Blame Canada: How the U.S. U20s Can Restore Hope or Continue Widespread Panic

As seen on Confessions of an American Soccer Junkie

When I look to the United States U20s game against Canada on the 26th of February — the one match that stands between the Yanks and a trip to the U20 World Cup, a trip which alluded the 2011 squad — I feel some combination of trepidation and excitement. Sure, the United States should come out on top, but that expectancy is more terrifying than staring across the field at a Spain or Brazil team that should romp to a comfortable 4-0 victory. “Supposed to” is just not something I, or many American soccer fans in fact, are particularly comfortable with.

As a sports fan, I’m not used to being a fan of the big, bad bully. In baseball, I follow the saddest route of many New Yorkers: becoming a Mets fan. Football? I align myself with the Jets and their unyielding little brother complex over the Giants, with their recent and historical success. Even when it comes to choosing a club team to support, with all the world my oyster and no homegrown ties to a culture of ineptitude, I gravitated to Queens Park Rangers and all the turmoil of the four-year plan.

Needless to say, high expectations have not worked out particularly well for me in my rooting history. Among US soccer fans, I really doubt that I am alone.

Robbie Rogers Coming Out and What It Means to American Sports Culture

As seen on Confessions of American Soccer Junkie.

Sometimes it takes just one small moment to shake the public perception completely. In 400 simply stated words, this is what former USMNT winger Robbie Rogers managed to do. In seven short paragraphs he managed transcend his relatively small space in the American sports consciousness.

In just a few sentences he may have laid the groundwork for a shift in the culture of team sports in this country. Rogers did this by making the difficult decision to announce to the world that he was gay.

Of course, the real story is not about what Rogers means to the world, it’s about what this moment means to Rogers. He showed admirable bravery in coming out and one can only hope that making such an announcement allows him to lead a happier life. But it is that bravery, and the soccer communities quick and generous outpouring of support to it, that could prove the lasting impact.

American Soccer Junkies: Episode #14

In latest episode of the popular “American Soccer Junkies” podcast series, Dan Popko and Steve Fogarty break down the United States 2-0 victory over South Korea, check out how various national teamers are doing in Europe and predict the squad for this summer’s World Cup in the latest “23 for 2014.”

Check out more USMNT news and analysis at Confessions of an American Soccer Junkie.