So, we happened to be at Stanford, in the parking lot just outside the football stadium when the USMNT let out of it's practice. Chris Wondolowski and Brad Davis were the first to emerge.... They had walked up the hill from the locker room. They fully engaged the fans. They took photos, they signed autographs, they answered this 12 year old boy's (in a nearly 50 year old woman's body) questions. Confirmation, Wondo will sew his extra W in the same spot as he had before. No, he doesn't know what number he will be wearing. Yes, he and Brad were going to go support their teams at Buckshaw, and were on their way there as soon as they left the parking lot!.... But there was time to show the fans some love first!
Next came Tim Howard! Yes, he would try to Shut 'em out. He stopped, and signed an autograph for the young aspiring keeper from Chicago, who after touching the hand, was going to try out for his local travel team. He posed for photos. He smiled. He gave the fans some love!
Dempsey came out and he was all Texas polite, full of yes mam's. Thanks for coming to the MLS in your prime, Do you love Seattle.... "Yes Mam", Represent well.... "Yes Mam!" Such a gentle super star.
Out came a golf cart of bad boys. They did not make eye contact with the large group of fans. But whizzed by. I am told they did stop later, but I must say I was a bit disappointed by their reaction.
Damarcus Beasley, and Jozy had time to be adored, as did young gun, Deandre Yedlin, who acted genuinely thrilled to be recognized and called out. He seemed much more mature with his two tone hair gone, replaced by a close cropped do. I am so proud of his composure. Happy to see his effort rewarded.
I think this could be the soccer equivalent of the Miracle team in US Hockey. So proud of these men as they venture out into a heck of a tough bracket. May they advance!
