Goodman: ‘We’re America and we don’t take sh!!’

This is an opinion column.

The global soccer stage has officially been put on notice: the United States is here to dominate, not just participate. Following a decisive 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay to kick off the 48-team tournament, the Americans aren't just securing wins—they are collecting scalps.

This version of the U.S. Men’s National Team has arguably never looked more formidable. After putting on an absolute clinic against Paraguay, the squad now prepares to face Australia in their next group stage matchup. While the two nations may be diplomatic allies, expect the intensity to reach a fever pitch when they collide in Seattle at 2 p.m. CT this Friday.

A New Era of American Swagger

The U.S. performance against Paraguay drew over 28 million viewers, proving that this team has finally captured the nation's undivided attention. The secret to their surge? It’s not about complex tactical jargon—it’s about mindset. As midfielder Sebastian Berhalter put it earlier this week, "We’re America and we don’t take sh!!."

It is the kind of raw, unfiltered confidence that has been missing for generations. This team is playing with the relentless, aggressive style often associated with the most elite American sports programs. As Birmingham's own Chris Richards put it, this roster is filled with "dogs" who are eager to make a statement every time they step on the pitch.

Embracing the Villain Role

Before the tournament began, I argued that the USMNT needed to embrace the role of a World Cup villain. They have clearly taken that message to heart, playing with a grit that suggests they are ready to scrap with anyone who stands in their way. Richards, a co-owner of Birmingham Legion FC, believes this "bad-boy energy" is exactly what sets them apart.

"If they want to scrap, we’re going to scrap," Richards said during an interview on ESPN. "We kinda like that bad-boy energy, but also we’re a team with a lot of quality who can play through teams as well."

Whether it’s the physical play of the Aussies or the tactical challenges ahead, the Americans are leaning into their identity. As Richards summarized: "We go out there and do what we do best and be Americans. That’s all we know."

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