Jews in Sports: U.S. Soccer – Jews for Jewness

Once in a while I expect the unexpected.

Then there are times when the expected had been a forgotten, kicked-to-the-wayside, but clear as a bell hard-working individual whom with I can relate.

“A professional sports team with a Jewish player on its roster in addition to two other (unconfirmed, but) Jewish sounding teammates; where were they all last night!?” exclaimed a friend to me this morning.

That was my Boker Tov.

My buddy proceeded to go on a tirade, exclaiming his indignation and displeasure that his favorite (and possibly only) Jewish player from the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team was missing in action during last night’s friendly match between “The Yanks” and Argentina.

I was intrigued; I had seen bits of the game. Yet, the lack of fielding jewishness yesterday evening in East Rutherford, N.J. wasn’t evident to me upon first view.

Meet Benny Feilhaber, “Member of the Tribe” extraordinaire and current “AWOL Jew of the Soccer Pitch.” His ancestry is Austrian by-way-of Brazilian emigration due to Nazi persecution in 1930’s Europe.

A walk-on at the University of California, Los Angeles, Feilhaber has effortlessly transformed the “nice-guy” off-field demeanor into the gritty, pass-first midfielder that helped propel the United States out of group play at this past summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

His amicable play on the field, as was evident in Africa, was missed last night.

The home team, though, excitedly exited the match in a rather jovial mood; having drawn 1-1 against a tough Argentine club led by All-World player, Lionel Messi, all was not lost by the absence of my brother-from-another-mother.

EARLY DAYS

Feilhaber has traced his love for soccer to his early years as a kid playing football – as soccer is known throughout much of the world – to the streets of Brazil. His family moved to California when he was six and he was flashing his round-ball skills by the time high school came a-calling.

His journey to the US National Team has been quite a trip, spanning three continents, hardships and a few friendships along the way.

The prowess and knack for knowing who is running where on the field is due to his ability to pick up information on the go.

Currently in Denmark plying his craft for Danish club AGF Aahurs, Feilhaber has asserted himself as an asset to his teammates and for the coaching staff with six goals in the first eight games of the young season.

In South Africa, the fleet-footed Feilhaber received praise for his ability to generate plays and decision-making quickness; many of which resulted in key passes to help set up scoring opportunities, including the game-tying goal in the United States’ eventual 2-1 loss to Ghana in the Round of 16.

That would not have been possible were it not for his unyielding resolve to take his game to the next level and his ability to heal well from injuries sustained early in his career abroad.

POST COLLEGE

After attending university in California, and becoming a staple at midfield for the UCLA Bruins, Feilhaber made his mark in Israel during the Maccabiah Games in 2005, where he helped his squad to the Silver medal.

Attention, and subsequent job opportunities, followed thereafter. But nothing more important than the friendship gained with current Team USA teammate, (questionable Jew) Jonathan Bornstein.

“It was easy being friends with him in Israel,” explained Feilhaber. “He scored all the goals for us so I passed him all the balls.”

That will be easier said than done for the impending future on the international stage.

To get the touches, assists and goals wanted and necessary for the U.S. to be a solid force against the first-class countries of Europe and South America, Feilhaber will have to first display his deportment on the playing field.

SEEN & HEARD – A(NOTHER) LITTLE DOSE OF SPRING:

John Grabow; Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Appearing in only 28 games last season due to injury, the Arcadia, California native is looking to cement himself this year being the Cubs go-to middle relief pitcher.

While his spring training had gotten off to a shaky start by allowing two earned runs in his first three appearances, Grabow’s last two outings have been significantly better, conceding no runs and only two hits.

Up is looking great for the Windy City hopeful.