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.