As always, Jimmy's the man: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=341246&root=mls&cc=5901 Great behind the scenes look at the game.
I'm not sure his humor really disguises anything...as much as he wants it to. Better just to say: I don't even deserve to be on the US Nats, much less playing against Madrid. In fact, I should be a columnist, and give up soccer altogether, 'cause I found out what it means to be the best, and I'm far, far, from it...not even in the same league...so to speak. He could add a few words so he can make love to his editor later.
... and if most players admitted this -- and most players around the world could easily admit this -- we would have one league of about 4 teams to entertain our seasons. Wouldn't that be golden. He doesn't 'deserve to be on the US Nats' ?? "Give each according to his deserts, and who shall escape whipping?"