Gold Cup 2011 - USA 2 - 0 Canada

The United States opened up Gold Cup group play against their neighbors to the north Canada on Tuesday with a two goal victory. The starting strike force of Agudelo and Altidore proved dangerous, with the two making good runs at the top and getting open for their midfield supporters. Timmy Howard came up huge again to preserve a shutout, something that must have felt good coming off the poor showing against World Cup holders Spain.

Jozy struck first in the fourteenth minute, to the delight of Detroit soccer fans, taking one touch to settle a Donovan pass, and only a second touch to power his shot under keeper Lars Hirschfeld at the near post. Failing to score first has been a major source of frustration for Bob Bradley and his squad over the past year, so it was good to see how the US could hold the advantage.

Thankfully, the second half saw another goal for the red, white, and blue; this one from one of its biggest superstars: Clint Dempsey. Deuce slid home a cross from the Man of the Match, Altidore, to put the Canadians away. Looks like the Texan's stock continues to climb as he is anticipated to draw interest from Champions League level clubs in Europe this offseason.

The only dangerous threats the Canadians mounted were snuffed out by the US' #1 between the posts. An acrobatic save and constant stability in the eighty-fifth minute aided Howard in preserving his clean sheet for the Americans. The United States played a much better game to open the competition and campaign to re-establish their dominance as the power of North American soccer.

Granted, the passing could have been tighter and the bulk of the offense was being facilitated by a few too many long balls instead of short-sided, one-touch passing. The center of the midfield still looks to be evolving with Bradley and Jones dropping deep to ensure the safe passage of possession from the defense to the strike force. The backline will continue to be a carousel of players that will look to solidify their international experience, but they'll have a few more quizzes before a big time exam against Mexico in the later rounds of play.



Photo Credit: Paul Sancya/AP
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Barça are the kings of UEFA!

Goals by Pedro, Messi, and Villa were enough to hand Pep Guardiola's men the giant copa and restore beautiful soccer to the throne of the world's greatest team in Europe. The Red Devils put up a great fight in the first half after Wayne Rooney's excellent strike tied the match, but Manchester United could not overcome the "ticki-tacka" possession of the Catalan Giants.

Winning this trophy qualifies FC Barcelona for next year's FIFA Club World Cup tournament, where they will face the other club championship winners from each continent. Congratulations to Barçelona and little Leo Messi, the greatest footballer in the universe.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/David Ramos


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USMNT v. Spain/Gold Cup Roster 2011

GK: Tim Howard, Nick Rimando, Marcus Hahnemann

D: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Churundolo, Jonathan Bornstein, Tim Ream, Eric Lichaj, Clarence Goodson

M: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Jermaine Jones, Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan, Freddy Adu, Robbie Rogers

F: Jozy Altidore, Juan Agudelo, Chris Wondolowski


Our goalkeeping corps is as strong as ever with Timmy leading the way between the posts. Look for this to be Hahnemann's last Gold Cup effort and Rimando to be the number two option when resting Howard. The evolution of the US defense system continues with captain Carlos Bocanegra and veteran Oguchi Onyewu mentoring MLS stand-out Tim Ream. Solidarity at the back continues to be a focus for Bob Bradley, as well as good distribution to the very capable offensive unit.

The midfield proves once again to be the national team bank of stars. Landon Donovan is red hot after scoring 8 in a row with the league leading Los Angeles Galaxy and Clint Dempsey has set a new record for American goal scoring in the English Premier League this season at Craven Cottage. The young Bradley is hungry for playing time after his recent move to the bench of Aston Villa. The surprise pick here is Freddy Adu, who is currently in good form playing in the Turkish 2 Lig, helping to elevate his team into the promotion playoff.

The potential of strike force that the USA has shown in recent friendlies is boiling to a head, all fueled by an 18 year old passionate US Soccer player. Agudelo will be paired once again with Jozy at the top giving a quick one, two combination. But it will be MLS's Mr. Consistant, Chris "Wondo" Wondolowski, who may make some noise for himself at the Gold Cup.

Carlos Bocanegra, Timmy Howard, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey lead the way again for a determined United States on the road to getting the Gold Cup back from rivals "El Tri," Mexico. Javier Hernandez is astounding in England, but will the long championship campaign catch up to Chicharito? And does Rafa Marquez have another Gold Cup left in his aging legs?

The US Men's National Team kick things off with a warm-up against World Cup holders Spain on June 4th in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Gold Cup group play begins against our neighbors to the north, Canada on June 7th in Detroit, Michigan.



"Let's go get our cup back." -US Captain Carlos Bocanegra via Twitter.


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Sepp Blatter interview w/ESPNsoccernet May 4, 2011

About Goal Line Technology: I really hope it passes as "satisfactory" in 2012, making it available for the World Cup in Brasil 2014. It was blatantly obvious that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa lacked this vital element.

About Major League Soccer: I agree with Sepp, we need more "stadia" in the United States. But we should follow the European calender for club soccer, it will correspond well with the international club tournaments and open new transfer windows across the Atlantic.










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LA Galaxy v. Portland Timbers - 4/23/11 Home Depot Center

MLS is evolving. The level of play and the passion of the fans continue to grow with each season. Leading the way, are the big market teams such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But newcomers Portland and Vancouver are impressing with their loyal, traveling fan base.

Saturday night in Carson, CA the Home Depot Center hosted the Portland Timbers in a nationally broadcast match. Landon Donovan returned to action and the Angel City Brigade supporters club welcomed him back with a strong showing, flags waving and drums pounding.

Chad Barrett scored the opener on a breakaway from a Beckham/Donovan combination. Then, later in the first half, the captain Landon Donovan converted from the spot to make it 2-0 for the Western Conference leading Galaxy. Donovan scored his second goal of the season and the night in the second half with a snap header.

The Timbers had some great chances, not at all rolling over at the Galaxy's boots, but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts had some key saves to preserve the free chicken coupons for the Los Angeles crowd.

With flags waving proudly and supporters clubs springing up in local stadiums, American Soccer is taking its next step toward top tier, world-class football. With increased fan support comes inspired play.




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The Agudelo Story Gathers Pace

NJ Meadowlands - USA 1 - 1 Argentina

Full of confidence and hungry for goals is the 18 year young NY RedBull, Juan Agudelo. His equalizer in the second half earned an impressive point for the US National Team against a very strong Argentina squad who play a tight, Total Football style.

The defense and remarkable goalkeeping highlighted the Americans game as they didn't allow the world's best player, Leo Messi, to score. Well timed tackles by Spector and Demerit complimented each one of Tim Howard's Budweiser Man of the Match winning saves.

Esteban Cambiasso, the Inter Milan man, gave Los Che the first half lead with a clean up effort inside the box. The US attack was few and far between, as it may be possible that a lack of starting time in Europe is affecting Jozy Altidore's game.

However patience paid off when the Americans proved how quickly a match can turn when given a free kick. A beautiful service by the American #10 Landon Donovan found captain Carlos Bocanegra for a header saved by the Argentine keeper, only for the rebound to be scooped in by none other than our very own rising star, Juan Agudelo.

Overall, it was a wonderful match to watch as the South American powerhouse were a great test for the resilient US squad. The Americans look to keep the progress going when they square off against World Cup team Paraguay in Nashville on Tuesday.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4.

Charlie Davies 9

Congratulations and well done go out to Charlie Davies! In his debut, he scored 2 goals in his return to top-flight football with MLS' DC United. This boy was recognized for talent at an early age, played an instrumental role in 2010 World Cup Qualification for the US National Team, and has played professional soccer in Europe.

Now, while embarking on his Comeback after a tragic automobile accident, Charlie Davies is doing his part in the continued growth of American soccer. He could be a driving force in DC United's MLS Cup campaign if they can keep up with the strong LA Galaxy and skilled NY Red Bulls.

Keep up the hustle and the Stanky Leg.

MLS 2011 First Kick: LA Galaxy 1-0 Seattle Sounders

MLS kicked off their sixteenth season with a brilliant choice of a host city: Seattle.

The Sounders played host to the LA Galaxy and the Emerald City faithful came out to represent in force. The strong crowd of 36,443 Seattle supporters stood united as they sang all kinds of chants and songs for their home team. Qwest Field was plastered with neon green, XBox and Adidas logos, and smiling soccer fans who braved the rain for the start of a new Major League Soccer season.

The LA Galaxy looked strong in the early moments of the game, creating chances through patient possession. However, it was obvious that they were missing their main striker, new signing, Juan Pablo Angel. Seattle played tightly, springing some runs in the first half but the teams drew 0-0 at the break.

There was much discussion about David Beckham and the locale of his loyalties this preseason. Opting to train in London with Tottenham Hotspurs instead of being with the club he is currently under contract with. The English ex-captain looked a bit sluggish at moments out there tonight, possibly bringing his fitness into question.

The second half saw some excellent saves from both goalkeepers, with Juninho scoring the lone goal of the match for the defending Western Conference champions. The Brazilian showed signs of what Bruce Arena called, "a more mature player" by taking a well timed crack on goal that barely got past the fingertips of stellar veteran US keeper Kasey Keller. At the other end, Josh Saunders came off the bench in place of the injured Donovan Rickets to record a hard-earned clean sheet for the Galaxy.

All in all, it was a good 1-0 game and an even more impressive atmosphere to start the season off. It's great to see American soccer being Tweeted, texted, Facebooked, and most importantly ATTENDED and SUPPORTED in greater numbers.

USA 1 - 1 CHI @ the HDC

A pitch full of youngsters and a whole lot of red, white, and blue filled the Home Depot Center last night for both teams during the USMNT friendly against Chile.

With veterans abroad competing in the mid season European campaign, it was a night to bolster the experience of fresh blood. Bob Bradley wisely fielded a team whose average age was 23, and made use of his six substitutions to explore new options, particularly at the defense and striker positions.

After conceding a well volleyed goal to the Chileans, Bradley put in the 18 year old Juan Agudelo in the second half. Now, many other American soccer journos are being very cautious with how they discuss young Agudelo, being wary of casting the Freddy Adu Curse (glorifying American soccer talent at such an early age, only to fizzle out and under perform later on).

However, I was there. I was watching him warm up at halftime when the cameras were off. And I saw something in this boy that I hadn't seen in an American jersey ever before: a sense of fun in his touch on the ball. He juggled and preformed in front of our section at the Home Depot Center. He played with the ball doing nifty stepovers, backheels, and impressive juggles. I could see where he picked up this style and sense of carefree fun: South Africa. His experience abroad and the things he saw during the Nelson Mandela Challenge showed in his demeanor. It brought me back to that amazing country where I spent the summer with other passionate soccer fans, delighting in the welcoming culture of Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, juggling and playing soccer with the locals.

In the second half, Agudelo's confidence shined as he went at defenders and put together a beautiful combination of short, quick passes with Alejandro Bedoya. Agudelo's efforts payed off, earning the US a Penalty Kick. This is a player we have been waiting for. A player that can dazzle the crowd and be a persistent menace to the opposition's back line.

Teal Bunbury stepped up to slot home the well placed kick from the spot, and again, the youngsters showed us something to build on: the bond of teammates dancing and celebrating at the corner flag. Bunbury and Agudelo are bonding on and off the field, a pairing that could mean big things for the future of US soccer.

Paired with veteran leadership and strong distribution out of the back and midfield, these young guns will take our game to the next level. But they better pay attention and respect their elders who got us to where we are today. Bocanegra, Donovan, Dempsey, and the boys still have much to teach them.



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2010 Ballon d'Or

Zidane, Ronaldo, and now Messi have made history as multiple time winners of the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy. The second great little Argentine beat out his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta to take home the honor of the world's best footballer in 2010.

Many thought it would be Iniesta, whose extra time score gave Spain their first World Cup trophy. Others expected Xavi Hernandez, the most capped man in Barcelona's history and no doubt one of the greatest orchestrators of the game to win. But it was the awesome tally of over 60 goals for club and country in one year that gave Messi his second Player of the Year honor in a row.

Despite not scoring a single goal in South Africa, number ten continued to solidify his place as one of the greatest of all time. Leading Barca to repeat league titles and doing so in a classy way is the legend of Lionel. He does not flop, he does not complain. He just puts the ball in the back of the net or right where his teammates need it. That says a lot in a modern era full of actors and dramatics.

The Ballon d'Or is in good (small) hands. It is important for the future generation of footballers to see that a player who embodies a fun, jaw-dropping style is regarded as the best of the best.




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Wild Times in the EPL

Defending holders Chelsea in a free-fall? Manchester United on top with no thanks to Wayne Rooney? Liverpool sliding down toward the relegation zone? It seems as though the record setting winter weather isn't the only oddity in England this year.

Chelsea opened up their title defense with back to back 6-0 stompings of West Brom and Wigan en route to a five win start this season, however, things seem to be going backwards these days. Ancelotti is feeling the pressure as they've slipped to 5th in the tables (a spot out of UEFA Champions League qualification) with their latest defeat suffered today at 17th place Wolverhampton. What seemed like the strongest lineup in the Premiership could be looking for some outside help in the January transfer window. Or will Didier Drogba be able to put the club on his back? Either way, things will have to change quickly at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have shown they are in top shape (and improving) at the top of the table. Dimitir Berbatov is having himself the year of his career, already all but locking up the goal of the season with his overhead volley. Chicharito Hernandez has proven to be the signing of the season while Wayne Rooney continues his World Cup misfortune. History has shown Sir Alex manages to ramp up his team in the second half of the season, so it may be tough to catch these fantastic footballers anytime soon.

And what of Liverpool?! The once strong club, always a mainstay of the top four, are in complete disarray. Hodgson has only picked up where Rafa's woes left off. Torres seems confused out there on the pitch, only finding the goal 6 times in 17 starts so far this season. Captain Gerrard's status seems to consistently be in question but is it really injury or is his pride the only thing hurting? For the sake of normalcy, I hope this team can put together a strong second half and at the very least, make a push for top 10.

With all this craziness, at least it's comforting to know that Jose Mourinho is still pompously proclaiming himself the greatest coach in club football. Somethings never change.