Extending the Game: Get to Know the U.S. Men’s CP National Team 

The U.S. Men’s CP National Team, one of nine U.S. Soccer Extended National Teams, provides a high-level opportunity to those who have Cerebral Palsy or who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. 

Frankie Lowery is the embodiment of that.

The 21-year-old defender who was named to the IFCPF Copa America roster earned his first cap in 2023, but he has trained with the team since he was a teenager. Awareness around the National Team can often be a barrier that head coach Stuart Sharp finds creative ways around, including using social media direct messages to recruit, but thanks to Lowery’s family ties to U.S. Soccer, he knew it was a possibility for him at a young age.

Lowery’s father, Frank, competed for the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team. His brother, Kellen, is a defender in the Colorado Rapids MLS Next program. Frank introduced his son to the program when Frankie was a teen, where he competed in youth ID camps. At the time, Frankie was also still competing in able-bodied soccer after being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy caused at birth. He remembers the turning point when he noticed it impacting him on the field. 

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“In high school is when I started thinking about it more,” Lowery said. “As people started to get better, it’s harder to compete with them on a physical standpoint, and once I joined the [CP MNT], it definitely makes you feel better. You’re back in an equal environment, so it definitely helps you get in the right headspace and keep playing.” 

Competing with the CP MNT has also allowed Lowery to gain experience beyond playing soccer. The 21-year-old studies sports sciences at the University of Alabama while balancing National Team commitments and is shadowing the Federation’s High Performance department during the fall semester. Most of all, it’s provided Lowery more time on the field competing at the highest level. 

“It gives people who gave up on their hope of playing soccer as they got older another opportunity to keep playing,” Lowery said. “Because that’s what it’s all about — competing and trying to be the best you can be.” 

What is the CP MNT?

The Men’s CP National Team is made up of players with Cerebral Palsy, or who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The program creates pathways that allow players with injury or disability to represent the crest at the highest level.

“We've had individuals who've played [Division] I college, who were born with cerebral palsy and didn't let the impairment get in the way of their sports performance,” Sharp said on the U.S. Soccer Podcast. “And likewise, we've got players on the team who've had a stroke at one point in their life. Maybe their hand grip is a little bit weaker than it was. Maybe they walk with a very small, slight limp, and they've found a way of continuing in the sport.”

The game is played in two 30-minute halves with a starting lineup of seven players. Typically, the lineup includes a goalkeeper, two defenders, three midfielders and a forward. The team competes in international friendlies as well as in the International Federation of CP Football's (IFCPF) World Cup, Copa America and the Parapan American Games.

Who are the players to watch?

The IFCPF Copa America tournament kicks off in Argentina on Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. ET (live on IFCPF YouTube Channel). Then the Americans face Uruguay on Oct. 12 and Venezuela on Oct. 14. Throughout the tournament, there will be several standout players to keep your eye on.

Including Lowery, Jacob Crumbley is one to follow. The forward was the 2024 CP Men’s National Team Player of the Year and has a goal and an assist in the squad’s three friendlies this year. Forward Shea Hammond is tied for the most goals in 2025 having scored two in the three friendlies in August against Colombia. 

Defender Josh Brunais returns to the CP MNT from injury after a year. He suffered an ACL injury just before the 2024 IFCPF World Cup. The captain last played for the U.S. in the 2023 Parapan American Games where the squad took home bronze. 

How to Follow CP MNT?

Fans can follow the Men’s CP National Team via U.S. Soccer’s Extended National Team accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X. The entire Copa America run can be streamed on the IFCPF YouTube channel throughout the tournament. The full schedule can be found here.