Korbin Albert was booed by USWNT fans on Saturday when she was introduced in the second half of the SheBelieves Cup semi-final against Japan.
Late last month, Albert publicly apologized for reposting a now-deleted video of a Christian worship service preaching against homosexuality and “feeling transgender.”
In another TikTok post — which has also since been deleted — Albert showed her family saying “their pronouns are US” over the Fourth of July weekend.
And after being criticized this week by her teammates Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan, as well as ex-USWNT star Megan Rapinoe, Albert drew audible boos from some of the record 50,644 fans in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
She entered the match in the 78th minute, shortly after Horan had given the USA a 2-1 lead with a penalty kick.
Korbin Albert, who was seen at training this week, was booed by some fans on Saturday
On March 28, Albert publicly apologized and acknowledged her “hurtful” actions
On Wednesday, USWNT veterans Morgan and Horan spoke about Albert’s activities on social media.
“We are extremely saddened that the standard was not upheld,” Horan said. “Our fans and supporters feel like this is a team they can get behind. It is so important that they continue to feel undeniably heard and seen.’
“We support maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Morgan added. “This platform has given us the opportunity to highlight causes that are important to us, something we never take for granted.”
“It is also important to note that we have had internal discussions about the situation,” Morgan continued. ‘And that stays within the team. But what is striking is that we never avoided hard conversations.’
Without mentioning Albert by name, retired USWNT star Rapinoe also took to Instagram and wrote, “To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs’, I would just like to ask one question: make you safer every time of space , more inclusive, more complete? any semblance of better, of getting the best out of someone? …because if you’re not, you only believe in hate. And children are literally killing themselves because of this hatred. Wake up TF! Kind regards, #15.”
Albert reposted a video preaching against homosexuality and transgender people on TikTok
Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan addressed Albert’s anti-LGBTQ post on Wednesday
Retired USWNT star Megan Rapinoe also addressed Albert’s actions in a
On March 28, after intense public backlash, Albert publicly apologized and promised to “do better.”
“I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply sorry for the pain I have caused my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,” she wrote.
‘I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions did not live up to that and for that I sincerely apologize.
“It is an honor and a privilege to play this sport and on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
Horan converted her penalty in the 77th minute as the United States came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 to open the SheBelieves Cup.
Horan scored a penalty against Japan in the 77th minute to help the US to a 2–1 victory
Jaedyn Shaw also scored for the United States in the match, which saw a record attendance for a US women’s friendly on home soil. It was also the largest crowd for a women’s match in the United States since the 1999 World Cup final.
The match also marked the return of both Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario after lengthy absences due to injury.
“I think the fans played a big role in the game today,” USA interim coach Twila Kilgore said of the crowd. “You could feel them all the time.”
Japan scored 30 seconds into the match. Kiko Seike charged down the wing and eluded a defender with a shot that was beyond the reach of American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. It was the first time since 2003 that the US had conceded a goal in the opening minute.