Satisfying Pain
Demoralizing. One lighter touch from Chris Wondolowski to be able to rejoice in the Quarterfinals. A meaner flick of the ball from Clint Dempsey to be jumping for joy rather than probing for a tissue. The U.S Men's National Team lost a heartbreaker this evening, a game that was much tougher to swallow than 2010, a game that you could see the confidence glaze out of our eyes from the opening kick, and a game that has now generated a brighter future for this organization. For some odd reason you felt that the U.S would some how pull this game out with their never ending luck, but unfortunately their luck ended. Minutes chugged away seconds churned while Tim Howard was playing the best 90 minutes I've ever seen a goal keeper play but it will probably be his last world cup game with the U.S. National team with him turning 39 by the time 2018 rolls around. We are now left with that numbing feeling of loss and dejection that would've been preferred to have been felt in the quarterfinals rather than the round of 16. This team brought each and every fan closer than ever making you feel apart of them with slogans such as "One Nation One Team" and the ringing chant of "I believe that we will win". It leaves you wondering is this the best collection of players we will ever see represent the Stars and Stripes. The one team that was written off because they were in the group of death resurrected in 3 games and made it easier for you to believe against Belgium, is now on their way home. However the future is bright, Klinsmann is signed to a contract that extends till the next world cup, young rising stars such as John Brooks, Deandre Yedlin and Julian Green showed flashes of brilliance that will be shown sooner rather than later. A country that looked at soccer as a lousy sport is now prouder than ever to be a U.S soccer supporter. I sign off with heavy eyes that will take some time to get over this heartbreak but soccer in this country is here, and it is here to stay.
