United States Crowned at the Deaflympics with a Historic Fifth Gold
The United States women’s national deaf soccer team won their fifth gold at the Deaflympics, marking a milestone in their successful career. In the final, played on Tuesday, they defeated Japan, the host country, with a resounding 4-0.
This triumph represents the eighth world championship for the Americans, solidifying their dominance in the discipline. Since they began their official participation in 2005, the team has not known defeat, accumulating 44 victories and a draw.
Forward Emily Spreeman shone in the final, scoring two goals that raised her personal record to 50 goals in 30 matches with the national team. Holly Hunter and Erin Cembrale also contributed goals in the victory over Japan.Sydney Andrews, Kate Ward, and Emily Spreeman retire from the United States Women’s Deaf National Soccer Team.The tournament was dominated by the Americans, with 11 different players scoring a total of 35 goals. In addition, the defense was impeccable, as they did not concede any goals in the four matches played.
This triumph at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics marks the end of an era for the team. Spreeman, along with Sydney Andrews and Kate Ward, the three players with the most time on the team, played their last matches with the national team.
Head coach Amy Griffin and assistant Joy Fawcett also said goodbye to the team after almost 10 years at the helm. Both coaches, former U.S. internationals, announced their retirement before the tournament.
Griffin and Fawcett leave with a record of 23 wins and one draw, having won two Deaflympics and two World Cups for the deaf.
The United States men’s deaf soccer team finished in fourth place at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, losing 1-0 to France in the bronze medal match.
