Hello everybody. It is Thanksgiving Day, that day of the year you come to SBI looking for a soccer fix and find this familiar waving turkey greeting you.
American soccer fans have plenty to be thankful for, from a thriving Major League Soccer to a continuously growing number of soccer TV viewing options. The U.S. national team has qualified for the 2014 World Cup, with a promising generation of young talents leading the way.
What will I give thanks for from a soccer standpoint this year? Here are some things that came to my mind this morning:
The readers, who make my job worthwhile.
The success that many former SBI staff members are enjoying in the soccer media world.
The SBI staff that helps keep the site rolling on a daily basis.
My new job with Goal.com, which has helped provide me with a new platform for my writing.
The creation of the SBI Show, which meant the end of the five-year wait for an SBI podcast.
My first trips to Portland, and my first Timbers-Sounders playoff matches.
The chance to once again cover World Cup qualifiers in Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica.
The return of Pep Guardiola
The English Premier League’s move to NBC
The brilliance of players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Aguero, etc.
My family for being understanding about all the trips I take and all the soccer I watch.
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These are just some of the things I’m grateful for when it comes to 2013. I’m sure I could make this list twice as long.
Now it’s your turn. What will you be giving thanks for as a soccer fan today?
Share yours below (And have a Happy Thanksgiving).
I am thankful for Europa League, so Spurs can enjoy some success for once!
As a United fan, I’m thankful that next year statistically speaking, has to be better than this one.
Feliz Turkey.
Yes definitely Sydney Leroux badest girl in sport.
Thanks Ives for all u do on the websites, Twitter and the pod. You provide an excellent connection between the American soccer fan and the world we love.
Thanks for NBC Sports Network and Brighthouse which carries all the Fox channels, GolTV and BeInSport.
Ives, thanks for what you, Franco, and the team deliver day after day all year! I am also thankful that the sport has grown so much in my lifetime! I am greatful for Herr Klinsmann, but even more so for those who came before him. Yes I mean coaches Arena and Coach Bradley ….U-S-A! Also hat’s off to to many players past and present to mention. You know who you are!
I am thankful for both my PTFC’s one a champion and the other the Western Conference regular season leader. Thankful for Universitario de Lima, and their supporter culture, which helped mold my love for futbol. Thankful for my Timbers Army friends and former Timbers who still keep in touch. I am thankful for the best nightmare ever! We’ll see you in Portland for the MLS Cup next year, Ives!
I am thankful for Mike Magee joining the Fire.
I am thankful for Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan
Here, here!
Your name says it all.
I’m thankful for this site and for AJ joining the USMNT…
Thankful for all the soccer coverage…
thankful for kinsman coming on board