Minnesota Special Olympics Soccer Players Tear Up The Field At 2026 USA Games

(KNSI) – Soccer is a sport full of many different elements, including cardio and coordination. For two Special Olympics athletes, the sport means just that, and so much more.

Efrain Cardenas and Michael Goldberger are two soccer players in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games who are working to play hard and cheer louder in their sport. Both previously played soccer for the Prior Lake/Savage Lakers before joining Team Minnesota for the games.

“It’s really fun to be with our teammates and take on people we’ve never seen before,” said Goldberger. “We’re so used to playing with local state teams, but now, we’re on the national stage. It’s amazing and incredible.”

The current games mark the first time Cardenas and Goldberger have participated in the Special Olympics USA Games. Goldberger is alternating between striker and midfield attack positions, while Cardenas has been playing defense.

Cardenas and Goldberger both told KNSI News that soccer, while demanding because of the amount of cardio involved, still offers a fun, energetic environment for athletes. “It feels so amazing to be on the field, cheer for our teammates, and have a lot of fun working as a team,” said Cardenas. “We play aggressively but also be good sports to the other team.”

As part of Team Minnesota, Goldberger and Cardenas played against Maryland on Monday, June 22, and against Northern California on Tuesday, June 23. Team Minnesota lost to Maryland 2-0 and to Northern California 4-1.

A planned match against Pennsylvania, originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on June 23, has been rescheduled to noon on Wednesday, June 24. These, and future matches, are taking place at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

___