Yellow Card for Stupidity.

Tonight was a fun night of soccer. My room mate (Nathan) and I (also Nathan) went to watch the match between U.S. and Mexico. I have been looking forward to this game for this whole week. The game started and the U.S. went up, then Mexico struck back. Then the U.S. went up again followed by a third goal by Dempsey that was called back. Then Mexico tied it up, and that was how the score remained until the end. The real loser was me. I went to Maggie Miley's, an Irish pub. This should be the most soccer friendly place in town, however at the end of the game a I was greeted by an idiot.

With about 10 min. left in the game a guy sat down under the T.V. He was wearing a camouflage coat, so I could barely see him. He began his contact with me and the 3 other soccer fans by saying, "what does a yellow card mean". After starting on the right foot he waited for about 2 min. and then asked "Does Pele still play." I tried to keep my head from exploding. I instantly said no and then started doing the math, yes about 25 years ago he retired. that would make him about 60 years old. I caught a glance of a soccer fan next to me and we shared a "what the hell is that guy talking about" look. The man next to me then leaned over as said "I bet he would be offended if we asked if Dale Earnhart was still driving."

After a good laugh at NASCAR the game was over. Two soccer fans left and it was down to me and my room mate again. NASCAR then came at sat by me. He asked if it was ok that the U.S. was playing Mexico because of NAFTA. Yes, this should keep these two teams apart? I said it was fine, and then in my mind noted that NAFTA would probably aid international games, given that NAFTA and soccer made any sense being put together.

I digress, the main point is not that I was not really the loser, but that U.S. soccer was. The most famous soccer player to your regular American is still Pele, yes the old Brazilian star is still more famous than Landon Donovan, or Clint Dempsey, or Jozy Altidore, or even Freddy Adu. But who am I kidding most people reading this (assuming anyone is) don't know who they are either.