Wednesday, July 2, 2014

USMNT

Even though I'm no expert, I gotta write it.
This really isn't about footy.
It's about pride.

There's been so many negatives regarding the USA.
From all around the globe, and from inside our nation.
We've been ridiculed, criticized and accused on the world stage a lot of late.
And a lot of it is well founded, we've had a rough go politically & morally.
We've been making some bad decisions and behaving even worse.

But we rocked the World Cup stage...
I've read so many op eds and not one was unflattering. 
After watching Jurgen and the boys fight the fight in Brazil, I'm reminded of what's right in America. 
Here are a few...in no particular order.

Being an underdog has it's advantages, and 'nothing to lose' is not a bad place to be.  Our fellas displayed a never die attitude that is rarely seen in American athletes.  

Tim Howard...unbelievable.  Everyone is talking about him.  And rightly so, but there are others.
Clint Dempsey....a quiet leader who left it all out there. 
DeAndre Yedlin...a spark plug...my new favorite.
Jermaine Jones...heart.
Omar Gonzales...wow!
DeMarcus Beasley...wow, again.
John Brooks...what?
Landon Donovan...cut from the roster remained loyal to his team through ESPN spots.
Even Bradley, who struggled and was a favorite media scape goat, kept trying.
There is no Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo on this team.
It was teamwork start to finish...and we loved watching it.
Jurgen's humble approach with the media.  He seemed genuinely grateful to be coaching this team 
     full of no names.
Our fans...chanting 'We Believe' bedecked in the RW&B!
Of course, we can't forget the HUBBA HUBBA factor.  These fine specimens of manliness represent 
     the best of fitness...glorious!
Simply put, the USMNT was a class act.
Every Bit Of It.
This group of men possessed the stuff that dreams are made of.
Commentators from all over the world were rooting for us.  Why?  Because in spite of our limited 
      abilities, we kept reaching for the ring.  And smiling the whole time. 

There are no Futbol Superstars here in the USA.  Our Superstars play football, baseball & golf.  
They lead lavish lifestyles and some make headlines with abhorrent behavior. 
The love they once had for thier respective games is lost in the fame.
Ego takes over and spoils everything. 
This is not say there are not some Derek Jeters left or that all soccer pros are saints. 
I'm just saying it was refreshing to see a true 'may the best man win' attitude displayed by Americans.
Hand shaking without digs.
A love of sport.
Appreciation for opportunity.
Confidence without ugliness.  
Hard work without complaint. 
Loss without resentment. 

I believe that we HAVE won!

My wish is that all American Pro Athletes were watching. 
And taking notes.
Actually, all Americans...not just the athletes, should take note.
We'd all be better for it.

I put it on a Facebook and I'll say it again here.
I'm proud to be an American soccer mom!

Thank you for indulging me...
I shall now step off my soapbox and return to my regularly scheduled life.









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