After a valiant effort, the U.S. World Cup team were eliminated by Ghana in the World Cup’s first round of elimination matches.  The U.S. lost 2-1 when Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored what proved to be the winning goal three minutes into the first extra time period.  The U.S. team’s advancement into this round, as well as being the top club in their group coming out of group play, despite the obstacles of bad refereeing, says a lot about the team.  The television ratings proved that Americans were following the team, and for however long, the viewing public could appreciate the sport.  Fans and supporters of soccer in the States hope that that appreciation can last long, especially considering the drama and thrill of this World Cup’s U.S. squad, which was led by Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, both of whom played with the heart of champions, although without its title.