VANCOUVER – There are a group of psychologists in the sports world who believe the concept of a clutch player is nothing more than a convenient fabrication.
They must curse Carli Lloyd.
The theory of those mental medics is that if an athlete has a reputation of coming up with big plays in big moments it is more likely something to do with fortune and coincidence than an innate ability to withstand pressure better than others.
Over the course of 16 minutes on Sunday, Lloyd, the United States captain, proved that in her case at least, such claims are utter nonsense.