Team USA scores big on day one with men’s and women’s team wins
On day one of the Homeless World Cup in Seoul, the United States of America’s two teams arrived with huge team spirit fueling two remarkable games. The men’s and women’s teams of 8 players each representing Street Soccer USA dominated their games on the first day of the 8 day tournament, with one incredible upset.
The men’s match with the USA and Portugal was not expected to end well for USA according to their coach, Pete Fink, director of Street Soccer 658. The top ranked Portuguese team was expected to win big against the 11th-ranked USA.
But the match was a surprise. Tho Reh, originally from Thailand, scoring two of the three goals to Portugal’s one. Team USA “hype man” David Mybuyu brought amazing energy to the game. Mybuyu is hard to miss—sporting a USA flag as a cape, and a grin from ear to ear. He’s played soccer with the team for the last five years.
Image: Anita Milas
After their win, the men’s team brought the energy to the stands and were the loudest cheering on the Women, who were ranked third. The team defeated India 4-3, championed by goalie Mandalay Na, who staved off a remarkable barrage of nearly 30 saves.
“I’m shaking, my hands are literally shaking, this took away my anxiety and I’m ready for the next game,” Na said.
The Thailand born player managed to do this without even breaking a nail. She showed off her patriotic stars and stripes decorated finger nails - which she painted herself.
Team USA is managed by Street Soccer USA, a national non-profit in 14 cities across the country.The United States was the host in the 2023 HWC in Sacramento, Ca. The event brings teams from around the globe, each player only gets one chance to be in a World Cup, to ensure as many players can experience the event year after year. And the experience is immeausurable.
“It means opportunity, I like to explore, I love adventures, as part of my memories I will remember this forever, ” said Na.
No matter what the rest of the week holds, it’s evident that the players, as Mbuyu shared, are embracing the core mission.
“I love the people here, everyone is nice, everybody’s cool, everyone is vibing.”
Words: Andi Phillips
Photos: Anita Milas, Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez