Thoughts on U.S. Soccer

I just finished watching the US/ Ghana game, and as we bowed out of this World Cup, I cannot help but feel adoration for the Yanks. We battled past early concede goals and phantom calls to make it to the round of 16. The team showed a fighting spirit that is lacking in most other teams. As others rile on the ground from knicks or constantly complain to the ref, our team bounced up from adversity. They, nor the country, should feel disappointed in our performance. Rather, we collectively can look to the future to something brighter.

Being a soccer fan, I know how most US sports fans view soccer: It's a sorry excuse for a sport. I even read someone naming it "the lowest common denominator in sports." However, the US team's performance in the World Cup in South Africa drastically altered the country's view point. Yes, there were teams that acted more than played, but the US team's approach to the game is very American. There were no instances where a United States player took a dive, or pretended injury. Andy pointed out the reason for this revolves around the American concept of toughness. When a player is taken to the ground, he or she pops right back up. It's a form of intimidation. While the United States wasn't always the best team on the pitch, they certainly were the more psychologically fit. I believe novice American fans picked up on this, and it spread across the nation.

I'm looking forward to the future of the US soccer programs. I see more of our players becoming exposed in European leagues, as well as the establishment of better youth academies here in the States. I say the future looks bright for American soccer. What are your thoughts on the Yanks' performance in South Africa?

World Cup!!!

World Cup starts in a week. Are you getting exited?

Winning!

It took until the final game of the regular season, but the Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas won a game. Our record heading into tournament play is 1-3-1, and while there is room for improvement (there always is), I am happy with the win. We played well, and missed several opportunities to extend our lead.

Highlights of the game begin with Austin's two goals. He broke defender's ankles left and right as he pestered the other team's back line. As much as I enjoyed Austin's goals, the missed goals were just as enjoyable. Morgan had a pretty shot on goal. It beat the goalie, but the top post was unrelenting in its defense. I can't remember which of the brothers (Matt or Austin) sent the ball through, but it was the prettiest cross I'd seen all game. Sadly, Elissa had a miscommunication and didn't get a good connection with the ball.

Our defense was solid throughout the game as well. Tisah and Gwen are ridiculous in the center, while Allison, Eric, Mike W. and I took turns playing right and left back. We shut down the offense, making the game relatively easy for Brittany and Jesse in goal.

As we begin tournament play, I feel really good about our prospects. I see the improvement in our passing game, defense, and hunger for goals. I think we'll start working the wings more. Also, we'll focus and strengthen our midfield. I'll keep you all posted on tournament play.

Thoughts on the First Game

Last night, at 9:15, an intramural game between the FC Shirkeadores and the Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas began. After two, 20 minute halves, the score was FC Shirkeadores 12- 1 Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas. I am captain of the SCG's, but I'll be the first to tell you we won something last night. Allow me to explain.

From the beginning, our team was outmatched. The Shirkeadores scored within thirty seconds of the opening whistle. By half time, it was 9-0. We could not close down their passing lanes, nor could we progress the ball past mid field. We were outplayed the first half. I tried to rally the troops, saying, "We can still win," to which one player carefully reminded me, "Do we want to win? Because I was having fun."

I remembered then why I organized this team: to have fun. I specifically chose the lower division so a bunch of us from the ward could get together and play some soccer. I assured people at the signing up that we were in this league to have fun. No pressure was the name of our game. With that in mind, we talked as a group, and started the second half. While there wasn't a miracle comeback, we played better. We waited until the last second for Brenton to finally score our first goal. The last second goal produced the greatest celebration, even greater than the other team's victory.

While I am wary to place a moral on this story (that is my cynical side lurking within the text), I find meaning in the mundaneness of our goal. As I stated before, the SCG's were outplayed at every position. That said, we did not give up. We continued to play, to challenge, to pick ourselves up after their goals, and we scored. We played through, and I couldn't be happier.

As a side note, we have our next games on May 11 (9:15 PM) and May 15 (11 AM).

End of the Semester means Soccer Season

It's the end of my second year at BYU, and this marks my first year of intramural soccer. I'm actually surprised how many people signed up to play on this team. I like playing soccer, but have never played on a team. This should be interesting, given the stringent rules placed on the players. I can see a couple of red cards in my future. Wish the as-of-yet unnamed team luck, and I'll keep you all posted on our progress.