Top 5 USA Sports Moments

By Ryan Mayer, CBS Local Sports

The day we all take a moment to don our best red, white and blue, while cooking out in the backyard with family and friends is upon us: July 4th.  Sports have always been a large part of American life and over the years our national teams have given us plenty to be proud of. With that in mind, let's take a look back at some of the best sports moments in US history.  First, let's cue up some background music for you:

US National Anthem(Star Spangled Banner)With Waving Flag(INSTRUMENTAL) by vanjan14 on YouTube

And away we go.

Bonus: Go Go USA! 2010 World Cup

This moment doesn't have nearly the same implications as the rest on this list but for me, watching live and seeing the reaction to the men's team it was awesome. And, considering we have no hope of any kind of similar celebration with the men's team for the next four years, let's relive this moment while trying to forget the recent turmoil for the team.

[FIFA World cup 2010] Donovan emotional GOAL! - USA vs Algeria [1-0] HD 1080p by DavidRoma84 on YouTube

5) 2008 Olympics Michael Phelps

Heading into the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, Phelps was going for something unprecedented: 8 gold medals.  The build-up to the Olympics was all about whether or not Phelps would be able to do so. We all knew that he was the best swimmer in the world at the time, but you wondered whether or not he would tire out over a grueling schedule. He didn't, we got what we wanted and the celebration began:

Gold Medal Moments: Michael Phelps makes history in 2008 by Team USA on YouTube

Tell me that watching the celebration after that race you weren't proud to be an American.

4) 1992 Dream Team

This team qualifies as a moment because it was the first of its kind in the Olympics.  Now it's commonplace to see Team USA trot out some very good NBA stars to the Olympics.  However, the rest of the world has largely caught up in many respects in basketball.  This team was dominant. Oh by the way, what's the first conversation we always have when the USA basketball team is announced? "Could they beat the Dream Team?" The answer is always no.  We revere these guys. There's a 30 for 30 about them. I'll shut up and allow you to enjoy the following montage.

The Best of the Dream Team at the Barcelona 92 Olympics | Throwback Thursday by Olympics on YouTube

3) Jesse Owens 1936 Olympics

Yep, we're hopping in the time machine and going back for this one.  Deservedly so. In a tumultuous time in the world, Jesse Owens showed it didn't matter what you looked like, it is all about the talent.  The 1936 Olympics held in Berlin were under a lot of scrutiny because of Hitler's growing influence in the country.  Owens competed in the marquee events 100m, 200m, 4X100m relay, and the long jump, winning gold in every single one.

Jesse Owens Wins 100m Gold - Berlin 1936 Olympics by Olympics on YouTube

2) 1999 Women's World Cup Final

The iconic image that came out of this moment was imprinted on the front of newspapers everywhere.  You know the one I'm talking about.

Credit: Hector Mata/AFP

That celebration came after a dramatic penalty kick to win the World Cup for the United States for the first time since 1999.  We learned the names of this special group of ladies over the course of the three week tournament and grew to love them.  Let's go to the tape.

1999 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL: USA 0-0 China PR (5-4 PSO) by FIFA on YouTube

Also deserving mention here, the 2015 Women's World Cup squad that took home the title against Japan. Carly Lloyd and company didn't need the same level of drama as they put the Japanese away earlier for four goals in the first 16 minutes, coasting to a 5-2 victory.

1) 1980 "Miracle On Ice"

You had to know this was coming right? What list of top sports moments for the US would be complete without the single biggest upset we as a country have ever pulled? You know the story, your kids know the story, I feel like I was there I've heard the story so many times and I wasn't even born yet! The same goes for kids growing up today.  This will live on forever and so will the final call, turn your speakers up people and enjoy the dulcet tones of Mr. Al Michaels.

1980 USA Miracle on Ice. Best Quality. by buzbeto on YouTube

Gives me goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

Enjoy the 4th!

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