Chad Johnson’s Goal Lifts U.S. Deaf MNT to 1-0 Win vs. England in World Championships Round of 16

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Sept. 29, 2023) – The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team utilized a 42^nd minute goal from Chad Johnson and a comprehensive team performance to earn a thrilling 1-0 win against England in the Round of 16 at the 2023 DIFA Men’s World Deaf Football Championships on Friday. The win sees the USDMNT advance to a Quarterfinal meeting with Senegal on Sunday, Oct 1 (8:30 a.m. ET; YouTube).

A back and forth first half saw both teams stretch the field, but neither found a great chance until the 41^st minute when the USA’s JP Kanashiro found room on the right flank and cross for an unmarked Chad Johnson at the back post. With space and time, Johnson attempted a first-time volley that spun wide of goal and he walked away frustrated at the missed opportunity.

However, Johnson would get redemption just a minute later. The USA remained composed and strung together a total of eight passes from the back and through midfield. Michael Schmid slotted the final ball through for Johnson who put his effort between the England ‘keeper Alex Smith’s legs and send the U.S. into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The goal was Johnson’s team-leading third of the tournament and the 14^th of his international career – the most all-time by a USDMNT player.

England, who rattled off three straight wins during the group stage, poured on the pressure in the second half, forcing a number of important stops from the U.S. defense. In the 68^th minute, Three Lions striker James Clarke spun past a defender and fired a shot that U.S. captain Will Frentz extended to and pushed out for a corner kick.  

England’s best chance came one minute later, as a low cross from the right found Abdou Jobe whose first-time effort was kept out thanks to a kick save from U.S. goalkeeper Erik Jasper. The ball fell to Clarke, whose rebound was then saved off the line by center back Tate Lancaster.

In the 75^th minute, a nice combination between Jobe and substitute Rylan Casey saw Jobe get another open look, only to have Lancaster slide through and deflect the shot out for another corner.

With England pushing more numbers forward, the U.S. nearly iced the game as the speedy Johnson breezed through midfield before laying off a pass for Braden Anderson. The attacker got into the box on the right and hit a low shot that was well held by England ‘keeper Alex Smith.

From that point the USA did well to frustrate England, not allowing another big opportunity before the referee blew the final whistle.

Next Up: The USA will face Senegal in the Quarterfinals on Sunday, Oct. 1. The African side also advanced on Friday following a 3-0 defeat of Saudi Arabia. Kickoff of USA-Senegal on Sunday is set for 8:30 a.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local) and the match is expected to stream live via the Malaysia Deaf Sports Association’s YouTube Channel.

WATCH: USDMNT 1, ENGLAND 0 | SEPT. 29, 2023

- U.S. MEN’S DEAF NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT -

Match: U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team vs. England
Date: September 29, 2023
Competition: 2023 DIFA Men’s World Deaf Football Championships – Round of 16
Venue: UITM Stadium; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kickoff: 8:30 a.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local)
Weather: 85 degrees, clear

Scoring Summary:    1          2          F         

ENG                             0          0          1         
USA                             1          0          1

USA – Chad Johnson (Michael Schmid)        42^nd minute

Lineups:

USA: 12-Erik Jaspers; 2-David Dircio, 17-Tate Lancaster, 5-Will Frentz (capt.), 3-Eddie Perry; 8-Braden Anderson (14-Dawson Anderson, 79), 11-JP Kanashiro, 10-Raul Silva; 13-Chad Johnson (6-Trip Neil, 77), 22-Michael Schmid (9-Thomas Salvi, 92+) 7-Chris Bourdon

Subs not used: 1-Eric Setzer, 21-Samuel Lang, 15-Jullian Mitchell, 16-Kevin Fitzpatrick, 18-Luke Haubruge, 19-Arthur Goncalves, 20-Kelly Grant

Not dressed: 4-Tristan Torbett

Head Coach: David Kunitz

ENG: 1-Alex Smith, 2-Harry Boorman (16-Drew Rowley, 34), 3-Dylan Cross (14-Caveil Donaldson, 78), 4-Philip Swift (6-Rylan Casey, 54), 5-Matthew Oaten, 7-Abdou Jobe, 8-Ellis McLean (18-Neil Cole, 78), 9-James Clarke, 10-Oliver Manoocherhri (19-William Palmer, 54), 12-Joseph Dixon
Subs not used: 11-Matthew McQueeney, 13-Samuel Edwards, 15-Gino King, 17-Henry Bowe, 20-Kemahti Anderson,
Head Coach: Duncan Gilchrist

Stats Summary: ENG / USA                                  

Shots: 8 / 7
Shots on Goal: 5 / 4
Saves: 4 / 5
Corner Kicks: 3 / 4
Fouls: 10  / 11

Misconduct Summary:

USA – Will Frentz (caution)                50^th minute
USA – Michael Schmid (caution)       58
USA – Tate Lancaster (caution)        90+3

Officials:

Referee: Zam Azwan bin Rashid
Assistant Referee 1: Muhd Aizad bin Damanhuri
Assistant Referee 2: Mohd Akram bin Azman
Fourth Official: Zofkamain Zakaria

About Deaf Soccer

Deaf soccer is contested by deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. Under international criteria, players must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear. Hearing loss below this level has been shown to negatively impact hearing. All players competing in deaf matches must remove all hearing aids before playing.

For more information on the sport or to inquire about athlete eligibility, please contact U.S. Soccer's Extended National Teams Department via email at extendednt@ussoccer.org.