Lindsey Horan, captain of the U.S. women’s soccer team, caused a stir when she made controversial comments about her fan base in a recent article in The Athletic.
Ironically, Horan said in the article that the USWNT is “one of the most talked about teams” and that “everything we do and say is always under a magnifying glass.” Says.
Of course, Horan is right, given that many members of the team have been largely outspoken on social justice issues in this country.
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Alexi Lalas poses for a photo on the green carpet ahead of the Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 on February 27, 2023 in Paris, France. (Sylvain Lefebvre/Getty Images)
But she’s certainly not doing herself any favors by saying, “Most American soccer fans aren’t smart.”
“They don’t know the game. They don’t understand it,” she said, but also noted that “the game is getting better and better.”
“I’m going to disappoint some people,” she continued, “but this game is growing in the United States. People are becoming more and more knowledgeable, but often times people don’t understand the commentary. You take everyone’s word for it, right? Mom does it! My mom said, “Julie Fowdy said she had a great game!” And I’m here just saying, “Today sucked.” ”
Alexi Lalas attends the FIFA World Cup 2026™️ official brand launch held at Griffith Observatory on May 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Caitlin Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA, via Getty Images)
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The comment didn’t sit well with former men’s team star and FOX commentator Alexi Lalas.
Lalas said Horan had a “bold strategy” when he made negative comments about a fan base that was already lacking in the United States.
“So, not content with already denying many Americans who don’t watch soccer, the #USWNT has apparently set its sights on denying many Americans who do watch soccer. It’s a bold strategy.” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Lalas went on to say, “I love you.”[s]“Horan, there are actually a lot.” [of players] “As you like” with USWNT.
“I don’t agree with her low opinion of U.S. soccer fans. But even if she truly believes what she’s saying, I don’t agree with the #USWNT trying desperately to restore its image. It seems like a strange and unnecessary shot at this time of year.” he wrote in another post.
No. 10 Lindsey Horan of the United States dribbles toward the goal during the Sweden vs. USWNT game at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Richard Cullis/ISI Photo/Getty Images)
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“I actually think American soccer fans are probably the most educated, interesting, and well-rounded people in the game.” Lalas wrote in contradiction to Horan.. “In a country where soccer is not king, American soccer fans have often had to seek out and discover soccer at home and abroad. It means being well-educated.”
USWNT was stunned Sweden in penalty shootout, last year’s World Cup was their worst result to date. In the past eight Women’s World Cups, she has never finished worse than third.
However, the group stage match against Vietnam became the second most watched group stage match in Women’s World Cup history.
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