Another Historic Point at Estadio Azteca

Yet again, it wasn't pretty and it wasn't beautiful, but the United States shocked El Tri with a 0-0 tie in on the road in Mexico City for a valuable point on the road to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The gritty, never-say-die attitude of the USMNT showed up for the second game in less than a week. Coming off the heels of a battle in the snow, Dempsey and company were faced with another opportunity to show their strength and unity.

A pair of former MLS Defenders of the Year (2011 and 2012) anchored the defense at the center back position for Jurgen Klinsmann's young back line. Matt Besler started in place of the injured Clarence Goodson, who had to withdraw from the team with an injury sustained in Colorado only days prior. Omar Gonzalez solidified his spot with aggressive play both in the air and on the ground to knock Chicharito off his game. These two were by far the men of the match...but credit must also be given to the man in the center.

In the 76th minute, Mexico mounted yet another attack with a ball played into Javier Aquino at the center of the box. Maurice Edu, who was beat on the play, clumsily tripped up the Villareal attacker but the only call made by the referee was a corner kick. The Mexicans pleaded with the center ref but to no avail, they had more than a few chances to put one in on the Americans and this would not be another one.

In the end, the away fans and Klinsmann's team rejoiced a hard earned point. Although their offense never made it off the plane to Mexico City, their defense gained a vast amount of experience and unity in this qualifier. Of course questions remain. They alw
ays will. Will the US keep Beasley at outside back? Can Landon Donovan regain Jurgen Klinsmann's trust? When will the offense show up with a multi-goal game?

There's a lot of uncertainty still but the United States are clearly climbing the ranks in the Hexagonal stage of World Cup Qualification. the boys will go back to their respective clubs until they have a tune up friendly match with Belgium in May. Then it's three more WCQ's in June, all at home, against Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras.

USA v. Costa Rica - The Battle in the Snow

Six inches of snow fall. Freezing temperatures. Minimal visibility. These extreme conditions were met by both teams on the road to qualifying for the World Cup when the USA played Costa Rica in front of a sell out crowd (19,374) in Colorado on Friday March 22, 2013. The 1-0 win by the US Men's National Team was gritty, hard-fought, and classic. It was a true testament to the 100 year old federation and their spirit of grinding, die-hard play.

With a new starting 'keeper between the sticks and Clint Dempsey's first game wearing the armband, Jurgen Klinsmann had a mountain of criticism to confront. In the week leading up to the challenge, reports surfaced of discord in the locker room. Anonymous quotes detailing a lack of unity between German-born players and the more stateside players arose. Other quotes announced a lack of faith in the coach's preparation and strategy, coming on the heels of Klinsmann's omission of veteran back and former captain Carlos Bocanegra. Add that to the constant worries of a young, inexperienced back line and the pressure could have turned coal into diamonds. But that just may have been it.

By no means was it a beautiful game, but the snow covered scenes still were pretty at times. Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley did their part in holding up play and stepping on the ball to give the attack a chance to build. Patience and strength gave way to a considerable amount of possession for the US team (60% in the first half), eventually leading to a tap-in goal by Captain Clint. A shot by Altidore at the top of the box deflected off of a Costa Rican defender and Dempsey was left alone in front of an empty net to tuck it in for the game's lone goal in the 16th minute.

For the remainder of the game, the United States showed their gritty side that has lead them to the World Cup time and time again. Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, and veteran DaMarcus Beasley sured up the defense and locked the Costa Ricans out of the game. It remains to be seen if Beasley is merely a band aid at the outside back position or if he will be the answer, but it reflects well on the coach's decision making to have put such a veteran presence at the back.
Showing amazing calm and tremendous composure in the absurd conditions, the US team gained three points to put them in second place on the Hexagonal table.

Where is our #10?

In the beautiful game, the number 10 has always meant being the playmaker, the facilitator, the trusted one. Landon Donovan has always been that person for American soccer throughout his career, until now. The reigning champion hasn't kicked a ball for his club or country since the whistle blew in Los Angeles on December 1st and the effects of his absence are getting more influential as the clock ticks down to his return.

The captain's armband is being worn by Robbie Keane for the LA Galaxy and the MLS Cup winners are already in a position to evolve without David Beckham. After months of silence, Landon announced in February that he would return to training "by the end of March." Bruce Arena has called upon his young guns to step up and veteran Mike Magee to lead the attack. But the Galaxy face arguably the toughest season yet in pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat as numerous teams around the league have bolstered their rosters with designated players, SuperDraft signings, and blockbuster trades.

Tim Cahill, Australian international and NYRB designated player, called for Donovan to "embrace the weight of the world," and to "question why you play football." As a former teammate of Landon's at Everton, Cahill got to know Donovan well and can even draw strong comparisons to him. Both have been captains of international sides for countries whose national sport it not soccer. Both have had success playing in Europe as well as brought unparalleled stardom to Major League Soccer.

It's this "weight of the world" that has Landon Donovan publicly questioning his own commitment to the sport. Twelve MLS seasons, two loan spells in England, numerous grueling World Cup Qualifiers, and a tough extra time loss to Ghana in South Africa have seemingly taken their toll on the mind and body of the 31 year old Californian.

However, now may be the most important time for him to return to the game on an international level. Dropping the opening game in the Hex to Honduras and facing a tough schedule ahead of them, the USMNT is feeling a whole lot of pressure. Defensive woes aside, the US don't have a clear playmaker. Michael Bradley does well to win balls in the middle but he doesn't have another midfielder to help facilitate the attack. Dempsey and Altidore have proven themselves as lethal goal scorers in European premier leagues but they look tame without someone to feed them the ball in the middle to attacking third.

No other active player in American soccer has the experience of Landon Donovan. He's seen it all when it comes to World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF. Rocks thrown at team busses, high fences in hostile territories, and obscenely poor pitch conditions may be new to some of the players on the current USMNT roster, but not to Landon Donovan. And it's clear now more than ever that Jurgen Klinsmann needs a number 10 to lead them through the qualifying if they want to have a fighting chance at a trip to Brazil in 2014.

Off Season Wrap Up, part 2.

The Eastern Conference is looking to regain its dominance after being absent atop the Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup podiums. Mike Petke, ex-defenseman and MLS veteran has stepped into the coach's box for the New York Red Bulls and he's got a new Designated Player on his squad. Juninho Pernambucano has been brought in to support Henry and Cahill. The big three look to be the early favorites in the East as many are heralding the Brazilian's signing to be the final piece of the puzzle.

Sporting Kansas City were barely edged from the Shield by San Jose last season. Their stellar defensive line returns to help protect Jimmy Nielsen's net. Head coach Peter Vermes has called upon outside back Chance Myers to become even more of a threat by getting forward in their attack. Graham Zusi has played his way into the USMNT fold and looks to keep his stock trending with his skillful playmaking, and precision set pieces. However, the loss of striker Kei Kamara to EPL side Norwich City may put more pressure upon Teal Bunbury to recover from injury and become the player many KC and US supporters have hoped for.

Meanwhile, DC United have brought together two former MLS MVPs by bringing back "El Pescadito" Carlos Ruiz. Coupled with a healthy De Rosario, this maybe the push that the United need to get past reigning Eastern Conference champs Houston.

Off Season Wrap Up, part 1.

Last year may have been the year of the Wondo when San Jose's striker tied Roy Lassiter's single season all time goal record at 27, but this year it could be another striker's chance at the mark. Many teams in the league revamped their strike force in what proved to be quite a busy offseason.

Starting in the Western Conference, there are two new sheriff's in town at FC Dallas. Kenny Cooper and Eric Hasseli have bolstered the Hoops attack despite the letting go of Brek Shea this off season. Hassli has scored 13 goals in the past two seasons playing for two of the Canadian teams while Cooper was last years runner up to the Golden Boot while playing for RBNY.

Real Salt Lake have filled holes in their attack by bringing in Joao Plata from Toronto and welcoming back former USMNT forward Robbie Findley. Their Rocky Mountain neighbors in Colorado snatched Edson Buddle from the reining MLS champions. If Buddle can find his form again, he could still be a lethal threat to opposing defenses.

Robbie Keane ended last year on an incredible hot streak, scoring 5 goals in 5 playoff matches on the Galaxy's march to the Cup. His Castrol Player Index number actually put him ahead of Wondolowski last season and above all other players in MLS.

These Western Conference teams were not the only movers and shakers this offseason. In the next installment of Off Season Wrap Up, I'll take a look at the changes made in the Eastern Conference where new coaches will make their debut and familiar faces return to MLS. 

Robbie Rogers Sets Himself Free

Hats off to USMNT player, MLS star, and former English league player Robbie Rogers for his courageous announcement last week. The winger and second striker walked away from professional soccer and publicly revealed he is gay. As a sign of our modern times, he was praised for his bravery and honesty by coaches and former teammates around the world.

The 25 year old Rogers hoisted both the MLS Cup and Supporter's Shield in 2008 with the Columbus Crew and also saw action with the US Men's National Team during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Afterward, he signed a deal with English Championship side Leeds United in 2011. In January of 2013, he left Leeds United and his rights were acquired by the Chicago Fire only to be released a month later when he announced his retirement from the beautiful game.

Totaling 17 goals in 151 professional club appearances and 2 goals in 18 international appearances, it is clear that he is a solid young player with plenty of talent to be proud of. His retirement comes at such an early age, and many question his refusal to keep playing soccer. Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas publicly stated that the player is welcome back to play for the Fire if he decides to return.

Teammates from Rogers' past poured out their support via Twitter, Facebook, and interviews with soccer journalists worldwide. "Much love and respect to my boy @robbierogers! Proud to be your friend bro," read a tweet from Stuart Holden." Legendary USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller tweeted, "The bravery of Robbie Rogers is commendable, I hope he realizes that he doesn't need to retire. He will be more supported than he knows."

This young man has paved a way for the freedom of others in professional sports and everyday life around the globe. His refusal to hide, to wear a mask, to keep a secret is an act that speaks volumes about his strong character. The outpouring of support and acceptance shows us that the things of which we value the most are being happy and being proud of who you are.

I hope life only gets better and better for you Robbie and as a soccer fan I hope you return to the pitch soon. Thank you for breaking down the barriers for generations to come while standing up for who you are. #Respect

Bad Start on a Rough Road

Defensive miscues, inexperience, and questionable coaching were the downfall of the USMNT in San Pedro Sula yesterday as the US dropped the opening game of the Hex to Honduras. A 2-1 road defeat is not the start that Jurgen Klinsmann and the team had hoped for.

Electing to go with the young back line of Chandler, Gonzalez, Cameron, and Johnson, Klinsmann gambled by giving the inexperienced a chance and leaving Carlos Bocanegra on the bench. At first I liked this decision because I think if Gonzalez is going to be the future center back of our national team, he needs to be in every serious game from here on out. However, Tim Chandler looked clearly unfit after the 30' and was caught ball watching on the fist Honduran goal. Unacceptable by the young outside back and one now has to question why Bocanegra was not subbed in, having played the outside back role many times in his career. 

Offensively, it was Clint Dempsey again to strike for the US. Deuce has been in top form for Tottenham lately and appears to still be our only lethal threat up top. Jozy played well in a matured role, creating chances and most notably putting forth a composed performance. However, he is a player that needs to be supported by an attacking midfielder with good delivery. We lacked such a midfielder as Bradley had a hot and cold game and Jones only facilitated well in his assist on Dempsey's goal. Danny Williams was a non factor on the outside flank, leaving the door open for Graham Zusi and Maurice Edu to fight for a starting role. Herculez Gomez, a player that has proved lethal for the US in the previous round of qualification, watched from the bench. 

This performance has also given way to the media begging the question: will Landon Donovan come back into the fold? It was apparent that the USMNT still needs his attacking creativity and reliable passing ability. Donovan's vast CONCACAF experience and his veteran leadership could help bring together this squad of European and MLS players. 

Many questions remain for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff. As the American soccer legend Cobi Jones put it yesterday, "Klinsmann gambled and he lost." Fortunately, the four other teams in the Hex tied their matches yesterday, leaving the US only a point behind Mexico, Jamaica, Panama and Costa Rica. Yet the fate of other teams does not bare weight on the unresolved issues of the USMNT. They must solve their problems quickly before their next match against the Reggae Boyz and a looming trip to Stadio Azteca. 

26 Days Until First Kick!

It seems like only yesterday we were singing and yelling at the Home Depot Center during MLS Cup 2012. One side of the stadium yelling, "DAVID!" as the opposite end replied, "BECKHAM!" That ball in from Juninho. That jumping header from Omar Gonzalez. The energy that sparked a comeback victory by the LA Galaxy over the Houston Dynamo for a second straight season. But that is all legend now. It's time to lace up the boots and start training camp for another run the title.

During the next (thankfully) few weeks, I will preview the 2013 MLS season with a recap on transfer news, SuperDraft rookies, and expectations of all kind. Also, I'll keep an eye on the difficult task ahead of the US Men's National Team as they begin the final round of World Cup Qualification matches en route to Brasil 2014. "The Hex" begins tomorrow for the red, white and blue as they face the daunting task of playing in Honduras in San Pedro Sula. A balanced squad of Euro based players and MLS stars must prove they can fight the battle that lies ahead of them as a squad united.

 Can I kick it in 2013?! YES YOU CAN!