USMNT

But this Inter squad is full of unsung heroes. Chief among them is one of our own — former Cal goalkeeper Drake Callender. Callender decided the shootout at both ends. After scoring the go-ahead goal, he also batted away his opposite number’s effort to confirm the win.

With the rise of association football culture in the United States, Christian Pulisic is an individual at the forefront of this movement. With accomplishments both at the club and international level, it is likely only a matter of time until we see more Americans performing at a world stage like Captain America himself.

Although the magic of summertime World Cup has vanished at the expense of early morning watch parties for Pacific Time soccer fanatics, there is still a lot to grasp from these first games that could set the tone for a surprisingly disputed competition.

Regardless of race, gender, age or any other potential identifier, all individuals deserve the same opportunities and treatment. No player should have to earn equality.