Americans Get Win and Revenge

Both victory and revenge can be sweet, and on Monday, the U.S. Men’s National Team got double the sweetness in their World Cup opener. The Americans beat Ghana 2 – 1, avenging their World Cup losses from 2006 and 2010, both of which were at the hands of Ghana.

The action was fast and furious from the start of the match as Clint Dempsey of the U.S. scored 32 seconds into the game. After some nifty moves off a throw in, Dempsey scored by banking the ball in off of the right goal post, becoming the first American soccer player to score in three different World Cups.

Ghana would then go on what seemed to be an all out offensive onslaught that had the Americans playing defense for most of the match. The Americans’ defensive play was able to preserve the lead until a little under 82 minutes into the match when Ghana’s Andre Ayew scored, tying the game at 1 - 1.

Four minutes later, however, American soccer fans all over the world erupted with joy as John Brooks became the first American sub to score a goal in World Cup history, bouncing in a header off a Graham Zusi corner kick to give the Americans a 2 -1 lead. That goal would prove to be enough, as the Americans would hold on for the win.

The game was incredible to watch and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. If you were not able to watch it, you definitely should check out the highlights, as this was a game that American soccer fans will be talking about for years to come. The Americans next take on Portugal this Sunday.