The US women's national team was chasing history at the World Cup. They could have become the first soccer team, men's or women's, to win three championships in a row. Instead, they choked. They had won four of the first eight women's World Cup championships and never failed to reach the semifinals. This was their worst performance ever. Megan Rapinoe, the face of women's soccer, could only laugh as she missed an easy shot that doomed the United States’ chances. She continued to laugh during post-match interviews.

Carli Lloyd, a former teammate of Megan’s as well as Alexi Lallas, former member of the men’s national team criticized the effort and focus of this year’s squad. It was apparent to them as well as others that have watched women's soccer for years, that the focus of this year's squad was elsewhere. Lloyd especially criticized the teams’ effort. She was lambasted by other team members and the coach, each of whom claimed she had no idea what she was talking about. I guess the fact that she was a member of two World Cup winning teams and knows most of them very well makes no difference. Alexi is a man, so his opinion doesn’t count.

It wouldn't be the first time a heavily favored team did not live up to expectations. It happens in all sports. The US women's national team had garnered a lot of off field press and adulation. ESPN had recently given the team the Arthur Ashe courage award because they sued soccer’s governing body in order to get equal pay with their male counterparts. I didn't understand how suing someone for something you didn't earn represented courage in a way that Arthur Ashe or Billie Jean King exhibited courage in overcoming bigotry. In today’s world, being a victim is akin to sainthood, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised they were rewarded for their jealousy.

I had actually paid attention to women's soccer until this year, rooting for them to win and enjoying the games. Because of their off the field actions and opinions, especially that of Megan Rapinoe, I was turned off. I did not watch any of this year's tournament. Unlike a lot of my fellow citizens however, I wanted the team to win. I want America to be exceptional, even if i disagree with the political opinions and actions of team members. My love of my country supersedes my disgust with the team members. Maybe it's kind of like protecting someone's right to free speech even though I disagree with them wholeheartedly.

There were members of the team that refused to take a knee when the national anthem was played and some that I believe didn't support other actions such as suing the governing body. Even Megan has some redeeming qualities, her work ethic and focus on the field made her one of the most successful players in the sport's history. Maybe that is the lesson about which we need to be reminded. Even those people that represent so much that we do not like can have redeeming qualities. Can teach us lessons about our life and how to live it. Sometimes those lessons are how not to do things and sometimes they are about how to do things. But we can learn from it and move on. Honestly, the best thing we can do is support those women that value America and ignore people like Megan. She covets the spotlight. Let’s shine it on those we support.