USWNT star Lindsey Horan snaps back at ‘frustrating’ Carli Lloyd criticism after soccer icon called out team on live TV
LINDSEY Horan has hit back at Carli Lloyd following the USWNT's disappointing draw to Portugal in the Women's World Cup.
Former USA star Lloyd, 51, ripped into players for "dancing and smiling" after the 0-0 stalemate on Tuesday.
The tie sends the USWNT thru to the round of 16, but only as runners-up in Group E.
Lloyd tore into some players who were seen taking photos with fans following the game, believing they were lucky not to be out of the competition.
Appearing as an analyst on FS1, she said: "You never want to take anything for granted.
"I have never witnessed something like that.
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"There's a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family, but to be dancing, to be smiling.
"I mean, the player of the match was that post. You are lucky to not be going home right now."
Horan has since responded to the comments ahead of the USA's showdown with Sweden in the knockout rounds.
The USWNT captain said: "It's kind of frustrating for me to hear.
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"Especially knowing this team and knowing how much we put into every single game, how much preparation we put into every single game, seeing our training, seeing how hard we work.
"It's noise and, again, it's an opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion - we know that's how it goes.
"But for me, I always want to defend my team and say: You have no idea what's going on behind the scenes, you have no idea every single training what we're doing individually, collectively, etc."
While USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski echoed similar sentiments after the goalless draw on Tuesday.
He told reporters: "This team wanted to win this game more than anything else, and they've put everything they could in preparation for this tournament and in every game that they [play].
"So, to question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete, I think it's insane.
"But I've never, never seen this team step on the field and not try to hard or not compete."
The USWNT faces Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals on Saturday, August 6 at 5am ET.