the disappointing performance from the Gals.
The U.S. women’s team hoped to win a third consecutive World Cup title which was dashed after they lost to Sweden in a penalty shootout in the round of 16. The USWNT’s subpar performance in the World Cup led to widespread criticism from the soccer world. Furthermore, Alexi Lalas took to Twitter to choose his four choices for the women’s soccer Mount Rushmore. Surprisingly, he did not include any of the present veterans of USWNT.
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Who did Alexi Lalas choose for women’s soccer’s Mount Rushmore?
America’s Famous Mount Rushmore was a tribute to four prolific politicians who helped in establishing the development and preservation of the country. Similarly, fans were likely to bestow the same honor on the USWNT for their contributions to women’s soccer for the States. In one instance, Alexi Lalas selected veterans Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, and Carli Lloyd as his top four picks for the soccer’s Mount Rushmore. The legends of the Gals were known for their dominant presence on the field, tireless efforts, and prolific goal-scoring abilities over the years.
Akers, Hamm, Wambach, Lloyd. https://t.co/wClzxVdBqD
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 13, 2023
The former LA galaxy legend did not choose the trailblazing figure like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan on his list for Mount Rash more. The MNT stars were instrumental in helping the national team win two consecutive World Cups and secure medals in the Olympics. Soccer enthusiasts believed that Lalas’ decision was based on the recent stint of the veterans who failed to make any impact for USWNT in the cup tie.
How did Megan Rapinoe perform in the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
Megan Rapinoe was an inspiration to the women’s soccer division across the world. She had scored 63 goals in 203 matches for the USWNT with being vocal about equality and social justice. She excelled as a soccer player and she also used her platform to fight for equal pay and women’s equality.
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The 38-year-old icon had a stellar run in the previous two editions of FIFA World Cups. Megan Rapinoe’s playmaking ability and set pieces were a huge influence for the country in the past but was unable to help the team secure a place in the quarter-final of the tournament this season before hanging her boots.
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WWC23 SWEDEN USA, Megan Rapinoe of USA reacts after missing her peanlty kick during the penalty shoot out during the FIFA Women s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, August 6, 2023. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xJAMESxROSSx 20230806001828237491
USWNT started strong with a win over Vietnam 3-0 but faltered against Portugal with a draw, eventually losing to Sweden on penalties 5-4 in the Round of 16. The OL icon missed penalty was one of the major factors in the USWNT’s elimination from the World Cup. Sadly, the defeat meant the last match for the USWNT star’s last international match after a lustrous triumph in her long career.
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What did you feel about Alexi Lalas’ pick for women’s soccer at Mount Rushmore? Comment below and let us know.
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