Rapinoe’s Celebrity Overshadows a Taut USWNT Defeat

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) lost 0–0 to Sweden in penalties on Sunday. After double overtime, the game went to a shoot-out, where the U.S. had opportunities to end the match. As was the case throughout regulation, the women couldn’t get the job done when things got close — despite magisterial effort and shot prediction from U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. After seven penalty shots, the Norsewomen put the match away with a shot deflection that snuck across the line before Naeher could completely reject the offending orb.

Just like that, the former world champions and serial favorites were out in the Round of 16. Ah well. Those who follow women’s soccer know that the rest of the world has been improving their programs, and that it was a matter of time before some semblance of parity would arrive for a sport that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of Western democracies, if for no other reason than that we have healthy, tall, wealthy women who are free to pursue soccer full-time — in the U.S. most of all. But other programs caught up while the U.S. women’s side has spent most of their time championing progressive causes and suing for “equal pay” instead of practicing. Worse yet, the team has humored aging players and granted these figureheads minutes they don’t deserve.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Soccer

World Cup

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) lost 0–0 to Sweden in penalties on Sunday. After double overtime, the game went to a shoot-out, where the U.S. had opportunities to end the match. As was the case throughout regulation, the women couldn’t get the job done when things got close — despite magisterial effort and shot prediction from U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. After seven penalty shots, the Norsewomen put the match away with a shot deflection that snuck across the line before Naeher could completely reject the offending orb.

Just like that, the former world champions and serial favorites were out in the Round of 16. Ah well. Those who follow women’s soccer know that the rest of the world has been improving their programs, and that it was a matter of time before some semblance of parity would arrive for a sport that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of Western democracies, if for no other reason than that we have healthy, tall, wealthy women who are free to pursue soccer full-time — in the U.S. most of all. But other programs caught up while the U.S. women’s side has spent most of their time championing progressive causes and suing for “equal pay” instead of practicing. Worse yet, the team has humored aging players and granted these figureheads minutes they don’t deserve.