The USWNT "Deserved" to Be Humbled

My birthday is often marked by an international sporting event, whether that be the Olympics or the World Cup. I remember waking up in 2012 to see the USA vs Canada game, at the London Olympics, which was absolutely amazing (we won 4-3 in extra time). This year on my 27th birthday my twin and I sat to watch the USWNT play Sweden in their first knockout game in the FIFA 2023 World Cup.

I had dreams about the game. II imagined headlines like “Lavelle Will Return for the Next Game” and “The US Continues the March for their Fifth Star.” I wholeheartedly went into my day believing we would and had already won (I watched the replay and did not check anything until after I finished the game).

For anyone that follows women’s soccer or happens to be online at all, you probably have seen headlines blasting the USWNT for being knocked out at this stage in the World Cup as it is our earliest exit yet. Game analysis from Fox Sports and other channels has become entwined with misogyny and pointless comments that do not help the sport or the team. Just see Lalas and Lloyd revel in the moment to attack the team instead of analyzing what was missing and how USWNT moves forward (sorry Lloyd a personality attack about their desire to win is not the helpful advice you think it is, no one goes into professional sports not wanting to win).

I believe the world is getting better. I believe internationally more places are investing in women and women’s sports. However, the minute you open the comments on any USWNT post, or honestly any FIFAWWC post, it feels a bit helpless. Whether it is Premier League fans saying that all women are at the same athletic level as 12-year-olds or conservatives saying Rapione deserves to be humiliated because she dared to ask America and the Soccer Federation to be better or the former president mocking the team… it seems everyone has an opinion about how women do not deserve access to professional sports and IF we decide to let them play they deserve crumbs compared to the men’s teams in their countries.

As I type this I am in tears because I remember that I was afforded the privilege to be told I could do anything or be anything. This game has been a harsh reminder many other young girls and feminine people are not being given that same support. How many of those commenters or professional analysts do you think have kids that are learning women deserve less? How many young girls will watch the adults around them and realize that they have to literally be perfect and the best in the world to be shown support?

There is no conclusion to this conversation as it is ongoing and sadly will remain so for many years to come. There are thousands drooling over the idea that they are somehow vindicated for hating the women’s team because of their “early” exit. I hope people of all ages can turn away from that vitriol and recognize that once again USWNT proved that we are one of the best teams in the world (we made it to the top 16) and that they will continue to build the legacy for those to come.

To the girls, women, and femme people who may be reading, if no one has told you I want to let you know you can do anything and be anything. Please do not stop dreaming.