I have just finished reading an article written by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan and US Soccer. The question and answer is whether Landon Donovan is the only thing in US Soccer. The article and the subject matter is worthy of discussion.

While I am tempted to agree with Al Bracco about US Soccer, I beg to disagree. While US Soccer is not in the same league as Football Soccer leagues in Europe, Africa, Asia,and the rest of the American Continent, it is growing.

It can be said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has it easy with other teams such as Cuba (which is also a novice in the sport) as well as teams such as Mexico. It is also said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has not faced stronger teams in the World Cup.

Let us imagine if the US Soccer Team competed without the presence of Landon Donovan in the 2010 World Cup. I feel that there are other players in US Soccer who have the same strength or more than Landon Donovan.

US Soccer has Altidore who is beginning his career as a professional. Altidore may have won his games against Mexico and Cuba yet he has become popular with the Xerex Football Club in Spain. The reason is his efficiency in the game. Demarcus Beasley is another example of US Soccer with his two within eight games during the 2010 World Cup Qualifier CONCACAF.

He has also instrumental in defeating Portugal during the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. In his 2010 World Cup Qualifying CONCACAF games, Beasley has two goals in eight games. Beasley has also been popular with the Rangers in spite of not scoring.

Carlos Bocanegra is another US Soccer player who could surprise many people in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has scored one goal out of six games in his 2010 World Cup Qualifiers and was instrumental in many victories in the American Continent. Regardless, Bocanegra could be a surprise in the 2010 World Cup.

While mentioning Altidore, Beasley, and Bocanegra, it would not be a surprise if Altidore and Beasley along with younger players are sent to the 2010 World Cup representing the United States. After all, Bocanegra and Donovan are already beyond their age when 2010 arrives.

I have also seen many young players here in Miami Florida ready to continue the US Soccer Tradition after Donovan and Bocanegra have left the scene. Some may be training for South Africa while this article is being written. If there is a lesson to be learned from my article, it should be that nothing in sports is written in stone.

It would be a huge mistake to underestimate or overestimate any team. It remains to be seen which teams the USA will play against. While the USA may not win the 2010 World Cup, it may show improvement from previous World Cup Competitions. It must be remembered that US Soccer is in its adolescent stage and needs support as well as nurturing.

Reference:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/international?id=21583&league=fifa.world&&cc=5901

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146641-us-soccer-should-not-be-underestimated