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.