It was one of the worst days for men's freestyle at any world championship in recent memory.

Saturday morning began in good spirits as reigning junior world champ Daton Fix opened up against Parviz Ibrahimov of Azerbaijan. Fix was the aggressor early, moving Ibrahimov all over the mat and getting him put on the shot clock. But Ibrahimov hit an overcollar snap and then proceeded to drive Fix out for a takedown on the edge. Fix would draw even before the end of the period.

Ibrahimov once again went on the clock in the second, but got in on a single and drove Fix out, where he was awarded a caution+two instead of a stepout. The 5-2 final would set in motion a disastrous chain of events resulting in an 0-4 record and zero team points on the day.

Minnesota sophomore Mitch McKee was next up, and drew first blood against European U23 silver medalist Sedat Ozdemir of Turkey with a stepout. Ozdemir would turn the tide with a takedown as time expired to end the period up 4-1. The Turk would counter a McKee slideby and also score on a stepover to finish the match up 8-5.

The calamitous day continued as two-time Iowa All American Sammy Brooks gave up an arm spin which would eventually lead to him getting pinned in 54 seconds. His opponent from Israel was then teched in the next round by Russia, ending his day.

At 125kg, former Minnesota All American Michael Kroells lost 11-0 in his only match. He gave up a blast double right away, which the American coaches challenged and lost. After that, he gave up a go behind, peak out from a front headlock and a high gut. His opponent Yusup Batirmurzaev (KAZ) would go on to lose 7-5 in the next round to Danylo Kartavyi (UKR).

A glimmer of hope shone through as both Ibrahimov and Ozdemir made the semifinals, one match away from pulling Fix and McKee both back in for repechage. But the catastrophic day for Team USA ended as both gave up heartbreaking takedowns in the final 10 seconds.

Going tomorrow for America will be Joey McKenna (65kg), Richie Lewis (70kg), Isaiah Martinez (74kg) and Ty Walz (97kg). We will post draws and bracket analysis once they become available.