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Prior to last week, the vast majority of Americans weren’t aware the United States has a national team that represents the country in tackle football games on an international stage.
However, the squad made headlines for all the wrong reasons after losing to Japan, and it’s pretty clear something needs to change after it was handed another L thanks to Austria.
Flag football is slated to make its debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics, and a number of former and current NFL players have already expressed interest in playing for America when the showcase descends upon Los Angeles.
As things currently stand, the only real way for the United States to flex its football superiority on the world stage is by competing in events organized by the International Federation of American Football, the governing body that oversaw the World U20 Championships that kicked off in Edmonton toward the end of June.
Now, you might think Team USA would’ve had an edge when you consider football was invented in the country that produces the lion’s share of the best players on the planet. However, that did not end up being the case, as the squad found itself thrust into the spotlight after losing to Japan by a score of 41-20 on June 26th.
Now, it’s obviously worth noting players have to pay to be a part of the Team USA roster, and when you consider the starting QB is about to kick off his freshman season at a college in West Virginia that boasts an enrollment of around 550 students, it’s obviously not attracting the country’s top talent.
The loss to Japan meant America was ultimately forced to settle for a spot in the bronze medal game against Austria. I’d love to tell you they were able to take full advantage of its shot at redemption, but that would be a lie, as Team USA was sent home with nothing after ending up on the wrong side of a 32-24 result.
The game is over at the Commonwealth Stadium and Austria wins the 🥉medal.
⏰ End of the game
🥉 USA 🇺🇸 24-32 🇦🇹 AustriaStay tuned…. Next for the 🥇medal in 60mns
Canada 🇨🇦 will face Japan 🇯🇵
Still live on https://t.co/iSWBglTIkm pic.twitter.com/Od7pgxVMgM— Int’l Fed of American Football (@IFAFMedia) June 30, 2024
I may not have been aware of this team’s existence at this time last week, but I am now a member of the vocal chorus of American football fans who are outraged at this objectively embarrassing showing.
I can’t say I know much about head coach Mike Kelly, but I do know he clearly doesn’t have what it takes to get the job done. It might not be the most glamorous gig out there, but here’s to hoping Team USA can find a capable replacement with the ability to assemble a team that can right this egregious wrong as soon as possible.