Cunningham Arrives in Guatemala, Promises Golazos
Germany-Based Players Shine As Late Clark Goal Gives U.S. Victory Against Venezuela
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The USMNT’s January camp is composed mostly of MLS players, but Saturday night in Arizona it was two Germany-based midfielders who won the match for the U.S.
Ricardo Clark, out of favor at Eintracht Frankfurt, headed in the game’s only goal in the seventh minute of second half stoppage time on a cross from Jermaine Jones of Schalke, who turned in a man of the match performance in the friendly defeat of Venezuela.
Clark entered the game as a substitute in the 62nd minute, and the defensive midfielder seemed an unlikely candidate to score a goal with the wealth of attacking talent the United States still had on the pitch; however, Clark said his goal as a reserve was to inject life to the squad. (more…)
USMNT vs Venezuela Player Ratings
A late goal at the University of Phoenix by Ricardo Clark was the difference in the USMNT’s match against Venezuela. Although the USMNT had the majority of the possession, they did not create enough chance to constantly challenge the Venezuela defense.
The Clark goal will probably hide the fact that this was a pretty dismal display from the USMNT, and in the future they need to create more. The positive was the amount of pressure the entire US squad put on the Venezuela players for the entire match allowing their opposition to create little without having to park the bus.
Player ratings after the jump (more…)
Archive: 10Kit Live! USMNT vs. Venezuela in Arizona
This is how I did live updates of the match. Start from the bottom and read up to relive every moment, from the first kick of the ball in a competitive match in 2012, to my bizarre onion-based condiment incident to the goal.
FINAL WHISTLE USA-1 Venezuela- 0
If it’s any indication of what’s to come in 2012 (which it probably isn’t), it’ll be exciting. The United States were the better team in the match, and they deserve the win. The crowd is delighted as the players take a victory lap applauding those who made it out. We’ll have much, much more, but for now thanks for reading.
Jose Velasquez for Venezuela is off the pitch. Didn’t see a red card issued, but he’s not around (Added later, he was sent off in the 98th minute). Game ends and they crowd the ref. It doesn’t matter (does it ever?).
GOAL – Ricardo Clark heads it in in the 97th minute and the Americans surely have the winner.
More - Chance as Shea crosses one in. A Venezuelan again stays down in the box.
Stoppage time - The free kick is sent over the bar. Still a bit of time left says the referee who wasn’t too impressed with Venezuela’s earlier display.
90th minute - Theatrics from Venezuela. The U.S. has a chance, which nearly loops into the top corner. It’s dealt with and suddenly Morales, the keeper, has an injury that might force him out. Francisco Flores gets a yellow card for his tackle. Another has been issued for time wasting or berating the ref. Meanwhile, the United States are planning what they’ll do with this set piece while literally the entire opposing team is in the six-yard box.
87th minute - Pearce gets the ball in acres of space. He has time to touch it to his preferred foot and dial in the cross. It’s a fantastic save from Morales, probably the play of the game. The U.S. makes another change, taking off Bunbury and putting in “from Phoenix, Arizona: Brad Evans,” as the P.A. announcer says.
86th minute - Richard Blanco comes on for the visitors, but make no mistake. They’re slowing down the game. The scoreless draw would be a good result for them. Meanwhile the U.S. is pushing for the winner.
84th minute - The U.S. holds some possession and Jones puts in a pretty bending shot. It’s deflected away and they have a corner.
83rd minute - Wondo combines with Bunbury but Bunbury puts the shot wide.
82nd minute - A glorious opportunity at the top of the box is scuffed by Guerra. The Americans are wiping sweat from their brows after that one. A close call.
76th minute - Very strange chance there as Sapong went up for a ball. It bounces off…somebody’s head and falls nicely for Wondo who has a go. USMNT wins a corner, but again nobody can put a head on it. (more…)
Cunningham signs with Comunicaciones
The deal between Comunicaciones and Jeff Cunningham has been finalized with the former Columbus Crew player signing a one-year contract Friday afternoon.
The MLS’ all-time leading scorer with 134 goals is looking to help a young squad and said heading to Guatemala is a positive move.
“It is a good change. The league is very competitive, and I am at a good club, and I am looking forward to the challenge,” Cunningham said “It is going to be interesting to see how well I settle in, and the goals are going to come, but I am confident I will have success here.” (more…)
News and Views for Friday, January 20
The LA Galaxy and owner Tim Leiweke have another soccer legend in their sights. While the Galaxy currently have the maximum allocation for DP’s, LA is still monitoring the availability of the Chelsea star. It’s all part the plan for Leiweke, who wants the Galaxy to become “the greatest brand in soccer, ever.”
David Beckham, fresh off committing to the Galaxy for two more years, wants to be England’s captain for the 2012 Olympics. He also discusses his reasons for staying in LA.
The NY Times takes a look at Michael Bradley’s work with Chievo Verona so far.
Grant Wahl takes a look at the hurdles facing some US players plying their trade in Mexico.
A weekend full of soccer awaits, highlighted by the USMNT’s showdown with Venezuela (Sat., 9:00 PM ET, Galavision, ESPN3), Arsenal v. Manchester United (Sun., 10:30 AM ET, FOX – yes, just FOX), and the African Cup. All games and TV listings here.
Global
Pepe’s apologized, but insists his foot stomp on Lionel Messi’s hand was unintentional.
Rumored MLS target Didier Drogba’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge may be cleared up soon, as Shanghai Shenhua claim they are close to securing the Ivorian’s services for over $400,000 a week.
Drogba’s current club coach is making news for his belief that Premiership clubs need to have B teams competing in the lower levels of English football in order to compete on the European stage more effectively.
Finally, if anyone needs some inspiration for a weekend dive, check this out.
MLS Vet Cunningham Near Comunicaciones Deal
Jeff Cunningham, MLS’ all-time leading scorer, is close to signing a one-year deal to join Guatemalan club Comunicaciones, sources at the team tell 10Kit.
“The situation is that there is an advanced negotiation, but there is nothing signed yet,” club sources said Thursday.
The club, runners up in the Liga Nacional’s recently concluded 2011 Apertura and winners of the 2011 Clausura, is keen to bring in Cunningham to inject a veteran presence into a young team. Additionally, Comunicaciones are eager to add a proven goal scorer to their side, a perennial title contender and frequent qualifier for the CONCACAF Champions League.
The forward played with five MLS clubs, including separate stints with the Columbus Crew, during his 14-year career in the American league, scoring 134 career regular season goals. He also has made several appearances with the U.S. national team.
If the parties could finish off the remaining details of the pact, Cunningham was set to fly to Guatemala on Friday morning from Columbus to sign the year-long deal according to the team source. (more…)
An All-American USA10Cast: USMNT Friendly preview, more on Josh Gatt, MLS calendar debate
USMNT Friendly preview, U-23s scrimmages, MLS calendar debate by USA10Cast
Anthony Mannino joins Jon Arnold for this week’s USA10Cast. Topics of discussion include Mannino’s interviews with Geoff Cameron in the U.S.’ January camp and Josh Gatt in the U-23 camp, the scrimmages the USMNT played against the U-23 squad, and whether or not MLS should switch its calendar.
Links to stories discussed in the podcast:
Anthony Mannino’s stories on Geoff Cameron and Josh Gatt.
Jeff Carlisle’s 10 players under the age of 21 to watch.
Eric Wynalda’s speech transcript at National Soccer Wire.
News and Views for Thursday, January 19
US Soccer
ESPN went all out today with articles about the USMNT. Jeff Carlisle has the top 10 U-21 prospects for the US and a new prediction of who will be in Brazil playing in the 2014 World Cup (insider required). His colleague Leander Schaerlaeckens has five goals for the USMNT and a coaches roundtable.
David Beckham will be playing in the MLS for at least two more seasons.
Just for fun USMNT players Brek Shea, Juan Agudelo, and Heath Pearce play table tennis and ussoccer allows us to watch.
10Kit Originals
I was able to talk to Geoff Cameron about the USMNT January camp, and Brent has a nice piece on the young Emerson Hyndman.
Cameron on US Camp and Playing D Full-time
The versatile Geoff Cameron is currently in January camp with the USMNT preparing for games against Venezuela and Panama. After years of playing several positions, the Houston Dynamo player has finally found a home playing center back.
“It is good that I have a position now.” “It has given me an opportunity to train here with the national team and I am thankful for that,’ Cameron said on moving to play center back full-time. “It gives me an opportunity to get better and better at a position.” “Before I would go back from center back to center mid to outside mid to here and there.” “Where I never had the chance to maybe excel and understand a position as well as I could.” (more…)
