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The U.S. Men’s Flag National Team’s unprecedented 14-year winning streak came to an end Friday when American Samoa defeated the heavily favored Americans at the IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany. The loss marked the first defeat for the dominant program since 2012, when Barack Obama held the presidency, “The Dark Knight Rises” premiered in theaters, and the London Olympics took place.
American Samoa’s upset victory was led by former University of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, whose squad accomplished what no other team had managed in nearly a decade and a half. The Americans, who entered the tournament as clear favorites, now remain alive in the championship but must regroup following the unexpected defeat.
Despite the sting of losing such a lengthy winning streak, timing may work in the U.S. team’s favor heading into a critical period for the sport. Flag football is scheduled to debut as an Olympic sport in two years, and the loss serves as a potential wake-up call before that high-profile competition draws global attention and possible NFL participation.
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