The U.S. women’s soccer teamwon its World Cup match against Chileon Sunday, and Carli Lloyd sent a message to the team’s critics when celebrating the big victory.
Lloyd, 36, scored an 18-yard goal 11 minutes into the match, where she proceeded to leap and pump a fist whilst hugging teammate Lindsey Horan, followed with a celebratory “golf clap” — which was a literal clap-back after the U.S. team wascriticized for celebrating their huge 13-0 victoryagainst Thailand last week.
“I can’t take credit for it. I’m not sure if Lindsey is taking credit for it,” Lloyd toldESPNafter their after a 3-0 victory against Chile. “She had told me if we score, that’s what we’re going to do, so I just went along with it after I did my little celebration. But it was fun. I think it made a statement on the sideline there. It was cool.”
“We decided to do something different today,” Horan, 25 added. “Handshakes were part of it. Golf clap was part of it.”
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Head coach Jill Ellis told ESPN the inspiration for the golf clap likely came from Lloyd’s husband, Brian Hollins, a professional golfer.
Although goal celebrations are a traditional and beloved part of soccer, the women’s team took heat from social media critics after their Thailand victory, with some saying that they should have toned down the excitement.
“[Zero] problem with the score line as this is THE tournament,” retired soccer player Taylor Twellmansaid. “BUT celebrating goals (like #9) leaves a sour taste in my mouth like many of you. Curious to see if anyone apologizes for this postgame.”
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“There’s a lot of grass to navigate between now and potential matchups,” Lloyd continued to ESPN. “This game is a crazy game, and you have to bring it every single match.”
“We’re climbing up a mountain now,” Lloyd added, “and it’s only going to get harder.”
source: people.com
