Team USA stuns the top ranked Spain soccer club in the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup today in undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets in U.S. soccer history. After opening the tournament with two losses, it seemed the U.S. was doomed to another embarrassing appearance on the world soccer stage. But once the opening whistle sounded, the U.S. went on the attack and showed the Spaniards that they weren't going to be an easy victory. Jozy Altidore out-muscled Joan Capdevila (above) to score USA's first goal in the 25'. It was a defining moment in U.S. soccer. No longer are we going to be pushed around and looked over. It also personifies the sort of style Team USA is starting to head for. Practically everywhere else in the world, soccer is an incredibly urbanized sport. Kids play soccer growing up in the inner-cities of Italy, Brazil, and Argentina, whereas in America, kids are playing basketball, football, and our other major sports. Soccer in the United States is primarily suburban, and because of this, the raw talent of the U.S. club will never be comparable to the other major teams in the world. What we do have is size and athleticism. Oguchi Onyewu, defender for the U.S. Men’s Team is the type of physical specimen that the team is starting to play with. He’s 6’5”, 216lbs, very physical, athletic, and tough. He’s a type of athlete that could probably play in the NFL or NBA. When they come to attack and play with physical strength and intensity, they play a game that is different from the raw talent and finesse style that is associated with the top teams. It’s a style that can help them win, seen through this huge victory. Congratulations team USA.
We are entering a new era of U.S. soccer. Now, no team in the world is going to be circling us on their calendars like they have for the last 15 years. We are on the verge of becoming one of the elite teams in the world. We'll see what happens on Sunday where the U.S. will face the South American powerhouse, Brazil. They lost to this same team in by an embarrassing 3-0 earlier in this tournament.
We are entering a new era of U.S. soccer. Now, no team in the world is going to be circling us on their calendars like they have for the last 15 years. We are on the verge of becoming one of the elite teams in the world. We'll see what happens on Sunday where the U.S. will face the South American powerhouse, Brazil. They lost to this same team in by an embarrassing 3-0 earlier in this tournament.
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