World Cup is here

[Matt Foley]

Serious question....if these next games come down to penalty kicks at the end (they DO still settle it that way, right?), is the US as deep as many of the other teams with guys who have what it takes to make those kicks?

[Delhommey]

vs Ghana and Uruguay/SK? Yes.

Brazil/Netherlands? No.

[Hawk]

Serious question....if these next games come down to penalty kicks at the end (they DO still settle it that way, right?), is the US as deep as many of the other teams with guys who have what it takes to make those kicks?

once it comes to kicks...its anyone's game...and a little luck is definitely needed.

[pstall]

i tend to agree with del on Ghana getting some calls. Keep in mind they have two pk's that were questionable calls already.

Although, karma is due for the US as well some mojo going our way. I could really see us in the Final 4 which would be insane.

But let's take care of biz tomorrow.

I would love an early Dempsey goal, get him going, then let the flood gates open.

[Matt Foley]

Two more wins and MLS is pooing in tall cotton

[Hawk]

said it before and I'll say it again...the longer you guys last, the better the odds of landing the 2018 games!

[Matt Foley]

said it before and I'll say it again...the longer you guys last, the better the odds of landing the 2018 games!

Seattle should host. They've been hungry for football for a long, long time.

[Hawk]

funny boy! I'd be willing to bet if the US get's the 2018 games, Seattle will host a game or two...the attendance and the facility and the atmosphere is incredible

[pstall]

i think the US hosting is a lock. Best attendance ever in 94. Could do it again.

[Delhommey]

Two more wins and MLS is pooing in tall cotton

The MLS would profit more from transfer fees for guys like Donovan than anything.

Even with a cup win (very unlikely), the MLS would see only a very modest, short term bump like hockey saw in the 80's.

[tarheelblue89]

Pissed as hell that Chicago wouldn't be a host city.

[Mesmer]

Sorry if I offend any MLS fans but seriously can't get into it. If I watch club it's going to be the EPL or something

[Matt Foley]

The MLS would profit more from transfer fees for guys like Donovan than anything.

Even with a cup win (very unlikely), the MLS would see only a very modest, short term bump like hockey saw in the 80's.

Very possible, but there's one key difference. How many little kids across the country are playing hockey? Americans WANT to like soccer. It's fun for kids to play. The skills are fun to watch. The atmosphere is great. It's just the end result that always leaves many of us wanting, both in terms of scoring and in terms of American success.

If Donovan doesn't score that goal, a lot of people would have said "even when we have a deserving team, the damn rules and refs stop us from advancing." But his goal has people changing their mind.

Winning some more games and seeing some faces other than Donovan emerge would be huge. Right now, how many people can name five MLS players? Only the diehards.

[pstall]

I'm not saying they took my idea when I suggested it, but I emailed ESPN and MLS a few times a couple of years ago on marketing the sport/ their league better. I told them to get some games on a Thrs night. That's a good college football night, start the weekend early etc.

But they gotta figure out the season timing and their champ game. It's on a Sun at or near NFL.

They need to see if they can have the champ game the weekend before college football starts or during the break between conf champ games and the bowls. Something to where most eyeballs are ready.