ussoccer.com's 2007 "Best of U.S. Soccer"

2007 Best of Voting Concludes

2008-02-06T20:00:00.000-06:00

Voting has concluded for the 2007 Best of U.S. Soccer Awards (presented by Soccer America) , and we'll share the winners with you before the end of the year once we return to frigid Chicago from sunny Bradenton, the site of the 2007 Development Academy Nike Friendlies.

We've had a great response to all the great goals, assists, blogs and photos from 2007, so thanks for voting.

BEST ACTION PHOTO

This award goes to the picture featured on ussoccer.com during the year that made you go, “How’d they get THAT shot?” [more]

BEST all_access VIDEO

In this category you’re selecting the best behind-the-scenes all_access video segment that appeared on ussoccer.com in 2007. [more]

BEST ASSIST

This award goes to the best assist served up by a U.S. National Team player in an international match played this year. [more]

BEST FAN ATMOSPHERE

The U.S. national team match – domestic or abroad – that had the best fan atmosphere in 2007 will earn this award. [more]

BEST GOAL - MEN

This award crowns the top strike by a player with one of the Men’s National Teams during the past year. [more]

BEST GOAL - WOMEN

This award crowns the top strike by a player from the U.S. Women’s National Teams during the past year. [more]

BEST PERFORMANCE - PLAYER

This award goes to the one U.S. National Team player who took the team on his or her shoulders with an outstanding, if not dominating, individual performance. [more]

BEST PERFORMANCE - TEAM

This award is for that match where a U.S. National Team played at the top of its game, rising to the occasion to deliver a memorable performance in 2007 – or even all-time. [more]

BEST SOCCER BAR

This award goes to the best soccer-focused or soccer-friendly bar in the United States. [more]

BEST SOCCER BLOG

You’ve been reading countless soccer blogs on the information superhighway, but which is the one you click to first when you get in to the office in the morning? [more]

BEST SOCCER STORE

This award honors the best all-around store to buy all things soccer, from the latest Nike cleats for your weekend league to a national team jersey. [more]

2007 U.S. Soccer Athletes of the Year

2007-11-16T17:36:00.000-06:00

U.S. Soccer has announced the finalists for the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year Awards – Male, Female, Young Male and Young Female. You, the fans, collectively decide 50 percent of the final vote, with media and U.S. Soccer officials getting the other 50 percent of the vote.

Click on the buttons below to vote. To read more about each candidate, click on their name in the voting window. Don't forget to leave a comment supporting your choices!

Female Athlete of the Year Candidates

Lori Chalupny - Midfielder
Kristine Lilly - Forward
Heather O'Reilly - Forward
Abby Wambach - Forward
Cat Whitehill - Defender

Male Athlete of the Year Candidates

DaMarcus Beasley - Midfielder
Carlos Bocanegra - Defender
Clint Dempsey - Forward/Midfielder
Landon Donovan - Midfielder/Forward
Tim Howard - Goalkeeper

Young Female Athlete of the Year Candidates

Rachel Buehler - Defender
Lauren Cheney - Forward
Tina DiMartino - Midfielder
Tobin Heath - Midfielder
Kelley O'Hara - Forward

Young Male Athlete of the Year Candidates

Mykell Bates - Defender
Michael Bradley - Midfielder
Chris Seitz - Goalkeeper
Danny Szetela - Midfielder
Sal Zizzo - Midfielder

Voting ends Friday, Dec. 7.

Best Action Photo

2007-06-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

This award goes to the picture featured on ussoccer.com during the year that made you go, “How’d they get THAT shot?”

Click the 'Vote' button below to see the photos and vote.

THE FINALISTS

Golden Trophy – June 24 @ Chicago
Carlos Bocanegra gets a hug from Frankie Hejduk as the confetti flies and the U.S. celebrates winning the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Me & My Shadow – July 28 @ San Jose
Lori Chalupny dribbles up the right wing vs. Japan as her shadow stops to grab a swig from the Gatorade bottle.

Love the Pink Jerseys – May 12 @ Frisco
Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod pulls down Carli Lloyd in the area for a PK as the U.S. WNT wears pink to promote breast cancer awareness.

Joy & Pain – Sept. 22 @ Tianjin, China
Kristine Lilly celebrates her Women’s World Cup goal as England goalkeeper Rachel Brown bemoans the gaff that handed the U.S. their third goal.

Awe-struck Abby – Sept. 14 @ Chengdu, China
Abby Wambach is as surprised as she is excited after chesting down a long pass from Kristine Lilly and scoring on the half-volley.

7+6 > 20 - July 6 @ Ottawa
Danny Szetela (7) and Michael Bradley (6) sandwich Brazilian Leandro Lima (20) during the USA’s 2-1 win at the Under-20 World Cup.

Super Swede – Aug. 22 @ Goteborg, Sweden
Clint Dempsey tries to get out of the way as Olof Melberg goes over his back during the USA’s Aug. 22 friendly in Sweden.

Not So Fast My Friend – June 24 @ Chicago
The speedy DaMarcus Beasley tries to slow down an exuberant Benny Feilhaber after the MNT rookie’s game-winning blast in the Gold Cup Final.

The Price is Right – June 4 @ The HDC
Landon Donovan celebrates earning $50,000 for the Mooch Myernick Memorial Fund by defeating superfan Drew Carey in FIFA ’07 during a charity fundraiser.

2-0! – Feb. 7, 2007 @ Glendale, Ariz.
Landon Donovan rounds Oswaldo Sanchez to score the second goal as a less-than-full-strength U.S. team tops a full strength Mexico side by the familiar 2-0 margin.

All photography by isiphotos.com.

Best all_access Video

2007-02-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

In this category you’re selecting the best behind-the-scenes all_access video segment that appeared on ussoccer.com in 2007. Whether it was a Studio 90 interview featuring your favorite WNT player, a sneak peak into the locker room for a historic win or took you across the world for a match, this is the video you've wasted more hours watching at work than your boss wants to know about.

Click the 'Vote' button below to see the videos and vote.

THE FINALISTS:

Beasley in Scotland
Follow DaMarcus Beasley to Glasgow for the weekend of the Old Firm game for a look inside his move to Rangers, the rivalry with Celtic and Beasley’s new home.

Gold Cup Title
Get inside the locker room at Soldier Field for Bob Bradley’s speeches, and, after a 2-1 win vs. Mexico, see the confetti emptied out of the Gold Cup before the champagne is poured in.

Highlights: Brazil 4, USA 2
O jogo bonito comes to Soldier Field as the two top teams in the Americas collide for a ‘Clash of Champions’ that wowed a boisterous crowd with six goals.

Jonathan Bornstein's First Cap
With the all_access camera following him around on the day of his first cap, Johnathan Bornstein shows his appreciation by ending a perfect day with a game-winning goal against Denmark.

Landon Throws Out the First Pitch
Carlos Bocanegra meets Tommy Lasorda and Landon Donovan throws a perfect strike as four U.S. MNT players hit a Cubs game in Chicago before the Clash of Champions.

Mr. Conrad's Training Camp
It’s a beautiful day in training camp as resident funnyman Jimmy Conrad proves his indie rock cred, shares why his feet smell and gets some golfers teed-off.

O'Reilly Tours Guangdong Stadium
The U.S. WNT has been to China so many times that they’ve begun to offer tours, literally. At the Four Nations tournament in January, Heather O’Reilly introduces Guangdong Stadium and training facility.

Studio 90: Wambach's Back Four Quiz
After narrowly missing a chance to go 4-for-4 in the Back Four Quiz, Abby Wambach turns the table and stumps Studio 90 host Neil Buethe with a tricky question of her own.

Studio 90: Where are the Fans? - Gold Cup Final
Studio 90 Special Correspondent Todd Edwards can’t seem to find anyone supporting Mexico in a hilarious piece filmed before the 2007 Gold Cup Final.

Studio 90: WNT Players and Pandas
Studio 90 Special Correspondent Aaron Heifetz follows the WNT to the Chengdu Panda Reserve in China and an immeasurable amount of cuteness and cuddliness ensues.

Best Assist

2005-09-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

This award goes to the best assist served up by a U.S. National Team player in an international match played this year. This award will be judged on technical merit alone, as opposed to the importance of the match in which it took place.

Click the 'Vote' button below to launch the video player and vote. All the assists are part of one continuous video.

THE FINALISTS:

Justin Mapp vs. Denmark – Jan. 20 @ The HDC
JUSTIN MAPP creates the game-winning goal with an impressive dribbling run on the right edge of the penalty area where he splits two defenders and then slots a pass to a crashing Jonathan Bornstein.

Brian Ching vs. Ecuador – March 28 @ Tampa
BRIAN CHING sets up the game-winning goal with a fantastic through ball to Landon Donovan. With his back to goal, Ching collects the ball near the midfield stripe, smartly turns and slips the ball behind the defense to slingshot Donovan on the breakaway.

Carli Lloyd vs. Canada – May 12 @ Frisco
CARLI LLOYD ties up the Canadian defender’s feet with a little “stop-go” move down the right flank, then finds the seam perfectly from the end line to the sprinting Kristine Lilly, who slams the ball home.

Sacha Kljestan vs. China – June 2 @ San Jose
SACHA KLJESTAN earns his first point in this first cap with one touch from the right sideline, as he chips the ball into space for Benny Feilhaber to run onto and chip over the ‘keeper and into the goal.

Taylor Twellman vs. Paraguay – July 2 @ Barinas
Down 1-0, TAYLOR TWELLMAN stretches out to get his leg to a cross and direct it backwards, perfectly into Ricardo Clark’s path so he could drill a low shot from 18 yards out.

Sal Zizzo vs. Poland – July 3 @ Montreal
Stealing a ball in the USA’s defensive half, SAL ZIZZO goes on a staggering half-field sprint, outracing two defenders and slipping by a third then picking out Freddy Adu who finished the chance from top of the area.

Freddy Adu vs. Brazil – July 6 @ Ottawa
Tied 1-1 late in the match, FREDDY ADU creates the game-winner with a jaw-dropping move. Trapped by two defenders in the corner, Adu flicks the ball past both Brazilians and darts into the area where he rips a shot that deflects off a defender directly to the wide-open Josmer Altidore for the finish.

Cat Whitehill vs. New Zealand - Aug. 12 @ Chicago
CAT WHITEHILL drops a perfect long ball over the restraining line, putting it just over the defense, but not close enough for the goalkeeper to make a play, and Abby Wambach executes a perfect diving header for the goal.

Steve Cherundolo vs. Brazil – Sept. 9 @ Chicago
With the U.S. trailing 2-1, STEVE CHERUNDOLO runs onto an overhead pass from Landon Donovan and races into the penalty area before smartly picking out Clint Dempsey for his one-timer into the lower left corner.

Kristine Lilly vs. Sweden -- Sept. 14 @ Chengdu, China
KRISTINE LILLY gains control on the left flank and spies Wambach making a run into the penalty area. She sends a perfectly placed and weighted pass in the air to the U.S. striker, who brings it down on her chest before lashing a venomous half-volley for the goal.

Best Fan Atmosphere

2004-04-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

The U.S. national team match – domestic or abroad – that had the best fan atmosphere in 2007 will earn this award. This is the game where you bragged to say you were there or are still kicking yourself for not laying down the dough for tickets.

THE FINALISTS:

U.S. MNT vs. Mexico – Feb. 7 @ University of Phoenix Stadium
At just two years of age, the University of Phoenix Stadiuim had never even hosted a professional soccer game, let alone witnessed the fervor surrounding the U.S.-Mexico rivalry. Talk about getting thrown into the deep end, the game between the two CONCACAF rivals was one of the most heated atmospheres in recent memory, and set the record for attendance at soccer game in Arizona. In all likelihood, this match probably also set the record for noise level in the stadium, though that statistic is still forthcoming…

U.S. WNT vs. Brazil / U.S. U-20 MNT vs. Chile - June 23 @ Giants Stadium
In their first meeting since the 2004 Olympic final, the USA shut down Brazil for a 2-0 victory behind a boisterous crowd. Kristine Lilly got things going early with a first minute free kick and fan-favorite Abby Wambach followed it up by scoring a signature header. In the first game, U.S. fans drowned out a small but vocal contingent rooting for Chile as the U-20s headed to the World Cup with a 2-1 win.

U.S. MNT vs. Mexico – June 24 @ Soldier Field
Though perhaps not as loud as the previous edition of this rivalry, nothing beats the Gold Cup Final in terms of pure intensity. The fact that both teams were playing for silverware was obvious from the get go, and this game was tops for edge of your seat moments. The feeling of relief and jubilation when the ref blew the final whistle will not be soon forgotten by anyone who saw this match.

U.S. U-20 MNT vs. Brazil – July 6 @ Frank Clair Stadium
A packed house of almost 27,000 piled in for a double-header at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Eventual-champion Argentina beat North Korea in the night's first match, and stuck around to celebrate the USA clinching the Group of Death vs. Brazil. American and Argentinian fans joined forces, erupting after each of Josmer Altidore's two goals and sticking around long after the match to dance and cheer with team USA.

U.S. MNT vs. Brazil – Sept. 9 @ Soldier Field
With the fabled Seleção coming to town, it was only fitting that a Carnaval-like atmosphere overtook Chicago’s Soldier Field when the U.S. met Brazil. With drums and dancing from the first whistle to the last, both American and Brazilian fans alike turned this friendly into one of the most memorable U.S. soccer spectacles in recent years.

U.S. WNT vs. Norway – Sept. 30 @ Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium
The sell-out crowd of 34,000 witnessed a complete and entertaining performance from the U.S. team in its 4-1 victory over Norway, even though the crowd started cheering for the Europeans when they were down 4-0.

Best Goal - Men's National Teams

2003-05-08T22:10:00.000-05:00

Best thing in soccer? That’s easy: goals. This award crowns the top strike by a player with one of the Men’s National Teams during the past year.

Click the 'Vote' button below to launch the video player and vote. All the goals are part of one continuous video.

THE FINALISTS:

Jonathan Bornstein vs. Denmark – Jan. 20 @ The HDC
JONATHAN BORNSTEIN becomes the ninth player in the modern era to score a goal in his first cap when he goes on a 50-yard run from his left back position to the six-yard box to get on the end of a Justin Mapp pass.

Landon Donovan vs. Mexico – Feb. 7 @ Phoenix
With the clock winding down, LANDON DONOVAN collects a ball inside the center circle, splits two defenders and rounds goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez to finish off the match and give the U.S. their favorite score line against their archrival: 2-0.

Landon Donovan vs. Ecuador 1 – March 25 @ Tampa
LANDON DONOVAN puts away the second goal of his eventual hat trick when Brian Ching slips him behind the defense. LD manages to hold off his defender while deftly slipping the ball past the ‘keeper for the game-winner.

Landon Donovan vs. Ecuador 2 – March 25 @ Tampa
Saving the best for last, LANDON DONOVAN receives a pass from DaMarcus Beasley and uncorks a one-time blast from atop the penalty area into the upper right corner for the most stunning strike of his career.

Frankie Hejduk vs. Canada – June 21 @ Chicago
FRANKIE HEJDUK breaks open the game in this tight affair with a swerving right-footed strike that ricochets off the inside of the left post and caroms into the net.

Benny Feilhaber vs. Mexico – June 24 @ Chicago
BENNY FEILHABER etches his name into the U.S. Soccer history books with an astonishing volley to defeat archrival Mexico and secure the USA’s fourth Gold Cup title.

Freddy Adu vs. Poland 1 – July 3 @ Montreal
Needing a win in the second match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, FREDDY ADU tallies the first of his hat trick with a quick spin move on the right side of the penalty area before curling his shot past the ‘keeper, off the left post and in.

Freddy Adu vs. Poland 2 – July 3 @ Montreal
On his second goal of the night, FREDDY ADU displays his fantastic skill by collecting a ball at the top of the penalty area with one touch before picking out the top left corner with a spectacular left-footed finish.

Danny Szetela vs. Poland – July 3 @ Montreal
After falling behind early to Poland, DANNY SZETELA pulls the U.S. even with a remarkable 15-yard header that beats the goalkeeper and hits the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the end line.

Clint Dempsey vs. Brazil – Sept. 9 @ Chicago
With the U.S. trailing 2-1, CLINT DEMPSEY pulls the teams even with a charging run through midfield to top of the box where he curled a Steve Cherundolo pass first-time into the far post.

Best Goal - Women's National Teams

2002-06-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Best thing in soccer? That’s easy: goals. This award crowns the top strike by a player from the U.S. Women’s National Teams during the past year.

Click the 'Vote' button below to launch the video player and vote. All the goals are part of one continuous video.

THE FINALISTS:

Lori Chalupny vs. China – Jan.30 @ Guangzhou, China
Needing a victory to win the Four Nations tournament, LORI CHALUPNY runs onto a ball near the right side of the penalty box, takes a touch to her right to elude a defender and rips a 26-yard thunderbolt into the upper right corner past the flying Chinese ‘keeper.

Kristine Lilly vs. Mexico – April 14 @ Foxborough
KRISTINE LILLY uses a nice bounce off the artificial turf at Gillette Stadium to fire a left-footed half-volley from 32 yards out that loops over 'keeper and just under the crossbar.

Lindsay Tarpley vs. Canada – May 12 @ Frisco
LINDSAY TARPLEY darts towards the goal box to beat a pulled up Canada back line, and the onrushing goalkeeper, to re-direct her first-time volley just inside the right post from six yards away.

Kristine Lilly vs. Canada – May 12 @ Frisco
Abby Wambach heads a long throw-in down the right wing to Carli Lloyd who beats a Canadian defender, then drives to the end line before cutting a perfect pass back into the path of KRISTINE LILLY, who smacks her first-time left-footed shot hard into the near post from eight yards out.

Abby Wambach vs. China – June 16 @ Cleveland
ABBY WAMBACH meets Stephanie Lopez’ corner kick from the left side with a diving header from seven yards out, skipping the ball just inside the right post.

Kristine Lilly vs. Brazil – June 23 @ The Swamp
Just seconds into the match, KRISTINE LILLY soars a free kick from a tough angle just outside the penalty area on the right side, dipping it over the Brazilian goalkeeper and sticking it into the side-netting at the left corner.

Carli Lloyd vs. Norway – July 14 @ East Hartford
In one of the toughest tests for the U.S. before the World Cup, CARLI LLOYD scores one of the biggest goals of her career against Norway. Showing her athletic ability, Lloyd finished off a diving header from close range in the second half to give the U.S. a 1-0 victory.

Carli Lloyd vs. New Zealand – Aug. 12 @ Chicago
CARLI LLOYD scores from almost 40 yards out, befuddling the Kiwi ‘keeper with a left-footed rocket that dances its way into the upper left corner after skipping off the goalkeeper’s hands.

Heather O’Reilly vs. North Korea -- Sept. 11 @ Chengdu, China
HEATHER O’REILLY finds herself in position to strike a loose ball in the penalty box and drills it on a line into the absolute upper right corner from a sharp angle to tie the match.

Abby Wambach vs. Sweden – Sept. 14 @ Chengdu
ABBY WAMBACH takes a Kristine Lilly pass down off her chest between two defenders at the top of the penalty box before ripping a blistering half-volley into the left side of the net, giving the Swedish goalkeeper no chance.

Best Performance - Player

2002-04-03T13:00:00.000-06:00

This award goes to the one U.S. National Team player who took the team on his or her shoulders with an outstanding, if not dominating, individual performance.

THE FINALISTS:

Landon Donovan vs. Ecuador – March 25 @ Tampa
Some days you’re just on. For LANDON DONOVAN, that day was March 25 in Tampa as he was almost unstoppable on his way to a stunning hat trick against fellow 2006 World Cup side Ecuador. Scoring in a multitude of ways – a first-minute strike, a cool breakaway finish and a ridiculous one-timer into upper ‘V’ territory – Donovan makes it clear early in the year that Eric Wynalda’s goal scoring record would be in jeopardy before 2008.

Jimmy Conrad vs. Mexico – Feb. 7 @ Glendale, Ariz.
With a home winning streak against Mexico on the line, defender JIMMY CONRAD played one of the best games of his national team career in front of 62,000 fans in Arizona. While acting as the general along the backline to shutout the USA’s archrival for the eighth straight time on home soil, Conrad also tallied the game-winner with a driven header on a corner kick for his first-ever goal for the national team.

Tim Howard vs. Mexico – June 24 @ Chicago
Rarely does one single play stand out as much as TIM HOWARD’s 89th minute save vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. After a solid day between the pipes, Howard kept the title game out of overtime with a world class save after a deflected shot fell to Adolfo Bautista’s feet just eight yards from the goal.

Freddy Adu vs. Poland - July 3 @ Montreal
With the U.S. U-20 MNT needing points after drawing with South Korea in their opening match of the World Cup, FREDDY ADU tallied an impressive hat trick to lead his teammates to a stunning 6-1 victory over Poland.

Josmer Altidore vs. Brazil – July 6 @ Ottawa
In a match the U.S. needs to win to assure advancement to the Round of 16, JOSMER ALTIDORE tallies both goals in a stunning 2-1 upset against the four-time U-20 world champions, enabling Thomas Rongen’s squad to win their group for the third straight time at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Abby Wambach vs. Sweden -- Sept. 14 @ Chengdu, China
ABBY WAMBACH steps up in a must-win game for the USA, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win, one from the penalty spot and one on a gorgeous half-volley, in a match that pretty much secured a place in the second round of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Christie Rampone vs. England -- Sept. 22 @ Tianjin, China
CHRISTIE RAMPONE’s speed, athleticism and one-on-one defending is on display once again as she helps shut down England’s attack, especially superstar forward Kelly Smith, who does not get a good crack at the USA’s goal the entire game.

Lori Chalupny vs. Norway – Sept. 30 @ Shanghai, China
LORI CHALUPNY is everywhere during the USA’s demolition of Norway in the third-place match of the Women’s World Cup, getting the job done on offense and defense while scoring one goal and assisting on another.

Best Performance - Team

2001-02-28T14:00:00.000-06:00

This award is for that match where a U.S. National Team played at the top of its game, rising to the occasion to deliver a memorable performance in 2007 – or even all-time.

THE FINALISTS

MNT vs. Mexico – Feb. 7 @ Glendale, Ariz.
To the chagrin of a wildly pro-Mexican crowd, the U.S. put in an excellent team effort to keep their bitter rivals winless on home turf in the new millennium. A Jimmy Conrad header opened the scoring, and the U.S. defended with confidence against a star-studded Mexican side, before a Landon Donovan breakaway sealed the win.

MNT vs. Ecuador – March 28 @ Tampa, Fla.
Against an excellent Ecuador side that advanced to the knockout stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. came out with an emphatic 3-1 victory. Though Landon Donovan stole the headlines with his tremendous hat trick, none of the goals would have been possible without excellent team play.

WNT vs. Canada -- May 12 @ Frisco, Texas
On the beautiful pitch of Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, the USA team steamrolled Canada by a 6-2 score, getting several spectacular goals in a game where the margin of victory could have been even greater. It was the USA’s biggest win over a full strength Canadian team in seven years.

MNT vs. Mexico – June 24 @ Chicago
Despite holding a 1-0 lead at halftime, it was no se puede once again for El Tri against the U.S. Landon Donovan converted a spot kick after Brian Ching was fouled, and then it was Benny Feilhaber’s outstanding volley into the top corner that continued the U.S. dominance and kept the Gold Cup in U.S. hands.

U-20 MNT vs. Poland – July 3 @ Montreal
With a nervous draw in the opener against South Korea and a match against Brazil looming, the U.S. needed a result against Poland. What followed was the consummate team performance. After 90 minutes of tough defending, fantastic build up play and some of the best goals of the U-20 World Cup, the U.S. announced their presence at the tournament with a 6-1 win.

U-20 MNT vs. Brazil – July 6 @ Ottawa
Despite the fantastic win against Poland, the U.S. entered the final game of the group stage needing a result against Brazil to ensure qualification for the next round. Two Josmer Altidore goals, and a virtuoso performance by Freddy Adu propelled the Americans to a 2-1 victory.

U-20 WNT vs. Canada full team – July 23 @ Rio de Janeiro
In one of the biggest wins for a youth WNT in recent history, the U.S. Under-20s upset Canada’s full Women’s National Team in the semifinal of Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro. Forward Lauren Cheney scored both goals.

MNT vs. Brazil – Sept. 9 @ Chicago
Although it was a loss for the U.S., their match against Brazil at Soldier Field was one of the most spirited games of the year. Carlos Bocanegra struck first and then Clint Dempsey pulled the U.S. even as the see-saw scoreline mirrored the action on the field. In the end, the U.S. was unlucky not to at least draw with Brazil, but held their own against the best team in the world.

WNT vs. England - Sept. 22 @ Tianjin, China
In a knockout game at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the USA scored three times in the second half to record a historic 3-0 win over England in quarterfinal. The Americans scored three minutes into the second half and then sealed the game with two goals in a four-minute span with about a half-hour left.

WNT vs. Norway -- Sept. 30 @ Shanghai, China In what was probably the USA’s best match of the tournament, the team responded from a crushing loss in the semifinal to record a resounding 4-1 win over Norway to take third place as Abby Wambach scored twice and Lori Chalupny and Heather O’Reilly added goals.

Best Soccer Bar

2000-10-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

The winner of this award goes to the best soccer-focused or soccer-friendly bar in the United States, showing the full gamut of games from the EPL, MLS, USL and internationals from across the globe.

THE FINALISTS:

Beef ‘O’ Brady's (Tampa, Fla.)
Not necessarily known as a soccer bar, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s got numerous nominations from folks in the Tampa area. Beef is more than happy to open its doors early on the weekends to watch European matches, shows all televised MLS games and piles in the fans for U.S. Soccer matches.

Brewhouse Café (Atlanta, Ga.)
Self-proclaimed as Atlanta’s only international sports bar, the Brewhouse Café not only shows U.S. and MLS matches, but also games from leagues around the world.

British Bulldog (Denver, Colo.)
Opening early on Saturdays and Sundays for live English Premier League matches, the British Bulldog is considered Denver’s most authentic British Pub.

Dark Horse Pub (Philadelphia)
As one U.S. fan pointed out in his nomination, the Dark Horse Pub is the best place in Philly to watch soccer because it opens its doors early for overseas games and never hesitates to put on the volume for the USA games at night.

Ginger's Ale House (Chicago)
The winner of the past four “Best Bar” awards, Ginger’s has more than thirty televisions and two giant screens in the main bar and party room. Considered one of the best bars in the Windy City to watch soccer, will they earn their fifth award and once again be crowned the best in the U.S.?

The Globe (Chicago)
The home bar to the Chicago Fire, The Globe is considered the place to catch all games away from Toyota Park. We can also tell you a certain L.A. Galaxy player took in some MLS games at the Globe when he was in town.

Nevada Smith’s (New York City)
“Where football is religion!” That’s the theme at Nevada Smith’s, which blends New York panache and Irish hospitality to provide live football and a home away from home for fans.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille (San Diego, Calif.)
One ussoccer.com fan called Shakespeare “quite possibly the closest you’ll get to an English pub in California and a great place to watch any and every soccer match.”

Summers Grill & Sports Bar (Arlington, Va.)
The inaugural winner of ussoccer.com’s “Best Bar” award in 2002, Summers has been providing a great atmosphere to watch soccer for more than 20 years. One of the pioneers in satellite sports entertainment, Summers has “multiple TVs, wide screens and a high fidelity sound system for total audio and video pleasure.”

The Three Lions Club (Charleston, S.C.)
The Three Lions Club stands out from all the other nominees due to its location. A traditional English-style pub located in Blackbaud Stadium, home of the Charleston Battery, Three Lions Pub is the place to be before, after and even during games.

Best Soccer Blog

2000-06-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

You’ve been reading countless soccer blogs on the information superhighway, but which is the one you click to first when you get in to the office in the morning? For this brand new award, we’re giving you the chance to tell us which blog is the best of the best.

The DCenters
Stating it’s an “absurdly unofficial D.C. United blog,” the truth is there’s nothing absurd about what you can find here. Duly covering all things United, DCenters was nominated as “the best team blog out there.”

duNord
The daily one-stop shop for all your soccer information, duNord provides a valuable service for all us lazy folks. Nominated by one fan as “my soccer savior.”

Hudsonia
The “wisdom of Ray Hudson” might be debated, but the entertainment value of this blog site can not. Inspired by the awesome enthusiasm Hudson brings to the game and his quest to 'invent a new language in English, this blog lets you hear exactly what they mean.

MNT Blog
You can get information about the U.S. Men’s National Team from other blogs, but ussoccer.com’s MNT Blog is the only place to get behind-the-scenes information written from those on the inside.

Soccer by Ives
Ives Galarcep says his blog spans “the world of soccer with a Jersey flavor.” It’s true, as he talks about leagues in almost every continent. And who would have guessed a Jersey guy would be so helpful answering every single question sent his way?

Soccer Insider
One of the most respected soccer writers in the nation, Steven Goff’s blog naturally has a big following. After Goff provides tidbits on everything from his local D.C. United, national teams and leagues from around the world, the open discussions are always a hit with fans.

thisisamericansoccer.com
While most of the blog sites are filled with quick hit entries, Adam Spangler’s TIAS blog tends to probe a bit deeper to take closer look at everything going on with soccer in the United States. For that, fans are thankful and nominated TIAS as one of the best.

Throughball.com
The author of Throughball says his blog is “written with unabashed favoritism for the Minnesota Thunder, the U.S. Men’s National Team and the English Premier League.” But, as you can find out, Throughball provides much, much more.

U.S. Soccer Global
The newest blog on ussoccer.com, U.S. Soccer Global provides fans with instant updates of any highlights put up by Americans playing across the globe. A daily stop to see who's doing what, from Europe to Mexico.

WNT Blog
During the World Cup, the WNT Blog was THE spot to find out what was going on with the team half a world away. When the WNT are back on the field in January, check out the blog to get the information you can’t find anywhere else.

Best Soccer Store

1995-06-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

This award honors the best all-around store to buy all things soccer, from the latest Nike cleats for your weekend league to that Clint Dempsey national team jersey you wear to cheer on the U.S. Men at the stadium or from your couch.

THE FINALISTS:

Altitude Authentics (Commerce City, Colo.)
Located at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids.

Angelo's Soccer Corner (Berwyn, Pa.)
Five locations in Pennsylvania and 2006 “Best Store” award winner.

Chicago Soccer (Chicago)
Winner of the 2005 “Best Store” award.

Rockville Soccer (Rockville, Md.)
One of four stores in Maryland and Virginia.

Soccer 4 All (Houston, Texas)
Numerous locations serving Houston and the surrounding area.

Soccer Express (St. Paul and Minnetonka, Minn.)
Considered to be Minnesota’s premier soccer store.

Soccer Mall (Phoenix, Ariz.)
The spot in Phoenix to get all the soccer gear you need.

Soccer One (Canton, Ohio)
One of Ohio’s best spots for everything from soccer balls to jerseys to shoes.

The Soccer Shack (Rochester, N.Y.)
From shoes and balls to referee and field supplies, the Shack has it all.

Soccer Post (San Diego, Calif.)
Part of the largest chain of soccer stores in the United States.