U.S. women's national team captain Lindsey Horan recently issued an apology for remarks she made about fans of the USWNT. In a candid interview with The Athletic, Horan voiced her opinion, stating, 'American soccer fans, most of them aren't smart. They don't know the game. They don't understand.' She later added, 'I'm gonna piss off some people, but the game is growing in the U.S. People are more and more knowledgeable.'
However, during a conference call with reporters ahead of the Concacaf W Gold Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 20th, Horan expressed regret for her words, referring to them as 'poorly expressed.' She emphasized her love for the U.S. fans, stating, 'When I think about our fans, I love them so much. This team loves them so much and I can't begin to explain how much they mean to us.' Horan described the fans as their inspiration and motivation, and she acknowledged the importance of their support during games.
Horan recognized that the soccer culture in America is continually evolving and improving, with more people gaining knowledge and understanding of the sport. She expressed her appreciation for this positive growth and stated, 'The last thing I ever wanted to do was to offend anyone in that manner. So again, I deeply, deeply apologize.'
The comments made by Horan received significant attention, particularly in light of the USWNT's early exit from the 2023 World Cup at the round of 16 stage. Horan was one of the team captains during that tournament, further magnifying the impact of her statements.
When asked about the motivation behind her apology, Horan explained that it was a combination of reflecting on her comments and considering the reactions they generated. She stated that she wanted to express how much the fans meant to her personally while ensuring that her words did not take away from their importance in her life.
Looking ahead, the U.S. women's national team is preparing for group stage matches at the W Gold Cup. They will face a yet-to-be-determined team, as well as Argentina and Mexico. The team aims to perform at their best and showcase their skills for the fans who continue to support them passionately.
In conclusion, Lindsey Horan's apology reflects her remorse for the comments she made about U.S. soccer fans. She reiterated her deep affection for the fans and expressed her gratitude for their unwavering support. Horan hopes to move forward and focus on the upcoming challenges, while also recognizing the growing positive shift in soccer culture within the United States.
