Arrr matey, not reachin' Olympics final be like walkin' the plank for USWNT, says Fox Sports scallywag Stu Holden.
2024-05-08
Arrr matey! The wise Stu Holden be sayin' that the Paris Olympics be the key to showin' the world that the women's national team be still the best of the best. Aye, we'll be takin' no prisoners on that thar field!
In the realm of United States national soccer teams, the focus has primarily been on the men as they approach a critical summer with the Copa América and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on the horizon. As for the women's national team, they are anticipated to have a smoother journey in Paris with high expectations of clinching gold at the Olympics. However, recent setbacks including a disappointing performance in the Women's World Cup and a loss to Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup have raised concerns about the team's current standing.Former USWNT member Carli Lloyd expressed her frank opinions on the team's regression and the need for a rebuild. Fox Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden echoed Lloyd's sentiments, highlighting the evolution of soccer globally and the investments made by various countries in youth development and infrastructure.Holden compared the USWNT's situation to Brazil's dominance in men's soccer and stressed the importance of a strong showing at the Paris Olympics to restore the team's fear factor. Despite their off-the-field advocacy efforts, the team's on-field performance has faced criticism, prompting discussions about balancing activism with athletic success.Looking ahead, Holden is eager to see how the next generation of players, led by individuals like Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, navigate the intersection of activism and performance. Ultimately, the USWNT aims to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in women's soccer, starting with a potentially pivotal summer at the Olympics.