I used to play soccer growing up and was never interested until I went to Rutgers (91, 92?) where we hosted the final 4 and RU actually got to the semi finals.  Alexi Lalas who currently is a commentator on ESPN during the World Cup, was playing back then.  I remember his wild red curly hair. RU Soccer was a lot of fun to watch.  What is amazing to me is over the years, as many World Cups have passed, I have not been interested 1 iota.  Now, me and it seems like a lot more people, are so eager to follow the Americans play in the World Cup.