6 Of The Most Devastating Team USA Losses In History
The U.S. national teams, both men and women, have had their fair share of ups and downs. From winning championships and medals to losing in overtime or in a shootout/penalty kicks, the U.S. is no rookie to sensational wins and devastating losses. After a draw with Portugal, (It's a loss in my book, we were winning and they scored to get a point. That's a loss, people.) fans around the world felt our agony and unfortunately we are no stranger to this feeling. Here is a look at six other times where the U.S. has been devastated and I mean sucker-punched, wind knocked out of them kind of devastated in sports.
6. USA Basketball, 2004 Olympics
With a roster that boded names such as Amar'e Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Lamar Odom (in his prime and pre-Kardashian), Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, and LeBron James, the U.S. was a favorite to win the Gold in Athens. The U.S. suffered a surprising and DEVASTATING 19-point loss to Puerto Rico and then lost to Lithuania by 4 in group play. They went on to lose to the eventual gold medalist, Argentina, in the semifinals. Greece was not good to the U.S. in the summer of 2004, not good at all.
5. USMNT, 2010 World Cup
Tied England. ENGLAND. Tied Slovenia. Beat Algeria. Lost to Ghana 1-2 in the 93rd minute. Dagger. Devastation. Tears. #wewouldhavebeaturuguay
4. USWNT, 2011 World Cup Final
With the Gold Medal at stake, the U.S. Women's soccer team played Japan in the Final in Germany. The score was tied 2-2 after regulation and overtime thus penalty kicks were needed to decide the winner. The U.S. wound up losing in PK's and came home from Frankfurt with the Silver.
3. U.S.A Women's Hockey, 2014 Sochi Olympics
In a series of unfortunate events, the U.S. Women's hockey team lost in the Gold Medal game 3-2 in overtime after leading 2-0. The U.S. hit the post on an empty net with 1:26 left in the 3rd period which would have all but sealed a Gold medal. Then Canada scored with 54.6 seconds left to tie it and eventually won in overtime. Dagger of all daggers. #nopuckluck
2. USMNT, 1994 World Cup
In what is perhaps the best showing by the U.S. in World Cup play, the 1994 team hosted and played in the World Cup which was held at various stadiums and arenas around the United States. The U.S. wound up losing to 3rd ranked Brazil 1-0 on America's birthday in 1994, after a goal was scored in the 72nd minute. What most people took out of this World Cup? The Mascot. Remember Striker, The World Cup Pup? What a legend.
1. U.S.A Men's Hockey, 2010 Vancouver Olympics
Let me give this to you straight. The U.S. comes back to tie Canada with 24.4 seconds left in regulation AND yet we still lost. An overtime loss thanks to Sidney Crosby that stupid little magician that he is. I guess he really did save an entire country though, Canada would have gone up in flames had they lost to the U.S. in the Gold Medal game.
Honorable Mention: While it's not technically a loss, it sure felt like one. This draw was the most heartbreaking feeling I've felt in years. To have a chance to beat the 4th ranked team in the nation, advance out of the group of death then get it taken away and have to deal with a draw is like telling me tacos no longer exist or saying the beer ran out.
It's just not possible. But the "not possible" is possible and it happened. The U.S. was winning with seconds left, and I mean seconds. I don't know a lot of things but there is one thing I do know. Michael Bradley, I'm coming for you. And so is the rest of America.
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