2008 Re-Cap

What a year it was for USA soccer. Both the national team and the national league had it's ups and downs, but steps were made in the right direction for both. The Columbus Crew dominated the MLS league season and deservedly won the MLS Cup. The national team played more meaningful games than ever, and swiftly went through the Semi-final round of the Concacaf qualification process. Here's a breakdown for each:

MLS:

• The Los Angeles Galaxy once again failed to make the playoffs, and could be in for more trouble next year with a first year coach, and the possibility of losing some key players. Landon Donovan and David Beckham will both be spending their break not on the beach, but on European soccer fields, a much better way to spend your break.
• America's best striker of all-time came home as Brian McBride joined the Chicago Fire halfway through the year as the Fire made a valiant effort to win the title, but fell short

• The New York Red Bulls showed how mediocrity in MLS gets rewarded by an MLS Cup appearance....the league seriously needs to discuss refiguring its playoff strucuture

US SOCCER:

• Once again proving their dominance in the region, easily qualification through the semi-finals looked easy. It may not be so easy in the final round, with Mexico to start, Honduras looking dangerous, and Costa Rica always being a tough draw

• The backline looks incredible. Onyewu and Bocanegra look to be the best centerback pairing this side of the Atlantic, and Heath Pearce solved the left-back problem quite well
• A new youthful midfield looks to be in good shape, with Michael Bradley looking strong in midfield and Maurice Edu still growing into his own. Jose Francisco Torres looks a good fit in the squad, too bad he plays in MEXICO!
• The Forward position looks to have the most question marks. Clint Dempsey, the man without a position, fits well at one of the forward spots, Landon seems to be playing more right midfielder than striker, which leaves one spot up top. Josmer Altidore, Kenny Cooper, and Brian Ching seem to be the men to fight for the spot, we'll see what happens when Mexico comes calling...

So with 2009 fast-approaching, what will the new year hold for US Soccer?

Concacaf qualification is #1 on the priority list, with the Confederations Cup also in the calendar year. So here's to you, US Soccer, continued success, and Happy New Year.

Until next year,
Come On You Yanks