Welcome back!

I do not think the last 24 hours can be described in words, but I am going to try. Just imagine the sense of pride, enthusiasm and excitement throughout it and multiply that by 50!

The morning after the game we got up and jumped on a bus to Beijing for the Opening Ceremonies. We decided as a group to go, even though we knew it was going to be a long day. We finally arrived, had some lunch and then did a pool workout to try and help our bodies recover from a hard fought game the night before. It was soon time to start getting dressed with our "outfits" which have been provided by Polo.

Let's just say they were not very kind to us considering the weather. As we got to the village and walked to the US section, we were all sweating through our shirts and it was not a comfortable situation to be in. We eventually made it to the stadium. After meeting many of the U.S. athletes (basketball players, swimmers, divers, wrestlers), we started to make our way into the stadium. Walking down the tunnel into a stadium of 90,000 people was absolutely insane!

To see the flag of your country and all of the great athletes just gave everyone goose bumps! (This is the part that words don't do justice!) After all the countries entered the stadium, the process of lighting the torch was next and the Chinese really went above and beyond as method to light it was extremely unique. I'm sure everyone has seen it by now.

Keep in mind there are now more than 100,000 people in this stadium, in a city where the weather is hot and humid, and we (all the athletes) are all sweating out any liquids that are left in our body, if there are any. The ceremony was one that will never be forgotten by any of us and I'm sure by the billions around the world that watched it as well.

We then slowly exited the stadium and made our way back to our bus so we could drive back to Tianjin where we are preparing for the biggest game of the tournament. If we win, we automatically advance to the quarterfinals. I am getting ready for bed as the big game is tomorrow night and I can promise everyone back home and all over the country that we will be ready to rock and roll. So cliché, I know.

Like I said earlier, it was hard to put into words the feelings that we all had walking in the ceremonies, but it is something we will never forget. Thanks again for all the support back home from family, friends and new friends (strangers).

Until next time,
Brad Guzan
U.S. Men's National Soccer Team

- Joe Trost