IRVINE, Calif. — If you are of a certain age and have followed U.S. soccer in World Cup play further back than this current 2026 group, you’ll remember that goals came as frequently for the Americans as playoff appearances for the Jets and wins for the current Mets.

Historically, goals have been scarce in World Cup play for the U.S. … until now.

This U.S. side, with the two goals it scored in a 3-2 last-second loss to Turkey in its final Group D match Thursday night at L.A. Stadium, scored a record eight goals in group play.

The previous record was seven, which came 96 years ago, in 1930.

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