Top 10 Soccer Reads Of The Week

Welcome to the  top 10 soccer reads of the week! We're going to try and make this a regular thing, which I'll be compiling. Due to recent events, this inaugural edition is decidedly USMNT-themed. Hope you like it. 

1. Grantland's Charles P. Pierce, for my money the best active sportswriter in America, on USA vs. Cuba in the Gold Cup and what it means for international relations.

2. Former (and possibly future) USMNTer Stuart Holder wrote in the Players' Tribune about coming back from injuries. Make sure to watch the accompanying video, which is fantastic.

3. SB Nation's Conor Dowley on why Jurgen Klinsmann should be fired. 

4. SB Nation's Bill Connelly on why Jurgen Klinsmann should keep his job.

5. Grantland's Noah E. Davis puts the USMNT's loss to Jamaica in perspective.

6. This interview with Iker Casillas's agent was, um, eye-opening.

7. Howler Magazine's Jonathan Elderfield on the 25th anniversary of one of the best ever books about soccer (and hooligans).

8. The Guardian on Premier League preseason training.

9. Matthew Doyle on 20 years of MLS tactics.

10. This feature from The Guardian on Cristiano Ronaldo's sleep coach is pretty cool. 

Bonus: Though it's from last week, this article about a Columbus Crew fan who was struck by lightning during a game was great.

Plus, a little shameless self-promotion.

The pros and cons of Jurgen Klinsmann (I couldn't resist).

An open letter to (fellow) Liverpool fans about Mario Balotelli.

Rafael van der Vaart and the unfairness of life.

We explore Manchester United and Real Madrid's transfer history.

Miguel Herrera thought Mexico were getting shafted at the Gold Cup. I wonder if he still thinks that.

Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus