My beef with US Soccer

It's becoming a ritual that takes place every 3-4 years. They tempt us. They show brief moments of brilliance. They show just enough skin to grab our attention. And then once they have it, like the elusive belly dancer, they wriggle away leaving us unfulfilled. That's how I feel about US Soccer.

Here is what I am sick of when it comes to our relationship with our soccer team.

• Moral Victories
• Inconsistent Play
• Talking about being on the cusp of legitimacy and then getting spanked by Trinidad and Tobago.

I like soccer. I root for the US. But I've rooted for the US long enough not to be fooled by brief moments of greatness like the victory over Spain last week. In 1994 we grabbed the attention of the world by beating Colombia in our World Cup. That was followed up by in fighting and a horrible 98' showing. We then beat Brazil and start to make a major push for the 2002 cup. We beat Portugal and slap around our Mexican neighbors. We announce that we are now fixtures on the world scene. And then we disappear again. In 2006 we get manhandled in Europe. Up through last week we struggle through lesser competition and get shellacked by Italy and Brazil. And then comes Spain and our heroic first half in the finals in the Brazilian rematch. The interest from the casual fan has been rekindled again leading into the 2010 World Cup. Will we be burned again?

This is my beef with US Soccer. It is a roller coaster that goes up and down. Every sporadic and great outing is followed up by mediocrity and under performance. We will never be taken seriously until we can consistently show up against the big boys. That doesn't mean well orchestrated first halves in which we surprise a sleepy Brazilian squad. It means going toe to toe with the world class squads on their fields, on their terms, and on a consistent basis. We can't rely on surprising teams because they are now aware that we can be dangerous. We are now being called out into the open.

Like me, there are legions of potential fans who are waiting for a consistent showing. Our time is limited and in order for you to convince us to turn attention away from Football, BBQ's and Golf to soccer you need to prove to us that you are more then an occasional mirage. We've been burned too many times but we are willing to support a team that has guts, heart, effort, and talent. You proved that you have it against Spain. You demonstrated those same qualities for a half against Brazil. Now go out there and harness this momentum into South Africa next year. Get us past the first round next year and you should be able to win us over and keep us on your side.

We have talent. We have a pretty good coach. We are have a budding reputation. We have some young building blocks. It's time to take these pieces and build something that this great nation can be proud of. We will be there for you...but only when you can consistently prove that you will be there for us.