It was early May when Fox Sports’ soccer analyst Stu Holden told Fox News Digital bluntly that anything less than a Paris Olympics final for the U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) would be a “failure.” Holden emphasized that the team should aim for the top and anything less than reaching the final would not be satisfactory.
USWNT captain Lindsey Horan, who is set to participate in her third Olympics next month, was asked about her thoughts on Holden’s statement. Horan expressed her agreement with Holden’s perspective, stating that the team is determined to win and bring home the gold medal. She highlighted the team’s preparation process and emphasized their goal of standing on the podium as champions at the end of the tournament.
While the primary goal for the USWNT is to secure a gold medal at the Olympics, recent competitions have presented challenges. In the last two Olympics, the team faced setbacks such as a quarterfinal loss to Sweden and a defeat to Canada in the Tokyo Olympics. Despite winning a bronze medal in the third-place game, Horan acknowledged that it was not the same as winning gold.
Following a disappointing performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where the team was eliminated by Sweden in penalty kicks during the Round of 16, questions have been raised about the USWNT’s dominance in women’s soccer. Horan addressed these concerns, stating that increased competition from other teams is a positive development for the sport. She emphasized the importance of rising to the challenge and reclaiming the top spot in women’s football.
As the USWNT undergoes a transition phase with players like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Julie Ertz moving on, Horan finds herself as a veteran on a young and ambitious team. Despite the changes, the team’s goal of winning gold in Paris remains unchanged. The upcoming Olympics present an opportunity for the USWNT to reaffirm its dominance and showcase its capabilities on the international stage.
The team’s determination to succeed and reclaim its position as a powerhouse in women’s soccer serves as a driving force as they prepare for the Olympics. Securing a gold medal in Paris would not only be a symbol of their strength and resilience but also a reminder of the USWNT’s legacy in the sport. Through hard work, dedication, and a collective team effort, the USWNT aims to achieve its ultimate goal of Olympic glory.
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