2014 was unlike any other year in terms of memorable moments for Americans on the pitch. Both in the MLS and in terms of the national team’s World Cup fight, there were plenty of shining moments to choose from. And no, we’re not including any of Hope Solo’s shenanigans. While we had a difficult time narrowing them down, we eventually put together a short list of the best of memories.
Here is a quick look at the top five soccer moments of 2014.
5. Henry Plays His Final Game
One of the original superstar strikers that helped put the MLS on the map, Thierry Henry played his final game for the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Eastern Conference Final. The Frenchman finished his MLS career with 51 goals and 42 assists in 122 games and was a force right up until his final game. Although there was some speculation that he might head back to the English Premier League for one last stint, Henry would announce his retirement just a couple of weeks later, marking the end of his legendary career.
4. Landon Donovan Becomes MLS All-Time Scoring Leader
There was plenty of headlines early in the spring when United States men’s national soccer team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann decided to leave Landon Donovan off the team. It definitely surprised a lot of people including Donovan, who would move on by playing with a massive chip on his shoulder the rest of the MLS campaign.
Donovan reminded the fans of just how controversial the decision was when he became the MLS all-time scoring leader just a few days later. He would move past Jeff Cunningham, Jamie Moreno, and Ante Rozov in what was a tremendous accomplishment. And for him, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
3. The Los Angeles Galaxy Win Again
The LA Galaxy and DC United entered this season with four MLS Championships each, so it only made sense that they would compete against one another to determine which side would win the drive for five. DC United fell 3-2 in the Conference Semifinals to the New York Red Bulls and in the end, the Galaxy would be left the last team standing.
They went on to secure their third title in four years with a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Donovan led the charge in his final MLS game and while dynasties are a rare breed in the major North American sports, it’s safe to call the most successful team in MLS history a dynasty at this point.
2. Landon Donovan Retires On Top
It was only fitting that Donovan went out on top as one of the most storied players in US soccer history. From his controversial omission from team USA to his helping lead the LA Galaxy to an MLS title, this was clearly his year. The 32-year-old leaves the game as one of its biggest stars and his influence will live on.
1. USA vs. Belgium (World Cup)
Team USA found themselves in a very challenging group at the 2014 World Cup and while they weren’t expected to survive it, they stunned the experts and managed to finish ahead of Portugal and Ghana to advance. However, the signature performance was actually in the knockout stage when the Americans lost to Belgium. Tim Howard set a record with 16 saves and, even though it wasn’t enough to beat Belgium, that game will live on as one of the most memorable in US soccer history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRV1hZ0eCas
The ratings records were broken along the way and, though they weren’t able to advance any further, it still had to be considered a successful tournament for a team that many thought wouldn’t win a game. The knockout stage affair itself was wildly entertaining and the memory of Chris Wondolowski somehow missing a golden opportunity to give the US a late lead will live on.
No game of 2014 will be more memorable than the US falling just short against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
