The State of the States | July, 2010

This month the US National Team dominated the US soccer news. From the US performance in South Africa to questions about Bob Bradley's future and possible destinations for the World Cup veterans, the "State of the States," unlike the Jabulani ball, charts a predictable course.

What's a Fan to Think?

So where do you fall on the spectrum of reaction to the US advancing from the group stage, but falling at the second hurdle? There's an understandable sense of relief and accomplishment in escaping from Group C, though the team was widely expected to do so. Naturally, there's pride in winning the group and the resolve shown to come back both against England and Slovenia and to grab the late, late winner against Algeria. But there's also that lingering regret that the US couldn't advance further, particularly given the perceived weakness in their part of the bracket.

Going into the tournament, many, including yours truly, expected the US to finish second in Group C, thereby creating a likely second round confrontation with Germany, where they would probably bow out. But when the US managed to win their group, they opened a path to the semifinal that would feature Ghana followed by either Uruguay or South Korea. Granted, those teams played well in the tournament, but they are all of roughly the same quality as the US and not numbered among the big-name heavy hitters (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, etc.).

Regret is a slippery slope, and you can only play with the cards you're dealt, but there's a lingering sense of an opportunity missed, at least in the fan circles I run in. But for a lack of speed at the back and some more precise finishing, where might this team have gone? And, given the rising engagement of both the US media and the casual fan, who knows what sort of bandwagon might have developed on the back of a deep US run in the tournament.

Four More for Bob?

Against the backdrop of this confused state of fan reaction, we have the story that seems to have the most legs in the wake of the US exit: will Bob Bradley be retained as the US boss? The prevailing trend seems to be that his time in charge will be extended. Indeed, despite a few questionable choices for starting lineups, Bradley made some excellent in-game changes and adaptations, something for which his critics (watch as my hand rises sheepishly) have historically given him little credit.

Also weighing in Bradley's favor are (1) winning the CONCACAF qualification group, (2) reaching the Confederations Cup final, and (3) not losing a World Cup match over 90 minutes, the only loss coming in extra time against Ghana. In opposition, some might point out possible parallels to the US's meek performance in Germany 2006 (Arena's second World Cup in charge) after a breakout run in Japan/Korea 2002 or the need for fresh blood and more progressive tactics.

Silly Season

And what of the players who competed in the World Cup? The early news seems mostly to be swirling around Clint Dempsey, with possible high-profile destinations like AC Milan and Liverpool bandied about. But outside of Dempsey and the inevitable parade of Donovan-to-England rumors, things have been a bit on the quiet side when it comes to such news. With the transfer window swinging open next week and the World Cup coming to a close, I would expect more to be forthcoming.

Up Next

So what else can we look out for besides a decision on Bradley's future and possible transfer-window moves for the cream of the US national team crop? For that we turn our eyes to Major League Soccer...