The US Men’s Soccer Team takes the field for the first time after coming off a disappointing loss that delayed a guaranteed spot to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This game happened on September 10^th in Columbus, Ohio.

Reminiscing over the three to one loss to Costa Rica four days earlier, the motivation was well-defined: a win over the rival Mexico. The win would then send the United States off to their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.

Eight o’clock in the evening came quickly. The stadium was just shy of twenty-four thousand fans that had become rowdy waiting for the big moment.

The anticipation became unbearable. Finally, the kickoff happened.

The first half remained fairly dull and was at a steady tie between the two sides.  As half time approached, the fans were going crazy with the wait and wonder.  Was another delay coming or could they breathe a sigh of relief?

The first score finally happened in the 49^th minute. Eddie Johnson came up with a big header off a set piece.  Under half an hour later, Landon Donovan sealed the deal with his 57^th goal of his US National Team career.

If the group of eleven determined men could continue to hold their lead for just fifteen minutes longer, summer of 2014 would consist of a guaranteed spot in the most watched event in the world.

With US soccer on the rise, climbing the FIFA world rankings all year hit their peak up to this point.  After the win over Mexico, the team officially hit their best ranking this year at thirteenth.  Previously being ranked twenty-eighth back in June and as low as thirty-sixth the year before, they have jumped an unheard of fifteen slots in just three months.

Now looking to be recognized as one of the world’s best teams, the US team will be packing their bags for Brazil next summer.