Photo by Unkown

The beautiful summer of American soccer has come to a close, as fall's
cool breeze and temperature drops from 100 to 85 strike quickly out here in California. Okay, so summer may never really close for us, just take a brief break to head elsewhere, but the Summer of American Soccer has come to an end and what a glorious summer it was. The US national team showed incredible heart, rallying at the Confederations Cup from the brink of elimination to beat the champions of Africa in style, and with help from the Brazilians found themselves in the unenviable position of squaring off with Spain, the best team in the world. No problem, the red white and blue was up for the challenge and landed an incredible 2-0 victory behind Altidore, Dempsey, and a stellar defense. The final was heart wrenching as the US ran out to an early lead only to squander it late. Still, they battled in Mexico, and then came home and took care of business in World Cup qualifying, coming back to beat El Salvador, and going to Trinidad and Tobago and escaping with all three points, just so we, the fans could possibly enjoy watching them next summer. Now it is your turn to return the favor.

The United States of America Men's National Team, or the USMNT currently lead CONCACAF qualifying by a point over our neighbors from the south, and only need a win to secure another summer trip to South Africa, where they had quite a memorable trip last time. I plan on catching at least one US game in South Africa next summer if I can fit it into the schedule, but that won't happen if they don't get there. The two games in qualification that they have remaining are quite tricky, they travel to Honduras to face what is likely the most talented side in qualification, and a road match is certainly no joke against the team sitting in third, who will need a win to qualify. The USMNT then returns home for a match with the previous leaders of the group, Costa Rica, who now find themselves in a desperate spot, likely needing two wins to go to South Africa. This game takes place Wednesday October 14th at 8 PM at RFK stadium in the heart of the nation in its capital city. Where would be a better place to clinch a berth in next summer's World Cup? There is not a place I can think of.

What am I calling on the supporters of the USMNT to do? Sell the place out with fans of the grand ole USA. Yes, sell the joint out. So often we sit at home and say, what a bummer that our national team plays in front of stadiums that are supporting the away team more then our own in our country! That is terrible, and if I could be there I would! Well East Coast, here is your chance. Washington DC is only a four hour drive from NYC. I know you Red Bull fans have been starved of good soccer all year, why not catch a great game in DC? How about two hours from Philadelphia? You Sons of Ben can quickly win my heart
before Philadelphia even gets their feet on the ground in MLS by doing it big for the national team. Pittsburgh is a quick four hours. Richmond, Virginia is a short two hour drive as well. And Baltimore? The place that sold out their football stadium to see a soccer game this summer? They are almost walking distance, only fourty five minutes via car. Just like my google map is showing me currently, all roads lead to Washington DC on October 14th. If you don't like the road, I'm know there is plenty of train service that can get you there as well. It is so close to so many major metropolitan cities that there is no way RFK shouldn't be chuck full of US supporters when the national team takes the pitch.

Well you say, I'd love to but.... But what? The game starts at 8pm, plenty of time for you go to work or school that day, bounce at three and head for DC. Even better, why not make a day of it? I made my first trip to the nation's capital in March, and couldn't spend enough time in all of the museums and galleries and landmarks that define our history as a country. Why not go see the history that brought us here, then go to the game that will surely be part of history. Bring a friend, enlighten them on why you cheer for the national team in person. Your passion and joy for the US might make some people think you are crazy, but after most people get a taste they want to join the craziness themselves. Trust me, I know. We make our annual pilgrimage from San Luis Obispo, CA to Carson, CA to catch the Sweden US game every January. We load up multiple cars, and drag along friends who don't like soccer, or don't like the national team. It's funny how their views change after seeing them in person. Mind you, this is the January national team, mainly composed of guys like Sasha and Rolfe, Marshall and Perkins. Guys who don't start for the big team, the team you will see in person first hand in DC. If we can drive three and a half hours to not only see those guys play, but to get there three hours early and tailgate and kick the ball around with fellow American fans in the middle of winter with a 75% chance of rain, you certainly can do the same to see the national team play for a spot in the World Cup. Certainly you don't want to be outdone by me and my friends, some wishy washy California boys who have many other options to spend a Saturday in beautiful California. Instead, we make the trip to see some mediocre soccer because OUR national team is playing. We support this team, and we don't get a lot of qualifiers in California, so we have to jump on any chance we get. You get the most important qualifier that the US will have in the last 8 years.

I understand the economy is slow, and that for many times are tough. Trust me, I'm right there with you. However sometimes in life you have to make choices, and decide to not go out that weekend after the game
and spend your money going to the game instead. If you get your tickets now, you can get them for as little as $35. Fill up the car with four friends, split gas and grab food on your way there, and it is certainly a reasonable price for an awesome opportunity. Everyone seemed to become a US soccer fan this summer, and I love it. Welcome to the crew, now lets see what you are made of. If you can't make the trip to South Africa next summer but want to support the team, get to this game. Make sure that your team knows that when they play at home, the crowd is going to be big and loud. Real loud.

For those of you in DC and the surrounding area, this paragraph is directed directly at you. Buy your tickets today. Get to the game, be loud, and rep the USA the way DC fans do. DC United has some awesome supporters. We need you, the Barra Bravia and the Screaming Eagles to join forces with Sam's Army and the American Outlaws to make this a game to remember and a game for Costa Rica to never forget. I want them to be terrified, completely and utterly terrified when they walk out on the field and see the masses wearing red and chanting the name of the USA. For those of you who go to Georgetown and the other colleges in the area, I know you have the time and the resources to get to this game. In fact, my cousin goes to Georgetown, and I will personally challenge her to attend. That's right Laura, you better be there. Remember how jealous I was when you talked to Jozy last time the US played at RFK? Well you better grab five of your friends, play some beer pong out front of the stadium before hand, and then support them boys like it is going out of style. Shoot, I'll even pay for your ticket if the finances are a problem, because I want to be there so bad. I expect a big turnout from the DC contingent, and will be quite disappointed if I see otherwise.

So this is the call to action, to get your tickets now, to sell out RFK and to show the world that the United States of America has had one hell of a summer in soccer, and has a spectacular fan base behind it, supporters that will rival any nation. We shocked the world this summer. Let's make sure our boys have the atmosphere behind them to ensure they get a shot to do it again. South Africa 2009 was dandy,
but South Africa 2010 is for all the marbles.

You can buy tickets here:
http://www.ussoccer.com/Schedule-Tickets/2009/091014-US-Men-vs-Costa-Rica.aspx