Dozens of athletes gathered on Long Island this weekend for grueling tryouts with one goal: earning a spot on the U.S. Amputee World Cup Team. These field players navigate the pitch on forearm crutches, while goalkeepers defend with one arm, all under World Amputee Football Federation rules that ban prosthetics and eliminate the offside rule.

Head coach Jason Fiscina must whittle down over 200 hopefuls to just 15 players for the November tournament in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. The squad faces stiff competition from regional rivals like Mexico and Brazil, plus powerhouses Angola and Turkey. Players travel across states, often at personal expense, embodying a fierce competitive spirit.

Star forward Musabwa Nzirimwo, who scored the decisive goal against El Salvador to secure America's World Cup berth, exemplifies the team's determination. The 22-year-old lost his leg in a bombing in Democratic Republic of Congo at age seven, yet now trains with blinding speed that leaves opponents chasing shadows.

Captain Nicolai Calabria calls this the most talented U.S. roster in years, built on skill and toughness rather than sympathy. Even 15-year-old Liam Fanning earned respect competing against grown men, though he'll need an age exemption to participate. The team's bond transcends sport—raising crutches together, they chant 'One, two, three, U.S.A.! Four, five, six, family!'