By Clemente Lisi - NEW YORK, NY (Dec 31st, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- With only a few hours left before we bid adieu to the first decade of the 21st century, there’s no better time to detail the top 10 moments involving the US National Team and American soccer as a whole over the last ten years.
This decade has been littered with US triumphs (mostly against Mexico), the heralded arrival (and subsequent dissatisfaction) of David Beckham and the overall team expansion and popularity growth of Major League Soccer.Here are the 10 moments that helped define the decade (in order in which they occurred):
February 28, 2001 -- La Guerra Fria
Dubbed “La Guerra Fria" (“The Cold War” in Spanish) because temperatures topped out at a chilly 29 degrees at Columbus Crew Stadium, the US did the unthinkable and downed Mexico 2-0 on goals by Josh Wolff and Earnie Stewart in World Cup Qualifying. US Soccer continues to use the venue for US-Mexico games during World Cup Qualifying for both its pro-US crowd support and typically cool temperatures during the fall and winter months.June 17, 2002 – US Reaches World Cup Quarterfinals
The US shocked the world at Korea/Japan 2002 by reaching the quarterfinals after defeating regional rivals Mexico 2-0 on a goal apiece from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan. The Americans, who had finished in second place in Group D behind South Korea and ahead of mighty Portugal, was eventually eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual runners-up Germany.September 20, 2003 – The Women’s World Cup Returns
After the outbreak of the deadly SARS epidemic overtook China, FIFA named the US hosts of the 2003 Women’s World Cup, just four years after this country had successfully hosted (and won) the tournament. This World Cup was by far a different competition. Gone were the large crowds and only 34,346 watched the opening doubleheader that featured North Korea’s 3-0 win over Nigeria, followed by Norway overcoming France 2-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. An uninspired US would lose to eventual champions Germany in the semifinals.August 26, 2004 – Farewell Gold
The Mia Hamm-led Americans downed Brazil 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the Athens Games. The match also marked the end of an era: It was the last time team pioneers Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Brandi Chastain would ever play together in a competitive game. Then-rising star Abby Wambach headed the winner in the 112th minute.July 24, 2005 – US Captures Gold Cup
The US, ranked No. 6 by FIFA, downed Panama 3-1 on penalty kicks at Giants Stadium in suburban New York after both sides had played a scoreless tie following 120 minutes of play. Kasey Keller was the hero in net, smothering one shot, while two other Panama PK attempts were off the mark. The victory marked the US’s third Gold Cup trophy.January 11, 2007 – David Beckham Signs With the LA Galaxy
Major League Soccer got some much-needed street cred around the globe after the Los Angeles Galaxy signed David Beckham in a five-year deal that at the time was reported to be worth $250 million (counting endorsements). The buzz surrounding his signing was reminiscent of Pele joining the New York Cosmos during the 1970s, but did not live up to the hype. After two dismal seasons (and a loan spell at AC Milan last winter), Beckham helped lead the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final this year that was won by Real Salt Lake on PKs.July 24, 2007 – SuperLiga Gets Off the Ground
In a world filed with too many games and tournaments, the North American SuperLiga was created as a tournament pitting MLS and Mexican League clubs. Pachuca won the first edition in 2007, defeating the Galaxy 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1. The tournament is credited with lifting the level of play for MLS clubs and fueling a USA-Mexico rivalry that had intensified over the years on the National Team level.August 21, 2008 – Golden Again
The US, after a dismal 2007 Women’s World Cup highlighted by team infighting after goalkeeper Hope Solo publicly blasted then-coach Greg Ryan following the Americans’ 4-0 loss to Brazil in the semifinals, won the gold medal at the Beijing Games following a 1-0 overtime victory over Brazil. Solo was brilliant in goal, while Carli Lloyd tallied the winner in the 96th minute.March 19, 2009 – Seattle Sounders FC Join MLS
Established in 2007 as an MLS expansion team, Seattle, which played in the NASL and USL during various incarnations, opened its inaugural season with a resounding 3-0 victory over Red Bull NY at Qwest Field before a sold-out crowd of 32,523 green scarf-waving fans. The ownership group, which includes TV comedian Drew Carey, couldn’t have had a better first season. The team reached the playoffs, won the US Open Cup, led the league in average attendance (a record 31,000 per game) and successfully played host to the MLS Cup final. You think Seattle fans are excited now. Wait until regional rivals Portland and Vancouver enter the league in 2011.June 24, 2009 – US Upsets World #1 Spain
Hailed as the biggest US victory since a 1-0 upset of England at the 1950 World Cup, the Americans stormed into the semifinals at the Confederations Cup in South Africa and defeated top-ranked Spain 2-0 on goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. The win snapped the European champions’ 35-match unbeaten streak (tied for the record with Brazil) and showed the world that the United States can be a real force in the international game.Clemente Lisi is the author of “A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006.” Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com
