Thanks to LA Galaxy, the Ailing Game of Soccer Survives in America

CARSON, Calif.—Ever seen the diverse town worship an unpopular sport here in the origin of an enigmatic, paranoid town, unlike in other countries where fans revere the fascinating sport and blow on annoying vuvuzelas, an obnoxious buzzing sound that bothers our nerves badly?

What is increasingly discovered in Hollywood is that the masses are obsessed with superstars and celebrities, more than the sport or cinematic script itself, and hastily, the famous human being becomes a publicity magnet in a town where stars are truly admired.

It’s always fun to gaze at a sporting icon locally, and during the summer months, if someone is paying close attention, the ultimate star is Landon Donovan, a famous soccer star who is idolized and known for lifting the ratings of a dull event.

Without him, the Los Angeles Galaxy constitutes no buzz, no hearsay, not even an acknowledgement in the front page of the Los Angeles Times sports section. But the presence of Donovan bolsters an uneventful game in a nation that only glances at soccer during the World Cup, optimistic of a spectacular finish to cure a lowly event.

It’s almost realistic to believe that he markets the game of soccer in the states and in the Los Angeles basin as well, luring a large capacity at the Home Depot Center in Southern California and avid spectators by captivating the audience with a breathtaking goal.


As the Major League Soccer season comes to closure, he has enticed a crowd to wildly cheer and admire his prodigiousness, passion, work ethic, and, well, his game-changing heroics. He’s suddenly a world-class athlete with the ability to shift the dimension of an uncertain sport in the States and has been described as the Kobe Bryant of basketball as the prime star on the Galaxy.

In perspective, he has been the turning point in soccer and changed the way the game is perceived.

But the recent gossip is that midfielder David Beckham, an egotistic soccer star who willingly left his native country as a mercenary and celebrity for more riches and fame, is becoming a rock star and constantly is heckled and beleaguered by paparazzi in snapshots.

If he’s permitted to display his signature cologne in department stores, just to sustain recognition as a promoter and convince consumers to purchase the product, then he’s definitely the face of an ailing game in America.

As it turns out, he’s expected to participate in warm-ups with the Galaxy on Wednesday, set to return from suffering a torn left Achilles tendon earlier in the year while affiliated with AC Milan. As of today, the Galaxy is worshipped for appealingly mending and popularizing soccer in the U.S. with the occupancy of high-profile stars.

As of today, the Galaxy represents soccer in America.

U.S. Preeminent Run Magnetized Soccer, but Will It Last?

They were emotionally hyped and adored a surreal moment that believably seemed genuine, the glorious feel-good story that appeared mesmerizing at a time all populace jumped onto the bandwagon to embrace an infatuating portrait.

But now, a casual fan will return to the regularly scheduled programs by watching reruns of CSI or the Simpsons, as television ratings will drastically descend after the United States chase for the beautiful prize came to an end so miserably.

All over the nation, the locals in most cities crowded the sports bars and sat in front of the nearest television to witness the improbable that suddenly faded in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ghana in the Round of 16 of the captivating World Cup. Because soccer is a foreign activity beloved worldwide but not nationwide, it won’t ever merit a mutual perception or a large portion of entertained fans.


As a nation, we cherish football more than we eulogize futbol, unless of course, the United States is riding a miraculous journey while on a mission to not only attain the unimaginable, but also popularize the diminishing sport of soccer. This time, in an every four year event, the U.S. was successful, galvanizing us to watch a languid event in America and was supposed to implode in the early stages of the tournament.

But it apparently was the most enjoyable drama since New Orleans threw a party on Bourbon Street to laud the Saints for winning its first ever Super Bowl in franchise history, after pulling off the unthinkable against the Indianapolis Colts.

This time, however, we may have witnessed the healthiest soccer tale in U.S. history, thrilled and proud of the historical goal that salvaged pride. In the greatest soccer story that was heartwarming to a large population in the States, the great people witnessed patriotism and persistence, different from four years ago when the United States were inexperience and unsuccessful.

It was merely a subpar team that fizzled in meeting standards, traditionally jeered for the harrowing insults following an agonizing loss. From all the helpless struggles, to the insulting stories, to the bad reputations, the United States devalued the excitement of soccer in a country where it’s unpopular and renounced.

The matches were beneficial and valuable for improving the growth of an unhealthy sport, and were dramatic to the causal supporters. It was only thrilling to watch with the presence of the Americans, seeing whether or not the U.S. could secure a miracle in South Africa.

Really after the Americans were eliminated and sent home by the last Africa team standing, the nation returns back to normalcy and prefers to observe a much-improved baseball season or patiently wait for football season. Few couldn’t care less about the World Cup here in the states, after the Americans were ousted in the Round of 16.

That bothers the growth of soccer in the United States, that defines the typical American as a casual fan, and that describes the average native as a minority in comparison to other countries. As it seems, we may never know if soccer will mount or largely produce a creation of passionate soccer stars in the United States, other than manufacture a quantity of amateurish players.

Greater than ever, the U.S. excited those from Seattle to Los Angeles to Dallas to Kansas City and to New York, boosting television ratings for a growing fan base witnessing a seminal moment in soccer. The game became a part of social life and inspired Americans to travel overseas, believing in a miracle, worldwide recognition and an indelible moment in U.S. history, a theory for eclipsing misconception.

By wrongly misunderstanding of what the sport offered and signified in other countries, the Americans taunted the U.S. for inferiority and insufficiencies in an every four year event, as the local tabloids ripped the United States of poor performances. Across the nation, it expanded realization for a nation satisfied with the U.S. prosperity, despite struggling to prevail past the Round of 16.

There was clear evidence that the Americans were talented and athletic, saving a heartfelt feeling of pride and spirit in a nation that hadn’t became attached, but now coach Bob Bradley has some answering because of his outlandish lineup moves.


Every way, that is, Ghana was the better opponent with explosiveness, assertiveness and ambition. It turns out the Americans were jingoistic, but weren’t durable enough to outlast Ghana. Beside the stereotypical chatter, there were periods in the game when the U.S. looked fatigued and sluggish, particularly in the beginning the Ghanaians exploded with the early stunner and took advantage of the United States porous defense.

The most compelling tournament came to an end, when an exhausted and slower Ghana terrified the U.S. in overtime. Three minutes in overtime, the sensational star of Ghana, Asamoah Gyan booted the game-winning goal, breaking the hearts of U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra.

“We tried to push and push,” Bocanegra said. “I don’t know if we just didn’t have anything left because we had been pushing so much the entire tournament.”

With a multitude of young people living in an era when all sports are regarded, it could have uplifted the image in a narrow-minded country that really wasn’t introduced or developed an aura in the unsought game of soccer.

Will soccer ever survive in America or will people unwelcome the sport? Not a bad question, considering that the country has stared at one of the world’s greatest athletes. Some will argue Landon Donovan is one of the greatest American sporting figures, remembered for the remarkable, game-winning goal during stoppage time in World Cup history against Algeria to qualify for the Round of 16.

He scored on a penalty kick that sent the game to overtime tied 1-1. He has a U.S. record of five goals at the World Cup, and 45 in international play alone. It was a heartbreaker, however, when Donovan exchanged jerseys with a Ghana player and walked off the field and sat on the bench and hung his head, literally disillusioned over the grieving defeat.

“If we’re a little less naïve tonight, we would have advanced,” said Donovan. “I said all along this was a young team and a relatively inexperienced team at this level.”

He’s a valuable player on the United States National team and the best American soccer player ever. If he wasn’t at his best, he wouldn’t have converted on the penalty kick or saved the U.S. with his mesmerizing goal. It’s a privilege to watch a 28-year old soccer assassin be the superior one in his prime and record incomparable milestones in the world-class event. But it wasn’t enough to knock off Ghana in the elimination rounds as the United States were defeated by the Ghanaians for the second straight World Cup, mourning another disappointing scenario after inspiring the nation with bravery and heroism.

“A stinging, tough defeat,” said Bradley, who has been criticized for his lineup changes.

But it was a sense of humanity for a country that pride itself on soccer, with former President Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger sitting in the stands, discovering a memorable moment in U.S. soccer history. But unfortunately, the soccer gimmick and phase may actually dematerialize with the Americans’ falling at the worse possible time and missing out on the semifinals, a round the U.S. hasn’t advanced to since the first World Cup in 1930.


The reality of this story is that the Americans lost, while having an extremely talented and experienced group. They had all the elements to win, surrounded by the heroics of Tim Howard, one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Clint Dempsey one of the greatest defenders. But none of it mattered once the U.S. suffered a loss, wasting a shot at reaching a pinnacle in a sport our country isn’t known for delivering glory.

It was possible, at least it seemed that way, until the Americans encountered Ghana in an elimination round. It’s hard to ignore and forget a seminal moment, but will soccer remain popular in this country? Judging patriotism, it’s hard to tell how an American visualizes sports.

It remains whether or not soccer will last permanently or temporarily.

U.S. Channels Captivating Scene In World Cup As Our Nation Believes

For most cities in a nation, sporting events draw much buzz and excitement and enthusiastic sports fanatics have gathered at local pubs to cheer on the U.S. National Soccer Team. The casual fans have diminished the biggest tournament that happens every four years, but now a large portion of the world’s population closely glance at the most popular sporting event globally.

All over the world, soccer is greatly observed and idolized as a cultural convention, alluring the minds of children who eventually become attach and benefits from a civilized activity.

But in a nation where soccer is downplayed and forgotten, as folks are merely paranoid and brainwashed by David Beckham, a gorgeous soccer star known as a celebrity and for his sex appeal, selling the sport of soccer based on his fame and endorsed products, we are suddenly believers and grateful to witness the U.S. attain the unprecedented.

All the populace are raving specifically about soccer in the slowest months of the sports seasons, willing to immerse in the global landscape. With the latest finish in a historic fashion, the U.S defied logic, for once, rising as a hallowed favorite to contend in the World Cup. Frankly, there’s no longer a suggestion of skepticism or disgrace, but a feeling of intuition and certainty, shunning the traditional flaws.


Here in America sports is one thing. But soccer, of course, is another. Because my instincts tell me it’s a sport that never seemed mesmerizing to the average citizen residing in the states, we are stuck to believe that there is no consensus. Then again, this is a more agog age in sports, meaning the average devotee is satisfied watching men tear back and forth down the field wearing cleats and shorts, while dripping sweat and standing around exhausted during a long-lasting contest.

This is greatly a country that never cared about the dying sport. This is a game that never absorbed much attention, considering that futbol isn’t football, but a boring festivity without action-packed tackles and muscular hits most are accustomed to seeing in the fall and winter months. Think of it as foosball, a strategic tabletop game that you find often in arcades.

Point is, the foosball table rarely generates a crowd as pinball tables or electronic video games rally a large assembly. And it even seems like soccer is the version of the foosball table in a nation that treasures a physical and brutal game. That is football, of course, not futbol.

But all things were viewed differently and veered instantly, following the Americans' thrilling win against Algeria Wednesday night, with Landon Donovan booting a game-winning, a historical goal in the 91st minute to propel the U.S. to a 1-0 shutout. Never did we suspect the Americans to fulfill a miracle or even advance to the Round of 16, knowing they had a highly talented and crafty national team with coveted and goal-oriented stars.

If this is a sport played universally, then we should acknowledge the emergence and intensity of the Americans, vehemently competing with spirit, strong character and humanity. For the moment, the U.S. is confronted with immense expectations for meeting uncommon standards, bringing a sense of pride and installing aspiration in a subsiding activity.

What’s very heartwarming is that the guys representing a patriotic homeland are classy and dynamic, giving us reason to believe as the world is convinced to give the entire core the benefit of the doubt. It’s a miracle to some extent that the U.S. is stronger than ever and has mellowed as an indomitable crew.

You can recall when the Americans were lackluster and too inexperienced. You can recall when the boys were hopeless and voiceless, disillusioned for failing to correct all the botches and disadvantages.

All this happened four years ago, a doleful moment when Donovan was inexperienced and hadn’t developed as an inspirational force. All this happened last decade, a depressing time when the whole team was fearful and timidity.

Four years later, this is a soccer team with guts and bravery, excelling on the high emotions of Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Donovan, and ultimately, Tim Howard, who is arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers worldwide.


Can they win it all? It’s very likely. Do you believe? If you don’t, you should believe in the Americans. The magnitude of winning and outlasting all teams to be presented with the beautiful cup could amplify the growth of a mediocre tournament and erode a relentless farce. With three matches alone, the Americans renounced an imperfect tradition and have verified a beloved tradition by performing with stamina, persistence and energy.

By virtue, the U.S. isn’t vulnerable or effortless in eliminating from contention, fighting off its weaknesses and has been charming without hearing critics define the Americans as obscure and embarrassing to the states, but instead credible of capping a miracle.

There have been six consecutive World Cup appearances, including a final-eight in 2002 for the U.S., and during each contest we never brought together a friendly cult as fans are urged to celebrate historic marks and remarkable plateaus, wishing for the happiest ending in American soccer history.

Each casual fan has rejoiced in this enormous moment in American sports, larger than the Winter Games in Vancouver it seems. Although we live on a continent that doesn’t adore soccer nor share gratefulness and admiration, we have rapidly opened a chapter and turned it into a beautiful story.

Currently, the U.S. is ranked 18 places higher worldwide than Ghana, and has six straight World Cup appearances. In other words, the Americans aren’t the underdog or vulnerable, but have parity and gifted athletes to manhandle the team from Africa. In fact, the U.S. has an easier road than any other team in the World Cup.

Do the Americans a favor -- applause and appreciate what they have accomplished during a watchful tournament. Do the U.S. a favor, and honor its success and wish for the best.

It’s very possible that the U.S. can win the World Cup, but it’s hard to imagine the Americans turning it into a popular sport here in the States.

Landon Donovan Is Worth the Publicity for Saving U.S. With Historic Goal

Aside from all the disgrace and uncertainty hovering over the heads of the U.S. in soccer, the one sport Americans aren’t culturally equipped in dominating or feeling a consensus belief, there’s an ethical understanding that the U.S. is actually a talented and sumptuous team, built to install a sense of pride in the hearts of all the individuals in America.

They were waiting for something special and witnessed an extravaganza that materialized in one of sports biggest events, escaping all the unlovely publicity, the everlasting stereotyping and ridiculing, and the lousy performances before the humiliation turned massively repulsive.

For a long time, the team here in the States has been degraded by propaganda and for underachieving on a global setting, vastly tumbled for the hopeless letdowns at an exhausting game that requires much zealous and consistency.


It’s a mutual feeling that soccer is unpopular in America, and remains as a disregarded sport, roughly is unseen and ignored as an elite sport, but a world-class competition in most countries. The typical fan is probably familiar with David Beckham, a big-name soccer star who’s famous for his features and his cologne, a product available in department stores as a hot item.

But it isn’t the same results for the gifted sport that he plays, when he’s not behaving as a celebrity who walks on the red carpet where he’s gunned down by paparazzi for the latest photo shot to feature in the recent issue of tabloids.

As it stands, he’s not the only famous soccer star after all, when the heroics of Landon Donovan converted on a game-winning goal in stoppage time Wednesday evening. He has brought much joy to Team USA, transforming the landscape of competition and expunging the misfortune.

He has inserted much aspiration, and is thrilled to contend at the highest level in the World Cup and compete with a believable mindset and an initiative to travel back home with the gleaming prize by the end of the tournament, though implications and challenges are very uncompromising.


And lastly, he may have revived a dying sport in the states by luring the causal fan to the World Cup, as the masses are willing to blow obnoxiously from a vuvuzela horn that sounds like a swarm of bees are buzzing around the locale.

It’s very appealing to see that Team USA has a hero, a virtuous leader who symbolizes the nature of soccer in a patriotic nation, enthusiastic to formulate a bonding attachment as the game becomes more evident and catches the eye of spectators when our players are on a mission to accomplish the unprecedented.

Although the organizers should be credited for marketing and publicizing its product nationwide after agreeing in a deal to televise its event on ESPN, a network that has impacted the growth nationally, Donovan should be a noteworthy name worshipped for his historic goal that will leave a mark in U.S. history eternally.

He salvaged an entire nation with his incredible feat and protected pride to defy logic in a historical sequence. What he did was indiscernible, unbelievable, special, breathtaking, extraordinary, unforgivable, wonderful and memorable, all assessable words needed to describe a sensational time.

At the threshold of the World Cup, he was smothered with a tremendous amount of pressure and had the highest expectations, unlike his teammates on the U.S. team.

As of recently, he shines on the beautiful stage and dominates the green surfaces of South Africa, with his keen footwork, agility and consciousness, knowing he has a shot at strengthening the reputation in the states.

If you missed it all, he was easily seen in the right place at the right time and scored the must-needed goal in the 91st minute to their only game in the group. Had he not scored, the Americans would have finished empty-handed, yet in other draw that they couldn’t afford.

Had he not fired one through the nets, the team wouldn’t have won or seized the three points that were necessary to advance to the Round of 16. The American traditional of failure or vulnerability no longer exists for which the U.S. isn’t vulnerable or an easy ouster, especially when it’s fortune to have Donovan.

When he finished and prevailed on a booted shot directly towards the net, which eased its way through the net to save the U.S. of agony and gloom, he was overjoyed and sprinted to the corner of the field where he was crowded by his teammates.

“I’ve been through a lot the last four years,” Donovan said. “I’m so glad it culminated in this way.”

It took a total team effort after Jozy Altidore charged and Clint Dempsey missed a well-designed shot, but even though he couldn’t convert, he had assistance from Donovan.

“Clint Dempsey did a good job to get in front of the goalie and it just bounced there,” Donovan said.

This is the wonderful story in American soccer, but can they continue to gleam remains a question. They’ll need strong play from goalkeeper Tim Howard, Altidore and Dempsey, who is ultimately a scoring element and a factor with more effectiveness, effort and, well, a little luck. But after topping Algeria 1-0, it’s easier to believe.

Four years ago, he was unproven and younger and still hadn’t developed into a primary star, but a lot has changed since then.

Many Americans believe. I believe, too.