Now I know that we here in the good ole US of A do not truly embrace the brand of futbol that is played with a spherical object, but across the pond (well, actually everywhere but here), it is pretty much life. Not religion, nor employment, nor family can even compare to the intense, unconditional love most counties share for their soccer. With that being said, unless you have been hunkering underneath a rock these past few weeks, you are fully aware that the most popular sporting event on earth is taking place in South Africa, just as we speak. An event that rears is beautiful head merely every four years. Yes, that's right. I am speaking of the World Cup. A sporting event so illustrious and so highly anticipated that families gear their summer vacations around its happening, television networks redirect their programs do to its schedule, millions, even billions of fans deplete all of their accrued sick/vacation days at work just to view the games. If you still don't get my drift, just put it this way; as Ron Burgundy would say, it's kind of a big deal.
Per usual, our boys garnering the red, white, and blue are given a slim chance to contend for the top honor, but are there to fight nonetheless. Our nation's top scoring threat and bright, young star Jozy Altidore, hopes to provide for a longer stay than in recent years. Yes, it's quite alright if you do not recognize the name, but my hope is that at least some of you will become familiar in the upcoming days.
While his birth certificate may not contain a Florida residence, United States forward Jozy Altidore is proud of his South Florida roots and considers it home. Being raised primarily in Boca Raton, Florida, roughly sixty miles from Miami and the 305, Altidore joins the likes of the Williams sisters as a few of the more recent star athletes to rise from the area. While most would argue that growing up in the States provides for an environment that contains much fewer quality soccer players, Jozy has some Haitian heritage on his side. Both his mother and father are natives of Haiti and grew up teaching their son the fundamentals of soccer.
In 2006, the Florida native was selected seventeenth overall in the MLS SuperDraft by the New York MetroStars, later to be renamed Red Bull New York. Shortly there after, at the youthful age of 16, Jozy scored his first professional goal, and is now recognized as the youngest player to score in the MLS. From then on, Altidore's blossoming career began to take off as he flourished as one of the more talented youngsters in the game.
After playing in the US for a few years, as well as in Spain, in 2009 Jozy was then signed by English Premier League club, Hull City. While having a bit more difficulty breaking into the foreign futbol leagues, he did find himself as one of the fan favorites and continued to work hard for his shine. Still playing in the English Premier League, the soccer over there is extremely more competitive than here in the US. Jozy shows enormous amount of upside with his raw talent, especially at a young age. However, when it comes to the American futballers, Altidore is one of the best.
Leading the team in goals during this years' World Cup qualifications, United States Coach Bob Bradley and the rest of the crew have been certain that he can carry that over to legitimate World Cup play. Still scoreless in the first round of action however, Jozy did provide for a crucial assist in the great American comeback against Slovenia just days ago. Now sitting in a do or die position, If Jozy our boys take care of business tomorrow against Algeria, we are on to the next round.
So consider yourself educated, kids, and support our boys tomorrow at 9:30 am (EST) as we take on Algeria, in hopes of moving on to the next field of play.
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