It is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, that day of the year you come to SBI looking for a soccer fix and find this familiar waving turkey greeting you.

It has been a very challenging few years around the world as we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, but the sport of soccer has done its part to help its fans deal with these trying times.

It has been a very good year in American soccer, led by the impressive growth of a special generation of talent. The U.S. men’s national team has won a Nations League title, Concacaf Gold Cup and beaten Mexico three times in a row while more and more young American players enjoy success in Europe and MLS continues to grow and evolve.

If you are looking for some Thanksgiving Day reading, here are some articles to help you get through the holiday:

For all SBI readers (no subscription needed):

What the next USMNT World Cup qualifying squad could look like (LINK)

USWNT set to test new faces in pair of challenging friendlies vs. Australia (LINK)

Kyle Duncan signs with Belgian side KV Oonsted (LINK)

Here are some articles available now to SBI Soccer subscribers:

Americans Abroad: Weekend Preview (LINK)

This Weekend’s Soccer on TV (LINK)

Cameron Carter-Vickers discusses his successful loan stint at Celtic (LINK)

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Thanksgiving is a good day to take time to appreciate what we have to be thankful for, and with that in mind, here is what I am most thankful for in 2021:

What I am most thankful for in 2021:

The SBI readers, who help make running the site worthwhile, and who have continued to support us as we make the transition to subscription site

The SBI staff that helps keep the site rolling on a daily basis, and has helped us complete our 14th full year as an independent soccer news website.

The success that so many former SBI staff members are continuing to enjoy in the soccer world. It is a long list of alumni that continues to grow, making us proud.

My 24th year as a professional reporter, a milestone that definitely makes me feel old, but one that makes me appreciative of the experiences and opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to have.

A growing soccer fan base in the United States, a fan base that is getting smarter and more demanding by the year, which is a great thing for the game in this country.

The continued growth of professional soccer in the United States, including an MLS that will soon grow to 28 teams in 2022.

The opportunity to cover my 12th Concacaf Gold Cup, and in December my 20th straight MLS Cup final. 

My new job as an editorial consultant/writer for CBS Sports TV. I am relatively new to the television world, but it has been a fun an exciting experience. I have been lucky in my career to be a part of some special teams before, and the group we are putting together is going to do great things in the coming years.

My family, which gives me the support and motivation to try and do my job to the best of my abilities.

Lastly, I am thankful for the American soccer community, and everybody who showed support back in March when I was in the hospital with COVID pneumonia. That support helped me get through a scary and difficult time and is something I’ll never forget. The outpouring of love and encouragement was one of the most special things I have ever experienced in my life, and it gave me a whole different level of appreciation for the community we have built over the years.

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These are just some of the things I’m grateful for when it comes to 2021. 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).