U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team Surges to First Win against Germany with 3-1 Victory in East Hartford
Chris Bourdon Collects Two Assists and 18-Year-Old Goalkeeper Sam Lang Earns First Win in International Debut; Historic Doubleheader with U.S. Women’s National Team Sends Deaf MNT Off in Style Ahead of 2025 Deaflympics This November
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 26, 2025) – In its “send-off” match ahead of the 2025 Deaflympics this November, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team decisively defeated Germany 3-1 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. As part of an historic doubleheader with the U.S. Women’s National Team, the win is the first for the United States against Germany in six all time meetings since the series began in 2012.
Goals from veterans and youth alike along with a pair of assists from Chris Bourdon led the attack. Meantime, an aggressive and stodgy U.S. defense was backstopped by 18-year-old goalkeeper Sam Lang, who earned a win during his international debut.
USA-Germany, presented by Volkswagen, continued U.S. Soccer’s dedicated effort to celebrate and elevate all forms of the Beautiful Game. For the second year in a row, the Federation has paired a U.S. Women’s National Team match with a Deaf National Team match.
The game opened in entertaining fashion as both teams looked to establish superiority.The U.S. started to impose themselves at the quarter hour mark, utilizing an aggressive press to force the Germans into several turnovers and creating transition opportunities.
Those efforts paid off in the 18th minute. After winning a duel in midfield, Bourdon – the 2023 U.S. Soccer Male Deaf Player of the Year – raced down the right flank and delivered a ball across the box to a streaking Samson Abraham who deftly used the outside of his right foot to direct the ball into the far side netting for his first international goal.
The U.S. doubled the lead in the 42nd minute in remarkably similar fashion. Again a quick transition sent Bourdon on the fly. He entered the area from the right side and skated past three defenders before dropping a pass to Michael Schmid at the top of the six, who made no mistake in burying a strike for his 14th career international goal.
Germany – looking to extend their unbeaten streak against the USA - responded quickly after the break. Jonathan Sedlmayer whipped a free kick into the box from 35 yards out and found Robin Bayer unmarked at the 12-yard box, the German captain powering a standing header to the far post for the 22nd goal of his international career.
Showing resiliency and spirit, it took the U.S. only two minutes to regain the two-goal margin. Braden Anderson was given corner kick duty from the left side and found Schmid charging into the mix. His diving effort was denied by a quick reaction save from Stefan Krieg; however, team captain Tate Lancaster was there to pounce on the rebound in the 50th minute.
Germany nearly pulled one back in the 57th minute, only to see Lang deny a point-blank shot from six yards out. After providing two assists, Bourdon nearly got a goal of his own in the 75th minute when he smashed a close-range shot off the left post.
With minutes to go, Sedlmayer got two bites at the apple to score only to be stoned by the U.S. defense. First, it was Lang who once again stood tall and made a reflex kick save to deny a breakaway. On the ensuing corner, Sedlmayer stood near the top of the box and smacked a low drive that had Lang beat but was cleared off the line by an astutely positioned Raul Silva.
Following Sunday’s friendly, the USA sets its sights on earning a medal at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo. Drawn into Group D, the USA will face Ukraine on Nov. 16 and Senegal on Nov. 18, with both matches kicking off at 2:30 a.m. ET. The top two teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals and play in a knockout format until the gold medal match on Nov. 25.
USA - Samson Abraham (Chris Bourdon), 18th minute: After winning a duel in midfield, Bourdon – the 2023 Player of the Year – raced down the right flank and delivered a ball across the box to a streaking Samson Abraham who deftly used the outside of his right foot to direct the ball into the far side netting for his first international goal. USA 1, GER 0
USA - Michael Schmid (Chris Bourdon), 42nd minute: The U.S. doubled the lead in remarkably similar fashion. Again a quick transition sent Bourdon on the fly. He entered the area from the right side and skated past three defenders before dropping a pass to Michael Schmid at the top of the six, who made no mistake in burying a strike for his 14th career international goal. USA 2, GER 0
GER - Robin Bayer (Jonathan Sedlmayer), 48th minute: Jonathan Sedlmayer whipped a free kick into the box from 35 yards out and found Robin Bayer unmarked at the 12-yard box, the German captain powering a standing header to the far post for the 22nd goal of his international career.
USA - Tate Lancaster, 50th minute: It took the U.S. only two minutes to regain the two-goal margin. Braden Anderson was given corner kick duty from the left side and found Schmid charging into the mix. His diving effort was denied by a quick reaction save from Stefan Krieg; however, team captain Tate Lancaster was there to smash home the rebound. USA 3, GER 1 FINAL
The Deaf MNT earned its first-ever win against Germany, improving to 1W-5L-0D in six meetings between the two sides in a series that dates back to 2012.
Twenty-year-old Samson Abraham scored his first career goal in his fifth career appearance.
Making his 30th appearance, veteran Michael Schmid recorded his 13th international goal.
Winger Chris Bourdon recorded two assists, taking his career total to four in 11 appearances.
Tate Lancaster captained the side and collected his second international goal and first since Sept. 25, 2023 against Egypt.
Making his international debut, 18-year-old goalkeeper Sam Lang made four saves to earn his first win.
-U.S. MEN’S DEAF NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-
Match: United States Men’s Deaf National Team vs. Germany Date: October 26, 2025 Competition: International Friendly Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field; East Hartford, Conn. Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET Weather: Mostly sunny, 55 degrees
Officials: Referee: Andrew Kirst (USA) Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth McDonald (USA) Assistant Referee 2: Steven Cardoso (USA) Fourth Official: Devin Miller (USA)
Michelob Ultra Man of the Match: Chris Bourdon
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