How Far Have They Come?

Every morning before we begin our work day, my pal Kevin and I chat about our favorite sport. You know, the one that brings people from around the world closer together. The one that more than 200 nations play on a regular basis. The most glorious pasttime, the beautiful game, football. That’s when the arguments begin, because he still calls it soccer.

Inevitably the subject of how high the level of play in American soccer has gotten in this country is where the bickering begins. Kevin thinks that soccer in the U.S. has come a long way. I think they have a long way to go. The more I consider the matter, the more I think that perhaps we are both right. Allow me to explain by using the Men’s National Team as an example…

When I was considerably younger (let’s call this period in history the 1970s and 1980s) the United States was more of a punching bag than a real opponent for the more accomplished national sides of the world. In fact, after their huge upset of England in 1950, the US endured a stretch of 40 long years in which they did not even qualify for the World Cup. That’s right, not even once.

The beginning of respectability for American Soccer came in the form of the 1994 World Cup. Playing at home, the US shocked many by advancing to the round of 16, where Brazil summarily sent them home. Fortunately, they did not have far to travel. But the US had gained confidence. the wheels of change were turning. Youth soccer was growing, coaching was improving, players were beginning to play the game AFTER Elementary School.

17 years or so later, Kevin loves to say that “Now no one wants to play us”. He calls U.S. goalkeepers among the best in the World (I agree on the whole) and says their defense is “expectional” (I agree not at all).

I suppose it would be “cheating” to cherry pick in support of one’s argument like some people do. But we all do it, so what the heck…

I say the recent 4-2 loss (after holding a 2-0 lead) to Mexico is a good example of how far the US has to travel to be a real power. I add that in 2007 the result was 5-0 for “El Tri”. A soccer power? Seriously? I mean, no one beats Italy 5-0 do they?

Kevin argues that the 2-0 result the Nats achieved against powerhouse Spain in 2009 (albeit in a meaningless tournament called the Confederations Cup) was more indicative of how far football in the US has come. I hate to remind him that the Americans lost 3-1 to Italy (a true footaball power) and 3-0 to Brazil (ditto) in the same tournament.

But because I’m a nice guy, and because the US really has made great strides toward becoming a soccer power, I say we call it a 0-0 draw. And that’s why I chose your video. Enjoy the games, Kev!
Jerrito