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.

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!