The eye has it.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) pulled out his glass eye to protest what he thought was poor officiating during a congressional soccer match Tuesday night, despite Republicans’ 4-2 triumph over a team of Democrats.
“The refs have two eyeballs, but they don’t use them, so I’m just going to give them one of mine,” Crenshaw said before tossing the faux eyeball into the winners’ trophy, prompting laughter from teammates Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) and former Minnesota GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen.
The US Soccer Foundation and US Soccer Federation hosted the 9th annual Congressional Soccer Match at DC United’s Audi Field. Democrats have traditionally dominated the rivalry and won last year’s game 5-3.
But the Republicans, who were organized by Rep. Darin Lahood (R-Ill.), triumphed Tuesday despite “a lot of bad calls,” a GOP aide told The Post, with Crenshaw particularly incensed about not being awarded a penalty after being tripped by an opponent and knocked over by the Democratic goalkeeper.
Steil grinned during a halftime interview to announce he came ready to play even though he lacked the proper equipment.
“I didn’t even bring cleats to DC, so currently in running shoes, and I don’t have any sort of shin guards. So pretty much negative preparation other than maybe watching an episode of Ted Lasso,” he laughed.
Valadao, whose family immigrated to the US from Portugal’s Azores Islands, boasted the biggest fan club in the stands, earning comparisons to former English soccer star David Beckham and the nickname, “The Azorean Conquistador.”
The Democratic team included Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.). Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) got the start in goal, but was yanked after letting two early shots get past him.
Swalwell was replaced by NFL cornerback Josh Norman, who apparently had difficulty abiding by the rules of the game, according to a source who attended the match. Argentinian TV personality Fernando Fiore also got on the field briefly to give Democrats a leg up.
The Democrats rallied to tie the match 2-2, but the Republicans regained the lead and held on to win.
Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) cheered on their fellow members from the sidelines, with the “Squad” rep sporting shades and a stylish red dress.