My First US Soccer Match

After becoming a fan of the US Soccer Men National Team for over 8 years, I finally made it to my first match this past Tuesday in the World Cup Kick-0ff Series against Czech Republic in East Hartford, CT. Even for something as meaningless as an international friendly in which close to none of the regular starters played a minute, the atmosphere was by far the most electrifying as I've ever experienced in person for a sporting event. Never have my life been part of something so uniformly patriotic even in a 4-2 loss. The crowd eruption when the US team scored on a header from a corner kick was completely deafening and something I can't wait to experience again. Oh, I'm starting to regret not going to this year's World Cup already.

My Michael Bradley

Finally, a major sports outlet highlights my favorite player on the US National Soccer Team, Michael Bradley. It highlights the shadows Bradley has by being the coach's son and becoming his own person and player on the field while maintaining his inner menace. I find it fascinating how aggressive Bradley is off the field as well in terms of his attitude towards life. When asked why he rarely smiles, he simply replies "I smile when we win, after the game." Sounds like a very intense guy with some daddy issues. Kudos to the folks over at ESPN for showcasing a small part of the future of American Soccer and making me that much more excited for the start of upcoming World Cup in a couple of months!

My Soccer Meltdown

Let's just face it. It was a horrible game. When you don't have a shot on goal by half time and your opponent already has two AND home country advantage, things just don't look too good in your favor. After a miserable 3-0 loss to Costa Rica for their first World Cup qualifier defeat, the US Soccer faces a lot of questions that will need to be answered by Saturday's match against Honduras. Where was the offense? Where was the defense? What happens now when Michael Bradley is ineligible for Saturday with his second yellow card last night? 

Geez, and now for my one major bone to pick with FIFA, how in the world was that field FIFA approved? It looked like green asphalt. The ball literally picks up gravel when it rolls 10 feet. Anyway, let's hope the game in Chicago this weekend goes better- because it won't get any worse. Surprisingly, even after last night's debacle, the US National Team moved up in world rankings to 14th. 

My US Soccer Fans

FIFA released a report saying outside of the host nation of South Africa, the United States has purchased the most individual match tickets to next year's World Cup Tournament- overbuying countries like Spain, Brazil, Holland and Germany. I know we were a rare breed in this country and while there is no doubt there are more soccer fans for other nations here in American soil, this latest report is encouraging and explains the lobsided sales. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for my application for tickets to be processed to see whether or not I'll be going to South Africa next year and be part of Sam's Army. 

My Beckham Returns

Once again, David Beckham brings his US Soccer Tour to the metropolitan area when his Los Angeles Galaxy visits the New York Red Bulls. Once again, Peter is opting out in seeing such a match. Why? One, I don't want to go to New Jersey. Two, it's been sold out since the tickets were available to the public. The Daily News wrote a great article regarding Beckham's task of spreading the joys of the sport. I hope the future Scientologist do succeed in getting more Americans excited about the sport of soccer, especially in time for the upcoming 2010 World Cup. (NYDN)