1.   And U.S. soccer fans can be forgiven for growing misty-eyed while watching the Martinique-born Frenchman in his first game as an American.

2.   A fan might be forgiven for wondering what Fort Worth-raised, Arlington-based gospel superstar Kirk Franklin has been doing lately.

3.   Casual sports fans can be forgiven for asking if he was that good, that great.

4.   Otherwise, the average fan could be forgiven for suspecting insiders of rigging things to give them a bidding edge.

5.   Forgive fans in other parts of the country for being far from excited.

6.   Forgive fans in other parts of the country for being less enthusiastic.

7.   Still, his fans might be forgiven for thinking his cynicism and disgust with the human condition have abated.