Both the United States men's and women's national teams have been creating a lot of buzz of late, with the men's young core making waves in Europe, and recently having won the CONCACAF Nations League in an epic final over rival Mexico, and the women gearing up in preparation for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. On Wednesday, U.S. Soccer made more news, this time because of the release of its new, eye-catching away kit!
Stars in stripes π€©
β U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) June 16, 2021
The new uniform is here!
π https://t.co/fdQUFC6482 pic.twitter.com/o9pPqTZa9J
The "Stars in Stripes" kit features a mazy pattern of red and blue that not only jumps out at you but also will surely have opponents feeling dizzy. Nike says the jersey, which is inspired by a waving flag, is made from at least 75% recycled polyester and attempts to mimic the on-pitch energy of the iconic U.S. men's and women's national teams. The USWNT debuted the kit on Wednesday night in their 2-1 win over Nigeria in Austin, Texas.
New kits, new stadium π Closing out the #SummerSeries pres. by @ATT 5G tonight!
β U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 16, 2021
πΊπΈ vs. π³π¬
π: @Q2Stadium
π: 9 pm ET (kickoff at 9:08 pm ET)
πΊ: ESPN2
π°: https://t.co/5JsDHSI0zF pic.twitter.com/QA3LiNETnn
More stars. More stripes. Less waste.
β Nike Football (@nikefootball) June 16, 2021
Inspired by a waving πΊπΈ and made with at least 75% recycled polyester, this new away kit replicates the on-pitch energy of the iconic U.S. National Teams. pic.twitter.com/AWA7yyDpiT
The jersey is not the first aggressive jersey the U.S. have released, as you'll remember the iconic denim "Stars and Stripes" look from the 1994 Men's World Cup, as well as the "Where's Waldo" look from 2012, and the "Firecracker pop" rendition from the 2014 Men's World Cup.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that's right: It appears this year's #MLSAllStar jersey is a riff on *the* 1994 #USMNT World Cup Denim Kit. pic.twitter.com/oZDhXtXxbK
β Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) June 26, 2017
π¨ #BracKITology Winners π¨
β U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) April 23, 2020
2012 Home "Waldo" pic.twitter.com/01n8JxiMcT
Brooks' header gives US a 2-1 win vs Ghana in #WorldCup thriller:http://t.co/ZbRfax9r06 (@jimvertuno) pic.twitter.com/YRvuLGOiSb (corrects)
β AP Sports (@AP_Sports) June 17, 2014
Not everyone appears to be a fan of the vibrant new kit, though, with many comparing it to designs they have seen elsewhere.
Fruit by the Foot anyone?
Fruit by the Foot did it first and did it better pic.twitter.com/JvImjpvuIq
β Stevie Two Dose (@SteveThreeP0) June 16, 2021
How about the resemblance to World War I cargo ship USS West Mahomet?
The USS West Mahomet did it first pic.twitter.com/dFlhh33up6
β Patrick M. π (@PMehlek) June 16, 2021
Finally, it does look quite similar to Manchester United's zebra-style third kit from last season ...
"Can I copy your homework?"
β Bret Freeman (@B_FreeMan7) June 16, 2021
"Ok but don't make it obvious" pic.twitter.com/04JhHL2LIq
Well at minimum, the design has people talking!