By David Mercer Now lost in the run-up to the World Cup, the United States’ 1-1 draw with France back in June was a bit of a throwback, and might have been familiar to longstanding American soccer fans. It was to me. The very young U.S. team—no Bradleys, Altidores, Dempseys, or Beslers —didn’t possess the …

By Travis Timmons   I was alone on my couch. It was deep into 10 p.m. The kids were asleep. My wife was reading in bed. Student essays needed grading. The dishwasher was churning away. My back ached from the usual night of household chores. I barely felt awake. Maybe I’ll read a bit, then …