According to co-captain Lindsey Horan, the journey to the World Cup for the United States women's national team lacked the complete preparation they needed. This statement follows their lowest-ever performance in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand, despite being four-time champions.
As the dust settled from the tournament and retrospection took center stage, Horan openly acknowledged the team's lack of full preparation leading up to the World Cup.
The unexpected exit in the round of 16, punctuated by a staggering 5-4 shootout loss to Sweden, served as a stark reminder of the team's vulnerability. Notably, this marked the team's most disheartening World Cup display in its illustrious history.
In the wake of these reverberating events, another development sent shockwaves through the team.
Vlatko Andonovski, the coach at the helm since 2019, made the unexpected decision to step down. This decision marked the end of an era and stirred conversations about the direction and future of the team.
During a candid conversation on the RE-INC YouTube channel with former teammates Tobin Heath and Christen Press, Lindsey Horan shed light on the dynamics within the team.
She emphasized the delicate dance that ensues when a new coach takes the reins.
Horan passionately expressed the significance of maximizing the precious opportunities for training and cohesion under a new coaching regime.
This insight shed light on the multifaceted journey that national teams navigate, where adaptability and unity are paramount.
"When a coach comes in, it's like, hey, how do we get the best out of every single individual player putting the most simplicity into a 10-day camp every few months and getting the best out of your team, and without overcomplicating everything?" Horan said.
"Because yes, I could talk about the last four-year cycle, and we don't need to get into every single thing, but that's not what we did. We did not get the best out of every single individual."
"I don't think everyone was fully prepared, and that's on us as well."
Notably aged 29, Horan highlighted that throughout the tournament, the team's demeanor seemed far from relaxed, a sentiment exacerbated by their second-place finish in the group stages, trailing behind the Netherlands.
"Looking at those three group stage games, and you felt it in the team," she added. "You felt this tense feeling, and people were just not enjoying their football or they weren't enjoying individually playing."
Consecutively, the United States is set to welcome South Africa for friendly matches on September 21 in Cincinnati and September 24 in Chicago.