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Yesterday the United States stunned top-ranked Spain, shutting them out 2-0, along with goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, advancing to the Confederations Cup final for the very first time in US history with one of the Americans’ biggest soccer victories of all time.

The chances of a US victory seemed impossible just a few days ago, when the 14th-ranked Americans lost their first two games in the Confederations Cup, and were on the verge of elimination. Now they are headed to the finals.

Team USA played their socks off for the full 90 minutes and shut down every opportunity Spain had of winning the match in what was a truly heroic performance, that some are dubbing as the "Miracle on Grass"-- reminiscent to the US hockey team victory over the Russians in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

But has the US become a legitimate contender on the World Soccer stage?

Spain, the European champion, had set an international record of 15 straight victories and had tied Brazil’s record unbeaten streak of 35 games, from December 1993 to January 1996. The US is the first team to defeat Spain since Romania in November 2006.

As a soccer fan I was really happy to see the US beat Spain, but even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then. Let’s not forget that teams like Germany, Italy, England, France, and Holland are far superior to Spain. So measuring the United States’ soccer success by Wednesday’s victory could be a misconception.

The real prize from the victory over Spain will come on Dec. 4, at the World Cup draw in Cape Town, when FIFA divides the 32 qualifiers into four ranks of eight. In recent draws, the United States has been seeded below its regional rival Mexico, which effectively meant the US, would have to face two tiers of tough opponents.

Now that the US has held off the quick and talented Spaniards, FIFA will have to also remember that the United States has drawn ahead of Mexico and is the best team in its region.

The US will play defending champion Brazil on Sunday in their first-ever men’s final at a FIFA competition. Brazil already beat the US 3-0 in the first round. This will be a hard fought match, as the Brazilians only exist on this planet to score goals in soccer games.

Can the US heart and will overcome soccer supremacy?

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Normally I just blog about sports. But today is different. Farrah Fawcett died today along with the hearts of all those 70s school boy fantasies, including me. What is your fondest memory of Farrah?
 

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It seems that every year it gets harder to find that special something for dad. With Fathers Day right around the corner it will be time to start buying that one-of-a-kind gift to make his Fathers day special. If you are like me, you sometimes just cannot figure out what to buy dad. The idea of one more boring tie, cheesy aftershave or loud sweater is just too much to bear.

Being a sports fan and father myself, I thought I might suggest a few gift ideas if your dad is a sports enthusiast. There are many sports-related gift ideas that he is sure to enjoy. To help you out, here are some ideas:

One great Fathers Day gift idea is to give dad tickets to a sporting event. Each summer Bakersfield is home to professional baseball with the Bakersfield Blaze, a Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers; and the Bakersfield Brigade, a member of pro soccer's Premiere Developmental League. You can either purchase tickets for these events online, at the individual team websites or at the venue box offices. The price range is $10-$20 for a pair of tickets. Either way, every sports fan enjoys going to a live sporting event to cheer on their favorite hometown team.

What sports fan doesn’t like to eat and watch sports? So how about a gift certificate to their favorite local sports bar or sports themed restaurant? Places like Tailgater’s, Kosmos, or Woody’s will let your sports fan enjoy both good food and a good game or event. It is almost like going to a live sporting event, except without having to deal with the hot summer weather or parking conditions. Every sports fan will enjoy this Fathers Day gift. The price range varies depending on your appetite.

So you are looking for the unique gift for your outdoor sports fan. How about an all-day rock climbing class with Sierra South Mountain Sports in Kernville, it’s sure to get them into the action. Prices start at around $120 and up, and include all the necessary gear.

Dad’s afraid of heights? No problem, you could get him a half-day jam or a sunset mountain bike cruise with Mountain River Adventures in Kernville. Prices start at around $50, and include the bicycle rental. Pitch in for mom too. What better gift for dad than taking in a breathtaking sunset over the Kern River Valley with the love of his life.

Is dad a hockey fan? Skating or hockey lessons at Bakersfield Ice Sports Center are sure to get him into the action. Prices start at around $135 and up, and include skate rental and hockey gear.

So dear ole dad is a racin’ fan. A gift certificate to Superkart Racing in Bakersfield could be your winner. The price ranges from $9 for an introductory session to $60 for a Grand Prix race.

An additional Fathers Day gift idea is to give your sports fan some apparel for their favorite team. Whether you give them a Condors team jersey, Blaze Baseball hat, BC T-shirt, or CSUB sweatshirt, they are sure to love anything with the logo of their favorite Bakersfield team on it. If you are not sure what apparel they would like, you can always get them a bobble-head, stadium seat or team blanket. Either way, dad will be happy with these Fathers Day gift ideas. These items can be purchased online from the team websites or at local campus stores and stadium shops. Prices can range from $20-$150.

If you have a golfer to buy for on Fathers Day, there are many great gift ideas to choose from. At Pro Shop Golf you can buy them balls, tees, a golf towel, or perhaps that new custom putter or sand wedge that they have been talking about from Golfcraft Custom Clubs. You can also get them a gift certificate to their favorite driving range, so they can log some extra practice hours. Or, you can even buy them a gift certificate for a round of golf at their favorite golf course. The price range is $50-$500, and there are many options when it comes to gifts for Bakersfield golfers.

Finally, if you are like many others feeling the pinch of the nations tough economic times, don’t miss out on still getting dad something great for Fathers Day. Retro Active Sports in Bakersfield has a good assortment of gently used sports gear for dad, including golf clubs, tennis racquets, and exercise equipment. The price ranges vary but are easy on the wallet.

Hopefully, these ideas will make it a little easier when it comes time to buying that Fathers Day gift for your sports fan.

Happy Fathers Day