Hello, Sunshine, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all of our State of the Union family out there. I hope you and yours are staying safe and sane through these interesting times.

Now we're going to take a short break here this week to recharge, but we will be back to kick off

2022 with a bang and continue to give you that weekly look at the beautiful game

through the lens of red white and blue-colored glasses. As we end 2021 there are

things in the soccer world to look back and certainly be thankful and proud of and there's things to look forward to and be excited and optimistic about in 2022.

Now despite my sometimes, eh, shall we say grumpy disposition, deep down I'm an optimist.

And I believe our game is heading in a positive direction on and off the field.

You know, our American soccer family is unique and

different and proudly so.

Yes, we can be beautiful.

Ugly, weird, kind, mean, frustrating,

inspiring, ridiculous, and passionate.

But as I've told you time and time again,

it's La Kosa Nostra, our thing, Warts and all.

And while it does remain an imperfect work in progress,

it is worthy of our time and attention and our heart and soul.

So here's to you, the heart and soul of our growing game.

Wherever you are, I thank you and I hope we all have a great 2022 onward and upward and

and remember size the day. Oh, yeah.