It was so much more than 1 point

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

The last time the U.S. Men’s National Team earned a point during a World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, I was 9 years old. MySpace didn’t exist, and Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” was the No. 1 song in the country.

Major League Soccer hadn’t even been around for five years yet. It was 1997.

But on Tuesday, in front of more than 100,000 screaming fans, the U.S. battled through an anxious, on-the-edge-of-your-seat final 10 minutes.

The end result: a 0-0 draw.

The Americans picked up a golden point to move into third place in qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region after three of 10 matches.

The U.S. — and many other international sides — have had trouble at Estadio Azteca. It’s a hostile environment. Fans shine lasers on players. Things get thrown onto the playing surface.

In World Cup qualifying, the U.S. is now 0-13-2 in Mexico City.

In friendly matches, the Americans have fared better — most recently capturing a 1-0 win on Aug. 15.

While it was only one point, it felt like so much more. Mexico dominated the possession and had many, many more scoring chances than the U.S.

But when that final whistle is blown, it’s getting the point that matters most.

As I sat across from my dad on the brown leather couch, glued to the TV into the early morning hours of Wednesday, I remembered how great it is to watch international teams.

Sure, we have our favorite teams in each sport. But when it’s time for world events, there’s just something extra — something patriotic. Something that truly makes me bleed the red, white and blue.

I had the same love for my country during the World Baseball Classic a few weeks ago. It didn’t matter that I was rooting for Shane Victorino or Ryan Braun. What mattered was that I was rooting for something greater: the stars and stripes.

And to me, no matter who the players are wearing that jersey, they will always be my team. The greatest team. America's team.