United States and soccer: a big opportunity missed

Anyone feel like the prom queen just walked up, told you how much she’s always thought of you, how much more she likes you than all those big ol’ stupid jocks – and all you could do was mutter something about wishing you hadn’t eaten all that spicy queso?

Like I said, an opportunity blown to smithereens.

This United States soccer team had something special. Structurally, it was flawed. In a big way. There were holes as big as 18-wheeler in the roster: the lack of a quality left back, a rusty "starting" center back who had been away from soccer for eight months, the lack of a striker with anything close to World Cup quality on his resume. Still, tremendous team spirit and resolve, a genuine unity of effort, rare esprit de corps and the willingness to put it on the line for one another all conspired to create something worthwhile.

Without a doubt, the whole was so much more than the sum of its parts on Bob Bradley’s side.

Then, this World Cup bracket fell famously in line! That was the prom queen making her move. The global bully boys were off in another part of the bracket, hidden until the semis, at least.

And the United States couldn’t step in, rise to the moment, and take full advantage.

I'll have more on the lost opportunity soon at SB Nation's soccer page

Meanwhile, the player ratings and game report are here.

Sigh.