Kasey Keller and US Soccer

US Goalkeeper Kasey Keller (pictured in his younger and hairier days) has seen a lot in his 15 years in Europe. But one of the biggest things he has noticed is the respect that the sport now shows US players.

"The change has been massive for Americans, but there is still a long ways to go," Keller said. "We're breaking down a lot of stereotypes. The football people know, but you still get a lot of that from non-football people."

The best way to break stereotypes is by your actions, and Keller's have been very good. He is currently "rated second in the league among goalkeepers, ahead of the likes of Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn, a two-time world goalie of the year."

It is no secret that the US need a fantastic run by Keller if they are to do anything in Germany. He is having a good season so far, but there is always the injury fear. If he went down, the Bruce would have a difficult time picking his team back up.

Anyway, it is great to see Keller getting the respect that he deserves. The fact that it helps future US players is just a little extra whip cream on top.