Guillermo Rivera (Blog) USA's run in the World Cup ended today with a thrilling extra time loss to Ghana. Although it was a disappointing outcome, the Americans can hold their heads high in knowing that they can compete at the highest level of the game on the World Stage. Several missed opportunities and an early give away by Ricardo Clark doomed the US. The anti-soccer literati will write columns wondering what all the fuss was about, but truly knowledgable fans will understand that the evolution of American soccer is a process that never was going to blossom fully over a one month time period. Rather than dwell on the loss, one must acknowledge that soccer interest in this country is at an all time high. Despite the loss to Ghana, interest and fandom continues to grow exponentially. The arrival of soccer as a nationally respected sport is still upon us. Although it won't come in terms of skyrocketing MLS attendance or increased media coverage, it will arrive in the form of new followers and athletes who are dedicated to the cause. The 2-1 loss still does not change the prospects of a World Cup on American soil in 2018 or 2022. In the meantime, continue to let the local media know that you are interested in soccer coverage. Let them know that you support the Chicago Fire as much as you do the Cubs, Sox, Hawks, Bears, or Bulls. Do not let them get away with publishing the certainly forthcoming pieces about the soccer buzz being over. Let the Sun-Times know that you do not appreciate their blatant dismissal of the local team. Let the Tribune know that just because the World Cup is over for the US it doesn't mean that interest in soccer is over locally. Rather than complain about the lack of coverage, do something about it. Let them know! Credit: www.chicagonow.com