Archive for June, 2011

United States

U.S. U17s Bounced, But Not All Bad News

BRENT LATHAM, Queretaro, Mexico – I’ll have to brief here, the FIFA media center is closing ion a bit and I don’t have time to touch on all the points I’d like to as yet another youth World Cup comes silently to a close for the U.S.

You’ve got to ask yourself at what point the U.S. – the only team to make all the under-17 World Cups, is gonna make a dent in the knockout round.

Then again, this team ran into some hard luck by facing Germany, easily the best team in the tournament this far. On the other hand, the Americans have only themselves to blame, as they needed only two points from there last two group games – against Uzbekistan and New Zealand – to claim first place and a much easier path to the quarterfinals.

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United States

THURS June 30 (PM): U-17s bounced, Copa America kicks tomorrow, Europa League underway

As many expected, the United States U-17 team were unable to get past Germany in the Round of 16, losing by a score of 4-0. It could’ve been worse had it not been for an excellent game by the American goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. As the FIFA.com headline puts it the “German train keeps rolling over US.” Sure. Anyway, as you may know Brent’s in Mexico and is sure to have some nuggets to share with us, so stay tuned.

Speaking of Brent, he reports, as you heard in the USA10Cast, that U-17 captain Marc Pelosi is getting interest from Liverpool and other European clubs.

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United States

Pia Sundhage Switches It Up Again

MAURA GLADYS - In an effort to duplicate the success that she had with Lauren Cheney, U.S. Women’s National Team coach Pia Sundhage told ESPN’s Bob Holtzman that she is considering tinkering with the lineup yet again. This time, it’s Philadelphia Independence midfielder Lori Lindsey in for either Shannon Boxx or Carli Lloyd. The switch comes as even more of a surprise than Cheney, as Lindsey has seen only limited time as a substitute in May and June’s pre-World Cup friendlies.

Sundhage told Holtzman the news after the team’s one and only open practice session before the team’s match on Saturday against Colombia. According to Holtzman, Lindsey spent about half the practice training with the starters, while Boxx did not.  (more…)

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News in brief

THURS. June 30 (AM): Birmingham prez arrested, WWC, Transfer news

Birmingham president Carson Yueng was arrested in Hong Kong on charges on money laundering. He was released on bail after appearing in court and facing five charges of “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence.”

The second games of the group stage for the Women’s World Cup start today, with France taking on Canada at noon and Germany facing Nigeria at 2:45. Germany and France can lock up tickets to the next round with wins. ESPN Stats gives some insight into the matches. (more…)

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News in brief

De Gea, Pastore, USA, Thiago, and Toronto

Manchester United and David De Gea have finally made the keeper’s move to Manchester official. The Spanish keeper signed a five year deal with United, and will have the tough task replacing Edwin Van Der Star. After losing to Barcelona in the Champions League, the English champs have been busy this summer. This is United third signing as the club already signed Phil Jones and Ashley Young.

Palermo have received a €50 million bid for their Argentinean playmaker Javier Pastore. The playmaker is one of the hottest young targets this summer. The club that signs Pastore will get a young player that could help their side for years to come. Pastore led Palermo in scoring with 11 goals this season.

Barcelona has extended Thiago’s contract until 2015 with a ridiculous buyout clause.

Also, check at America exports overseas.

Toronto adds some much needed talent signing two new Designated Players.

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United States

U17s Face Ultimate Test in Germany

BRENT LATHAM, Queretaro, Mexico – It all comes down to this, and this couldn’t possibly be what the U.S. had hoped for. If the Americans are to win a knockout round match at the under-17 World Cup for the first time this century, they’ll have to do it against the team that’s been playing the best soccer thus far in Mexico.

It hasn’t even been close, really. Germany has outscored its opponents 11-1, while using its entire roster and cruising to nine points out of nine in their group.

The Americans, for their part, struggled the whole way, but were unlucky to draw Germany after not finding the net in a scoreless draw with New Zealand Saturday, when a lone goal would have given them the group. (more…)

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United States

Who Improved their Stock the Most?

ANTHONY MANNINO- Now that ample time has been given to recover from losing a two-goal lead, it is time look at one of the positives of the Gold Cup. The Gold Cup presents an opportunity for some younger players to shine playing in their first tournament with the USMNT. While a couple players failed to live up to the billing (Tim Ream), a few players were able to use this tournament to boast their stock.

First, Sacha Kljestan who improved his stock, but barley misses out in making it into the top three. A few bright moments from Kljestan will ensure that he will continue to be a part of Bob Bradley’s plans. (more…)

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News in brief

WED. June 29 (AM): Women’s World Cup, Villas-Boas, USOC

In Women’s World Cup action, Norway takes on Equatorial Guinea in the day’s first game, while the Marta and Brazil play Australia at 12:15 p.m.

Andres Villas-Boas set a different tone than his fellow Portuguese manager in his first press conference at Stamford Bridge, calling himself “The Group One”, in a reference to Jose Mourinho’s self-appointed nickname of “The Special One.”

England have jumped Brazil and moved to fourth place in the FIFA World Rankings, the first time since 1997 that they have been this high in the rankings. Spain is still in first place with the Netherlands and Germany in second and third. The United States dropped to 24th, down from their previous ranking at 22.

After pulling out of the race to sign Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, and choosing to not pursue Bolton’s Gary Cahill, Manchester City have set their sights on Partizan Belgrade defender Stefan Savic. (more…)

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South of the Border

Copa America: Preview

Isaac Heath- With the dust of the field at the Rose Bowl barely settled, soccer fans need only wait a few more days before Group A participants Argentina and Bolivia kick off the 2011 Copa America.

In what promises to be an exciting tournament to watch over the next three plus weeks, the 2011 version of South Americas championship features several talented young players and teams.

While more surprises are possible in the Copa America than in the Gold Cup, the ultimate desire is much the same in that all would enjoy watching a final with the two best teams in the region battling it out. Much like USA vs. Mexico was huge for CONCACAF, CONMEBOL  is pulling for a Brazil and Argentina showdown.

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United States

Thoughts on USA-North Korea

MAURA GLADYS – It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. The United States’ 2-0 win over North Korea today in Dresden, Germany was a hard fought victory that revealed some American deficiencies, but also featured shades of what the U.S. squad has the potential to become, a World-Cup-winning team. For a full analysis of the game, check out my piece at the Shin Guardian, but here are some extra snippets from the match.

Abby Wambach’s inside cut – The most important touch of the match was Abby Wambach’s inside cut to free up space on Cheney’s goal. Instead of trying to swing a cross over the defender, Wambach faked the in-swinger, which fooled the defender, then cut inside. The move gave her ample time and space to see Cheney in the middle of the box and send her a spot-on ball. Without that cut, Wambach sends an ambitious cross that is more than likely cleared away by North Korea. (more…)

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