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