Random Rusty Rambles: US falls. 70s Rock

Howard 2016- Born to Run?

Oye Como Va, amigos

Love Hurts.
Crickey! That hurts. The US may have been outplayed for most of the match against a superior Belgian team with the stamina of a Fox On The Run. But, in a pattern that is becoming habit, they fought back, creating drama until the bitter end. That end was a 2-1 loss, squelching a chance to make the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. In true American fashion, our boys played with heart and gave it everything they had. They put it all on the field. Especially, Goalkeeper Tim Howard. While an exhausted defense let more than a few balls get through, Howard was the only reason the score wasn't 7-1. Each time the Belgian offense would launch in his direction, he would place Another Brick in The Wall...that is, until he was out of bricks.

Running On Empty

Down 2-0 in Extra Time. Enter 19 yr old Julian Greene, like A Fox On The Run, as a late substitute. Jurgen has a Whole Lotta Love for this kid. With his first touch ever in a World Cup, Green resuscitated the hope of a nation. His 107th minute goal makes him the 7th youngest to ever score at the World Cup. The hope would only last until the end of Extra Time as a handful of other chances fell short. (I wonder might have happened if coach hadn't told Landon You Can Go Your Own Way). May have been perfect sub late in regulation.) Well, It was fun while it lasted, Turn The Page.

Maybe I'm Amazed.
It's OK. Beth, I Hear Ya Cryin. Do not fret. Tuesday's Gone. Sure, there is a lot of chatter about where the US needs to improve and compete at this level. Just hold your horses a cotton picking minute! We ARE competing at this level. Doth thou not remember where thou cometh from? We were not supposed to be here. We were supposed to be obliterated in the Group of Death. Maybe I'm Amazed at what was accomplished. Jozy may have summed it up, tweeting "We need to believe as a nation as we did the past few weeks that we CAN compete. The tide is turning and the world has taken notice". To the US Men, I now serenade you with Argent - "Hold Your Head Up High". You overcame the odds, the travel, the media, the weather, the injuries to go beyond what was expected. You never gave up. You brought people together. You inspired the country.

Wheel in The Sky Keeps On Turnin'
Coach Klinsman, you now have some time to shuffle and rebuild. You've proven yourself and have gained our respect. (Notice how 3 of our goal scorers are of German/American variety?) You have 4 years. Get to work. First up, the 2015 Gold Cup. Winning this would help propel the program. Then, the 2016 Copa America, which is being held in the US for the first time. A chance to take on South American powers in an historic competition. You have your work cut out for you. It's a Long Way to The Top, if you want to rock and roll.

Thousands at the Solder Field viewing party.

More Than A Feeling.
Amazing to see hordes of soccer fans across the US in our ESPN Live shots- Chicago, DC, Kansas City, Austin, Redondo Beach etc, etc, etc.
There was also an futbol fan army of Americans that made their way to Brazil. About 20 Thousand were in attendance at each US game. Americans could be found in the masses at the Fan Fests. 100,000 VISAs were issued to US Citizens, the most of any country. It has been more than a feeling, it is a movement....that continues. that grows. that lives.