By Mark Vincent Lincir

In the USA it’s time to give thanks this week and despite the economy, Kim Kardashian’s break-up and the NBA lockout, there are PLENTY of things to be thankful for…

I am thankful that most people in the footballing community (except those who live on the moon and simply don’t know who he is yet) realize that it’s time to get Sepp Blatter out of the most powerful football position in the world. We can’t find anyone better than him? President is a sweet gig to have, isn’t it?

I am thankful that MLS Cup did not go to overtime. I would have poked out my other eye if it had. I poked out the first eye in the first fifteen minutes.

I am thankful that the ball they used in MLS Cup was barely visible. Who bumbled that assignment? Dark background? Let’s go with the darker ball! The NHL is reviewing my proposal for a white hockey puck as we speak.

I am thankful that Alexi Lalas knows how important set pieces are in soccer. Aren’t like 90% of goals scored on them?

Am I thankful that John Harkes’ contract at ESPN was not renewed? Winningness…ness? WTF!?

I am thankful that Jurgen Klinsmann and the USMNT beat Slovenia and that the BRING BACK BOB movement quieted down.

I am thankful that David Beckham won his MLS Cup and that now I can stop hearing about David Beckham…for a while.

I am thankful that Landon Dononvan came through for one instant for the Galaxy while not doing anything for the other 89 minutes in the Final. Not a bad gig if you can get it (almost $3 mil a year).

I am thankful that the greatest coach in the world…BRUCE ARENA…is American! That doesn’t reflect poorly on us Americans does it?

I am thankful that I don’t have to deal with soccer parents this weekend!!!

I am thankful that Hope Solo is off Dancing with the Stars…because that way she can focus solely on her soccer career now. It has nothing to do with her questionable…aka non-existent…dancing skills.

I am thankful that I no longer will feel compelled to watch DWTS…I can’t get those minutes of my life back, can I?

I am thankful that Juventus have their own stadium now…what a great place to watch a game on tv!

I am thankful that the New England Revolution hired Jay Heaps as their coach after looking at his track record. Wait, he has NO track record! The good thing for Jay is that it can’t get much worse.

I am thankful that new MLS entrant Montreal hired former USMNT coaches Jesse Marsch and Mike Sorber…there won’t be a more talked-about coaching staff in the league next season!

I am thankful that the WPS will be around next season…

I am thankful that the Euros are this summer and now I can go missing for three weeks and everybody will know why.

After suffering a heart attack a year and a half ago…I am thankful that I get to talk soccer all day, every day with people from all over the world and that I still get the opportunity to play this great game as much as my old legs can handle it.

What are you thankful for? Write about your soccer thanksgiving below.

Check out Mark Vincent Lincir’s hilariously traumatic collection of shorts stories, poems and pictures at WWW.ASOCCERLIFEINSHORTS.COM