The U.S. women’s national team’s 2-1 win over Australia caught the eye for many reasons, not least of which was an impressive goal from the team’s most scrutinized player.
The USWNT’s successful group-stage performance ended with a third straight win courtesy of a 77th-minute laser from midfielder Korbin Albert. That is to say, a player who has been under fire for four months over homophobic and transphobic social media posts is now making headlines for becoming a USWNT goalscorer in a major tournament.
In post-game quotes published by ESPN and the Washington Post, Albert admitted that USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has adopted a “tough love” approach since deciding to stick with the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder amid calls for her to be dropped.
“It’s tough love sometimes,” said Albert of Hayes. “It’s really nice just to have her here and teaching me and guiding me in every way, personally and on the soccer field.”
Albert didn’t directly discuss her social media posts or the aftermath, in keeping with statements from Hayes that the matter would remain internal.
Still, a substantial segment of the USWNT fanbase has criticized U.S. Soccer and Hayes for taking Albert to the Olympics despite the controversy. USWNT greats like Megan Rapinoe (whose career-ending injury was mocked in a post Albert liked on Instagram), Sam Mewis, and Christen Press, have been critical of the 20-year-old, and of the lack of public-facing information about what Albert is doing to repair the damage done.
Hayes: Albert ‘has had to do a fair bit of growing up’
In a post-game press conference, Hayes expanded on the matter, though the specifics of Albert’s attempts to progress towards more inclusive views remained an in-house secret.
“We all know she’s been through a lot with her actions and she’s someone who is truly sorry for what she’s done,” said Hayes. “She’s a really inclusive person and she’s really thoughtful and kind, and she has had to do a fair bit of growing up.
“I’m a mother and my instinct is to protect, and I’m never ever going to change that, but I don’t tolerate [Albert’s social media activity], and we want an environment where people can feel they can be [themselves].”
Albert may be in line for a bigger role in the USWNT’s upcoming Olympic quarterfinal against Japan. Defensive midfielder Sam Coffey will be suspended for Saturday’s knockout match due to yellow-card accumulation.
With Emily Sonnett possibly in line to continue at center back due to Tierna Davidson’s injury, Albert appears to be the most likely player to step into the midfield spot vacated by Coffey.
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