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Why Walker Zimmerman is the leader the USMNT needs at World Cup 2022

Walker Zimmerman ’15. Photo: FOX Sports

Last updated November 16, 2022

By Tina Underwood

As the FIFA World Cup draws near, media outlets are turning their attention to former Furman University Paladin defender Walker Zimmerman ’15. Zimmerman, who helped the U.S. qualify for the World Cup earlier this year, is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year and Nashville SC center back. An article on FOX Sports claims he might be what the USMNT needs to lead the fight, which starts Nov. 20 in Qatar.

For the piece, journalist Laken Litman taps family members, teammates, USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter, and Furman Head Coach Doug Allison, who said Zimmerman is the “Tim Tebow of soccer” because of his leadership and commitment to his faith. “He’s going to go into battle and you want to go with him. That’s what he brings,” Allison added.

The article also includes a video of Zimmerman describing his love for competition and his will to win. He played for the Paladins 2011-2012 before being drafted in 2013 by FC Dallas. He was traded in 2017 to expansion team Los Angeles FC, then was traded to expansion squad Nashville SC in 2020.

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