Okay, so U.S. Soccer has had quite an incredible seven days or so hasn’t it?
Looking back at the last week for national team’s across the U.S. setup, there have been some stunning wins and plenty of momentum built. The feel-good factor is strong right now.
[ RATINGS: How did U.S. fare v Germany? ]
From the USMNT’s big victories away at Holland and Germany to the USWNT kicking off their World Cup in style, to the U-20’s impressing at the World Cup, we have been spoiled with memorable moments.
Here’s a look back at the key moments as the soccer gods appear to be in favor of the Stars and Stripes ahead of the 2015 Gold Cup on U.S. soil this summer.
Does all of this have anything to do with the last few weeks as the FBI almost single-handedly brought FIFA to its knees and forced Sepp Blatter to resign? Who knows...
USMNT beat Holland 4-3 in a friendly in Amsterdam
It all started last Friday with a crazy game in Amsterdam as the U.S. trailed 3-1 in the second half after Gyasi Zardes’ first USMNT goal was answered by two from Klass-Jan Huntelaar and then another from Memphis Depay. However, with 19 minutes to go John Brooks scored and then two goals in the final moments from Danny Williams and Bobby Wood sealed a remarkable victory against the team ranked No. 6 in the world. Momentum was building.
U.S. U-23’s finish third at the Toulon Tournament after beating England
The U.S. youngsters then capped off a solid effort in the prestigious Toulon Tournament in southern France by beating England 2-1 in the third-place match. A pair of penalties in each half from Alonso Hernandez and Benji Joya did the trick as Andreas Herzog’s side capped off a fine tournament with Julian Green and Jordan Morris impressing. Certainly a bright future beckons for the vast majority of these guys.
USWNT beat Australia 3-1 in Winnipeg at Women’s World Cup
Then it was on to the women’s team who overcame a shaky start against Australia, (thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Hope Solo) to win 3-1 in their World Cup opener in front of huge U.S. support in Winnipeg. Megan Rapinoe emerged as the game-winner for the USWNT as she scored twice and Christen Press grabbed the other. A perfect start in Group D for the USA who face Sweden on Friday in a huge match. Can they keep the good times going?
U.S. U-20’s beat Colombia 1-0 to reach quarterfinals of U-20 World Cup
Tab Ramos’ side rode their luck, big time, but held on despite being down to 10-men to reach the last eight of the U-20 World Cup for the first time since 2007. Rubio Rubin drilled home the only goal of the game after a rare U.S. attack and goalkeeper Zack Steffen emerged as the hero late on after saving a penalty kick when Kellyn Acosta was adjudged to have made a foul in the box and was sent off for his troubles. Guts. Determination. Desire. The U.S. had it all in abundance and face Serbia in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Oh yeah, Gedion Zelalem (Watch this), Emerson Hyndman, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Rubin are all bossing it down under.
USMNT beat current World champs Germany 2-1 in a friendly in Cologne
Talk about saving the best until last. Wowza. What a shock as the U.S. recovered well from Mario Gotze’s early goal to beat a slightly under-strength Germany. And yeah, the USMNT had plenty of players missing too. A delightful chip from the excellent Michael Bradley set up Mix Diskerud for the equalizer before half time and then Wood jumped off the bench to score another late winner and send the U.S. players and fans wild. It was no more than they deserved after they put in a dominant second half display with Bradley leading the way. A crowning moment in a magisterial week for all things U.S. Soccer.
