By Coach Hayes I'm sure most Americans don't care about soccer, but they should start. Why should they, you ask? Well, the U.S Men's Soccer team has ripped off 11 straight games with at least a win or draw. That's right, they haven't lost a match in 11 games. During that streak the U.S Men's team has beat some of the top teams in the world; squads such as Italy, Germany and most recently Bosina. The National team also went down to Estadio Azteca in Mexico and earned a well earned draw. Wheter it is in friendlies, or in World Cup qualifying, these guys just don't lose. On Wednesday afternoon, the National team played Bosina. They were gave up a couple goals in the first half and weren't playing their own style of soccer. Oh yeah, they also didn't have some of their studs like Clint Demspy and Landon Donovan. Those two players alone are the lifeblood on a squad that is coming into its own. So with a team depleted at key positions, they were able to walk into halftime downonly down by two goals. I am not sure what Klinsman said to the team as motivation, but whatever it was, was the right thing. The U.S came out in the second half with fire. Within the first 15 minutes, Eddie Johnson got the scoring started. They were able to get on the board with some nice passes and teamwork that looked more European than American. Jozy Altidore was able to record a hat trick in the secnd half and continued his goal scoring streak at five matches. Something that had not been accomplished in U.S. Soccer history. Donovan has had impressive streaks twice, earning a pair of four match goal streaks, but never carried it to five matches. This match also marked the first time that the U.S.National team has ever came back from a two goal deficit to win. This victory shows the world that this squad wants to make a serious run in next summer's World Cup. World Cup qualifying is still going on, but with one more win, the U.S. will be all but in next summer in Brazil. They do have some tough competition coming up with Mexico coming to Columbus, OH in September. That's always a hard match no matter where it is played. I am sure the U.S. squad will have all of their key players on the field for that match. Oh yeah, before I forget, during this 11 game streak, they also won the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Costa Rica. In the end, us Americans need to start paying attention, because if this team makes a serious run next summer everybody will be glued to their televisions. Jump on the bandwagon, and learn who these guys are now so you don't look/sound stupid when it is game time. Soccer is making its push to compete with the other major sports in this country and the U.S. Men are marking their territory now.
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