You remember that Will Smith movie from a long time back? You know, the one where he punched an alien and uttered the witty line "Welcome to earth"?
Good.
Now, do you remember that scene when those pesky invading aliens floated their giant spacecraft over the US capitol, fired a powerful death ray of some sorts and destroyed the White House?
Good.
That's exactly how I felt after the USA lost that heartbreaking match against the Red Devils a few days ago.
If I carry this silly analogy forward, does that mean Tim Howard was playing a version of Will Smith's character, Captain Steven Hiller?
Granted, Timmy wasn't able to "blow up" the Belgium mothership at the end of the match nor did he have the chance to deliver any witty lines. He did, however, keep the USA alive in that unforgiving onslaught of Belgium shots at goals, saving a record 16 in all.
Now, who would be his Jeff Goldblum sidekick?
Would it be Geoff Cameron?
Geoff vs. Jeff: Separated at birth?
Um.
Okay, never mind.
To make a long story, short: I was really bummed by the exit the US made, especially when we had a few (albeit a small few) chances to score our own goals and we missed the opportunity.
Case in point, Wondo's missed "golden goal" attempt in stoppage time:
Not "Wondo-ful": Biggest miss in USMNT World Cup history?
Well, at this point I'm over my mourning period as I need to get ready to support my ass off for my beloved (and MLS table toppers) Seattle Sounders FC, as they attempt to go for the domestic treble of U.S. Open Cup, Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.
Oh, and thanks to my dual-soccer-citizenship, I have the honor and luxury of still having a horse in this race with Brazil.
Well, the horns are a blowing and (I'm sure) the streets will be alive over the next several hours as the city of São Paulo prepares for the big match in a few hours time.
Brasil flag all lit up!
Vai Brasil! And, GO USA (in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup)!