U.S. Soccer stands united

In all my years of covering sports, as a player, a fan and a coach I have never felt the inner national pride and patriotism that was felt at the United States World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala on Tuesday.

Comment

By Josh Prim

Butler County Times Gazette

By Josh Prim

Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 5:00 PM

By Josh Prim

Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Kansas City, Mo.

In all my years of covering sports, as a player, a fan and a coach I have never felt the inner national pride and patriotism that was felt at the United States World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala on Tuesday.

We have all been to sporting events and have experienced the faithful singing of the National Anthem.

To the day, I had never experienced the type of emotion and pride that was felt to begin this soccer match.

In this recital of our nation’s song, listening and participating along with 16,000 plus in unison to begin the match was quite simply beautiful and made you proud to be an American while sending chills throughout your spine.

At most sporting events there is a partisan fan base within the stands. With a definitive split between the home team and the away squad.

This crowd was like none other, with the youngest to the oldest fan clad in the brilliance of the stars and stripes.

United as fans we cheered on our nation’s team.

The Guatemalans struck first within the first five minutes of the game and it looked as if it was going to be a nightmare for the United States.

The Americans responded with the same resiliency of its nation and scored three unanswered goals en route to victory.

The match was crucial for both teams and the winner earned the the right to move onto the next round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Americans won in a 3-1 final.

To have been able to experience and be a part of such a momentous ocassion for American sports, not only soccer, and in the company it was shared with will be a lasting memory in the heart of this American for life.