Home / Sports / Tagovailoa's Upset Win for American Samoa
Tagovailoa's Upset Win for American Samoa
27 Aug
Summary
- Taulia Tagovailoa led American Samoa to an upset victory over the USA.
- American Samoa, the lowest-ranked team, finished fifth in the tournament.
- The team aims to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Taulia Tagovailoa, once a standout for Maryland and a Big Ten record-holder, recently showcased his skills on the international stage. He captained American Samoa at the International Federation of American Football Flag Football World Championships in Germany, achieving a remarkable upset victory against the United States with five touchdown passes. This win marked the end of a 47-game winning streak for the American team.
American Samoa, participating for the first time and ranked lowest among 16 teams, secured a fifth-place finish. This performance places them on the path toward Olympic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Tagovailoa highlighted the significance of representing his nation and the pride it brings to his people, with the team now focusing on future qualifying tournaments.
Tagovailoa's journey in football post-college included tryouts with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and stints in various professional leagues. His former coach, Michael Locksley, expressed pride in Tagovailoa's continued passion for the sport and his dedication to representing his heritage. The team's collective effort, especially on defense against the USA's potent offense, was crucial to their success.
