It began late in June, just as the group stage of the 2010 World Cup started to heat up. The first casualty was the navy blue USA away jersey that disappeared from virtual and actual store shelves. By the time Landon Donovan scored the memorable goal against Algeria, all but the oddest of youth sizes were completely sold out.

The obvious culprit is Nike, who hasn’t admitted to anything yet, but reports point to jersey as well as custom lettering shortages. Considering the immense popularity of World Cup, and Team USA’s impressive form in last summer’s Confederation’s Cup, it’s difficult to understand neither the manufacturer’s lowball estimate of demand, nor their inability to produce an timely resupply. Most retailers are quoting in-stock dates ranging from mid-August to mid-October.

Similar shortages have confounded one of Nike’s other clients, Holland’s men’s soccer squad. Their iconic orange home jersey is all about sold out at most Stateside retailers.