U.S. Men's National team receives rousing welcome

Tampa, Florida - Sharpies and soccer balls in hand, there was one reason Wesley Chapel's Gary Patterson brought his young son and daughter to Tampa International Airport on Sunday.

"They'll realize, when they get older, that this is something unique here, to be a part of American history," says Patterson.

That history is the arrival of a U.S. Men's National team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup and definitely appreciative of their warm welcome.

"I think soccer's growing in this country and it's great to see," says Winter Park native Dax McCarty. "Definitely happy to be a part of it and if kids can come and ask me for advice, I'm definitely happy to be there for them."

The same goes for Crystal River's Jeff Cunningham, who also played for USF.

"Sometimes I wonder, a guy from a small town," says Cunningham, who also plays professionally with McCarty on FC Dallas, on a career that's come full circle, "and now I have the opportunity to be on a World Stage against the best athletes in the world. It's just a dream and I'm enjoying every moment of it."

Another thing that makes this visit so significant and special? Wednesday's game at Raymond James is just four on U.S. soil for the team before it heads to the World Cup in June.

"It's an important game," says Head Coach Bob Bradley. "It's an opportunity for some of our younger players in Major League Soccer to show what they're all about. Hopefully, our success as a national team just helps to push the sport forward."

The U.S. team meets El Salvador at Raymond James Stadium on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 p.m.