Those disgruntled supporters were voicing their disapproval at the American soccer star's decision to kneel during the US national anthem in support of Colin Kaepernick's silent protest against police brutality.
The Californian was the first white professional athlete to show solidarity with Kaepernick, the first to do so on an international stage, helping turn a ripple of discontent into a wave which swept across the country; from San Francisco to Seattle, from the NFL to the National Women's Soccer League, from elite athletes to college kids.
Two years on, Kaepernick no longer plays in the NFL but has become a global icon, Rapinoe captains her country and now stands with both feet planted for the "Star Spangled Banner." The sound of condemnation during soccer matches has dissipated.
Much has happened, yet the wheels of progress turn slowly, which is why Rapinoe continues to be vocal, continues to be at the forefront for equality. The 33-year-old Olympic champion is not one to hold back. She is, after all, the athlete who once described US President Donald Trump as a "jerk but entertaining."
"I would do it again in a heartbeat," Rapinoe tells CNN Sport of her decision to take the knee in September 2016.
"I don't regret any of that. I still very very much stand behind Colin Kaepernick and what he was talking about and continues to talk about."
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