Walker Zimmerman wants young U.S. Olympic squad to learn from Copa América failure

Walker Zimmerman did not receive a call to join the senior U.S. men’s national team at Copa América. However, he closely observed the team’s underperformance, leading to an early exit from the tournament. As he gets ready to captain a young American side at this summer’s Paris Olympics, Zimmerman aims to use the senior team’s disappointing Copa América journey as a learning experience.

Expressing his disappointment, Zimmerman acknowledged that the senior team’s early exit from the tournament was not the expected outcome. He emphasized the importance of learning from such moments, highlighting the impact of a single event on the overall outlook. Zimmerman also referred to the red card issued to Tim Weah in the USMNT’s match against Panama, which significantly influenced the team’s performance in the tournament.

Zimmerman’s journey to the Olympics began when USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter reached out to him last December to discuss the upcoming year. Despite initially focusing on recovering from an injury for the Copa América, Zimmerman welcomed the opportunity to be part of the Olympics if deemed suitable.

Having faced setbacks due to injuries, Zimmerman utilized the time to focus on rehabilitation and regain full fitness, preparing for the demanding schedule of upcoming games. As one of the three overage players, Zimmerman feels well-equipped to lead the young squad at the Olympics. He has taken it upon himself to foster team unity and support his teammates, showing his determination to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

As the team gears up for the Olympics, Zimmerman remains dedicated to his current assignment, emphasizing the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The U.S. team is scheduled to play their first match against host nation France on July 24, followed by matches against New Zealand and Guinea.