Suarez Boosts Uruguay and Why the US Needed a Win

The Round of 16 began with Uruguay going up against South Korea. Luis Suarez would be the story in this one as he scored a goal off a long pass or shot from Diego Forlan early in the game. South Korea though would strike back when Lee Chung-Yong scored in the 68' to tie the game with a header in the box. Luis Suarez would save his team one more time, however, thanks to some fancy footwork and a great curved shot into the back of the net. Uruguay beats South Korea, 2-1, and advances to the Quarter Finals.

The US played their Round of 16 game against Ghana today in what may be a heart breaker after that miracle finish against Algeria. The US were once again weak in the first 10 minutes or so and it cost them dearly as Ghana's Kevin-Prince Boateng scored a great goal off a turnover. The US would push hard in the 2nd half, though, and managed to score off a penalty kick by Landon Donovan. The game would go into overtime and, just like regulation, the US conceded a goal early on as Asamoah Gyan scored for Ghana off a long pass and brilliant goal over Tim Howard. The US couldn't mount a 2nd comeback as Ghana won, 2-1, and will face Uruguay in the Quarter Finals.

The US go home in the Round of 16 having played an eventful tournament. However, it seems like the US team fell short. Don't get me wrong. Ghana was the better team and the US was never a World Cup favorite. But US Soccer... I mean US FOOTBALL!!! needed their team to go further in this World Cup for their own benefit. Football is not as big in the US like the rest of the World. A great World Cup performance would've helped further interest in the game on all levels. The Landon Donovan Goal did help the cause but the team failed to follow it up with a win and because of that failure we may have undone the progress it would've brought.

P.S. I hope the effort by the US team does help further interest in MLS. I encourage everyone to watch the games or at least the MLS Cup in November. The more we support, the stronger we (US Football team) will get over time. GO NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION!!!