Despite the United States’ loss Tuesday in the World Cup, St. Thomas soccer players said they feel optimistic about American soccer’s future in competing on a national stage more consistently.
The U.S. lost 2-1 to Belgium in extra time, eliminating the team in the round of 16 for the second World Cup in a row. Heading into the tournament with 100-to-one odds, few expected the team to go as far as it did.
“I’m really impressed. They have been really highly competitive games. Obviously it’s fun for the U.S. to advance out of the group stage, but really disappointing (losing),” senior midfielder Mike Eigenmann said about the tournament, who also said his favorite player to watch is Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, was highly criticized for leaving midfielder Landon Donovan off the 23-man roster. Losing forward Jozy Altidore early in the first match to injury did not help Klinsmann’s popularity, but he garnered fans’ respect after the team’s performance.
“Every substitution and coaching decision made throughout the group stage games and even (Tuesday) … really good coaching moves, and I’m really impressed with him,” Eigenmann said. “I’d say he’s for sure our guy to move the program forward.”
St. Thomas senior defenseman and midfielder Kevin Gjersvig thought Klinsmann’s decision to keep Donovan off the roster was smart and helped this team regain a new face.
“He was kind of a leader of an era,” Gjersvig said. “There’s a lot of new faces on the team, and to be honest, I would say Clint Dempsey is probably the best U.S. player.”
U.S. goaltender Tim Howard’s performance was historic. Howard made 16 saves, the most in the World Cup in half a century, causing him to be named “man of the match.”
“Tim Howard’s an awesome keeper all-around … all tournament he just played out of his mind,” Gjersvig said. “His back line played all right, but he really held it down back there.”
Gjersvig said the World Cup has made the St. Thomas men’s soccer team even more excited to get the season underway. Last year, the men finished fifth in the MIAC, 15 points behind conference champion Gustavus. The Tommies open the season August 29 against Milwaukee SOE.
“Every single game, I want to go out and play,” Gjersvig said. “I think (men’s coach Jon Lowery) is an awesome coach. I have a strong feeling that we have a team that can definitely make it to the tournament and possibly do good things. We have got to put the work in, and as long as we do good things should follow.”
Jordan Kruger can be reached at krug6172@stthomas.edu.