Copa Alcalde 2025 Recap: U.S. Amputee Team Battles Costa Rica and Guatemala

The U.S. Men's Amputee Soccer National Team recently returned from the Copa Alcalde tournament, held in Costa Rica from January 17th to 19th, 2025, marking their first international matches since the AMP Futbol Cup in 2023. The team showcased their talent against regional rivals Costa Rica and Guatemala. This tournament served as an important warm-up as the team sets its sights on the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The tournament kicked off on Friday, January 17th, with a highly anticipated match against the host nation and long-standing rival, Costa Rica. The game proved to be a hard-fought battle, ultimately ending in a tie, setting the tone for a competitive tournament and the team's return to the international arena.

Saturday saw the U.S. team in dominant form as they faced Guatemala. The Americans secured a decisive 4-0 victory, with impressive performances across the board. Jovan Booker netted two goals, while Musa Nzirimwo contributed a goal and two assists. Nico Calabria also found the back of the net, rounding out the scoring.

The final day of the Copa Alcalde presented a double-header for the U.S. squad. Their first match of the day was another encounter with Guatemala, resulting in a comfortable 3-0 win for the U.S. However, the second match of the day brought a rematch against Costa Rica. In a tightly contested affair, the host nation managed to edge out a 1-0 victory.

Despite the final loss, the U.S. Men's Amputee Soccer Team demonstrated their strength and potential throughout the Copa Alcalde tournament, ultimately securing second place overall in their first international competition since 2023. Adding to the positive takeaways from the competition was a significant milestone for one of the team's youngest players, Jordan Obernesser, who scored his first-ever goal in international competition and getting his first starting role.

This strong showing at the Copa Alcalde provides valuable experience and momentum for the U.S. team as they return to international play and prepare for the crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The team's performance in Costa Rica highlights their dedication and skill, offering a promising glimpse into their future endeavors on the international stage after a period away from international competition.

Photos By Nigel D.