the World Cup is everything, the ultimate stage. It is where MLS was born.
The snowball got rolling after the '94 World Cup right here in the States - a snowball of talent. Because of MLS, the United States national team has improved to be one of the best in the world, ranking as high as seventh. Understand what I'm saying here. I will never be more proud than when the Galaxy won their first championship in '02. It will always be a career benchmark for me, but when you see those players representing your country, it continues to prove how strong MLS is.
To play for club and country, that is what the soccer player is about. And for us fans in the United States, if it means having to deal with our boys leaving the club for a game here and there during qualifying, well, I for one can deal with it. Go USA.
In closing, it's time for a little talk with the coaches of local youth club teams. How many of you actually have come to a Galaxy game? How many of you have made the effort to bring your teams to The Home Depot Center and have them experience the pro game?
I ask this because I come across so many of you who critique American soccer but never experience it. Really folks, who do you think these kids are going to play for someday? It's funny, yet sad. Give back to the game and take your teams to the games. I'm sure a Galaxy Group Ticket handler would be happy to help you out. 1-877-3-GALAXY. Make the connection. It can only help you as a coach and the game in the future.
I'm Joe Tutino, your friendly voice of the Galaxy - and that's how I saw it from the broadcast booth.