![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Officially speaking, the World Cup kicked off today with a 1-1 tie between Mexico and host nation South Africa. The game didn’t disappoint, as this was the moment soccer fans have spent four years waiting for.
Yet the opening game that everyone should be anticipating is the U.S.-England match set for tomorrow. That should be obvious given that Team USA will test itself against a Cup favorite.
But just imagine what a win would mean for the U.S.
In addition to giving Team USA the ultimate momentum boost, a win would put the U.S in the driver’s seat of Group C with its toughest opponent in the rearview mirror. If that’s not enough, beating England would be Team USA’s biggest accomplishment since upsetting the Brits in 1950.
What better way to generate interest at home than ending a 60-year slump against America’s only soccer rival and one of the world’s best teams? There really isn’t one and the possibility alone is a great reason to watch.
