CHICAGO — Antonee Robinson struck the ball perfectly with his left foot, and it rocketed into the corner of the goal. Surrounded by a delirious sellout crowd at Soldier Field, the defender celebrated with a cartwheel and a backflip.
Not a bad way to go into the World Cup. Not enough for a win, though.
Robinson’s spectacular goal was the biggest highlight for the United States in a 2-1 loss to Germany in Saturday’s exhibition match at the home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. The match drew 63,636 to the site of the 1994 World Cup opener.
Chicago refused to bid to host 2026 World Cup matches, citing what it said was a lack of financial assurances by FIFA.
It was the ninth consecutive loss for the U.S. men’s soccer team against European opponents dating to 2022, but the Americans were encouraged by their performance in their final tuneup for the 48-team tournament that kicks off Thursday and will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.