2010 US Men's National Team: America's Team

The American ambivalence toward "football" has never been conspicuous.  America's less than fanatic relationship with the "world's game" has been openly expressed amongst American media, with sportscasters spouting their confusion with the sport's merits or popularity abroad, Jim Rohn being probably the most notable and inflammatory.  Pundits have argued and analyzed the reasons for the love loss between the United States and the so-called "beautiful-game".  How can a sport that is beloved in almost every other country in the world, and one which is played by so many American youths be so minor here?  Reasons have ranged from the slow pace of the matches to the absence of American talent. 

However, I am of the opinion, that the majority of Americans have yet to truly embrace the beautiful game, because they have not had oppurtunity nor occassion to embrace a sport that is truly American.  Teams from Europe and Latin America have long dominated the sport, with each country having a certain style, and making the game their own.  Brazil is known for their flair and breath-taking technique, the Brits have developed a style based on precision and speed, the Dutchmen have established themselves as masters of possession.  For decades, the United States has strove to emulate these football giants.  But, the truth is, the United States cannot hope for the incredible flair of Brazil or the regimented style of the Germans.  It has only been in the past few years that Americans have begun to realize this, and it has been realized in America's representatives in South Africa. 

I believe the 23 men that will be representing the United States will be, (maybe for the first time in American soccer), actually representative of American soccer.  I believe Bob Bradley, the hardnosed New Jersey native, has successfully assembled and molded a group of men that play like Americans.  Now, I did not say that American soccer was pretty.  But American athletes have really, never played pretty.  No, the 23 man squad embodying the burgeoning American style of play, is a remarkably hard-working, gritty, no-nonsense, athletic, and fiercely team-oriented group.  This was showcased in the summer of 2009 during the United States' incredible run during the Confederation's Cup, where they took 2nd place to Brazil after beating a formerly unbeaten (and outstandingly stacked) Spanish squad 2-0.  The match displayed an incredible defensive team effort, which shut out the likes of football giants Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Torres, and countless others, who simply could not penetrate through the layers of American men working for each other. 

And, the players chosen by the thickly accented Jersey boy, Bradley, all seem to have the characteristics of the "American soccer player". 

Donovan: Often called the "face of American soccer" is a diminutive California native, who plays with an amazing endurance (he was estimated to have run over 8 miles during the match against Spain) and tenacity.  His no-nonsense demeanor and his willingness to time and time again put himself on the line for the win, makes him the perfect man to lead the United States into battle against England on the 12th.

Dempsey: Arguably the second most recognizable face for American soccer after he was the only player to score during the US's disappointing 2006 campaign in Germany is one of the most dynamic and threatening of America's offensive weapons.  The 27 year old, who was born to a lower-middle class Texan family, has an uncanny nose for the ball, which helped him cement himself in the first squad for Fulham, and has enabled him to score the most key goals for the Yanks in recent memory.  Dempsey is also known for his fiery temperament, (a willing participant in many an altercation) and his incredible competitiveness and grit. 

Michael Bradley: Bradley, a largely underappreciated centermidfielder, is all business, hardly ever revealing a grin.  But, this hardman is the steadfast staple of the American midfield.  The son of coach Bob Bradley, Michael is a sturdy 6 feet with a tempered style of play.  There is not much in the means of creativity for Bradley, but he does have a working-man's approach to the game.  Simply put by ESPN.com "(Bradley) is always working hard to win balls."  And, Bradley does put forth an incredible effort every time he steps onto the pitch.

Oguchi Onyewu: Onyewu, just over 200 pounds and standing a hulking 6'4", is the muscle behind the American defense.  His huge frame intimidates the attackers that he forcefully shoulders off of balls, and his height makes him a defensive and offensive target on the ball.  One of the most remarkable facets of Onyewu's game though, is his mental fortitude, and his refusal to back down to attackers that make 5 times his salary for the largest teams in Europe. 

These are four examples from America's 23 man squad, but a common characteristic runs in the veins of each player.  And that is an unmistakable American attitude, something that hopefully even the unbelieving (and the likes of Jim Rohn) can appreciate- a sense of hardwork, perseverance, grit, and teamwork- and an arrogance that will allow them to stare down the soccer giants of Europe and Latin America and hopefully beat them at their own game.