US Women's Soccer Team Vows Unbreakable Unity Amid Tragic Mass Shooting in New Zealand Ahead of World Cup

United States starting line-up before a game between the United States and Wales on July 9, 2023 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Karen Ambrose Hickey/SPP/Shutterstock

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team is unharmed following a mass shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, which led to multiple casualties.

Just hours before the start of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday, July 20, a gunman attacked a construction site in downtown Auckland. Police described the shooting as an "isolated incident" in a tweet and later confirmed that three individuals, including the suspect, were killed. Six others sustained injuries.

U.S. Soccer quickly took to social media to reassure fans that both players and staff were safe following the incident before the international tournament. A statement from the organization stated, "Our security team is in contact with local authorities, and we are following our normal daily schedule."

As concerns for player safety heightened, the federation expressed their condolences for the victims of the shooting in downtown Auckland. In a subsequent tweet, U.S. Soccer stated, "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives today due to gun violence. We are deeply saddened by this unacceptable loss of life and stand with the people of Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand."

Multiple team members also reacted to the tragedy prior to their initial game against Vietnam. "Regrettably, it seems that we have encountered incidents like this far too often in the United States. However, there was definitely a feeling of unity," commented forward Lynn Williams during a press conference. "We still have a responsibility to perform our task, but we are also acknowledging the loss of lives, which is undeniably heart-wrenching."

Furthermore, Williams, aged 30, expressed gratitude for their safety and commended the prompt response of the first responders.

Defender Crystal Dunn expressed her heartfelt sympathies to those impacted, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "The reality of this situation cannot be understated," she affirmed. "It is crucial to recognize that each person copes with these circumstances differently, thus granting them the necessary breathing room to navigate the aftermath of today's traumatic events."

During the send-off celebration after a match between the United States and Wales on July 9, 2023 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, the USWNT expressed their unity and emphasized the importance of giving each other space. They also hoped that taking the time to connect and play together would help them through a challenging period.

The U.S. team is among eight teams situated in Auckland for the group stage of the tournament, which officially commenced on Thursday. The FIFA Fan Festival, located nearby, had not yet opened when the shooting occurred. Dunn, Williams, and various U.S. athletes are vying for their third consecutive Women's World Cup, yet the team remains unfazed by the pressure.

Carli Lloyd recently hinted to Fox News, "It's business as usual." She mentioned that the U.S. is always considered the favorites and the number one team globally. Everyone aims to defeat them and they carry the burden of being targeted. They may not be openly discussing the possibility of winning a third consecutive World Cup or the historic impact they can create, but it is a common understanding among all. In a separate development, soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe revealed her intention to retire at the end of this year. Having started her international career in 2006, she is now participating in her fourth World Cup.

Rapinoe, 38, expressed her eagerness to be liberated and have the freedom to embark on trips, pursue various activities, and transition to a new phase in her life. Nonetheless, she acknowledged the enjoyment she currently experiences, being part of a highly skilled team as well as still being involved with the national team. The prospect of competing in the World Cup is also monumental for her and she hopes it will serve as a memorable culmination of her career. In essence, Rapinoe gleefully embraces her present circumstances.