FanSided

USWNT’s Lindsey Heaps problem keeps answering itself

Was there even a problem to begin with? Apparently so.

By Kian Long

May 31, 2025; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Lindsey Heaps (10) looks on after the game against China PR at Allianz Field.
May 31, 2025; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Lindsey Heaps (10) looks on after the game against China PR at Allianz Field. / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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If you were to gauge the public sentiment towards Lindsey Heaps, you would have no idea she was the USWNT captain. It is through no fault of her own because Heaps is a resoundingly brilliant player, yet she continues to be undervalued by fans of the USWNT. 

It is difficult, almost impossible even, to see why she is under the scrutiny that she is. Every time that she plays, you are left with the feeling of ‘oh, this is the captain that USWNT fans have a vendetta against? How strange.’ 

Lindsey Heaps is merely a scapegoat, but an undeserved one

When you look at the numbers, it really doesn’t make much sense that Heaps is treated as a scapegoat. She is a pivotal figure in this USWNT, and she will make the 2027 World Cup squad. 

Lindsey Heaps has scored for the USWNT in 12 consecutive years. She was the second-highest ranked USWNT star in the Ballon d’Or ranking last year (only behind Emily Fox). She is also the first USWNT star to make 50 appearances in the Women’s Champions League. 

She is also more than capable of scoring goals for the USWNT in this day and age. She has scored pretty consistently in the last few international camps for the USWNT, and she is actually showing very minimal signs of slowing down, despite what many of the criticism would lead you to believe. 

You can say what you want about what Lindsey Heaps brings to the table for the USWNT, one thing that isn’t under dispute is her legacy and experience. 

Emma Hayes is looking to build a young USWNT squad, and she is doing just that. Every great squad of young players needs designated spots for experience. 

Heaps is one of the best USWNT players of all-time. She’s still available for a call-up, and she should absolutely be given one by Hayes. 

Gone are the days of Alex Morgan, Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach. The USWNT needs new heroes to lead the ship to further glory. Heaps might not be the player she once was for the USWNT, but everybody knows, deep down, having her in the roster provides an invaluable opportunity for the younger USWNT players to learn from one of the all-time greats.

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