United States midfielder Michael Bradley and teammate Christian Pulisic have brushed off recent harsh criticism from former U.S. defender Alexi Lalas, with the former saying being subjected to scrutiny is "part of being an athlete."
Lalas on Sunday blasted the national team, who is struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, calling the players "soft, tattooed millionaires."
After losing to Costa Rica and drawing in Honduras this month, the U.S. team will have its qualification hopes go down to the final day of CONCACAF qualifying. If the side cannot improve on its current fourth-place standing, it could move on to an intercontinental playoff against Australia or Syria in November.