Next to the dictionary definition of “poetic justice” should be a picture of Megan Rapinoe’s humiliated little face after whiffing a penalty kick that helped seal the fate of the U.S. women’s soccer team.
In a shootout that ended the game 5-4, Sweden defeated the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), sending them packing from the World Cup. Of course, the blue-and-yellow-clad fans and players were ecstatic. But the next most excited observers were actually Americans — specifically the ones who, you know, like America.
Rapinoe’s fan club — which includes corporate media, LGBT advocates, and the stans in the White House, among others — has been busy heaping praise on the team and pointing the finger at those unpatriotic conservatives who aren’t devastated by the loss and took things “a step too far.” But here’s the thing: If you don’t claim allegiance to America when you win, don’t expect Americans to give a hoot when you lose.
Save for the few patriotic players who will hopefully rebuild the USWNT’s legacy and define its attitude in the future, the women’s team is a proud collection of ingrates who have been defined by their disdain for the very country that emblazons their jerseys. Their lack of patriotism is so overt it’s become a theme throughout this World Cup. When the anthems of other countries play, the opposing teams zealously belt out the words in unmistakable allegiance. Each time the “Star-Spangled Banner” plays before match-ups, most of the U.S. athletes follow the lead
