GOOOOAAAAALLLLL

Persistence. Courage. Unwilling to Fail. Unwavering Belief in Team.

Down a player, facing some difficult calls, playing the best player in the world... the odds were stacked against the US World Cup Team as they competed against Brazil earlier this week. Yet they didn't quit or question: they believed until the very last second. And that second was enough.

Competing when down requires mental toughness and an unquestionable belief that there is enough time to change the outcome of the game. Playing to that very last moment requires courage as well. It is easier to admit defeat early than to give absolutely everything and still have the possibility of losing.

In 1995 I watched the US win the World Cup as a high school athlete. I was in awe of that team and their accomplishment. As a coach, I am even more inspired by our current team; their work ethic, their physicality, and their infectious love of the game and their team.

The Pioneers will never play on the international stage in front of millions, but we can model ourselves after this team. We can work harder, believe more, push our boundaries and our goals. And when we learn to play to the very last second, who knows what will happen...