The emphasis in U.S. soccer is currently on the men’s national team as they head into a crucial summer between Copa América and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Meanwhile, the women’s national team is expected to have an easier time in Paris as one of the favorites to capture gold in the Olympics. However, after a disappointing performance in the Women’s World Cup and a group stage match loss to Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, former USWNT member Carli Lloyd expressed concerns about the team’s current standing in international competition. Former men’s national team member and current Fox Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden agreed with Lloyd, stating that other countries have invested significantly in their soccer infrastructure and youth development, leading to increased competition on the international stage.
Holden likened the U.S. women’s team to how Brazil was once dominant on the men’s side but was eventually caught up with by other countries. He emphasized that the USWNT is among the top three teams in the world but is not unequivocally the best, as they have struggled to win gold at the Olympics since 2012. He believes that a successful performance at the Paris Olympics is crucial for the team to restore their dominance and regain the fear that they have lost in recent years. Holden stressed the importance of approaching tournaments with an unapologetic attitude and focusing on winning to maintain the team’s reputation as a powerhouse in women’s soccer.
Despite the USWNT’s recent struggles on the field, Holden acknowledged that the team is more than just a soccer team, as players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan have been outspoken advocates for various social causes. While he respects their activism, Holden believes that winning games is essential for the team to avoid criticism that their off-the-field endeavors are distractions. He hopes that the next generation of players, including Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson, will continue to advocate for important issues while also maintaining a strong focus on their on-field performance.
The USWNT faces a tough group stage at the upcoming Olympics, which includes Australia, Germany, and Zambia. Holden believes that the team should enter the tournament with the expectation to win, and anything less than a finals appearance would be considered a failure. He emphasized the importance of the team restoring their dominance and reclaiming their status as a feared opponent on the international stage. While the USWNT may not be as indestructible as they once were, they still remain a force to be reckoned with, and a strong performance at the Olympics could help solidify their place among the elite teams in women’s soccer.
