With no doubt, the 2002 season, for the United States Men's National Team, will be the sunlight of its success for this year (History in the Making, 2003). During the most important or maybe most reproductive year for the US Soccer, the U.S. acomplished its best-ever record, they captured the CONCACAF's highest prize, and ultimately impressed the world with its historic quarterfinal finish at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan (History in the Making, 2003).
The U.S. is now giving birth to a new crop of stars, this are Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Pablo Mastroeni. The US men's National Soccer Team now sets forth on another quest, getting a deserved and new prize in this next World Cup, hosted by the Germans. (History in the Making, 2003).
Fortunately, the journey begins with the same captain at the helm and the same head coach, which is Bruce Arena (History in the Making, 2003). Arena is the team's all-time leader in victories and winning percentage. In addition, the team won 12 games in 2002, including the game for the championship at the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup and their historic performance at the 2002 World Cup, featuring victories against world power Portugal and regional rivals Mexico. (History in the Making, 2003).
The path ahead cannot be undertaken without first taking a close and rapid look at the achievements of the past year (History in the making, 2003). .
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John O"Brien's opportunistic goal in the 4th minute of the opening match against Portugal may have sent shock waves throughout the world, but came as less of a surprise to a confident and well-prepared U.S. team (History in the Making). Very concentrated and with courage, the US applied constant pressure throughout the entire game, and when Brian McBride became the only player in U.S. history to score in two World Cups with his 34th minute goal, the team held a 3-0 lead. When the game ended and the results read 3-2 in favor of the Americans, the U.
