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USA Goalball Secures Back-to-Back Wins to Finish 2nd in Pool, Advances to Quarterfinals Against Japan

Posted September 1, 2024  Uncategorized
(Calahan Young with Goalball in Hand – Photo Credit Joe Kusumoto USOPC)

PARIS, France – In back-to-back games that closed out pool play in the Paralympic Goalball tournament, Team USA secured two crucial victories, finishing second in their pool and positioning themselves for a strong run in the knockout rounds.

In their second pool match against France, the USA earned a hard-fought 5-4 win at South Paris Arena. The game began with explosive action, as Christian King (#8) put the USA on the board just ten seconds into the match. Tyler Merren (#2) quickly followed with another goal, extending the lead to 2-0. France responded when Nabil Baich (#2) scored in the 6th minute, tightening the game to 2-1 by halftime.

In the second half, the teams traded goals, with Merren continuing to shine, netting multiple goals to keep the USA ahead. Elias Ouni (#2) kept France in the match with a pair of goals, making the score 5-4 in favor of the Americans. In the closing moments, USA’s Matt Simpson (#7) delivered a crucial block on a penalty shot, securing the victory and giving the team their first win of the tournament.

On Sunday, Team USA capped off their pool play with a dominant 14-7 victory over IR Iran. The USA took control early, with Calahan Young (#6) scoring within the first minute. By the 7th minute, the Americans had built a 5-0 lead, with key contributions from Merren, who converted two penalty shots, and King, who scored twice.

Despite Iran’s attempts to close the gap, including goals from Milad Souri (#7) and Hassan Jafari (#3), the USA responded each time with precision and power. By halftime, the USA led 9-3. In the second half, the Americans continued to pull away, with Simpson and Young adding to the tally, bringing the score to 14-5 by the 10th minute. Iran managed two late goals, but the USA’s commanding lead was never in doubt, and the match ended 14-7.

These two victories secured Team USA a second-place finish in their pool, setting them up for the quarterfinals, where they will face Japan tomorrow at 1:30 PM EST (7:30 PM CET). With strong offensive performances and critical defensive stops, the USA enters the knockout stages in solid form.


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