Stealing from a slightly more important fellow, and a much more important idea, I give you the State of the Union address for the US national team. Just like our country, the national team is headed for a pivotal year, and the word that makes the world go round is hope. Without further Adu, I give you the State of the Union. Oh yeah, that's right Chamo I just appointed myself El Presidente, and I'm giving the address too. So you can suck it. I'm quite confident that is the first time "You can suck it" was used as a lead in to a SOTU. Constantly Offside, number one in your hearts and in ridiculousness.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and Outlaws, we have reached a very important time in the history of the US, and its national team. As we step boldly into 2010, we do it on crutches, with knee braces, and with surgically repaired fractures. We leave 2009 behind as quite possibly the greatest year ever in American soccer, from a tremendous domestic season where for the first time an MLS team ranked in the top 50 worldwide in home attendance and they hosted a tremendously thrilling championship that has set the bar for all those in the future, to impressive club seasons abroad where stalwarts like Dempsey, Onyewu and Davies showed their value to each of their teams and to the world. Most impressive though was the performance of the national team, with a thrilling summer run through the Confederations World cup, where the US made their first major tournament final, and were 45 minutes from a title, after knocking off the number one team in the world in stunning fashion. Combining that with qualification for the World Cup first in the group, fighting through an CONCACAF field that is rapidly improving and you have a majestic year that will be looked back upon fondly.

However no great year is without its valleys, unfortunately the aftermath of these valleys stares American soccer right in the face. These valleys were injuries, and unfortunately the grand ol US of A has a monopoly on them currently. Onyewu and Davies were lost within three days of each other in October post qualification for the big dance under very different circumstances, but one common denominator ran through each injury, starting with these and continuing forward to today, where Steve Cherundolo went down with an injury, and that denominator is, F$#*%, WILL HE BE READY COME JUNE??!?!? From a relatively conservative estimate, the US currently has five starters that are in danger of missing the World Cup or having their preparation drastically affected, two in the back, two in the mid and one up top or Charlie Davies (knee, elbow), Clint Dempsey (knee),  Jermaine Jones (leg), Oguchi Onyewu (knee) and Steve Cherundolo (shoulder) along with two very valuable guys who can play multiple positions those two being DaMarcus Beasley (thigh) and Maurice Edu (ankle). Now having seven of a possible 23 affected for the World Cup would be very serious for any nation, but after last weekend's display (is display the right word? how do you exactly describe an abysmal showing of that magnitude? Maybe something along the lines of an abomination?) it's very clear that each of these individuals is not easily replaced, and for Davies, Dempsey, Onyewu, and Cherundolo respectively, the drop on in talent is appalling. Saying that the United States will not win the World Cup based on its depth at this point is like pointing out that the sun generally comes up. Thank YOUUUU Captain Obvious! Anything else to rock my world with? Yet even through this pain and worry, there is hope. How is there hope? Let me tell you.

Cherundolo's injury appears to leave him on the sideline for a month. Not optimal leading into a World Cup, but it could be worse. Stevie is an experienced vet, and he knows what the World Cup is all about, so we can check him off of the major concern list. Both DaMarcus and Maurice are important role players, but both are scheduled for relatively rapid returns as well. Neither has a spot locked up on the squad at this point, so each will have to prove himself anyway. So these three should not only be ready for SA2010 but in top form. The real optimism started brewing this week when Soccer By Ives reported some amazing news about Charlie Davies and what can only be described as a superhuman recovery from Chuck Deezy. The fact that he could be back training as soon as March is the most glorious thing I have heard in this rapidly ending first month of 2010. A healthy Charlie up with Jozy adds the dynamic that all US fans have been drooling about since the tandem emerged this summer. This recovery inspires not only hope but sheer joy. That CD9 might play in the World Cup is spectacular.

When Clint Dempsey went down earlier this month, I know I wasn't the only one to say "Are you serious? Really? Again? How many must fall?" Fortunately the news on Dempsey is that he should be back before the end of the EPL season, to a Fulham side where he has emerged as a bonafide star. He and Oguchi Onyewu both injured knees, and both are scheduled to be back sooner then expected. Gooch is likely looking at a March return date to Milan, and Dempsey, who looked likely to miss the World Cup likely will not, which is so critical to a US side that Dempsey has become an irreplaceable weapon for. Each is hopeful to return sooner then expected, and to play critical roles for the US in the World Cup.

Also hopeful is the move overseas to better leagues from the Dynamo tandem of Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark. Both are headed for teams where they will be challenged, and will have to battle day in and day out for play time, which should lead to them being very fit and very ready come June. Each could play an important role for the US, as will two guys who have looked to be revived of late, Jozy and Blackmouth. Jozy returned from compassion leave with a bang this weekend, with an assist and a drawn penalty, and just looked like a beast on the field. Carlos Bocanegra has been reinserted into the starting lineup at Rennes and has been performing quite well, which is a world of a difference from two months ago.

So we head into 2010 with hope. Hope that guys stay healthy and keep ballin up at their clubs. Hope that some busts the South African airline price fixers. Hope that the US will tee off against Northern Ireland in Philly, so Chamo and Biggy can finally have the dream matchup. Hope that regardless of how they perform, the US will be able to field a full squad that gave us, the fans, so much hope last year. It's our turn to hope, that 2010 will be even better then '09. That the MLS will get their act together. That our boys will get it done on the world stage, and find that knockout round where dreams are made, and anything can happen. Eight years ago I was filled with hope by a young lad who headed the US into the quarters by the name of Donovan. Wednesday I was filled with hope as an American drove a strike past an EPL keeper for his first English goal. The name on the back of the jersey was also Donovan. Coincidence? I certainly hope not."