MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- Former Simmons University women's soccer player Tasha Friedman (Phoenix, Ariz.) helped Team USA win the Gold Medal with 1-0 victory over Brazil at the 2019 Pan American Maccabi Games in Mexico City, Mexico recently.
Friedman earns a medal for the second time after earning a silver in 2017 at the 20th World Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Maccabi USA was comprised of 400-plus athletes, who joined over 2,500 Jewish athletes from 30-plus countries, participating in 23 different sports.
Friedman joined a Team USA soccer group that featured players from NCAA Division I, II and III schools, including Duke University and Marist College in addition to players from club organizations.
Team USA began its march to the title with a 1-1 draw vs. Israel on July 8, before routing Peru, 8-0, the following day. The Americans had no time for rest with a 2-0 win on July 10 over host Mexico, before a 9-0 victory over Argentina on July 11, including a goal from Friedman. Team USA played Brazil to a 1-1 tie on July 12, before coming away with a 1-0 triumph in the Championship match over Brazil on July 14.
Friedman was chosen a Co-Captain for the tournament.
A member of the class of 2017, Friedman was named to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Third Team as a defender in her final season with the Sharks. A graduate of Arcadia High School, Friedman was a four-year starter for Simmons, drawing a start in 55 of 61 career tilts, while collecting three points on a goal and an assist. The Communications/Media Arts major's intensity also translated to the classroom, where she was recognized by the GNAC with a spot on the All-Academic Team.
Maccabi USA has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games in Israel and other Maccabi competitions around the world. Maccabi USA supports Jewish Athletic endeavors enhanced by cultural and educational opportunities at home, in Israel and throughout the Diaspora.