There is no question that the United States women’s national soccer team is impressive. On July 7, they won their fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup title, just as many as every other country combined. Their skills are evident and their athleticism is routinely unmatched. But social justice activism has tainted many things, including women’s sports. The result is a focus on so much outside the arena of play. Gender inequality is a popular topic and it has invaded how we view the world of athletics, too.

It is difficult to discuss female athletes and their respective sports since almost any mention of dislike or neutral disinterest is met with accusations of sexism. The latest World Cup, with its fiery, controversial stars like Megan Rapinoe, is a perfect example of the defensive posture taken by many involved in this gender-specific world.