Let me say right up front that I’m not a sophisticated soccer fan so feel free to correct me if my facts are a bit off. It’s not that I don’t have an interest in soccer, I think it’s more that I’m so completely consumed by Baseball this time of year, and Football all year, and Basketball and Hockey to only a slightly lesser degree, that I just don’t have any quality time to devote to another sport. Recently, with no advanced warning and no explanation, soccer has completely blown me away.

I’ve watched other World Cup matches and the occasional game throughout the season, but I’m finding the drama and excitement surrounding this year’s World Cup as magnetic as any Super Bowl or World Series. My son’s theory, and I feel he’s got a very good point, is simply that Brazil is in our time zone. I think any sports fan can attest to the fact that watching a game live is vastly better than the taped version that happened sometime in the middle of the night. And with the addition of social media and the ease of on-line viewing, there are no surprises unless you’re watching live. And so I am, every chance I get. I’ve even found myself making all kinds of excuses to get home in time for the latest match.

Like me, I’ll bet most American’s would be surprised to discover that soccer in the US has been a thing since the late 1800s, and US championship participation began with the very first World Cup in 1930. It seems to have taken soccer a long time to catch on here. It’s definitely not because the game isn’t thrilling… it absolutely is. These guys are unbelievable athletes. My argument has always been that there’s just too much competition for viewership. I think that’s all about to change, and fast! When my kids were little, youth soccer went almost instantly from non-existent to commonplace. Overnight, every town rec program added kid’s soccer to its schedule. The initial reaction among adults was “Soccer? Really? What kid wants to play soccer?” Shows you what we knew, they all did! That was over 30 years ago and now those kids, who learned to love soccer very early on, have children of their own. This is a first in our country, a whole generation of kids whose parents are soccer fans!

My excuse for watching this Thursday morning is going to be Germany vs US. My son is stamped with the “Made in the USA” label but my daughter was born in Germany. I’m certain my daughter feels no loyalty at all to the country that issued her birth certificate, she was less than 2 when we left. But the time we spent living there was a wonderful, life-changing experience, (and our daughter was born there) and so I still have a pretty big soft spot for that beautiful country, and the people who treated us so kindly. This Thursday morning I will be rooting for the US soccer team… with a considerable measure of “go Germany” on the side.

Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.

Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.

In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.

You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com. Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com   /   www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com   /   www.VAREP.wordpress.com