Twila Kilgore, the interim head coach of the United States women’s national team, announced that midfielder Korbin Albert is available to play in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup despite facing criticism for recent anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media. Captain Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan addressed the situation earlier in the week, emphasizing the team’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and allyship for marginalized groups. Kilgore reiterated the team’s dedication to high standards, stating that they continue to work on improving and preparing for success in the tournament. Despite internal conversations about removing Albert from the roster, she will be available to play in the upcoming matches.
Albert, who has seven caps and started in the Concacaf W Gold Cup games, faced backlash after sharing a video promoting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and liking a post mocking Megan Rapinoe’s injury. Rapinoe and other USWNT players called out Albert, leading to her issuing an apology. The USWNT has a history of addressing controversy and difficult conversations head-on, fostering a culture of growth and unity within the team. Players like veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Alex Morgan emphasize the team’s resilience and ability to put aside personal differences to achieve collective success on the field.
Despite the challenges and conflicts the team has faced over the years, they continue to support each other and prioritize teamwork above individual accolades. The USWNT’s success in championships, World Cups, and Olympics is attributed to their ability to come together as a team and prioritize the greater good over individual achievements. While the players may not always be best friends off the field, their commitment to fighting for each other on the field is what has driven their success. The team’s history of overcoming hardships and differences has strengthened their bond and unity as they prepare for the upcoming matches in the SheBelieves Cup.
Laken Litman, a college football, basketball, and soccer analyst for FOX Sports, covers the developments surrounding the USWNT and their ongoing journey in the SheBelieves Cup. With a background in sports journalism and a focus on women’s sports, Litman provides insights into the team dynamics and how they navigate challenges such as the recent controversy involving Korbin Albert. As the team prepares for the semifinal match against Japan and potentially the final or third-place match against Canada or Brazil, the focus remains on unity, growth, and success on the field.
The USWNT’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and allyship for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, remains a cornerstone of their values. Despite facing criticism and controversy, the team continues to prioritize difficult conversations and addressing internal conflicts to foster growth and unity. As they navigate the challenges leading up to the SheBelieves Cup matches, the USWNT remains focused on their goal of achieving success on the field while upholding the high standards and values they represent. Kilgore’s announcement regarding Albert’s availability to play signifies the team’s commitment to addressing and moving forward from the recent controversy as they focus on their upcoming matches.
