Two years ago, on this date, I hit publish on my very first USMNT article. I was really nervous. Was I being stupid? Was anyone interested in reading this? Tbh, it wasn’t a great article (it was a crappy little piece about January Camp), but I enjoyed writing it and it was cathartic to get some thoughts down on “paper.”
That’s really the genesis of this whole thing. I would listen to episodes of Scuffed or TSS, read a good article by Brian Straus or Henry Bushnell…and my mind would race with thoughts about the USMNT. However, I didn’t have an outlet for those ideas. To scratch that itch, I decided to start a website/blog/thing and HalfSpaces.com was born. I wish I could remember the other possible names (there was a list somewhere but I can’t find it), but HalfSpaces seemed short, memorable, and available.
I really appreciate everyone that has read my stuff over the past couple years and I hope to keep going for a while longer. This is a something fun for me to do and if it turns into work or starts ruining my enjoyment of the game, I’ll stop. I know a guy who writes about basketball for a living and can’t stand basketball anymore. I certainly don’t want to ruin watching soccer for myself.
So forgive me if this whole thing is self indulgent, but I thought I’d write about a few things I’ve noticed in two years of blogging about the USMNT.
USMNT Fans are an Amiable Bunch
The community of USMNT die hards is still fairly small, and aside from a smattering of trolls here and there, is made up of really nice people. There are quite a few individuals that I would actually consider a sort of “digital friend.” People that I’ve never met, but could easily sit down and have a beer with if we ever did meet in real life. If you are one of them – thanks, and I hope to actually have that beer (preferably whiskey actually) someday.
Aside from the general amiability, people offer to help as well. I’ve had kind redditors design programs that convert my +/- grades into cool graphics, Twitter followers make complex spreadsheets, and a reader design a logo for me. I’ve gotten legal advice about “trade marking” the scores, tips on how to get my kids involved in Hispanic soccer leagues, and all sorts of fun conversations over DMs. None of the people who did any of that asked for money, recognition, or anything at all. They just thought they could help and offered. Thank you all, again.
*The title of this article keeps making me think of a Bacon Brothers song called 10 Years in Mexico. lol And yes it does feature Kevin Bacon. And yes I like the song. I’m putting it here now just because.*
You Get Some Weird Information
This might be frustrating to read because I’m not going to spill any beans, but people tell you some odd stuff. One person gave me the phone number of a very prominent coach and suggested I text him. Another person told me unflattering information about a player. Yet another person shared some disheartening info about a player’s situation. You want to write about dirt like this, but it’s simply not wise or kind to do so. So I won’t.
I can’t even imagine the stuff that a guy like Sciaretta or Galarcep knows. I’m just a dude with a laptop and a blog. These guys have been around forever and must know where all the bodies are buried.
“Meeting” Interesting Soccer People
One unexpected benefit of this undertaking has been getting to interact with people that I otherwise would never have “met.” I’ve gotten a chance to talk to writers, agents, coaches, etc. All people that I’m surprised would give my little niche blog the time of day.
Omid Namazi (USYNT coach and now Houston Dynamo assistant) actually agreed to consult on one of my articles. Established writers have given me tips on content and writing. I’ve even gotten access to some coaching/learning resources that never would have been available to me before. I’ve learned a lot about the game in the last two years, but also a lot about the vocation of writing in general. I doubt I’ll ever do this as a job, but I appreciate all the advice I’ve been given. I’m aware that my grammar is still a mess btw. 🤣
There’s only one player that I know for sure has read an article, but I would guess there are more. I hope I do a good job of being fair with my praise and criticism. It’s made me more careful about making jokes. It’s too easy to be mean-spirited sometimes.
I Have an “Agenda” Apparently?
It doesn’t happen too often, but I have been accused of having an agenda. To be honest, I’m not sure what the agenda would be. 😂 I know I have biases. I try to set them aside (especially when I grade games), but I’m sure they creep in when I watch games and/or write about the player pool.
For instance, I love Tyler Adams so I’m sure the glasses are at least “rose tinted” when I watch him play. By the same token, I don’t really rate Sebastian Lletget. I don’t dislike him as a person or anything (he actually seemed like a super nice guy on the BSI podcast), but I’m likely to view Adams more positively watching a game than Lletget. Not sure how to get around being human.
Many Thanks
I don’t know if this was interesting to read or not, but thanks to those of you that did all the same. I think my next article will be a scouting report on Andres Perea (game footage permitting) so it will be back to business as usual. Maybe there will be a five year’s as a USMNT blogger someday. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise. Cheers.
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