“They Look Towards Us” – USWNT Legend Believes USA Is Still the Face of Women’s Soccer

Former US Women’s National Team midfielder Heather O Reilly has been in the news recently for her active criticism of the National Women’s Soccer League’s [NWSL] mishandling of players. The former North Carolina Courage midfielder also irked a lot of English football fans recently.

In a recent podcast appearance, the former Arsenal player claimed that the “States still leads the way” and claimed that the English still have a lot of catching up to do.

While this may sound harsh at first, the stats and performances completely back her claim. Take, for example, the recent dominating performance by USWNT over Paraguay, where they defeated them 17-0 over two legs.

USWNT demolish Paraguay 9-0 in an international friendly

The legendary Carli Lloyd starred for USWNT as she scored five past a toothless Paraguay defense to kick start her farewell tour. Aside from Lloyd, rising star Kelley O’Hara also contributed a lively performance as Vlatko Andonovski’s demolished the Paraguayan’s defense.

Lloyd’s farewell tour began with this match, with the veteran forward set to play four matches with the national team after announcing her retirement in August. The additional four goals in the 9-0 rout were scored, thanks to a brace from Andi Sullivan and goals from Lynn Williams and Tobin Heath.

Reilly claims that England has a lot of catching up to reach where the USWNT is today

Former US Women’s National Team midfielder Heather O Reilly in the “Football Americana” podcast spoke about how England still looks up to the USA in women’s soccer. Despite the English creating the sport, she claimed that they had a lot of catching up to do in terms of mentality, fitness, and diet to reach their American counterparts.

“Even though the English created football… they look towards us for a lot, for a lot, especially on the women’s side. They look at “how do you become winners? How is your team chemistry so good? What’s your fitness and diet like?” I think that the grass is always going to be greener.”

While Reilly might sound cocky here, her claims are backed up by statistics and performances. The USWNT has won four Women’s World Cup titles, four Olympic gold medals, and eight CONCACAF Gold Cups, making it the most successful in international women’s soccer.

Therfore, statistically, one has to agree that USWNT is the face of women’s soccer. What do you think?

Also Read: These Impressive Stats Got USMNT Star Giovanni Reyna Into Kopa Trophy Nominations