US Soccer: Despite Loss, I'm Proud to be American

It seems fitting that I could title a post like this during the week of our nation's birthday. Now before I get all Mel Gibson on the Patriot in you, I would like to say what prompted to write and title this post was the performance of our men's soccer team this past week in South Africa.

For those of you that don't know, USA men's soccer is somewhat of a David. We're always kind of looked over, and no one really gives us the respect we deserve. We've never been flashy, or the most talented team on the planet, but this past week we showed the we can knock Goliath on his overgrown ass.

Which after all is a concept that this country was founded on some 233 years ago.

Spain and Brazil are soccer royalty. Revered around the world for their talent on the pitch. This past week our men's soccer team took them on, and we took no prisoners. Yes, we fell 3-2 in the final at the hands of Brazil, but we served notice to the entire soccer world. We're here, we're for real. Get used to it.

We still have holes to fill. We need another skilled ball handler in the midfield to help control possession and pace. Landon Donovan performed brilliantly in both matches for the United States, but he cannot do it on his own. However, perhaps what we need more than anything is experience.

Tim Howard, who performed admirably in goal, and Donovan both have international experience. Some of our key players, Altidore in particular, will get better with time. Once those skills come together with the fire and intensity that makes this team so easy to love, and such a fantastic representative of our American culture, we will compete for the World Cup.

Not in 2010, but in 2014 this team will hopefully have the talent and experience required to make a run for it all.

For now though, I urge everyone to be proud of what was accomplished this weekend. Yes, we lost to Brazil, but remember when David fought Goliath, he only had to do it once...

---

Sixty Feet, Six Inches is an Indianapolis based sports blog covering a wide range of sports. If you like what you read here, check out our home page for more. Sixty Feet, Six Inches