by Nancy Armour

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP)—You want an America’s Team to get behind, America? Here you go.

Scrappy, determined and not about to back down to anybody—not even big, bad England—the U.S. men hung on for a 1-1 draw at the World Cup on Saturday night that was every bit as good as a blowout victory. It’s the kind of effort the USA loves, and it might just give the Americans the major-league status they’ve been fighting for the last, oh, 20 years.

REPRESENTING U.S.A—National soccer team goalkeeper Tim Howard, left, laughs as forward Jozy Altidore, right, looks on, during a news conference in Irene, South Africa, June 10.

Or at least get them a lot closer.

“We fought our way back into this game, and that’s what our team is all about,” veteran defender Steve Cherundolo said. “We fight for every inch of playing field there is.”

Fans have insisted for years that soccer is on the verge of becoming America’s game and critics have always shot back with “Oh yeah. When?”

by Armon Gilliam

I had the pleasure of meeting John Wooden on a number of occasions. While being in Coach Wooden’s presence I instinctively knew that there was something very authentic, noble and virtuous about him. His countenance was dignified, his eyes were pure and flashed with intelligence, his words were gracious and his comportment was noble.

Wooden was a man that remained true to his deepest convictions in life. Although he became famous for winning an unprecedented 10 national championships in 12 years at UCLA, the values, qualities and many life lessons he possessed and shared with those in his sphere of influence really defines his true merit. Therefore, it would be a mistake to view Mr. Wooden as merely a Hall of Fame basketball coach. Laker great Jerry West said it best; “Forget his accomplishments, he’s a great man. He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever been around in my life.” Coach John Wooden was a rare breed of a man who embodied virtuous qualities and made the world a better place because of the noble manner in which he lived his life.

Those of you who read my thoughts on a regular basis may have noticed I have not wasted much of my time or my publisher’s ink and paper on Ben Roethlisberger’s alleged out of control “sex­capades.” This story is more about the value or non-value of specific players in sports.

I have patiently observed from afar the inner workings of the Steelers coaching staff, ownership and the NFL regarding the off the field, in the bar tribulations of the man who has won two Super Bowls. Well, saying that he won two Super Bowls is stretching the saltwater taffy a bit thin. He participated in one and was outstanding in the other.

The swing is different, and so, too, is the man. Tiger Woods couldn’t help but change in the 10 years since he blew everyone away at Pebble Beach, sex scandal or not.

DOMINATING PERFORMANCE —This June 18, 2000, file photo shows Tiger Woods with the winner’s trophy after capturing the 100th U.S. Open Golf Championship at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif.

He was 24 then, a talent so prodigious that his fellow pros had to fight the urge not to bow before him whenever graced by his presence. He won the U.S. Open by an astonishing 15 shots, and the talk in the locker room wasn’t who would challenge him on the course, but who would be lucky enough to finish second the next time he teed it up.

Woods would go on to win the British Open, the PGA Championship, and then the Masters the next year. He held all four major championships at once, a feat so difficult that even the great Jack Nicklaus couldn’t do it.