The USMNT shows Heart in Copa America Run.

Following the disappointing opening match in the Copa America vs Colombia, it was easy to write off the United States men's team. Another failed tournament of the Klinsmann era. It was fine to question if it was time for the Men's team to fire Klinsmann. After all the team really showed no heart, no determination, no creativity. The lineup decisions were confusing and baffling. Relying on a collection of older players instead of the young players that everyone thought should be starting. Really the opening game was the embodiment of everything that was wrong with the men's team. It looked like the men's team would not get out of the group. An embarrassment for the host nation.

But then they proved why one shouldn't write them off. The team that was counted out(including by yours truly) proved that they could answer the bell. They could rise to the challenge like previous incarnation's of the men's team. And they have done just that. The game following the beat down against Colombia was the wake up call that United States Men's National team has been waiting for. The Men's Team shut out Costa Rica 4-0 in a game that was closer on paper than in reality. The Men's team took it to Costa Rica in the best game under Klinsmann. The team followed this up with a very solid performance against a dangerous Paraguay squad. A game that they would win 1-0 to advance to the Copa quarters.  

Then there was the quarter finals match against Ecuador. It was the first soccer game following the horrific tragedy in Orlando. It felt like the eyes of the country fell upon Seattle. The game against Ecuador seemed to be bigger, more important than any of matches since the World Cup in 2014. Even the USMNT seemed to signify the importance of the match by having captain Michael Bradley wear a rainbow armband. You see sometimes sports can sum up the feeling of a nation better than some newscaster can. For the match itself, it was a brilliant display. Yes, the match was physical. In fact it was like a knockdown, drag out brawl. It was here that the Men's team excelled. The men's team, led by Clint Dempsey and Zardes, scored 2 goals  to take a 2-0 lead. Of course this woke Ecuador up as they would respond with a goal to make the match 2-1. "Here we go again", every single fan thought. And why not, the team has shown a propensity to concede late. But this is not the same United States Men's Team. No, this team actually held firm and withstood the barrage from Ecuador. 

The Men's Team is in the Copa America semifinals for the first time since 1995. To be far, this was the furthest I had figured the Men's team would go entering the Copa. After the blowout loss to Colombia, the semifinals appeared to be a pipe dream. But Jurgen has proving most of his critics wrong in this tournament. One of the chief criticisms of the Klinsmann era is his lack of tactical prowess. He was a good developer of talent, but was not the best in game manager. Well during this tournament, Klinsmann has put that notion to rest. He has adapted since that demolition by Colombia. His 4-3-3 formation has allowed the speedsters of Zardes and Bobby Wood to break down other teams defenses. To wear them out with the aggressive, fast pace style. But he has learned to adapt, switching to a 4-4-2 formation against Ecuador. This took away Ecuador's biggest strength:attacking the flanks. Klinsmann took Ecuador's biggest advantage and used it against them. The tournament has been Jurgen's masterpiece. He deserves more time to continue to install his vision.

The hero of the tournament has been John Brooks. Of course everyone recognizes his name from being the hero of the 2014 World Cup against Ghana, but this tournament he has been his coming out party. He has arguably been the best defender in the Copa. Clearing balls, seemingly coming out of nowhere to make a defensive stop. John Brooks has willed this team to victory in the Copa. He, like Jermaine Jones/Fabian Johnson, was insulted by the moronic Abby Wambach when she called these players "foreign guys.", implying they weren't real Americans. Well how do you like them now? Brooks, Jones, and Johnson have all been the players carrying this team during the Copa. If it weren't for them, the Men's Team would be sitting at home.

But heart can only carry a team so far. Argentina awaits in the semi-finals. A team that has looked dominant and was the pre-Copa favorites. The Men's team faces the likes of Messi and Higuain. Many have already said that Argentina will win and make it to the finals. This is the reasonable choice given that the US will be without Jones and Bobby Wood. The odds are stacked against the US, but to count this team out would be foolish.