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The World Cup has reached its conclusion. It is unfamiliar territory for the US soccer fans. Well, only for one group. Despite the men not having placed higher than third in the World Cup's history, one team has shined brighter.
The United States Women have won four World Cups. In fact, in 2023, that was the only time the women's team did not play in the semi-finals in World Cup history.
Many spoke about how the men's team was a feel good story. But that would be the case next year during the Women's World Cup for the United States. They will be exepected to compete and win.
That is due to their legacy of dominance and relevance and having players who stepped up when crunch time on the pitch came. Whether its Brandi Chastain's winning goal or Carli Lloyd's 2015 run, the top moments of US soccer history at the World Cup is primarily just the women.
It is a stark contrast to the history of the men's team, who have to search for real moments of victory at the tournament. It is true the women lost in 2023, but their disappointment would have been deemed a success if it were the men.
Alexi Lalas played every minute of the 1994 World Cup as a defender. That was his moment. But compared to Abby Dahlkemper it pales in comparison.
Abby Dahlkemper played 622 of 630 minutes on defense in the 2019 World Cup
Dahlkemper, like Lalas, was also a defender. But unlike Lalas played longer and was more of an integral part to winning the World Cup. She was a rock in the center of the defense and was important. Her legacy as a champion and player on the national and world stage should be higher than that of Lalas.
With the dust settling on the men this season, its time for the country to turn its attention to next summer. Despite the 2023 elimination the women are one of the favorites yet again.
They rebounded in 2024 at the Olympics winning their fifth Gold Medal and seventh overall. It showed they were back as a powerhouse. In comparison the men have not medaled in Olympic history.
The face of US American soccer has never been a member of the men's national team. But the face of the sport in America has always been a member of the women's national team. This past World Cup does not change that and will not until the men win.
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This article was originally published on theamericanpitch.com as The Men's World Cup confirmed what soccer fans already knew about the USWNT.
