The Forgotten Man

The iron-willed coach who yelled at referees, the federation, and lazy players on television. In three months, he would lead the U.S. into a World Cup on home soil. "I saw your goal tonight," Hayes said. Mason was quiet for a moment. "You must have the wrong number." "I don't dial wrong numbers." The wipers cut across the windshield, splitting the water before more water filled the glass. Hayes continued, "Report to Dallas training camp next Monday. Provisional squad. Thirty men." Mason looked toward the empty exit beyond the stadium. His voice stayed flat. "Why?" "Because the United States has plenty of players who can shoot commercials, plenty who can do celebrations, plenty who can say pretty things in front of cameras." Hayes paused.