More than six years ago, I fell in love with the beautiful game.

It was a hot, summer day in rural New Jersey, and 14 year old me was just six months removed from discovering the sport of soccer. My “favorite club” Chelsea was picked because I had played FIFA at a friends house and thought Fernando Torres was fun to play with.

The US are playing Ghana in Natal. It’s 1-1 late in the match. A fantastic Andre Ayew equalizer reflecting the dominate performance from the African nation. “Just a point would be fine.” I repeatedly shouted, just to avoid another heart break that Ghana had given us in the two world cups prior.

Before I could even process the equalizer, Ian Darke narrated one of the most memorable moments in my life.

“Zusi to take it…. THE US AHEAD! WHAT ABOUT THAT! IT’S JOHN BROOKS! IT’S JOHN BROOKS FOR THE USA! HAVE THEY STOLEN IT?!”

All the years previous and since of watching sports, and never have I replicated the joy I felt watching Brooks fire the cross in.

10 months later, NYCFC would play their first ever match in Orlando, solidifying my local club for life. In just 18 months, I went from not knowing how offsides worked to being hooked on the world’s game.

That’s what this blog will be about. Along with the weekly-ish MLSNT Podcast, myself and (occasionally) Ethan Collins will put pen to parchment on all things MLS and the USMNT.

The first post will breakdown Berhalter’s 22-man squad for the December camp. Stay tuned, and support local soccer.