“But if it’s a dubious distinction to go out like this every year, it’s also a strange honor to be this consistently disappointed. Despite all the turnover, this team makes an honest run of it every time, and that’s something to be proud of. But I don’t think that’s even what I’m talking about. Women’s soccer used to be something with two shots at international glory every four years, and excruciating gaps in-between. To have this game hurt this badly, but with the continuous promise of next year, is a privilege that I don’t take for granted.
And when Chicago does finally win the whole damn thing, which they will, it’s going to feel all the more amazing for it.