U.S. Soccer Has a Prime Opportunity

I'm new to the sport and American, so in advance, please forgive my use of the term soccer. Because, as an American, my idea of "football" is guys in pads throwing a nearly egg-shaped ball around while dodging tacklers. But I digress.

I only recently became infatuated with soccer. But I must say that I am now hooked. Watching the USA team hang on against Spain is now one of the highlights of my sports history.

Watching Tim Howard make save after save made me as excited as watching my beloved Tennessee Vols football team score a TD on a 50-yard play-action pass.

Now, the US has a prime opportunity to take a tournament that is considered a major tune up for next year's World Cup.

I do not expect the US team to defeat Brazil. Regardless of how long I've been watching soccer, I know that Brazil has long been one of the world's best. I have, after all, watched every World Cup since 1998.

That still doesn't detract from the fact that this US soccer team could go a long way to bringing the sport to the national spotlight in the States with a good showing or a win tomorrow.

A win in tomorrow's final would give soccer a gigantic boost in the USA. MLS has languished in pro sports purgatory for years, longing to become close to the NHL in popularity.

The US team has played decently in World Cups past, but not enough to capture real national attention.

Now ESPN has won the rights to broadcast the EPL in the states, the US national team is on the verge of winning a coveted international tournament, and the MLS is growing slightly. It's a perfect storm for increasing soccer's popularity over here.

I personally cannot wait to watch Man U, Everton, and Chelsea play on a weekly basis.

I'm excited about the growth of professional soccer in the US.

We have an NPSL team in Chattanooga, TN that has created quite a buzz. The Chattanooga FC is recognized league wide as having the most fan support of any other club. And going to a game is an event in itself.

I've been to many sporting events in my life.  I've watched the UT Vols play, along with over 100,000 other fans. I've been to Atlanta to watch the Braves play in front of over 40,000.

But the atmosphere at a semi-professional soccer match with around 2500 in attendance was every bit as entertaining and passionate.

My passion bucket will be overflowing while watching Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, and Co. try to beat Brazil tomorrow.

Hopefully, my fellow Americans, many of whom have never cared for soccer, will be watching as well.