Miracle on Ice? How About a Miracle on South African Soil

My eyes welled up with tears and my chest swelled with pride as Landon Donovan slid to the corner flag head first and waited for his team to dog pile him in celebration of his 91st minute goal...and their entrance into the "Sweet 16". Watching Donovan fighting back tears in his post-game interview made me cry all over again. Who cares that I was standing in the middle of a local McDonald's (the only business with ESPN at 10:30 AM)? This was a moment in history for the US squad. Getting jubilant texts from my little brother in Las Vegas - whom no one would ever describe as a soccer fan - led me to the realization of just how big a moment this was. Not just for the US Squad, but for soccer. It was a moment when US citizens exploded in cheers mixed with relief. A moment when perhaps non-Americans scratched their heads in mild astonishment. After all, Americans haven't won their group since 1930. Last Cup we ended up in last place in our group and went home with our tail between our legs. Not this time. Not in that way. This moment has made it possible - no, almost mandatory, that US citizens become invested. Well, I'm invested and proud - not only because of the grit, determination, hard work, and perseverance of the squad - but because we did it without the stars of France, or England, or Spain, or Brazil. We did it without having public mutinous moments recorded by the press. We did it because we wanted to fight and prove ourselves,and because, I think, our players love the game. So to those of you who have not given soccer a chance or for those of you who think the USA is a joke in the forum of football - South Africa is the place and the 2010 the time to get hooked. Below are game highlights.


Speaking of players - let's highlight a few of those who played today and whom have not as yet been introduced.



Hercules Gomez started in place of the suspended Robbie Findley. Hercules is 28 years old and started off with the L.A. Galaxy before bouncing around two other MLS teams and landing in the Mexican league and playing for Pachuca (along with teammate Jose Torres). Bradley likes Hercules because he has confidence which he showed yesterday shooting right away and making the Algerian goalie work.


Hercules was joined by midfielder Maurice Edu - or Mo as his teammates call him. Mo plays in the SPL (Scottish Premier League) for the Rangers who won the division this year. Mo spent much of the time out recovering from knee surgery and is still trying to shake the rust off. Despite his lack of playing time this year, coach Bradley started the defensive midfielder this game, and subbed him into the last one as well. When healthy, Edu is speedy, and can push forward as well as help out the back four.


Speaking of the back four - Jonathan Bornstein got his start against Algeria in place of Gooch who struggled against Slovenia. Jonathan played left back and Carlos moved into the center back position. Jonathan is of Mexican-Jewish ancestry and plays for Chivas where he was converted from a striker to a full back. The back four were strong against the Algerians even though they had not played together in that combination before, and Jonathan helped keep that side of the filed relatively quiet. The rumor is that if Jonathan has a strong Cup performance, Europe could be a possibility for him.


Last player for today is a sub that came on for Jonathan in the 80th minute to provide more attacking. DaMarcus Beasley (a Fort Wayne Hoosier by the way) is a striker who plays in the SPL for...the Rangers. He came to the Rangers via PSV Eindhoven which is in the Dutch League (the Eredivisie). The report on DaMarcus is that he has speed, defensive capabilites as well as offensive, and Champions League experience but can be inconsistent. DeMarcus did not score yesterday, but his fresh legs helped stretch out the Algerian defence.

That's it for today other than an Arsenal mention in that it's Robin vs Song today. Cameroon will be playing for pride only as mathematically they are out, but Denmark (Bendy) needs to beat Japan today to advance.

Okay, more news later I'm sure. Oh, I almost forgot...are you hooked yet?


USA 1-0 Algeria (Highlights)

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