It's been an ugly year for 'The Beautiful Game' in the States but it hasn't been all bad, as Goal outlines below…
Thanksgiving is a day to look back on things that are worth being grateful for and, while there has been plenty of pessimism surrounding the state of U.S. Soccer in recent days, it's worth noting that 2018 had some high points as well.
Sure, there was the entire summer where we had to watch a World Cup that did not include the USMNT. On top of that, arguably the two best players in the history of the country – Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan – called time on their storied careers.
But it wasn't all bad. So, if you're one of those fans struggling to find the silver lining on 2018, we're here to help.
Below, Goal runs through the top 10 things in the U.S. soccer world that you should give a bit of thanks for while you're sitting around the dinner table on Thursday.
Getty Images1The World Cup is coming!
Sure, 2026 is a long way out, but that shouldn't kill the excitement.
In June, we learned that the 'United Bid' had won the rights for the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup.
The news helped soften the blow of not being present at Russia 2018 and, maybe as importantly, gave plenty of people a reason to continue investing in the sport in the States.
Winning the hosting rights for 2026 is, without question, the biggest thing for U.S. fans to give thanks for this year.
AdvertisementJonathan Daniel2Zlatan in MLS
"You're welcome."
That's how Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced himself to Los Angeles in a full-page ad back in March. Since then, he's given us more than enough reasons to say thanks.
From his stunner against LAFC in his first outing to his ninja-kick 500th goal, the big Swede lived up to the billing in LA and brought more than a little joy to fans of the game in the US.
His time in MLS may prove to be short-lived, but his 2018 season with LA was, both in terms of quality and entertainment value, among the best individual seasons the league has ever seen.
Ronald Martinez3The USWNT is still really, really good
We know, not having a team at the World Cup in Russia hurt…. It hurt bad. It's among the many reasons the U.S. soccer fans are feeling a little down right now.
But there is some good news: there's a World Cup next year in France, and this time the U.S. will not only be there but will go in as a favorite.
Yep, the 2019 Women's World Cup is right around the corner and there is no reason to believe the USWNT can't win it all.
The U.S. women's team went unbeaten through 20 matches in 2018. They racked up 65 goals, gave up only 10, won three tournaments and 18 matches, finishing the year unbeaten for just the fourth time in team history.
It may be little consolation to some after the year the men experienced, but USWNT was a dominant force throughout the year and looks primed to carry that into 2019.
4A draw with France
The biggest result the USMNT earned in a year where the matches mattered little, the 1-1 draw against future World Cup winner France is worth remembering.
Forget that the French dominated the game, or that the U.S. had handed the Republic of Ireland a rare win just days earlier. The draw against France just got better throughout the summer, and for that moment there was hope that this young U.S. team could potentially compete with some of the best teams in the world. Even a win over Mexico in a post-World Cup friendly wasn't quite as sweet.
The closing run of the year – losses to Brazil, Colombia, England and Italy – were a sharp reminder of just how much this team needs to improve, but for that one day in June they hung with the best in the world.