2012: Thinking about the year that was

By Jimmy LaRoue

It’s the time of year when I usually reflect on the year that was, and this one is no exception. While it has been interesting for myself personally, since this is a soccer blog, that’s where I’ll keep the focus. And it’s not like there isn’t enough out there already.

There’s any number of stories that have vied for our attention across the soccer landscape. I’ll highlight some of the ones I’m thinking about, and then I’ll solicit your input on the stories that have captured your fancy, and before the year’s out, I’ll have a rundown of 2012’s top soccer stories. And, as I’ve been behind the camera a lot this year, I’ll also include a separate post on my top soccer photos of the year. I’ll even have a book reading list of some books relating to soccer that have come out in 2012 that are worth checking out.

Some of the stories that I’m thinking about as the year closes include:

• Eric Wynalda’s comments at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City.

• BeIn Sport’s rise

• Development Academy changes to add an Under-14 age group, move to 10-month season

• The death and rebirth, once again, of women’s professional soccer

• Women’s Olympic soccer triumph

• Coaching change for U.S. women’s soccer team

• Sasho Cirovski’s passionate defense of college soccer

• Lionel Messi’s goal scoring extravaganza

• The death of soccer historian David Wangerin

• The end of David Beckham’s MLS playing career

• Dominant Division III Messiah with men’s, women’s titles

• Elimination of three Division I men’s soccer programs

• Growth of Elite Clubs National League

• Indiana, UNC taking Division I soccer championships

• Repeat title for LA Galaxy

• U.S. men’s national team advances to final qualifying stages

• Hope Solo comments about Brandi Chastain, new book

• NASL expansion

• Clint Dempsey transfer saga

• Dealing with concussions in soccer

That’s just some of the stories I’m thinking about as the year’s coming to a close. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive list, by any means. What soccer stories from 2012 have gotten your attention and why? What soccer-related books have you read and enjoyed this year? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, and check back for a comprehensive review of 2012: the year that was in soccer.