The Wonder Boy Accomplishes The American Dream
As I sat on my couch in Lake Charles, Louisiana, watching a soccer match being played in Porto, Portugal, I found myself thinking (and saying aloud) the following things regarding Christian Pulisic and Zach Steffen:
“There is an American that probably will feature in a UEFA Champions League Final.”
“An American...TWO Americans!”
“Christian Pulisic is a hero forever if he comes on.”
“Marshmallow (the DJ/Producer who performed during the opening ceremony) is the third most important American here.”
As I sat alone, watching Pulisic in his USMNT hoodie holding “Ol’ Big Ears”, the moment brought real tears to my eyes. Being a soccer fan in America can be a lonely existence, but I felt like maybe it doesn’t have to be anymore. Tyler Adams’ success in Germany at RB Leipzig, Weston McKinnie’s rise in Italy at Juventus, and Sergino Dest’s status in Spain at Barcelona are signs that US Soccer is on the up and up - maybe this UEFA Champions League Final is another catalyst.
I was in awe of how emotional I was, even two hours before kickoff. CBS did their best to cover aspect of Manchester City and Chelsea, but I know so many minds went to Pulisic’s cultural impact on their American audience. The disappointment of him not starting was quickly subdued by the electrifying opening minutes. The match featured end-to-end soccer, with chances and opportunities for both sides. Kai Havertz broke through with a wonderfully long through ball from Mason Mount to put Chelsea up at the halftime break – a halftime break that was hosted by the incredible Kate Abdo here in the US.
Then it happened.
Twenty-one minutes into the second half, Pulisic checked in for Timo Werner - I stood on my feet, clapped, cheered, and almost cried. An American came into the UEFA Champions League Final. It was surreal, it was inspirational and it was American - uniquely American. Yes, I admit, it would’ve been better if he put away the chance he had on goal, but who cares? He contributed all season long, especially against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal, and he has cemented his place in European lore. He’s a Champions League winner. He’s OUR Champions League winner.
Pulisic is an inspiration to kids across this country that play the sport. He proved that an American soccer player can do anything - even this. He did it for the kids, he did it for the fans, but he also did it for himself, on his own terms. The Pulisic story is one that everyone can appreciate, but I know many people agree with me - I love it. There is so much more to write, perhaps another chapter or two about the World Cup at Qatar in 2022.
Also, I am in the process of keeping my promise I made on Twitter - I tried to buy a Christian Pulisic Chelsea kit this week, but they are SOLD OUT.
