USA vs. England World Cup: Why a Draw Is a Good Result for Team USA

The US fans are screaming happy with a tie, while I must believe every English pub is muttering in disgust. 

After producing a 1-1 draw against perennial soccer powerhouse, England, team USA has many reasons to be happy about the result.

First and foremost, sometimes the soccer gods decide to smile upon a team and will a result that is favorable for the underdog.

Today, the soccer gods smiled upon Clint Dempsey and Team USA.

After Dempsey put a mediocre shot on target, England's goalkeeper Robert Green let a routine save turn into one of the biggest mistakes you will see in this year's tournament.

A blown save that cost his team a victory, and produced a result less than favorable for the English.

Fortunate goals such as Dempsey's right before the end of the first half, happen once in a blue moon, and the soccer gods decided it should happen on day two of the tournament.   

After Team USA conceded a goal in just the fifth minute of play, I thought, here we go again.

In the 2006 World Cup, Jan Koller of the Czech Republic put his team ahead in the fifth minute of the USA's first group match, resulting in a disappointing first day for Team USA.

Once Steven Gerrard broke the line and slotted one past Tim Howard, I had thoughts of disaster right away.

But Team USA did not get discouraged. Their play actually improved after conceding what could have been a devastating early goal.

It is a testament to Bob Bradley's team that they were able to equalize and compete with England, who according to FIFA, is ranked No. 8 in the world.

Now, with one point in the competition, and by far Team USA's toughest group stage game out of the way, they can concentrate on Slovenia and Algeria.

Young in their World Cup experience, these two nations will be a good test for Team USA, but it should be two victories for the red, white, and blue.

With the draw against England, Team USA can have confidence in their ability to play well in big games, and that should lead to more favorable results down the road.

And why not have confidence when you have a stud like Tim Howard between the posts?

He saved the day for Team USA, and is my match MVP. Thwarting all of England's hopes to come away with a victory, look for Howard to continue to perform well.

Another bright spot in this match was Oguchi Onyewu. The 6'5" monster in the center of Team USA's defense proved his supposed knee injury will not be a problem.

I look forward to watching him frustrate more of the world's premier strikers like he did Wayne Rooney.

All this being said, the US are not out yet. They must continue to improve in order to survive the group stage and advance to the dodgy round of 16; and I believe they will.

Team USA is still getting their feet under them and soaking in this experience of competing on the world's biggest stage in sports.

A 1-1 draw against the soccer giant that is England?

Definitely something for Team USA and its fans to smile about.