I am sure this has been covered and I am sorry if I am rehashing anything, but I thought I would share these points:

When I turned on the men's game, there was so much energy around the game. I'm a casual soccer fan and I couldn't tell you anything about these players off the field, yet I was all in on cheering for them. Going against Mexico and their players/fans creates this nationalist pride that just elevates the game. It truly feels like us vs. them. While I am sure these players have important interests and foundations and efforts off the field, I didn't have to think about any of them. I just turned on the game and enjoyed it for what it was and felt some good ol' USA pride.

With the women, the focus isn't on the game anymore. Who is going to kneel and who is going to stand? What are they fighting for off the field? How do we combat racial injustice? Are women paid fairly?

While most people know our country isn't perfect, it sure is fun to not worry about those things and cheer for a sporting event. I know people get upset when you say "stick to sports", but I just want to watch sports. That is what is fun. While some of these topics that the women feel are important may in fact be very important, I am not sure I want to think about that during the game. I just want to watch the game. Stand for anything you want. Be active in your community. Go to court, start a foundation, speak out. But leave that stuff for the offseason and off the field. Let me enjoy the game and not worry about those things.

Just my thoughts. Man, that US vs. Mexico game was fun.