Staff Reports
Megan Rapinoe, a member of the United States Women’s Soccer team, has taken to social media to address their loss in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite the defeat, Rapinoe expressed that it was an honor to play for the United States. However, Rapinoe has faced criticism from conservatives for her previous actions, such as kneeling during the national anthem and prioritizing social issues over the team’s performance.
Rapinoe shared her statement on Instagram three days after missing a penalty kick in the game against Sweden. She also revealed that she will retire soon, with this World Cup being her fourth appearance.
.@USWNT member Megan Rapinoe has issued a statement online following their loss in the FIFA Women's World Cup, saying it had been "my honor" to play for the United States.https://t.co/mFxp1VRsfV
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 11, 2023
As expected, Rapinoe expressed her pride in her team and described the experience as “so very special.” She stated that the team will continue to be in good hands even after her retirement.
While Rapinoe has received praise for her activism, she has faced backlash from conservatives for her views on transgender athletes. She has voiced her support for transgender athletes competing against biological women and even stated that she would welcome them onto the U.S. women’s national team.
The U.S. women’s soccer team has also been criticized for not showing respect during the national anthem. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly accused the team of hating their own country and embarrassing themselves by not singing the national anthem.
Former President Donald Trump took to the newly launched Truth Social to express his thoughts on the team’s loss. He deemed it a reflection of the nation’s current state and criticized the team for being openly hostile towards America. According to Trump, no other countries in the World Cup exhibited such behavior.
