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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>USWNT captain Horan apologizes</li><li>Midfielder backtracks on previous statements</li><li>Initially called U.S. Soccer fans 'not smart'</li></ul>

'I deeply, deeply apologize' - USWNT captain Lindsey Horan issues statement sharing regret over previous comments calling U.S. Soccer fans 'not smart'

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After a <a href="https://theathletic.com/5242921/2024/02/01/lindsey-horan-uswnt-world-cup/" target="_blank">previous report from The Athletic</a>, where Horan's comments offended the fanbase of U.S. Soccer the USWNT has apologized for claiming that “American soccer fans, most of them aren’t smart... They don’t know the game. They don’t understand. (But) it’s getting better and better.”In media availability Thursday ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup next week, the USWNT captain backtracked on her words, with a heartfelt and thoughtful apology.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“First and foremost I would like to apologize to our fans. Some of my comments were poorly expressed and there was a massive lesson learned for me.” “When I think about our fans, I love them so much, this team loves them so much. I can’t begin to explain how much they mean to us. Every time we step out and train, every time we step out and play in games, we play for you guys. You are our inspiration.” “You are our motivation. Seeing you wearing our jerseys, seeing you scream our names, seeing you chanting U-S-A - that’s what we play for and I never wanted to take any of that away.” “Continuing on that, the soccer culture in America is changing and growing so much in such a positive way and for me to be able to experience that first hand playing for this USWNT but also in the NWSL for the Portland Thorns is just something so amazing.” “It is my absolute honor - and I will always say that - to be able to put on this crest every single day, to be in this environment, and to go out and play in front of our fans and represent this national team. That is something - again - it is my greatest honor.” “The last thing I ever wanted to do was to offend anyone in that manner, so again, I deeply, deeply apologize.”

WHAT HORAN SAID

Horan's comments did truly upset the U.S. Soccer community on social media, with many comparing her statement to that of her not being a leader. However, her apology on Thursday is a reminder of why she wears the captain's armband for the USWNT. The Lyon midfielder has been a standout for the USA for over a decade, and has been a crucial part of the midfield ever since arriving on the international scene. The hope, now, is that her apology is accepted by the masses and that her performances on the pitch will make up for her poorly-worded comments the first time around.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USWNT compete in the Gold Cup next week as they look to win their Group Stage in the tournament. They take on Argentina and Mexico on Friday, February 23rd and Monday, February 26.

WHAT NEXT FOR LINDSEY HORAN AND THE USWNT?

'I deeply, deeply apologize' - USWNT captain Lindsey Horan issues statement sharing regret over previous comments calling U.S. Soccer fans 'not smart' | Goal.com Australia

USWNT captain Lindsey Horan issued a heartfelt and thoughtful apology Thursday evening, after labeling U.S. fans as &apos;not smart&apos; on Feb. 1.

&apos;I deeply, deeply apologize&apos; - USWNT captain Lindsey Horan issues statement sharing regret over previous comments calling U.S. Soccer fans &apos;not smart&apos;