Team USA Claims Bronze at the 2024 Pan American Fistball Championships

Buenos Aires, Argentina - The USA Men’s Fistball Team made an impressive showing at the 2024 Pan American Fistball Championship, held from November 14 to 17 at SAG Villa Ballester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Competing against some of the best teams in the Americas, Team USA finished in third place, claiming a hard-earned spot on the podium alongside champions Brazil and runners-up Argentina.

Team USA began the tournament with confidence, defeating Bolivia and Colombia in their first two matches, each with a clean 2–0 victory. The team demonstrated solid teamwork and skill, with everyone on the roster contributing to the victories.

However, the path became challenging as they faced top-ranked teams Brazil and Argentina. Despite their best efforts, Team USA fell to both teams in consecutive 0–2 losses, with Brazil ultimately proving too strong in their pursuit of the championship title and Argentina showing their home-field advantage and cohesion. Despite these loses the United States showed a lot of determination and talent in the form of setter Robert Weinberger and striker Todd Strassberger, who drove the offense with effective setups and powerful strikes.

In their final group stage match the United States took on a tough Chilean that ended in a 1–2 loss. However, the loss set up a rematch between the two nations in the 3rd place match. In this critical game, Team USA rose to the occasion, pulling off a thrilling 2–1 victory to secure the bronze medal. The standout performances by Strassberger, Daniel Simon-Slowinski, and Kyle Ejsmont proved instrumental, as each player made crucial contributions in both offense and defense. Strassberger’s aggressive strikes, Simon-Slowinski’s defensive skills, and Ejsmont’s well-timed plays provided the edge needed to clinch the win.

This victory over Chile not only secured a podium finish but also demonstrated Team USA’s determination and growth over the course of the tournament.

The final tournament standings were:

1. Brazil

2. Argentina

3. United States

4. Chile

5. Colombia

6. Bolivia

Team USA's third-place finish reflects a successful tournament run, showing that they are capable of competing at a high level on the international stage. With Brazil, who has already received a World Games bid, winning the tournament. The United States could still receive a reallocated quota from the IFA for the World Games if another team refuses their spot in Chengdu.

The Pan American Club Championships kick-off this weekend at SAG Villa Ballester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The USFA has two entrants, South Jersey FC and Ice Boys. Both teams look forward to taking on the best club teams in South America.

Please continue to follow our social media pages for not only national team updates, but local club events coming up for the 2025 fistball season!