When Boston soccer fans think of prominent local figures, few garner more respect than former US women’s national team midfielder Sam Mewis.

The criticism was not limited to the campaign’s tone. Massachusetts native and former USWNT star Sam Mewis was also critical, pointing out that the team failed to acknowledge existing women’s sports teams in the city, such as the Boston Fleet of the PWHL.

The National Women's Soccer League expansion team in Boston apologized on Wednesday for a "Too Many Balls" marketing campaign that drew a harsh reaction from the transgender community and others.