Here's To Team USA

As everyone gets prepared for their July 4th shenanigans, on what is easily the best holiday of the year, we here at BDD&C will get you into the excessive, obnoxious spirit with some of the greatest moments in Team USA history. Enjoy. Happy 4th.

The greatest in-game dunk ever seen via Vince Carter-2000 Olympics
Honestly this dunk probably ended Frederic Weis' career. A 1st round pick by the Knicks in 2000 never touched the NBA hardwood, especially not after Vince Carter made him a dunk contest prop. Remember when everyone was claiming Vinsanity to be the next Jordan? This is why. 


Kobe Bryant's Gold Medal game vs. Spain-2008 Olympics
It may have been the "redeem team," and it may have been a group of the best players in the NBA assembled on one team, but just like Kobe has done most of his career, he put the finishing touches on what was a surprisingly tight gold medal game. Bryant scored 13 of his 20 in the fourth quarter including a four-point play launched from the parking lot in Beijing. Considering the stage and the team he was playing for, this performance chalk full of hustle and grit, changed a lot of haters mindsets toward Kobe.


USA-2 Mexico-0 Round of 16-2002 World Cup
It's one of those games that has kind of been lost in the mix of great U.S. moments. 2006 might have been the low point of U.S. soccer, but 2002 still ranks as the highest ever. Not only did we advance to our first World Cup Quarterfinals, we beat rival Mexico to boot. Check out Landon Donovan's celly on the second goal. If you don't get it right away think about the context, the year this tournament was played in. Boom.


USA-2 Spain-0 Semifinals-2009 Confederations Cup
Probably one of the most important moments in U.S. soccer history, especially with the how disgustingly good Spain has gotten. Epic performance in net by Tim Howard, but the goal by Clint Dempsey was an absolutely shocking moment. I just love the stunned look on the Spanish players. I know it's the Confederations Cup, and I know we didn't win it all, but god damn it felt good after this one.
 

Epic USA comeback vs. Slovenia, Group Stages- 2010 World Cup
The forgotten game in what was one hell of a rollercoaster for USA soccer fans in 2010. Falling down 2-0 to Slovenia sent me out of the room. But Donovan's roof rattling goal early in the second half brought everyone back to life. Bradley's tying goal was, as the time, the most emotional goal I've ever seen in my life. The camera panning on a USA fan crying is also one of the most unreal moments ever. Shoulda won the game, but that's for another time.



USA-1 Algeria-0, Group Stages- 2010 World Cup
Easily the greatest moment of my sports watching life. I actually fell to the floor in tears after this one. In terms of living up to expectations, this ranks as the number one moment in U.S. soccer history. We had to win this group because of its easy nature, and we did, even if it took a wild last second win. That also probably made it a thousand times better.

It also produced one of the greatest youtube videos ever. Ready. Set. Chills


USA-5 Canada-3, Game 3 of Finals-1996 World Cup of Hockey
I'm not sure anyone remembers this game, series or this tournament, but it still remains an important victory against Canada and it was in Montreal. Our jerseys are ridiculous, but the team is just stacked with some of the greatest American players ever. Huge win, won't be remembered though.


John Carlson's OT Game Winner, Championship Game- 2010 World Juniors
The World Junior Hockey tournament is one of the most underrated tournaments in all of sports. The hockey is wide open, it's high scoring and the players just drip swagger. USA was on a mission to stop the Canadians five-straight gold medals and John Carlson made it happen. The goal, almost a no-look shot from Carlson, was stunning for the Canadians because it was on their home ice. Plus how could you deny that celly Carlson pulls off before he gets tackled by his teammates.


Parise Ties It, Gold Medal Game-2010 Olympics
If it wasn't for Donovan's unbelievable goal in the World Cup, this would rank as my favorite sports moment. This. Is. Amazing.