41.   Not surprising, you say, given the relative passion for soccer among Spanish-speaking American soccer fans.

42.   Now Bruce Arena gets his shot and he is finding out just how fine a line there is between raising American soccer expectations and managing them.

43.   One sequence in particular seemed to reflect exactly what great American soccer is all about.

44.   Some say American soccer is too structured, which detracts from the spontaneity of play.

45.   Suddenly, Jay Leno, David Letterman, the Wednesday show and Sports Illustrated cared about American soccer.

46.   That they should do it for the future of American soccer?

47.   The American soccer team had a tough week in June at the World Cup in France, losing to the Iranians and then the Yugoslavs.

48.   The arrival of American soccer players in Mexico, however, comes at an awkward time.

49.   The bearded and red-haired Alexi Lalas, the most recognized American soccer player, who plays for the New England Revolution, will sing the national anthem.

50.   The best American soccer players have been playing on the U.S. national team.