USA Advances, But at What Cost?

USA Advances, But at What Cost?

Team USA prevailed again in the World Cup, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the win was not without cost or controversy. Team USA’s best striker and potentially one of the best players of his generation was given a red card for what certainly appeared to be an unintended foul, and now Folarin Balogun, who missed the rest of the game and will be unable to play in the team's next elimination match against Belgium on Monday, July 6^th.

After having an early goal taken off the board due to a late offside call, much to the disappointment of the 68,827 roaring fans in Santa Clara, Team USA continued to dominate most of the first half but struggled to break through Bosnia's deep, physical defensive block. Just before halftime, a Tim Ream interception and a clever flick from Tyler Adams allowed Malik Tillman to slip the ball to Folarin Balogun, who calmly slotted it home to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Folarin Balogun was shown a controversial red card, leaving the U.S. to play with 10 men. Despite the pressure, the American defense held firm. In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman iced the game by curling a brilliant free kick over the Bosnian wall and past the keeper's gloves, sealing a historic 2-0 victory. “This is arguably the biggest win in US Soccer history,” said Tim Kolacz – co-host of the Empire Strykers and Major Arena Soccer League affiliated radio show Soccer in 60.” After not having beaten a European team in their last 7 tries, the USA emphatically beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 to 0, despite being down to 10 men. The free kick by Malik Tillman surpasses the Wynalda goal in the 1994 WC. It sealed the game for the US and blew the roof off of watch parties across the nation.”

The World Cup is where the attention of soccer fans is focused now, but in November, arena soccer is coming back locally, and fans looking for an indoor soccer league near me or high-octane indoor soccer in California can come watch the Empire Strykers, the premier arena soccer team serving the Inland Empire.

If you are looking to buy Strykers season tickets or single-game Empire Strykers tickets to watch professional MASL soccer live, you can find them at www.theempirestrykers.com. Fans can also head over to the team store to gear up with their favorite Empire Strykers fan gear for the fast-paced indoor action.