But first, before I make an array of connected and not-so-connected arguments, perhaps an introduction is in order.
Elliott and I have spent much time on the field together. He and I are different sides of the US soccer fan coin–I started at age 4 and have spent the last 23 years wandering between disinterest and obsession (for the last 3 or 4 years it’s been increasing obsession). Elliott picked up the game much later in life but, as is only expected of someone like him, grabbed the bull by the longhorns (ooo, a Texas reference!) and hasn’t let go since. Nonetheless, the two of us have spent a fair amount of time on the pitch and I can personally vouch for the skills of the original futfantico.
On Wednesday at 5:20pm I take off from Dulles Airport on a nonstop trip to Johannesburg, where I will spend the following 19 days in a literal soccer heaven. With tickets to US/England, US/Slovenia, US/Algeria, and a Round of 16 match featuring whoever gets out of our group, there will be quite a bit to share. And share I shall.
But in the lead-up to the first game, US National Team fans find themselves in a predicament that would have seemed the stuff of pure fantasy just a couple of short weeks ago: a competitive race for starting striker positions. And competitive in a good way.
Jozy Altidore still mostly seems a lock, although he’s hobbled by an ankle injury of uncertain severity. He has the most caps and the most nets, despite what some have described as a disappointing season at Hull (I would personally disagree, by the way).
Edson Buddle is just brimming with confidence. Naysayers would note that leading the MLS in goals is a tiny bit like being the best basketball player in a room full of pygmies, but the composure he showed over the ball in the fourth minute against Australia as he looked to play to Findley…saw no opening…saw no opening….cut back outside and unleashed a rocket was simply World Class.
Herculez Gomez has been on the field for just 53 minutes for the Yanks, but has scored twice. Need I say much more?
Robbie Findley hasn’t seen the back of the net yet, but it’s clear his pace and creativity are causing problems for defenders. After Altidore’s goal against Turkey, he blew a kiss to the crowd and turned and ran straight at Findley to celebrate, knowing his precision chip over the Turk backline had set up Donovan’s assist.
The steadily solid play of this trio of…dare I call them nobodies?…is shaking up the US Soccer establishment. How did we overlook not one, not two, but three major talents? The same way we’ve always looked over talents: politics and reputation. You see it at every level of soccer in this country, from youth leagues up to the national team. The only people that get serious looks are those who get the right pedigree…play for the right clubs…know the right people. Buddle played his college soccer at State Fair Community College. Gomez never player college soccer, instead working his way up from a number of 2nd division leagues. Findley had a notable college and youth career, but was never part of the National Circuit. Compare to multiple opportunities given to the likes of Sacha Kljestan and Kyle Beckerman, who trained at the US National Team Camp in Bradenton after they were identified in high school as emerging talents.
College Football, NFL, and NBA scouts pore over community basketball courts and random high school practices across the country for top flight talent. Bradley made the right choice in ignoring the political temptation to choose a Kljestan or Beckerman, but until USSF scouts can get past pedigree, we’ll continue to have close battles for roster spots that shouldn’t be battles at all.
Want World Cup liveupdates? I’ll be tweeting anything and everything South Africa at @TahirDuckett.