The United States U-19 men’s national team fell 3-1 to Bahrain on Monday, thus crashing out of the group stage of the 2016 COTIF Tournament in Valencia, Spain, following a massive, bench-clearing brawl that broke out between the two teams.
The U.S. could have advanced to the semifinals after defeating Spain 1-0. Nevertheless, the Americans lost on Monday and in stoppage time, a Bahraini player tripped Pierre Da Silva, sending him to the ground. What happened next, however, really started the melee. As Da Sliva went down, an opposition player smashed the ball off his head. Da Silva’s teammates chased after the offending Bahraini, pushing him to the ground and falling over him. Unsurprisingly, his own teammates came to defend him, both benches cleared, and all hell broke loose.
The referees and coaches naturally attempted to break it up. Even Da Silva entered the brawl, despite having just taken a soccer ball to the face. Clearly, the 18-year-old Orlando City striker did not let the pain stop him from responding to the attack.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
There has been no word on U.S. Soccer regarding any type of disciplinary action as of yet, although one can only assume federation President Sunil Gulati will be very disappointed with this type of behavior. Four players were sent off with red cards as a result of the fight.
Bahrain will now advance to the semifinals. The U.S., led by head coach Brad Friedel, is now eliminated after also losing to Venezuela but defeating Mauritania.
To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams…
The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023…
Once known as the worst clutch quarterback in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins…
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve with a concussion.…
The Chicago Bears learned the hard way last week that not all wins are pretty.…
Quarterback Daniel Jones has had to field multiple questions about negative Giants fans last week.…