Like going to church on Christmas and Easter (I hear some people do that), I follow soccer only during its big events. I get into the World Cup, of course, and the Olympics, and I generally take interest in the Champions League because it coincides with the end of school and my students and I need something to do those last few class periods.

This week, of course, we have the semi-finals of the Copa America and the “2020” Euro Cup, second finalist there to be determined today. A win for England will mean that island nation has a 50-50 shot of sweeping the Euro Cup and Champions League, this after placing both finalists in that latter tournament a half dozen weeks ago.

So why am I actually taking an interest in soccer these days?

Yeah, gettin’ ready for Season Two of Ted Lasso.