It’s a few days before my favorite holiday of the year, Thanksgiving! Many of us have memories of going around the dinner table and saying what we are thankful for. While I am thankful for a lot of people and things in my life, I would like to take a few moments to talk about what I loved about the last year in soccer.
I am thankful for… Sunil Gulati, president of US Soccer, coming to his senses and hiring Jügen Klinsmann as head coach of the US Men’s National Team. This was a hiring that had been looming for years. While it was unfair to put former coach Bob Bradley in a tough spot, this is the change the US needed. Though they won’t be a top 10 or 15 team right away, this move will pay off in the long run. This hiring (hopefully) will be looked as the starting point in a paradigm shift to a new American approach to the beautiful game.
I am thankful for… the MLS Cup on Sunday evening, which promises to be an exciting game. David Beckham is in his last year of a ballyhooed contract with the LA Galaxy. The Houston Dynamo have some awesome orange jerseys and a team that is on fire. The Galaxy’s Landon Donovan missed the last two US international friendlies so he could rest up for the game, showing how important the MLS has become in the eyes of both national and international players. Another interesting note is that Beckham has won a championship in his final season with his last two clubs. Let’s see what happens!
I am thankful for… what is shaping up to be an interesting winter in the English Premier League. While both Manchester squads have jumped out to a big lead, a couple new teams are fighting for top spots in Newcastle and Tottenham. Even Arsenal has rebounded after a dismal start and Liverpool look a threat again. Another surprising note is that all three teams new to the top level are in the middle of the table. The January transfer window will prove to be a key factor in the title run.
I am thankful for… the high amount of goals that have been scored so far in the EPL. As we head for winter, where goals go down and games are won on brute defense and strong team play, we should appreciate that the fall has given us 43 matches with 4+ goals scored! If teams shore up weaknesses in the transfer windows, then the spring will again show a plethora of goals and great soccer action.
I am thankful for… an upcoming year in which we should see a fierce battle for the Champions League crown, the European Championship, and World Cup Qualifying. World Cup Qualifying won’t really get underway until the summer, but the Champions League will get hot and heavy in early 2012. It may end up being a clash between Spanish and English clubs, but German and Italian clubs will definitely have something to say before all is decided. We have to wait until August for Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine, but the build-up will be great as we experts (just run with it) debate over whether a favorite or upstart will take the crown.
I hope you are as thankful for this beautiful sport and for all the family and friends in your life. We have a great year ahead of us and the excitement is just beginning! I wish you safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!
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