The Pirates are enjoying a great run this year. They currently sit in 60-39 2nd in the National League
Central Division, but also the 2nd best record in all of baseball. They have some good young pitching and hitting and are relying on some old cast off arms to get them this far, but all Pirates fans are weary. They started really good last year before they collapsed. Their bullpen has been severely overachieving and their offense is pretty bleak after a few stars. From a franchise that has not had a winning season since the George H. Bush administration, Pirates fans should just be happy with the growing success and enjoy it while it last. US Soccer fans could learn a few lessons from Pirates fans.
The U.S.Men's National Team is on an impressive run. They have won their last 10 matches (mostly against Central American Countries with smaller populations than Massachusetts), but nonetheless have been winning in convincing fashion. The team is easily playing their best brand of football in it's existence. They have played some free flowing offense that has been able to counter attack quickly and effectively. They have been able to maintain position and have been a real pleasure to watch. With most of these wins in the Gold Cup, where most countries are using their B+ squad, it should be taken with a grain of salt. The improvement is still is a testament to what Jurgen Klinsmann has done with the team. We wrap up the Gold Cup Finals against Panama in Chicago this weekend. A game we should win. All good things for the US in their growth towards consistently competing with the European and South American sides.
The team will play a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina(Size of West Virginia & Population of Louisiana) August 14th in Sarajevo. A good test to see how we stack up leading into the World Cup. A tie would be a good result, a win a great result. My allegiance to the US Men's National Team is similar to being a Pirates fan. I enjoy the good and try not to be overzealous in the brief success of the team. Will this team win the World Cup next summer? No Chance. In Russia in 2018? Nope. I am patient and understand it might be till the next Bush (see Jeb) takes office for the US to really taste success... what?! you are telling me Bush has no shot at POTUS?! oh well let me enjoy my Rock Shandy while it last.
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