Coach Bradley re-signed by US Soccer MNT

Coach, you've done a fine job since taking over as the manager of Sam's Army. A Gold Cup win in 2007, an exciting run with a second place finish at the Confederations Cup in 2009, and first place qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa...not a bad list of achievements for one's first gig as a national team coach.


You're dedication to picking from the farm crops of Major League Soccer, with talent such as Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, and Ricardo Clark, helped to give the young American pros some valuable international caps. While adding to the credibility of MLS, the very league you made a name for yourself in (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA), our young talent was able to bolster their stock abroad. Now, Sacha's boots are planted in the Belgium First Division, Clark is enjoying Oktoberfest with the rest of the German Bundesliga, and Bornstein...well, he's still a Goat.


However, praise must be accompanied by some constructive criticism for the sake of striving to form a more perfect soccer union. We came up short at the World Cup in beautiful South Africa, plain and simple. It should have been US in the quarterfinals. It should have been US with the strong chance to go through to the semifinals. It should have been US with proud smiles in busy Johannesburg, instead of disappointed frowns in cold Rustenburg. I was at that game. It still hurts...bad.


I have a serious question in regards to your tactics: Did you sew Edson Buddle into his warm ups? Why was MLS's hottest player left to do drills behind the goal during that game against Ghana? During the second half, I shouted with all I had in me, "YEAH EDSON! THIS IS YOUR GAME! LA GALAXY!" while he warmed up at your command. I had seats 4 rows up, right next to the corner flag where he turned to me and smiled, flashing the thumbs up. Edson and I waited...and waited...and waited. Then when you made your final substitution, it was clear.


Lionel Messi led La Liga with the most goals before the World Cup began. Didier Drogba led the English Premiere League in the 2009/2010 season. Antonio Di Natale wore the golden boot in Serie A last season. All three were called upon to work their magic on the pitch wearing their country's colors at critical times. Next time, perhaps we should follow the trend.

Futbol!

Today was undoubtedly an unforgettable day for the United States Men's National Soccer Team. Being matched up against the likes of Brazil and Italy in the group stage of the Confederations Cup was flooring to begin with, but making it through to the semi-final round was completely unheard-of.

The analysts have all waxed poetic on the unlikelihood of the USA matching up with the world's number one futbol power- Spain.

David Villa
Carlos Puyol
Sergio Ramos
Fernando Torres
etc., etc., etc.


The US didn't play a game of tactically sound possession and its strategy lacked aesthetic beauty, but it sure as shit got the job done! Jozy Alidore capitalized like a veteran professional early on to give the US a one goal lead. The rest of the match saw the Americans digging their heels into the defensive third, showing guts and glory as they sacrificed their bodies to block the onslaught of shots from the Spaniards.

Donovan and Dempsey hooked up for a 'right place at the right time' moment in the second half that truly made the whole thing seem real. With a two to nil cushion, the US pulled all eleven men back on defense, frustrating the likes of Pique and Xavi. Michael Bradley received an audacious Red Card for a tackle but the remaining ten men held strong, due in most part to the outstanding play of Timmy Howard between the sticks.

Go Sam's Army! Turning heads in the global futbol community and building momentum at just the right time before the World Cup.



...oh yes, I nearly forgot:


I've officially purchased my tickets for 3 matches at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. PSYCHED!



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