On Tuesday morning, the U.S. Women's National Team had a less-than-stellar on-field performance that resulted in a 0-0 draw against Portugal, upsetting Fox Sports analyst and former player Carli Lloyd.
Following the draw, Trinity Rodman and Kelley O'Hara celebrated with fans, taking photos and autographs. However, you'll see that veteran stars like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Crystal Dunn were also dancing.
Carli Lloyd is really not happy with Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Crystal Dunn dancing.
Rob Stone was really NOT happy with #USWNT dancing and signing autographs with the fans.
? @sluggahjells pic.twitter.com/60GymwTyX8
— Andrew Jones (@TWDTV1) August 1, 2023
As you'll hear in the clip above, Lloyd said, "I have never witnessed something like that. There's a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family. But to be dancing, to be smiling. I mean, the player of the match was that post. You were lucky to not be going home right now."
Lloyd played for the U.S. Women's National team from 2005-2021 and was teammates with many of these players. The U.S. barely made the Round of 16, and Lloyd was confused why they were celebrating a measly draw. The U.S. Women's National Team was saved by the right goal post in the 91st minute of the game.
Here, Ana Capeta of Portugal beat U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher— but thanks to the goal post, the ball didn't make it in. The U.S. was inches away from going home.
Ana Capeta hits it off the post for Portugal and the US is still alive ?pic.twitter.com/BNB3YRVZML
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 1, 2023
There's an extended clip of more of the conversation held by Lloyd.
"You never want to take anything for granted."@RobStoneONFOX, @AriHingst, @CarliLloyd, and @AlexiLalas analyze the @USWNT's Group E performances ?? pic.twitter.com/tq49hNteZu
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023
"It started to shift post-2020, and there are a lot of off-the-field things that are happening. You never want to take anything for granted. You put on that jersey and you want to give it everything you have for the people who came before you, the people who are going to come after you and I am just not seeing that passion," Lloyd said in the clip above.
"I am seeing a very lackluster, uninspiring, taking it for granted. Winning and training and doing all that you can to be the best possible individual player is not happening."
USWNT's Coach Responds to Carli Lloyd
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Related: USWNT Captain Lindsey Horan Backs Up Smack Talk With Crucial Goal vs Netherlands
In response to the criticism, head coach Vlatko Andonovski, as seen in the clip below, said, "This team wanted to win this game more than anything else and they've put everything they could in preparation for this tournament. To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete ... I think it's insane. I've never seen this team step on the field and not try hard and not compete."
"To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete... I think it's insane."
USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski, when asked to respond to postgame criticisms made by @CarliLloyd and some of the @FOXSports crew https://t.co/PFn5C8cDZJ pic.twitter.com/O600CE3BW4
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023
Well, Lloyd has made her feelings known, including using the words "arrogance" when describing the "fine line" the U.S. Women's National Team is walking right now.
From here, the U.S. Women's National Team waits for its next opponent as Group G wraps up on Wednesday morning.
