Not ready to come home.
No, this U.S. Men’s soccer team is not ready to return home yet.
That is the story I wanted to write. In a way, I am writing that story. Just not in a way I had hoped. I’m left wanting.
As is the team. Wanting. Wanting to make that crucial pass. That crucial kick. That crucial touch.
The difference maker that would put Team USA ahead. For good.
I'm gutted to have let down everyone but especially my teammates. It's been an incredible ride but I know this will make me stronger.
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) July 2, 2014
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Chris Wondowlowski had his chance.
Chris Wondolowski's epic short-range miss http://t.co/pYXlrXeGm7https://t.co/oqSixkj1Zt
— SB Nation Soccer (@SBNationSoccer) July 1, 2014
That’s what the U.S. gave too many of in this game. They gave Belgium too many chances. 38 to be exact. Of those 38, 27 were shots on goal. Goalie Tim Howard had to play otherworldly to stop 16 of them. Two, well, he couldn’t quite be other-universally could he?
And yet, the U.S. still had a chance. But, that’s how it is with U.S. Men’s Soccer. There’s always a chance. And we, as Americans, fully embrace that notion. Every four years we embrace it. Less, for those of us who follow the game closely. We know that it’s not a wait until 2018 mentality. We know there are games between now and then that are important with a lead-up to Russia in four years. But, for the casual fan this was the chance.
The chance to embrace Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, DeAndre Yedlin. The chance to wear the colors of our flag with pride. To fall in love with a team that could unite us under one umbrella. To conquer a mountain established by the world’s game that always says the Americans are not ready for the elite level of football (futbol, soccer).
It was a chance to show we belonged.
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no dad on earth is prouder of their son than I am of @chriswondo – and of the entire USMNT – the heart was amazing and inspiring
— John Wondolowski (@jwondo) July 2, 2014
As Chris Wondolowski’s dad reminds us above (tweet was retweeted by Chris’ MLS team the San Jose Earthquakes), the heart of this team was inspiring and amazing. We should be proud of how this team handled the Group of Death. Proud of how they held their own against the likes of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and yes, Belgium. Watching DaMarcus Beasley, at age 32, running like a boss from his left back position, drawing fouls and playing full speed from kickoff today…that’s the spirit die-hard and casual fans embrace in this country.
Was it the outcome we were looking for? No. Were there questionable line-up and substitution decisions made? Yes. Now that there’s no “World Cup tomorrow”, there will be plenty of time for analyzation and over-analyzation. We wanted it to be them not wanting to come home because they’re still playing feeling, not this.
Instead, we’ll wait another four years (again, less for the die-hards). For now, all we can say is:
#USMNT Fans: #ThankYou for your support, passion & pride the whole #WorldCup. We stand together as #OneNationOneTeam. pic.twitter.com/SaGZqte69p
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) July 1, 2014
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