PARIS – As his final shot was blocked and the clock hit zero, U.S. star Calahan Young forcefully chucked his glasses into the net. The United States had fallen again, this time to Iran in a consolation matchup by a score of 4-3, to secure its fate at sixth place in Paralympic goalball.

The U.S. came into the matchup already dealing with disappointment thanks to a 6-4 loss to Japan in the quarterfinals a day prior.

“This is my first ever Paralympics, so it was heartbreaking going home—losing in the quarterfinals and losing here,” said Tre’shaun Faison of the U.S. squad.

The U.S. dominated Iran in a 14-7 win in the preliminary round. In this iteration of the matchup, the United States struck first and did so rather quickly. 

After a throw violation penalty on the Iranians, U.S. center Tyler Merren found the net on a penalty goal throw, just 43 seconds into the matchup. That goal could be the last of the five-time Paralympian’s career.

“This is meant to be my last games. I would love to [play in LA 2028], but I have a feeling that it’s time to pass the torch.”

Merren’s blocks, especially those in the first half, were instrumental to the USA staying in the game. The U.S. wouldn’t score in the first period after his goal. The United States attack did little to rattle Iran, who seemed comfortable making most of its blocks in the first twelve minutes. 

About three minutes into the match, A few moments after U.S. wing Matthew Simpson had a throw miss the goal by a few inches, instead hitting the post, the Iranians struck. 

First, it was Hassan Jafari with a diagonal throw that bounced off the leg of Simpson on the left wing and into the high part of the goal. Less than 30 seconds later, Mohammad Jomairan Parnia bounced a throw that hugged the sideline and again bounced off the foot of Simpson and in.

The score remained at 2-1 into the break. When the second period started, the U.S. had some golden opportunities, including a penalty throw opportunity just 30 seconds into the half. With Tyler Merren throwing, Hassan Jafari dove to his right with his arms outstretched and managed to push the ball out of bounds.

Those high-pressure blocks were a staple of the half for Iran as it clung to a one-goal lead. Off a U.S. timeout three and a half minutes in, Merren fired another shot, which bounced off Abbasi, and as it rolled halfway past the goal line, was covered by Jomairan Parnia. Originally it was called a goal but was soon waved off by referees, as the whole ball did not cross the goal line. This game was filled with moments like that for the United States.

“I think for this team, it’s never a question of effort,” remarked Merren.

Even with the effort there, the U.S. couldn’t find a breakthrough. Halfway through the third, it seemed like it finally did. Wing Christian King, who subbed in for Simpson halfway through the first, found the netting to make it a tie ball game.

A little more than 20 seconds later, a throw violation penalty by Young set up another one-on-one for Iran. This time, Parnia Jomairan sneaked a throw into the left side of the goal, with Young guessing incorrectly and shifting toward the middle of the goal on defense.

With the U.S. down one, another strong King throw squirted past Parna Jomarian, and the teams were again stalemated. This bind would last for three minutes until Young’s penalty issue again reared its head.

On a throw in the last two minutes, the second time Paralympian couldn’t get his second bounce in before the neutral zone and was again handed a violation. This time Hassan Jafari was matched up with him on the one-on-one throw, and despite Young’s dive to the correct spot, Jafari just barely fit the ball in a corner for a lead-taking score.

The 4-3 lead would hold and subdue the U.S. to sixth place. The USA’s performance featured some very encouraging signs, such as close games with defending champion Brazil and world power Japan, but was still viewed by the team as a disappointment.

“I came out wanting to support my guys; I wanted them to be successful,” said Merren. “More than anything, I wanted them to experience that podium, and I wasn’t able to get that for them.”

Every loss on the world stage is tough, and the United States hopes to use this one as a springboard to Los Angeles in 2028.

“We’re going to tear stuff up. You guys are going to see something different in LA 2028. We’re going to practice our butts off. I’m not going to take a single day off; I’m going to do what I need to do,” proclaimed Faison.