One good long ball from the opponent's offense can put a defense on edge. I should know, I have had it happen to me several times.
Try matching up your point guard to say someone like Mia Hamm, or Alexi Lalas.
Soccer is still a sport that favors extreme skill, its next closest competitor probably the NHL.
I think that Americans on the whole don't really understand the game. Again, if you realized how much preparation, especially internationally, goes into just one game, let alone several held over the period of one month, you might just appreciae it a little bit more.
How about Michael Johnson, Maurice Green, or Tim Brown as midfielders?