A Day to Remember for American Soccer

As a diehard sports fan, few things are better than waking up to American Soccer. There is something about patriotism in the AM that makes getting out of bed and cracking open something domestic that much easier. First of two US National Team games on the docket was the Women’s World Cup Final against the Netherlands.

The WWC Final started out pretty slow. And by slow, especially by USWNT standards, I mean they didn’t score in the first 12′ like every other game in the competition. As poised as ever, the Americans never faltered. They picked their chances on offense and never got frustrated. They were so concise on defense. I have never seen a back line play so consistently and converge as a unit on every ball played in the box.

In the second half the floodgates opened. A high boot to the shoulder of Alex Morgan gave the US a penalty kick and a Megan Rapinoe goal in the 61′. Moments later, Rose Lavelle ran past a Dutch defense that looked like it had no interest in defending her as she netted a bottom corner beauty. Don’t let the 2-0 score fool you though. After wearing down the Dutch, the US squandered about a dozen more chances. Should have been 6-0 US easily. Either way, our women proved once again that they are the best in the world. And deservedly celebrated as such.

Not only is the USWNT winning on the pitch, they are winning off of it too. They bring home just about every trophy every season, but also are starting a discussion. Equal pay, LGBTQ rights and overall equality for all. They are an amazing positive in the United States and gives young girls the hero they never knew they needed. Pure class as always.

Several hours later, American Soccer headed back stateside. More specifically, Soldier Field and the Gold Cup Final with another installment of the US v. Mexico rivalry. Everything was going the Americans way to start the game. Opportunity after opportunity all culminating in a disappointing 0-0 tie at the end of the first half.

The second half went almost entire Mexico’s way. There just wasn’t the same spark as in the first half. Less runs to the box were made, possession was spotty, touches were less clever and Christian Pulisic had far less of an impact. For the US to have success, Pulisic needs to be involved in the build up of every chance and that did not happen until after the game’s only goal by Mexico in the 73′. Yet another Gold Cup silver medal.

If the USMNT played the second half the same way they played the first, this game could have been an easy victory for the Americans. It is hard to consider a second place finish a success even though it did show promise. The Americans that went abroad to continue their professional careers had a great tournament. McKinnie, Pulisic and Miazga in particular had impressive showings. Hopefully this encourages other players like Morris and Cannon to take the leap and play in better leagues. Also, the Americans refused to be pushed around by Mexico. The Mexicans have reigned supreme in CONCACAF for too long and we finally showed that we aren’t going to take it anymore. The chippiness in the first half of the final better stick around for more than just rivalry games.

Congratulations to the USWNT on their fourth World Cup Championship. The most important day of American Soccer in a very long time did not disappoint.

Apparently Some Englanders Didn’t Like Alex Morgan’s Tea Sipping Celebration

Classiness, or lack thereof, is the most tired complaint in all of sports. Anything that the losing team doesn’t like is automatically considered “classless”, or is this case “distasteful”, and it all of the sudden gives them the moral high ground.

So, she is a big fan of how the Americans celebrate and is an advocate for celebrating any way you want as long as it doesn’t reference a war from 250 years ago? Got it. In the words of the coolest white person of all time, Justin Timberlake, “Cry me a river.” Don’t like it? Maybe don’t lose the game or spend a whole week calling the other team’s best scorer arrogant.

America’s women have been besting England at it’s own sport for years now. Why is now the time they get butt hurt about it? She was probably they same person that called for Jill Ellis’ head for running up the score on Thailand. Don’t get all high and mighty on us now especially when VAR gave you a penalty as a consolation for a correct offside call.

Had England won, she would have been jumping around yelling “pip pip cherrio” or “ello guvnuh”, or whatever English people say, thinking she had defeated American arrogance. But since she lost she now has to give the Coach K speech of telling the other team how they should act when they score or win. Give me a break.

Her complaints are falling on deaf ears; mainly Alex Morgan’s who will be too busy celebrating with her Golden Boot to care about the opinion of an butt hurt media personality. On the bright side, the view of the World Cup Final is going to be pretty nice from atop her high horse.

This 96 Year Old WW2 Vet’s National Anthem Performance Was Amazing

Before the USWNT’s match versus Mexico, our ears were graced with one of the most moving National Anthems we have ever heard. Take a look at the performance by 96 year old World War II Veteran, Pete DuPre.

I never thought that a harmonica would be able to bring a tear to my eye. The word “chills” does not do this performance justice. The only thing that could have made this better would have been a jet flyover or an eagle’s screech in the distance. Perfect way to honor our veterans. Thank you to all that served our country.