On Saturday, members of the U.S. women’s soccer national team (USWNT) visited NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook at his place of work by taking in a Houston Rockets team practice.
The two-time defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champions just happened to be in town, since they’ve recently had three qualifying games for the 2020 Olympics at nearby BBVA Stadium.
And when USWNT team members visited the Rockets, it became competitive enough that Carli Lloyd even challenged Westbrook to a 3-point shooting contest, which the former MVP narrowly won.
On Monday’s off day for the Rockets, Westbrook repaid the gesture by checking out Lloyd and the rest of the USWNT as they finished up Olympic qualifying play in Houston.
In particular, Lloyd said she appreciated Westbrook’s support. The 37-year-old star knows Houston well, having played for the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League from 2015 through 2017.
As for Monday’s game, the USWNT defeated Costa Rica, 6-0, in their third and final Olympic qualifying game in Houston.
The result at BBVA Stadium in downtown Houston — where they were victorious in all three games — clinched the CONCACAF Group A title for the Americans, with a semi-final match set for Friday in Los Angeles.
As for basketball, the Rockets return to action Tuesday night at home against the Charlotte Hornets, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. local time from nearby Toyota Center. Westbrook, however, is doubtful to play due to a left thumb sprain, which he suffered in Sunday’s game.
