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U.S. Men’s Soccer Now Must Look to Showdown with Mexico in the Fall
By Randy Gardner
What a disappointment it was last week for the United States Soccer fanatics as the Men’s U.S. team not only lost to Jamaica in the semifinal game but then lost in the 3rd place game. This was a tournament that they were expected to win.
Early in the tournament the team looked strong but as the qualifying stage passed the team just fell apart. It wasn’t for lack of effort but I just don’t think the team can adapt to the style of an opposing team.
Winning the tournament was Mexico, who many say lucked their way into the finals and the victory with several questionable calls throughout many games.
This will bring about a huge showdown in October between the United States and Mexico. This will probably be the biggest game in many years for this squad. Also announced was that in November the Men’s National Team will play at Busch Stadium. That is awesome.
Being in November, there will probably be a crisp feel in the air which is perfect for soccer. Hopefully there will not snow on the ground, you know the way St. Louis winters can be, even as early as November
Many are questioning Jurgen’s reign over this team and if his style and personality fits this squad and its future. I say that he deserves a few more months and a few more National qualifying games before we make that determination. The Mexico game in October will be a true test.
Football Heats Up This Week at Training Camps
With football just around the corner, it’s hard to believe that even with the heat indexes around 100 today (Tuesday), we will be sitting on the couch soon watching games all day long on Sundays.
In news from around the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have hired Jen Welter who will be the first female coach ever in the NFL. She has a long history of playing football and was the first woman to ever play a non-kicking down in a men’s pro league game. I have asked several people about this and the reviews are mixed.
Can she do this? Why certainly she can but many say that the environment that she will be exposed to–like the locker room–could make it an uncomfortable situation for her and the players. I have been in pro teams locker rooms with many different pro franchises doing interviews. Remember it is a locker room and that means players taking showers and getting dressed.
There are many questions on how to handle this situation. From a player’s standpoint, Arizona players have tweeted to let’s get the season going and welcome aboard the new coach. This will be one of those ever-changing moments for sports in the USA at all levels, even surpassing the first openly gay player last year with Michael Sam.
For the Rams, on the other hand, let’s just hope that they put a good product on the field this year. This is the most crucial year in NFL history in St. Louis in my opinion. If the Rams leave and there has been no fan support, we aren’t going to see another team here— it’s that simple.
