Despite a narrow loss to Turkey, the United States soccer team made headlines by gathering for a powerful post-match prayer, demonstrating a profound faith



The United States soccer team didn’t end its group play with a win Thursday night, but it did end the evening with a midfield post-match prayer, demonstrating that its public display of faith wasn't dependent on the outcome.

Turkey edged the Americans 3-2 in the closing seconds of a back-and-forth game that put a blemish on the team’s record but didn’t alter its path to the knockout round. The Americans (2-1) already had clinched first place in their group and now will face Bosnia and Herzegovina Wednesday night in the single-elimination Round of 32.

After Thursday’s loss, the players, coaches, and staff gathered in a circle around defender Mark McKenzie, who knelt in the middle and offered a prayer of gratitude. His words could not be heard, but the moment nevertheless resonated on social media among soccer fans who had seen the same team pray after its two victories.

“To pray together – even after losing the game to Turkey – is good form, good posture, and a demonstration of character,” one person wrote.

“Win or lose, all glory belongs to God,” another wrote.

The U.S. team is filled with players of faith, not only McKenzie but also teammates such as Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, and Matt Freese, all of whom have publicly professed faith in Christ.

McKenzie opened up about his faith during a recent interview with the Sports Spectrum Podcast, saying he’s a “disciple for the Lord.”

“The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few,” he said, citing the words of Christ.

His daily faith goal, he said, is “just connecting with the locker room, exposing guys to the Lord in different ways, standing firm in my faith.”

He acknowledged he once shied away from public expressions of faith but felt God telling him: “You’ve got to dig deep, you’ve got to strap on your boots, you’ve got to put on the helmet of righteousness, and the breastplate of righteousness.” It’s as if God said, “I need you to really dig in now, because you are in a space that needs Me,” he said.

The U.S. will play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night at 8 Eastern.

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