By: Alex Davidson

    As the final whistle blew I couldn’t believe it. The United States had actually beaten Spain. I was raised in a family that cherished its Spanish roots, myself no different. I have proudly worn the red jersey my entire life, not just the months after the amazing Euro triumph of last summer. Yes, I suffered through many perennial underachieving years. So to say I was heartbroken at the loss is really an understatement. I was absolutely floored. But as depressing as it was as a Spanish supporter, it was just as uplifting as an American.

The United States has reached a final, and its not the Gold Cup. Any US Soccer fan has reason to celebrate. Like many, after witnessing the miracle game on Sunday I was elated. The team showed a spirit I thought it had lost, or never had after the humiliating losses to both Italy and Brazil. They proved they had a resolute heart and ample skill, gladly tossing all doubters aside. Even though the task was monumental they did what needed to be done. Ok, so the Egyptian National Team was allegedly assaulted by some hookers and pimps the night before, but still, we looked great. But even though we secured advancement to the next round, I was sure the end of the road was near, to end on Wednesday the 24th to be precise.

As the morning began I was fully confident Spain would go through with no problem, a feeling that would eventually turn out to be  way overly confident. I was impressed with the United States from the outset. They looked like they were there to play and not sit behind the ball and hope for a draw. The United States looked more comfortable than they did when they played Italy and Brazil, and just as determined as the game against Egypt. When Altidore struck in the 25th minute my laxed demeanor turned to an outright fear that my seemingly invincible Spanish could possibly drop this game. But no, I shoved the worry aside sure they would get one back… or would they?

The second half drug on and Spain couldn’t find the back of the net. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, as over and over they came close, but Howard wasn’t letting anything in. I was in a full panic. As Dempsey scored the second goal I knew it was over. My heart sank and I was resigned to my fate. However my misery in this moment felt strange. I was actually sad and happy at the same time. As the final whistle blew I felt an overwhelming joy at seeing the United States players celebrate, knowing they had booked a place in the final. If it only hadn’t come at the hands of Spain I would truly have been ecstatic. You see, I have followed the United States National Team as long as the Spanish, I just never had to deal with them meeting regularly. So I wiped my tears of sorrow seeing Spain eliminated from the final, and began to wipe away tears of joy at seeing the United States book a trip to the final.

When you look at the United States team, something grabs your attention. There is a lot of Major League Soccer influence in this team. Of the 23 players in the Confederations Cup squad, 15 have MLS experience. Of those 15, 8 are playing in the league currently. The league is fulfilling its purpose in my estimation, developing young American talent and readying them for major competition. During the leagues 14 year existence, the skill set and maturity of the United States National Team has grown. Now we expect more from the team than mere ‘first or second round mediocrity’. Some of us even claim a World Cup Championship is not too far away.

    The success of the National Team also cyclically improves Major League Soccer. When the men’s national team does well, particularly in a tournament, you generally see a boost in the stands and an overall interest in the sport. Just look at swimming. Nobody gave a damn about the sport until Michael Phelps made the scene, (my apologies to any swim fan reading this), But after the Olympics the nation was crazy about the sport. Lets face it, the United States tends to be a bandwagon nation. When the United States men succeed, the sport succeeds, and the MLS grows.

I love sitting at Buck Shaw and watching the nation’s future grace our team. Quincy, Shea,  Brandon, these are the guys who will help make up the future United States Squads. The real pleasure is being able to see them grow before our eyes, in their home nation. The MLS is by no means close to the Level of the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A, but it gives us as American soccer fans our local clubs and a chance to see our local boys play  beautiful game in our backyards.

The growth of the game in this country made a loud exclamation this morning, as a group of players wearing the United States badge beat the best team in the world. Come Sunday, win or loose, I will be watching my nation compete for the Confederations Cup Final with nothing but pride in my chest. Come on you Yanks! Bring the cup home!