[j_accuse]

U.S. soccer fans show their support inside the stadium before the second round World Cup Finals match between Mexico and the USA in Chonju, June 17, 2002. USA won 2-0. (Oleg Popov/Reuters)

U.S. soccer fans celebrate after their team's 2-0 victory over Mexico in their second round World Cup Finals match in Chonju, June 17, 2002. The U.S. soccer team's upset victory drew robust American TV audiences in both English and Spanish, despite the predawn hour of the telecasts, according to ratings released June 18, 2002. Photo by Shaun Best/Reuters

[Illbay]

Even if the U.S. loses to Germany, if they have a respectable showing, and especially if Germany goes on to win it all, it's going to mean the future for USA soccer is a bit brighter.

True, it won't put any more fannies in the seats (or in front of the television), but it's good to see.