We are a nation of sports fans. We cling to our allegiances tightly and wear our colors proudly. However, across these 50 United States, the same camaraderie that binds us sets us far apart from our foes. Yankees, Red Sox. Mets, Phillies. Jets, Patriots. Giants, Eagles. The list is endless.
Yet, despite our passionate love of sports, we rarely, aside from the Olympics, find an opportunity to unite our interests and cheer for our beloved Stars and Stripes. That opportunity is upon us.
The United States Men’s Soccer Team has, for those of us who have cared to notice, done us proud. As teams around the world vie for one of only 32 spots at the 2010 World Cup, to be held in South Africa next summer, our boys can book their tickets.
To be fair, I myself am not what some would consider a soccer aficionado. But (and girls you can back me up on this) the opportunity to watch eleven (or XI – to which, I recently learned, they are referred) cute boys in short shorts trot around a soccer pitch (aka field) is a welcome one. Besides, it scores brownie points with the ManBoy when you take an interest in his favorite sport. (I’ve recently taken to learning the names of the starting XI on the US Men’s team and he is very proud).
Aside from my ManBoy though, it is shocking how few soccer fans there are in this country. I mean, come on people! This is the sport that gave us David Beckham! {Sorry babe, you know he’s not my type}. But watching the game against Costa Rica last night, as these men represented us with their hard work and graceful talents, was inspiring. They are a team of relatively unknown stars, a united front determined to prove to their critics that the United States has what it takes to compete on the international stage. I can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve at next summer’s World Cup.
In the meantime, don’t take my word for it, (because Lord knows my analysis of the sport would be shameful) hop on over to the ManBoy’s blog for an educated and in-depth look at what’s taking place on the soccer pitch around the world. Enjoy!
Yet, despite our passionate love of sports, we rarely, aside from the Olympics, find an opportunity to unite our interests and cheer for our beloved Stars and Stripes. That opportunity is upon us.
The United States Men’s Soccer Team has, for those of us who have cared to notice, done us proud. As teams around the world vie for one of only 32 spots at the 2010 World Cup, to be held in South Africa next summer, our boys can book their tickets.
To be fair, I myself am not what some would consider a soccer aficionado. But (and girls you can back me up on this) the opportunity to watch eleven (or XI – to which, I recently learned, they are referred) cute boys in short shorts trot around a soccer pitch (aka field) is a welcome one. Besides, it scores brownie points with the ManBoy when you take an interest in his favorite sport. (I’ve recently taken to learning the names of the starting XI on the US Men’s team and he is very proud).
Aside from my ManBoy though, it is shocking how few soccer fans there are in this country. I mean, come on people! This is the sport that gave us David Beckham! {Sorry babe, you know he’s not my type}. But watching the game against Costa Rica last night, as these men represented us with their hard work and graceful talents, was inspiring. They are a team of relatively unknown stars, a united front determined to prove to their critics that the United States has what it takes to compete on the international stage. I can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve at next summer’s World Cup.
In the meantime, don’t take my word for it, (because Lord knows my analysis of the sport would be shameful) hop on over to the ManBoy’s blog for an educated and in-depth look at what’s taking place on the soccer pitch around the world. Enjoy!
Sports is just one way of showing the world how mighty Americans are. Thanks for sharing this. By the way, being a great sports fan is rewarding too! Here's one from Premio Foods, the producer of delicious and quality sausage products in the U.S. They're giving away free buy one get one coupon whenever your favorite team wins. Be a Premio Facebook Fan and check out the details. Thanks and have a great day!
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