Edge of 17: U.S. Forward Jozy Altidore strikes an archery pose after scoring the game's first goal. Team USA defeated Germany 4-3 in a friendly match.
It was a very good day for U.S. Soccer. The U.S. Men's Team faced Germany on Sunday, in an exhibition game at RFK Stadium in D.C. And what an exhibition it was. The MNT demonstrated a level of energy, confidence and skill that brought tears to my eyes. All I can say is, we've come a loooong way since the days of Alexi Lalas.
The U.S. team asserted themselves early on with a masterful shot by Jozy Altadore just under seven minutes into the game. Altadore executed the perfect final touch onto a cross ball deftly delivered by Graham Zusi from right field. From that moment on, the game proceeded at full throttle, leaving no opportunity for riveted home spectators like myself to get up for a snack from the kitchen.
The ignited stadium crowd chanted Jo-zy! Jo-zy! Jo-zy! It was wonderful. Then came the accidental own-goal by German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (Ouch!), gifting the U.S. with a 2-point lead. I wish I knew what was said by the German team's coach, Joachim Löw during halftime. Did he shout at the team? Or worse, was he silent? Whatever happened, after halftime Germany came back ready to score, and score they did. But so did U.S.A., specifically Clint Dempsey.
Men of the Match: Clint Dempsey (Left) and Josy Altidore
Photo: The Washington Post
Both of Dempsey's goals were amazing sights, but the one I can't stop watching over and over is his second, which was the last goal of this extraordinary game. It began with a fake out of Lukas Podolski, followed by a precise kick that sent the ball soaring past the outstretched fingertips of a leaping German goalkeeper and deep into the net.
With more the 20 minutes left in the game, the Germans were hungry for payback. Some goals were recklessly conceded but we managed to hold on to an inspiring one-point lead.
They may not be World Champions, yet, but based on Sunday's performance it's safe to say the U.S. Men's National Team are no longer the Bad News Bears of soccer.
