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Mix Diskerud Hits Back at Abby Wambach for Calling USMNT Players "Foreign Guys"

Wambach toed the line, and Diskerud drew one in the sand.

It turns out Mix Diskerud isn't all hair and dashing looks. The Aragorn-looking midfielder showed some gumption today as he hit back at compatriot Abby Wambach for describing U.S. Men's National Team players as "foreign guys."

Two days ago, in a Bill Simmons podcast pertaining to her retirement, USWNT legend Wambach called for USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann to be fired and criticized him for bringing in "a bunch of these foreign guys." Wambach was likely referring to the number of dual citizens that make up the team, including Diskerud, who holds both Norwegian and U.S. passports.

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Diskerud, hailed by Men In Blazers as "Nordic Messi," understandably took offense to the statement, and released an Instagram post today that asks Wambach to "[t]hink about who you try to disenfranchise."

Here's the post in its entirety:

mixdiskerud

Wow Abby, I guess there are pros and cons in limiting the base for selection. You have just singled out a few of us. But why? Why are we your single oddballs? Think about who you try to disenfranchise. Because if you see us as the group to disenfranchise, then at least let it be known who we are. Stats and history will show - "our group" has more than others produced volunteer and defending soldiers for what, by us, is willingly chosen and gathered to be worth protecting: Your nation.
Wish you would accept it as ours too.
I know we're not quite equal. From "your group of people" the country's Commander in Chief need to be selected. However, other than that - you and I share something not unique, but constitutionally earned, a birthright to defend this nation as an American. Wherever we go. Led by whoever has earned, by democratic process, his/her right to lead, on or off the field, in peace, in war, in practice, or in any other kind of pursuit of your happiness. Enjoy your retirement. But stay active. We all need you. Oddballs or not.
Mix

Wambach might have done better better to, say, criticize Klinsmann for making digs at MLS, or for not adequately cultivating youth soccer culture in the country. But decidedly, calling actual U.S. citizens "foreign guys" wasn't the smoothest move. Otherwise, Wambach came in with some valid points against Klinsmann. Here's a quick sample:

"It seems to me there are too many egos in our men's program right now, and the bigger ego of all of them is the one who is leading the charge," Wambach said. She later added: "It's gotta be interesting for those guys to see their coach take off in a helicopter and fly home to his home and then back to training."

Solid burn. But next time, don't apply that kind of heat to your fellow countrymen.