USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta and Knicks forward Obi Toppin exchange jerseys before New York win

USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta and Knicks forward Obi Toppin exchange jerseys as the soccer star watches New York thrash the Hawks after World Cup last-16 heartbreak

USA soccer star Kellyn Acosta and Knicks forward Obi Toppin exchanged jerseys before the NBA player’s game against the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night. 

Acosta has just returned from representing the USA on soccer’s global stage in Qatar where the Americans were eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 in a 3-1 defeat to Holland. 

Despite the heartbreaking exit, the USMNT still managed to capture the interest and support of fans across the country and Acosta appears to have earned the respect from the Knicks star. 

USA soccer star Kellyn Acosta (right) and Knicks forward Obi Toppin (left) exchanged jerseys

USA soccer star Kellyn Acosta (right) and Knicks forward Obi Toppin (left) exchanged jerseys

In a clip shared on social media, the pair were seen meeting up courtside before tip off and swapping jerseys. 

The midfielder handed Toppin the USA’s national team blue away jersey with his name on the back, while the six-foot-nine basketball star passed a white knicks jersey over in return. 

The duo then held them up in front of them with their names to the cameras and posed for photos. 

The USA crucially beat Iran 1-0 in their final Group B game to book their spot in the last-16 against Holland, after drawing against both Wales and England. 

Acosta has just returned from representing the USA on soccer's global stage at the World Cup

Acosta has just returned from representing the USA on soccer’s global stage at the World Cup

However, the Dutch swiftly crushed the optimism and ambition surrounding Berhalter’s youthful team as Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries were all on target to send the USA packing. 

Despite the heartbreak in Qatar, the Americans will have the chance to prove themselves once again at the next World Cup in 2026 – this time on home soil. 

After touching back down in the US, Acosta claimed on Good Morning America that the team will be back hungry and ready for the ‘immense’ home tournament.  

Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a clinical finish as the Dutch sent the US packing

Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a clinical finish as the Dutch sent the US packing

‘It’s going to be a long four years but we’re building momentum,’ Acosta said. ‘I think having the games here on home soil is going to be huge. I know it’s going to be importantly immense and we’re excited for it. 

‘We have a young group of guys that will gain invaluable experience from this World Cup and I know come 2026 that we’re going to be hungry and that we’ll be ready.’ 

The Knicks went on to overpower the Hawks in a 113-89 victory, thanks to Julius Randle’s 34 points.   

Toppin and the Knicks went on to overpower the Atlanta Hawks in a 113-89 victory Wednesday

Toppin and the Knicks went on to overpower the Atlanta Hawks in a 113-89 victory Wednesday

source: dailymail.co.uk