TERRY MOSHER
When you really think about it, that was simply one of the greatest efforts in World Cup history. Tim Howard stopped 15 shots on goal for the U.S., a World Cup record. Some of his stops were amazing.
Howard’s effort – one of the World Cup commentators said Howard should be wearing a Superman suit with cape because he was that good – also is a reflection of the difference between Belgium, which won the match 2-1, and the U.S.
Belgium just peppered Howard with shots, especially in the second half. They were like a storm of bees attacking, attacking, attacking, and being turned away again and again by Howard.
That Belgium performance is an indication of just how much better it was than the U.S. side. And Belgium is young. They will be back in four years probably even stronger.
The e4ffort by Howard and his mates was gallant and shows the U.S. is on back to get better and better. Soccer has taken off in this country ‑witness the countless thousands who compete in the sport just in KitsapCounty – and each year good athletes who could be playing other sports are drawn to it.
DEANDRE YEDLIN
DeAndre Yedlin, who turns 21 on my late sister Minerva’s birthday (July 9) and lives in Seattle and plays for the Sounders, is a star in the making. He’s quick, fast, smart and has great ball skills. He’s raw in comparison to others on the world stage, but in four years I’m betting he will be known far and wide.
So the U.S. team has nothing to be ashamed of, and in four years, who knows, maybe they will be ready to take on a team like Belgium and win. In the meantime, I’m convinced that the teams effort in the World Cup will only make soccer a bigger and bigger sport in this country.