Posts Tagged ‘United States’

Featured, United States, World Cup 2014, World Cup 2018/2022

Costa Rica Is Klinsmann’s Opportunity

These next two friendlies, the first real ones of the Jurgen Klinsmann era, will tell us more about the United States under Zee German than the Mexico match did. The game against the bitter rivals showed a group that wanted to play for its new coach, that was excited to play for its new coach, and a manager who had rekindled the flame that was lacking near the end of Senor Bradley’s tenure.

Now, stage two (of many).

And while it’s too early for referendums on players or the coach – decision time will come, people, I promise – the next two matches offer a nice little window into the new world of American soccer.

Here’s a theory: The Costa Rica tilt will tell us more than the Belgium one. (more…)

by
10 Kit Essay, Gold Cup

USA vs. Panama: Three Things to Watch

TRAVIS CLARK – Panama has to be sick and tired of playing the United States in the Gold Cup. It only leads to bad memories.

During the last three iterations of the tournament — stretching back to the 2005 Final at the Meadowlands, the U.S. triumphing on PKs — the U.S. has sent the Panamanians packing in the knockout stage of the Gold Cup.

Of course, there’s not as much at stake this time around, seeing that Saturday’s match takes place in the group stage, meaning each side will stick around for a bit longer no matter the result.

During its opening game of the Gold Cup, Panama took a commanding three-goal lead against Guadeloupe, and despite being up a man almost coughed it up, holding on for a 3-2 win against the island nation.

It’s not going to be an easy task for the U.S., as their unbeaten Gold Cup group stage record of 24-0-2 is put to the test. Panama always puts up a good fight — look no further than the 2009 Gold Cup quarterfinal meeting in Philadelphia where the U.S. needed overtime to come away as 2-1 winners.

Saturday’s winner punches a ticket for the quarterfinal stages, though at this point both have to like their respective chances about progressing from Group C. Here are three things to watch this weekend.

(more…)

by
10 Kit Essay, Gold Cup

USA vs. Canada: Three Things to Watch

TRAVIS CLARK – And now the real test begins.

After being swept aside by Spain so easily on Saturday, the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign begins for the U.S. men’s national team Tuesday night (8 pm ET, FSC) with a tricky matchup against Canada.

Anyone assuming that the U.S. will emulate the dominating 5-0 performances put forth by Mexico and Costa Rica on Sunday are off base. The Canadians are going to be a good test for Bob Bradley’s side, regardless of the struggles they’ve had in the past. Boasting a number of familiar faces like Dwayne De Rosario and Julian de Guzman, three points are expected but certainly won’t come easy.

The two sides haven’t played each other since the 2007 edition of the tournament, the infamous semifinal where the U.S. triumphed 2-1, thanks to some help from an assistant referee’s decision to flag what looked like a legitimate Canadian goal offside. That surely won’t be fixated on by Canada, who will simply be out chasing a result in hopes of challenging for the to spot in Group C.

D.C. United defender and likely Canadian starter Dejan Jakovic has been ruled out of the tournament, leaving the Maple Leafs a bit thin at the back. The U.S. must show a lethal touch in the final third and capitalize on that deficiency, while also keeping things in check in their own defense.

Here are three things to watch for when the two meet tonight in Detroit: (more…)

by
United States, World Cup 2018/2022

Qatar Outplayed the United States

NOAH DAVIS – Brent perfectly summed up why the United States lost the 2022 World Cup to Qatar: “They knew how to play the game of the FIFA Executive Committee.”

Say what you will about collusion, about bribes, about money in general – and there’s plenty to be said – but the truth is that at least on some level, this was a victory of rhetoric and gamesmanship for the Middle Eastern country.

Check out the vote totals. Can you conclude anything other than Qatar demonstrated its strength, then systematically eliminated its weaker competition while never letting the US gain a foothold? When you get over the disappointment (and, yes, the disgust at potential corruption and the lack of transparency), you note that it’s an impressive performance.

Simple: Qatar understood exactly what they needed to do and went out and did it. That’s not to say the US didn’t – they presented a strong case and were the logical choice in the eyes of the world, if not the Ex-Co – but they came up well short. Sad, but true.

The good news? Perhaps the US just won the 2026 vote.

by
News in brief, United States

WED Nov. 17 (PM) US win, Euro, and Sir Alex

The United States National team played in Cape Town today against South Africa in a game that reminded the viewers of the World Cup. The crowd was great and the stadium was packed with fans blowing their Vuvuzelas.

The atmosphere was great for the young American squad, which was able to become integrated into the fanfare that will accompany them in future international matches and hopefully the World Cup. The young squad was able to pick up a win against South Africa by an 85th minute goal by Juan Agudelo.

The 17 year old whose 18th birthday is next Tuesday became the youngest American to score at the senior level. Five Americans received their fist cap today and with a win over South Africa look for these players to be called up in future matches and maybe even the Gold Cup.

Most matches today were friendlies, but four teams were in action for Euro 2012. Croatia was able to pick a victory over Malta with a 3-0 score. Nico Kranjcar led the attack with a double for Croatia.

Norway gave the beating to minnow San Marino with an 8-0 victory. The Norwegians were lead by forward Mikael Forsell who had a hat trick.

(more…)

by
United States

US to Play Chile on January 22

The release from US Soccer:

CHICAGO (Nov. 15, 2010) – The U.S. Men’s National Team will play their first match of 2011 when they face Chile on Saturday, Jan. 22, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Kickoff for the match is set for 6 p.m. PT, and broadcast information will be announced in the near future. Fans can also follow the match live via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

“We’re excited to play a team of Chile’s caliber to start the year,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley.  “We are focused on getting ready for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer, and this game provides a good start for our preparations as we assess the pool for 2011 and beyond.” (more…)

by
News in brief

TUES Nov. 9 (AM): United States and EPL

The U.S. U-20 roster against Colombia and Mexico features a motley group of young men, with players from the MLS, USL, England, Germany, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia and Israel.

A virus hits members of the Manchester United squad – right before the derby to Manchester City.

Aston Villa striker John Carew is likely to leave the team in spite of his spat with manager Gérard Houllier. Carew’s feelings have drawn the attention of Newscastle United, who is preparing to acquire the striker in January.

Drogba’s mystery disease and an injury report after the jump (more…)

by
News in brief

MON Nov. 8 (PM): United States, Fight, and EPL

Onyewu got into a scuffle with teammate Ibrahimovic at an AC Milan training session

The United States earns a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, easing the qualifying process for next year’s Women’s World Cup, if ever so slightly.

Former President Bill Clinton will take part in the final presentation of the United States’ World Cup bid to FIFA’s executive committee on Dec. 1

Bob Bradley is close to finalizing a roster for the November 17 friendly against South Africa in Cape Town.

Onyewu’s fight, Chelsea’s new stadium (?), and Liverpool’s new director after the jump (more…)

by
News in brief

TUES Oct 12 (AM): US, Liverpool, Euro 2012, and Dempsey Montage

A picture from the U.S.-Colombia match in the '94 World Cup (Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT)

The United States will play in a friendly against Colombia  – probably not in front of a sold-out crowd. The match will be the second friendly in four days for the Americans, who will be without  veteran defenders Steve Cherundolo and Carlos Bocanegra, who returned to their club teams. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the match, which will be played at PPL Park in Philadelphia, will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

As the world awaits a decision from the High Court on Liverpool’s ownership, prospective owner John W. Henry has begun a dialogue with fans via Twitter.

“Hello LFC supporters,” he opened up with on Tuesday, before adding “Thanks Yes, everyone is hoping for the best. There have been enough twists and turns. Hopefully all gets sorted out soon; LFC moves forward.”

Euro 2012 qualifiers and Clint Dempsey montage after the jump (more…)

by