Sorry I have not been on lately, was in Chicago with little access to internet.
For me 2014 in terms of our performance was a mixed feeling, we got out of a tough group that most never thought we would, but our deficiencies shown through once again on a big stage as unable to break into quarter finals.
Somehow we manage to produce brilliant goal keepers, but struggle to produce forwards and once Altidore went out our 4-6-0 formation left little threat conceding possession and spending most of our time in our own third. That is the next big step for us, to hold possession and be able to enforce our will on our opponents.
That said full credit to a talented Belgium side that was better on the day.
Now, onto my personal experience with the match.
"Americans do not care" or "Americans will never care"
These phrases have been repeated at me when ever I bring up the national team or domestic league. We knew it was building, that the crowds were larger and more knowledgeable, but it was a steady progress that would take a generation or two. 2014 offered a glimpse into the future of the sport and the nation that does know and care about it.
These are images I took inside Soldier Field in Chicago where 28,000 people came to support the US and watch a match on a screen in a stadium. There is no way even 8 years ago this would have happened. The crowd was diverse, but did skew young with lots of 20s and 30s there. They were emotionally invested in the game and reacted appropriately to plays. As someone who has loved the sport for so long seeing my fellow countrymen care the way I have really brought great deal of pride.
I know some people are already in damage control claiming "it is just the event" or "Americans are just patriotic" and equating it to the Olympics. The point is the goal posts keep moving and the trend is harder and harder to ignore for those at home and abroad.
Americans care.
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