Carli Lloyd: Golf Clap Celebration vs. Chile Was a 'Statement' to Critics
Jun 16, 2019
United States' Carli Lloyd, center, celebrates with Lindsey Horan and Tierna Davidson, right, after scoring the opening goal during the Women's World Cup Group F soccer match between the United States and Chile at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Sunday, June 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Carli Lloyd took time Sunday to send a message to critics of Team USA's celebrations during their first Women's World Cup match against Thailand.
After scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Chile, Lloyd told reporters her golf clap following the first goal in the 11th minute was a statement to anyone who didn't like what the team did in its previous win.
"I can't take credit for it," she said. "I'm not sure if Lindsey [Horan] is taking credit for it. She had told me if we score, that's what we're going to do so I just went along with it after I did my little celebration. But it was fun. I think it made a statement on the sideline there. It was cool."
Horan admitted the team "decided to do something different today" and that the "golf clap was part of it."
Following America's 13-0 rout against Thailand—thelargest margin of victoryin Women's World Cup history—the team received criticism for what was perceived as excessive celebrating during a blowout.
The USWNT displayed poor sportsmanship excessively celebrating many of the 13 goals against a 34th ranked team. It has nothing to do with the final score. You are one of the best teams in the world. Act like it. And yeah, I definitely would have said the same about a men’s team.
0.0 problem with the score line as this is THE tournament BUT celebrating goals (like #9) leaves a sour taste in my mouth like many of you. Curious to see if anyone apologizes for this postgame. #USWNT#FIFAWWChttps://t.co/XfGh2e2Jms
Lost in the talk of Team USA's celebrations was Alex Morgangoing over to comfortThailand's Miranda Nild, who was crying, on the field immediately after the game ended.
Hopefully, the controversy involving celebrations won't end up being the defining story for this year's American team. The squad is chasing its second consecutive World Cup title, which is a feat only Germany has accomplished (2003 and 2007).
Sunday's victory put Team USA into the knockout round. The women will close out group play Thursday against Sweden.
Carli Lloyd, USA Beat Chile to Reach 2019 Women's World Cup Knockout Stage
Jun 16, 2019
United States' forward Carli Lloyd (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup Group F football match between USA and Chile, on June 16, 2019, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Reigning champions the United States reached the last 16 of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after beating Chile 3-0in Group F on Sunday.
Carli Lloyd bagged a brace but missed a second-half penalty, while Julie Ertz also found the net thanks to a fine header at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
The goals have put coach Jill Ellis' team back in top spot after Sweden beat Thailand 5-1 earlier in the day.
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Ellis had made seven changes to her lineup, leaving star names such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe on the bench. Yet there was no drop in the performance levels as the U.S. went in front after just 11 minutes.
Chile thought they were level 11 minutes later when Carla Guerro's instinctive touch deceived goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. However, video replay came to the rescue for the U.S., judging Guerro to be offside.
The decision proved costly as Ertz made an improvised header count four minutes later.
Stop us if you've heard this before... Julie Ertz at the near post! 😉
Power in the air meant the U.S. maintained a considerable threat from set pieces, and it was no surprise the third goal came from a corner. It was Lloyd who met the cross to net her 10th World Cup goal.
Out-swinging deliveries were causing Chile problems, as was the intelligent movement in the box from Lloyd and Co.
A comfortable lead at the break meant Ellis could continue to refresh the lineup. She brought on North Carolina Courage striker Jessica McDonald and moved Lloyd off the front into a natural No. 10 position.
McDonald's pace caused immediate problems after the restart. The only reason the U.S. didn't quickly extend their tally was the standout performance of Chile goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
She produced two remarkable saves, first to deny Lindsey Horan. The full-back was teed up by the influential Christen Press, but Endler stuck out a foot to deny what should have been a tap-in.
Next, it was McDonald's turn to be denied. She had already hit the post, but must have thought she'd scored when her point-blank header appeared to have Endler beaten.
Yet quick feet, a full-stretch dive and a strong hand helped produce the save of the tournament so far and leave McDonald frustrated.
Even when Endler could be beaten, the U.S. were let down by poor finishing. Lloyd should have sealed her hat-trick from the spot after VAR prompted the awarding of a penalty, but she dragged her effort wide of the post, with Endler going the right way.
The miss meant Lloyd had wasted the chance to become the first player to score a hat-trick in two editions of the Women's World Cup.
It didn't matter in terms of the outcome, though, as the U.S. had done more than enough to not only progress, but also to offer a reminder of why every other team should fear the holders.
What's Next?
The U.S. and Sweden meet in Le Havre on Thursday, June 20, for the right to finish first in the group.
Eagles' Zach Ertz Backs Wife Julie, US Soccer Amid 13-0 World Cup Win Criticism
Jun 12, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles NFL football player Zach Ertz, left, stops to take a photo with his wife, Julie Ertz, during a Super Bowl victory parade, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl 52. (AP Photo/Christopher Szagola)
Zach and Julie Ertz know a thing or two about championship pedigree.
On Tuesday, the U.S. women's national team, for which Julie stars at defender, began its World Cup title defense by routing Thailand 13-0. Following the record-breaking victory, controversy arose surrounding the U.S. continuing to celebrate goals well after the game was in hand.
Zach gave thoughtful commentary in defense of his wife and her team to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo:
"I got a lot of thoughts. I heard it. I read about it. First thought is the first tiebreaker in the World Cup group stage is the goal differential and so they would be sick to their stomach if they took their foot of the gas and for some reason finished second in the group based off goal differential.
"The second, which is probably is the most underlining thing, when you're on a good team the best way to build team chemistry is seeing other people as happy for your success as they are for their own. And seeing the girls celebrate they were for other people's success really I thought was crucial for them long term. Because you see how close these girls were getting, these women were getting."
U.S. head coach Jill Ellis mirrored Ertz's mentality.
"To be respectful to opponents is to play hard against opponents," she said after the game Tuesday, according to ProSoccerUSA's Alicia Rose DelGallo. "It's a tournament where goal differential is a criteria. I don't find it my job to try to harness my players, rein them in. This is what they've dreamt about. This is it for them. This is a world championship."
Zach won Super Bowl LII as the tight end of the Philadelphia Eagles, while Julie captured the 2015 World Cup with USWNT.
The U.S. next plays Sunday against Chile in its second game in Group F.
Kaylyn Kyle Says She Received Death Threats After Criticizing Alex Morgan, USWNT
Jun 12, 2019
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Alex Morgan #13 of USA celebrates her fifth goal with Megan Rapinoe #15 of USA during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Former Canada international Kaylyn Kyle said she has received death threats after being critical of the United States women's national team.
The U.S. defeated Thailand 13-0 at the 2019FIFAWomen's World Cup on Tuesday, prompting Kyle to criticise the winning players for their celebrations.
"I'm all about passion, and I think as a Canadian we would never think about doing something like that.
"We've played against the Americans before and you've got a player like [Canada captain] Christine Sinclair scoring a hat-trick and she would never even think about counting out how many goals she has on one hand.
"For me, it's disrespectful and disgraceful. Hats off to Thailand for holding their heads high, their first time on a World Cup stage, I'd love to just be there to hug them all."
Alex Morgan scored five as the world champions recorded the mammoth win in Reims.
Kyle tweeted she has received threats about her comments:
Per beINsports, Morgan defended the actions of her team as they ruthlessly dismantled Thailand:
"I think in the moment, every time we score a goal in the World Cup it's—you've dreamt of it since you were a little girl—winning a World Cup and being back here for a third time, we want that fourth star.
"We knew that every goal could matter. In this group stage game and when it comes to celebrations, this was a really good team performance tonight and I think it was important for us to celebrate with each other."
U.S. coach Jill Ellis also questioned the reaction to the celebrations: "If this is 10-0 in a men's World Cup, are we getting the same questions to be quite honest?"
The USWNT will play Chile in their next Group F game on Sunday.
Miami Bar Offered Free Shots for Every Alex Morgan, Team USA Goal in World Cup
Jun 12, 2019
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Alex Morgan #13 of USA celebrates her fifth goal with Megan Rapinoe #15 of USA during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
As the shots were raining down on Thailand's goal at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France on Tuesday, so too were they going down at American Social Brickell in Miami.
The bar ran a promotion, offering free shots for every goal Team USA scored in their opening game against Thailand, but they likely weren't banking on a record-breaking 13-0 win for the defending world champions.
⚽️ Today's the day | 3pm!
Enjoy our @AO_Miami Game Day Specials: FREE Shot for Every US Goal $15 Bud/ Bud Light Buckets $20 Heineken/ Dos XX Buckets $3 Tequila Shots $5 Jameson $6 Guinness 20% Off Regularly Priced Food and Drinks for Paid AO Membershttps://t.co/jhYshDnbnEpic.twitter.com/XkWHHxdvC9
— American Social Brickell (@AmericanSocial2) June 11, 2019
It was clear the United States were a cut above their opponents after they eased to a 3-0 scoreline by half-time at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, but American Social's bartenders will have been very busy when they hit double figures after the break.
Alex Morgan bagged five goals alone, while Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis each got on the scoresheet twice.
Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also scored once apiece to complete the rout.
Morgan 12’, 53', 74', 81’, 87' Lavelle 20’, 56’ Horan 32’ Mewis 50’, 54’ Rapinoe 79’ Pugh 84’ Lloyd 90+2’@USWNT are right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/t4J1wWhw0n
The margin of victory was a World Cup record in either the men's or the women's game, surpassing Germany's 11-0 win over Argentina in 2007 (women).
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"We really just came into this game and really wanted to showcase ourselves and what we've been preparing for and what we've been working on,"Morgan said. "I think we did that. Every goal matters in this tournament, and that's what we were working on this game."
There could be more alcohol flowing when Team USA face Chile—ranked five places below Thailand by FIFA—on Sunday.
USWNT Can Still 'Refine and Polish' After 13-0 Thailand Rout, Says Jill Ellis
Jun 12, 2019
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Megan Rapinoe of USA and teammates celebrate a goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The United States Women's National Team opened their FIFA Women's World Cup title defence with a record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand on Tuesday, but coach Jill Ellis still expects her side to improve.
The USA notched the biggest margin of victory at either the men's or the women's World Cup as they sent out a warning in France to any potential challengers.
"We're going to sit and look at some film. There's always things you can refine and polish.
"I'm not sure exactly what our next opponent [Chile] will do, but teams sit low and it invites us on top of them a lot.
"It [this win] is how you want to start a tournament. You want to have that [winning] feeling.
"It's having players feeling good about the game. It is about building momentum, getting that first game under your belt—that feeling—that's going to be the biggest takeaway for us."
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Despite the one-sided nature of the victory, Ellis is confident her players won't get carried away because "they understand that the mission matters most."
Per BBC Sport, Ellis added that she "was in tears watching them," and felt the performance "verifies who we picked."
She also defended her team's relentless pursuit of goals after they netted 10 times in the second half, per ProSoccerUSA's Alicia Rose DelGallo:
"To be respectful to opponents is to play hard against opponents. It’s a tournament where goal diff. is a criteria. I don't find it my job to try to harness my players, rein them in. This is what they've dreamt about. This is it for them. This is a world championship" -Jill Ellis https://t.co/15iHBFkQSZ
Alex Morgan plundered a five-goal haul, and Ellis was pleased with her performance: "I thought she was tight and tidy in the box. I thought she pulled the trigger well and again, [produced] some world-class finishes."
Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis netted a brace apiece, while Lindsey Horan, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd also got in on the action.
Morgan 12’, 53', 74', 81’, 87' Lavelle 20’, 56’ Horan 32’ Mewis 50’, 54’ Rapinoe 79’ Pugh 84’ Lloyd 90+2’@USWNT are right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/t4J1wWhw0n
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 11, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVhPJWHIZZc
The USWNT's next opponents, Chile, are ranked 39th in the world by FIFA—five places lower than Thailand.
La Roja Femenina put in a much better showing than Thailand on Tuesday, though, as ninth-ranked Sweden needed two late goals to see them off.
The United States should have little trouble beating Chile, and their confidence will be sky-high after such a dominant opener.
However, there's not a great deal to be gleaned from such a one-sided match.
Thailand's defending was virtually non-existent, and the USA were so in control they were able to leave Abby Dahlkemper back as their sole defender at times while the rest of their back line pushed up in support of the attack.
Against Sweden and in the knockout phase they'll face much sterner tests. Morgan and Co. won't have nearly as much time or space on the ball as they received on Tuesday, so Ellis' work to refine their play further will help.
USA's Alex Morgan on 5-Goal Haul vs. Thailand: 'The Ball Just Bounced My Way'
Jun 11, 2019
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Alex Morgan #13 of USA scores her fifth goal, record tie, during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Alex Morgan was modest after her five-goal masterclass in the United States's 13-0 hammering of Thailand on Tuesday and said the ball just bounced her way en route to a record FIFA Women's World Cup win.
The Stars and Stripes opened their 2019 tournament by putting a record total past their Group F opponents, and Morgan told Fox Sports after the result that things just seemed to fall for her (U.S. only):
The 29-year-old said: "It's incredible. I'm speechless. The ball just, like, bounced my way tonight, and I'm so thankful. I'm just looking forward to getting onto the next game now."
Morgan's international record now stands at 106 goals in 164 appearances for the United States. Tuesday's five goals brought her within one strike of Michelle Akers at fifth on the United States women's national team's all-time top scorer list.
The Orlando Pride striker was selfless in her tournament opener, as well as notching a joint-record tally of individual goals herself:
Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle chipped in with a brace apiece to down Thailand, while Lindsay Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also contributed in the U.S. team's triumph.
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Morgan was quick to direct praise in favour of her team-mates and said:
"To see Rose have the confidence, you know, to go off players, I think she had two tonight. To see Sam Mewis take players, do what she does best, score some goals from outside of the box. Lindsay Horan, you know our midfield is I think debutants for the World Cup, and they showed really well. I'm really proud of them."
Coach Jill Ellis' side broke a number of records as they went level on points with Sweden at the top of Group F, although with a massive advantage in goal difference, per ESPN Stats & Info:
A rundown of records set/tied in the USWNT's 13-0 win over Thailand.
Most goals ever in a Women's/Men's World Cup Game (13).
Alex Morgan's 5 goals tied the most by a player in a men's or women's World Cup game.
Morgan has long been a celebrated role model in women's football and a prized asset for the United States, but her 2019 World Cup debut suggests this could be a special year.
Her fifth strike against Thailand, in particular, showcased the technical prowess Morgan possesses and the clinical edge it gives her over opponents (U.S. only):
The United States resume their 2019 World Cup campaign against Chile on Sunday when Morgan will have her next opportunity to advance her run at this year's Golden Boot award.
Alex Morgan Scores 5 Goals as USA Beat Thailand 13-0 in 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 11, 2019
Alex Morgan netted five goals for the United States to ignite their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in France with a 13-0 annihilation of Thailand and move level on points with Sweden at the top of Group F.
Morgan scored the defending champions' first goal of the tournament after 12 minutes and was one of three Americans to get at least a brace, along with Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.
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The Stars and Stripes led 3-0 at half-time as Lindsey Horan also got on the scoresheet. However, the gulf in standards between the two teams took its toll on Thailand in the second half as Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Mallory Pugh added their names to the scoresheet.
Morgan 12’, 53', 74', 81’, 87' Lavelle 20’, 56’ Horan 32’ Mewis 50’, 54’ Rapinoe 79’ Pugh 84’ Lloyd 90+2’@USWNT are right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/t4J1wWhw0n
Sweden beat Chile 2-0 earlier on Tuesday thanks to late goals from Kosovare Asllani and Madelen Janogy to take an initial lead in the group.
Jill Ellis' side rained down a record total of goals in 90 minutes and sent a message to the rest of the tournament contenders that they're not intent on losing their crown, per OptaJoe:
13 - The United States Women's National Team's 13-0 victory against Thailand today is the largest margin of victory in the history of the FIFA World Cup (men’s and women’s). Historic. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/CyZxee3pAj
And all eyes were on Morgan as the Orlando Pride forward took the match by the horns, and it seemed fitting that arguably the biggest star ever to have worn the United States women's shirt opened the Americans' account, via Fox (U.S. only):
Alex Morgan with the opening goal for the @USWNT 💥
The set piece was key for the United States early on. It proved obvious they would have at least a physical edge over the opponent, an advantage that only grew more severe as the game wore on.
If Morgan made her first strike look routine, Lavelle's long-range effort for the United States' second appeared almost effortless (U.S. only):
Horan was the next to capitalise from a set piece and convert from close in to give the Americans a three-goal cushion at the break. Mewis (two) and Morgan then added another three between the 50th and 55th minutes to double that void.
Lavelle became the third player to record multiple goals after netting a second on her World Cup debut to make it seven.
Christen Press fired the ball into Morgan, who showed a slick pair of feet to dig the ball out from under her and finish inside the far post to make it 8-0. Morgan and Rapinoe added two more in the following minutes to bring the USA's tally up to double digits.
NBC's JJ Stankevitz pointed to the difference in goal productivity between the United States women's and men's football teams after Pugh scored her first World Cup goal:
Substitute Lloyd also got her reward for a 30-minute cameo and got on the scoresheet in injury time, following up her hat-trick in the final of the 2015 Women's World Cup.
This is expected to be Lloyd's last appearance at a World Cup, and she'll hope to have more of an impact despite the fact that Morgan looks to have the team's attacking responsibilities covered.
What's Next?
The United States next face Chile in their second Group F fixture on Sunday, while Thailand will face Sweden on Matchday 2.
Jill Ellis Responds to Hope Solo's Criticism Ahead of 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 10, 2019
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - AUGUST 03: Hope Solo #1 of United States looks on during the Women's Group G first round match between the United States and New Zealand during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Mineirao Stadium on August 3, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
United States women's national team coach Jill Ellis responded to critical comments made by Hope Solo prior to the USWNT's opening match of the 2019 Women's World Cup.
Solo opened up about her feelings toward Ellis in an interview on the BBC's Football Daily podcast.
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"She's not the leader I wish her to be," Solo said (h/t CNN's Harmeet Kaur). "She relies heavily on her assistant coaches. She cracks under the pressure quite a bit. But oftentimes that doesn't matter because the quality of the players on the U.S. team is superb."
When addressing the situation Monday, Ellis took the high road, per Yahoo Sports' Doug McIntyre:
"Comments are comments. Listen, I feel over the past five years I've made a lot of different decisions and I have processes to make those decisions and own those processes. And at this point, the focus is about this group of players that are here and now. Comments out there, that's part of it, and part of the message to all is to make sure the focus is on the internal part, and that's where we are."
Solo also wrote a column for the BBC, sharing her thoughts on her tenure with the national team during the Ellis era. The 2015 World Cup champion said Ellis refrained from showing USWNT players their defensive errors so as not to hurt their confidence.
Solo has never been afraid to speak her mind. She was benched for the semifinals of the 2007 Women's World Cup and told reporters after the United States' 4-0 defeat to Brazil that starting Brianna Scurry "was the wrong decision."
The 37-year-old also called Sweden a "bunch of cowards" after they adopted a defensive approach to stymie the USWNT the quarterfinals of the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the aftermath of those comments, U.S. Soccer suspended Solo for six months and terminated her contract with the national team.
Girl Got Game with Megan Rapinoe
Jun 10, 2019
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Megan Rapinoe has been one of the USWNT's biggest players for a decade. Now, she hopes to bring home the team's fourth World Cup.
B/R sat down with Rapinoe to talk through her playing style, her love of football and the growth of the women's game.
