The year is 2020. A top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Leipzig is being dictated by a fascinating duel between a 19-year-old Canadian and a 20-year-old American. Bayern Munich doesn’t win.
How ‘bout that for a bit of science fiction?! But that’s actually what happened on Sunday during the sort of match that proves a 0-0 scoreline can still be a damn good time.
Jay Berhalter has not been a popular figure among U.S. soccer fans. Justly or unjustly, the CCO of U.S. Soccer has often been a target of derision in part for his association with his younger brother Gregg Berhalter, the USMNT coach, with many believing the two created a conflict of interest. Jay was, in the eyes of many and to chagrin of more, considered the frontrunner to take over as U.S. Soccer CEO.
Nike has unveiled its 2020 jerseys for the USA, Nigeria and South Korea, and there’s a lot to like here. We’ll start with the U.S., which includes the implementation of the Nike Futura logo on the jerseys, shorts and socks (it’s the old-school version of the Swoosh with “NIKE” printed above it). We all love the Futura logo.
Ulysses Llanez scored seven times in 11 appearances for the USMNT U-20 squad. The 18-year-old forward looks like he might be just as prolific for the senior national team.
In his senior USMNT debut, Llanez was a constant threat playing on the wing and scored the opening goal in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in a friendly on Saturday in Carson, California. Llanez became the 54th American to score in his international debut, doing so not far from where he grew up in Lynwood, California.
U.S. Soccer needs to do something to spice up its post-January camp friendlies, lest it continue to embarrass itself with miniscule USMNT attendance.
According to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. Times, a paltry 6,500 tickets had been sold for the USMNT’s friendly against Costa Rica on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park about 24 hours before kickoff for Gregg Berhalter’s first match of 2020.
According to a press release from FOX Sports, the network has landed an exclusive multi-year English-language rights deal with CONCACAF for coverage of the 2021 and 2023 Gold Cups as well as men’s and women’s Olympic qualifiers and the CONCACAF Champions League.
Gregg Berhalter has his eyes set on the future with the first USMNT roster of 2020. The U.S. coach unveiled on Saturday the 22 players who will travel to Carson, California, to take on Costa Rica in a friendly next Saturday. More than half the players have never appeared for the senior national team.
Ahh soccer. Yes, soccer. Not football, but soccer. American soccer.
Americans who follow the world’s game have it tougher than footie fans just about anywhere else on the planet. In the U.S., soccer isn’t the most popular sport — it’s not even in the top four — providing unique challenges to those who love the beautiful game.
But American soccer fans persist, because our love for the game is greater than any annoyance.
Here are 11 most annoying things about being an American soccer fan:
I’ll never forget the buildup to Chipotle’s first restaurant in London. I was studying there at the time and the “COMING SOON” signage on Charing Cross Road would hit hard around lunchtime on a Saturday afternoon. A cohort of Americans would stand outside the scaffolding and strain to see inside the darkened edifice for any signs of that spar, industrial interior design coming together. It’s hard to tell how much progress is being made when the piping is always exposed.
It feels good to finally say it: It’s been a good weekend for the USMNT. On Friday, three-time World Cup veteran Brian McBride was appointed General Manager of the USMNT. He’ll use his 17 years of professional playing experience — including 14 with the national team — to help develop and manage the player pool while also shifting the culture within the men’s program.