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 is a very different Thanksgiving this year because, for the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup is taking place when Thanksgiving is being celebrated. As strange as it may be, it is also great for soccer fans to be able to enjoy the sport’s most important event during this special holiday.

American soccer fans have plenty to be thankful for right now. Major League Soccer is continuing to grow, more and more American players are making their way to Europe, and there are more and more soccer viewing options on television than ever before.

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 2022:

What I am most thankful for in 2022:

The SBI readers, who help make running the site worthwhile, and who have continued to support us as we head into year two as a subscription-based site.

The SBI staff that helps keep the site rolling on a daily basis, and has helped us complete our 15th 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 25th 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 29 teams in 2023 with the arrival of St. Louis City SC.

The opportunity to cover my 21st straight MLS Cup final. 

The opportunity to cover my fifth World Cup.

My second year as an editorial consultant/writer for CBS Sports TV, where the soccer coverage is growing into the best in American sports television. The role has allowed me to experience and learn new things professionally, as well as work with an outstanding team, and I’m excited to see what we will be doing in 2023.

Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for my family, which gives me the support and motivation to try and do my job to the best of my abilities.

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These are just some of the things I’m grateful for when it comes to 2022. I know I could make this list twice as long if I gave it more thought.

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).