Lindsey Horan knows why the USNWT failed at the World Cup

Lindsey Horan had a simple explanation for the failure of the US Women’s National Team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

“When a coach comes in, it’s like, How can we get the best out of each individual player, while putting maximum simplicity into a 10-day camp every few months and getting the best out of your team and without overcomplicating everything?” Former USWNT co-captains Tobin Heath and Christine Press “RE-CAP SHOW.”

“I can talk about the last four years cycle, we don’t need to go into everything, but that’s not what we did. We didn’t get the best out of everyone.

“I don’t think everyone was fully prepared, and so are we.”

There has been a search for answers as to why the two-time defending USWNT champion had their worst performance in tournament history at this year’s Women’s World Cup.

The Americans needed a ball to hit the post against Portugal to save them from elimination in the group stage, and were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing on penalties to Sweden.

The USWNT has not scored a goal in the last 238 minutes of their tournament career.

Horan’s header in the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the United States’ second game would be their final goal of the tournament after a 3-0 win in the tournament opener against Vietnam.

And head coach Vlatko Adunowski has already paid the price, announcing his resignation last week after the USWNT scored the fewest goals ever in the tournament.

Horan seemed to imply that training may have been an issue for this tournament through her comments, but she also noted that the team did not seem to be playing happily.

“The first game (against Vietnam) was full of joy but we weren’t at our best,” Horan said. “Looking at those three matches in the group stage, I had this tense feeling, people weren’t enjoying their football or they weren’t enjoying the individual game and there was A lot is on their minds.”

“I had a press conference and that was the first thing that came to my mind. There is no joy. I didn’t really enjoy the moments when I walked off the field and said to myself: ‘Oh, I love that match'”.

The USWNT’s poor performance made it an easy target for critics, especially from former star and TV analyst Carli Lloyd.

Lloyd said recently that the team lacked confidence and was not “fit” in developmental, technical and tactical terms.

The analyst added that the USWNT has a “level of entitlement” and should be tougher.

“I think the development of players at the youth level, the mental ability to persevere,” Lloyd said. “I think you’ve seen a group of players who maybe need to learn more about adversity or have a coach who can motivate them, which might allow them to believe in themselves.”

Horan said the last two weeks since the elimination have been difficult.

“I’ve been killing myself for the past two weeks, what could I have done to help, push or enhance our game or our bravery?”