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USMNT's World Cup demolition of Paraguay marks a turning point for American soccer

Billy Haisley

7h ago· 7 min readenOpinion

Summary

The article is a passionate fan's reaction to the USMNT's stunning performance in their World Cup opener against Paraguay. The author expresses disbelief and elation at the team's dominant play, which defied decades of American soccer history. The piece reflects on the long journey of American soccer development, the rise of U.S. players in European leagues, and the emotional payoff of seeing the national team finally play with world-class quality and confidence.

Source

DefectorUSMNT's World Cup demolition of Paraguay marks a turning point for American soccerdefector.com

Key quotes

· 3 pulled

The United States men's soccer team simply does not play with as much overpowering quality, as much one-way domination, as much undeniable impressiveness as we saw that day.

For the better part of a decade now, as the largest and most promising cohort of American players made their way to Europe to test themselves in the sport's fiercest crucibles, fans of American soccer have put our faith in the idea.

I found it genuinely confusing.

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As the pure elation began to ebb, the feeling that overcame me toward the end of the USMNT’s demolition of Paraguay in its World Cup opener last week was disbelief. I found it genuinely confusing. The United States men’s soccer team simply does not play w

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