Soccer goals: It appears that the 2009 Gold Cup solidified several positions for recent Tri newcomers: defenders Efraín Juárez Valdez (UNAM), José Antonio Castro González (Tigres), midfielder Israel Castro Macías (UNAM), and forwards Albert Medina (Chivas GDL), Miguel Sabah Rodríguez (Monarcas).
Their impressive form convinced coach Javier Aguirre that they could handle the pressure and responsibility of the big stage. In an attempt to solidify his squad, El Vasco has called his European and Mexican based players to camp to focuson the anticipated Azteca encounter between USA and El Tri.
Taking the best of bothworlds from the top Gold Cup players to the European-based starters, Coach Javier Aguirre has formed a team that will present the US with several defensive dilemmas. Combining the flank speed of Giovanni Dos Santos, Andres Guardado, and Carlos Vela, coupled with the Cuauhtemoc Blanco's vision and passing, Mexico boasts a recipe for success.
Embracing their Azteca home field advantage of 105,000 fans, D.F.'s contamination, and high altitude, Mexico will attempt to impose their style of play on the Americans, hoping to wear them down before halftime. In addition, Mexico will utilize their recent Gold Cup beatdown as further proof that the Gringos are susceptible to defeat. The USMNT has yet to secure a victory in the intimidating and impenatrable Azteca.
Omitting several players proved inevitable, however, the omission of Pavel Pardo and Matias Vuoso seemed the most apparent based on recent form and play with La Selecion. It will be interesting to witness whether the controversial Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista and Francisco "KinKin" Fonseca can renew their club form and instill confidence in Coach Aguirre that they can still succeed at the international level.
Here is the roster for Mexico vs USA on Aug 12th in El Azteca.
Goalkeepers Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña | América
José de Jesús Corona Rodríguez | Cruz Azul
Defense
Efraín Juárez Valdez | UNAM
José Antonio Castro González | Tigres
Rafael Márquez Álvarez | Barcelona
José Jonny Magallón Oliva | Guadalajara
Ricardo Osorio Mendoza | Stuttgart
Aarón Galindo Rubio | Guadalajara
Carlos Arnoldo Salcido Flores | PSV Eindhoven
Oscar Adrián Rojas Castillon | América
Midfielders
Gerardo Torrado Diez de Bonilla | Cruz Azul
Israel Castro Macías | UNAM
José Andrés Guardado Hernández | La Coruña
Cuauhtémoc Blanco Bravo | Chicago Fire
Forwards
Alberto Medina Briseño | Guadalajara
Giovani Dos Santos Ramírez | Tottenham
Nery Alberto Castillo Confalonieri | Shakhtar
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido | Arsenal
Miguel Sabah Rodríguez | Monarcas
Guillermo Luis Franco Farcuason
What do you think of Mexico's Lineup? Who strikes fear on this roster? Will Aguirre reinspire the Mexican National Team? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: After performing well in the 2009 Gold Cup, midfielder Stuart Holden demonstrated his skill, long range striking, and on-the-ball composure, while the USMNT reached the finals but were punished 0-5 by El Tri. His performances caught the eye of Captain America, Claudio Reyna, who suggest that Stuart Holden will earn his South Africa ticket to the World Cup.
These soccer videos feature Claudio Reyna and Sepp Blatter interviews.
With Sacha Kljestan and DaMarcus Beasley suffering from poor form, Stuart Holden seized his opportunity to supplant either of these players. His versatility allows Coach Bradley to play him at right/left wing or centrally in the midfield. If he can maintain or surpass his current form for the Dynamo, it is very possible that he will secure his ticket with the USMNT in June-July.
What do you think of Holden's chances? What do you think of Sepp Blatter's comments? Share your thoughts.
Despite leading at halftime 3-0 over Peterborough United, Fulham FC conceded three second half goals. Although the score could have resulted in 5-0 victory, Coach Roy Hodgson alluded to good play stating that “I thought we dominated the game but we gave some goals away. I thought we were very comfortable throughout the game. Of course I’m disappointed to have seen what should have been a five or six nil turn into a three-three. It’s not pleasant but at the same time friendly matches are about how the team is playing.
He added that “I thought the team played very well. Of course when I made a few changes and we made a few mistakes but I thought that even in that period I thought we were comfortable throughout. Of course you give goals away and sometimes the other team take their chances.
Fulham FC travels to Vilnius, Lithuania to face FK Velka in Europa League play, returning home to host the Lithuanian club a week later.
After a strong preseason in Australia scoring two goals and offering three assists, Eddie Johnson scored another goal for Fulham FC Reserves in a 1-0 win over Aldershot Town. With Benny Feilhaber improving his confidence after strong play with both club and country, EJ hopes to regain the form that propelled him on the USMNT scene in 2004 when he scored four goals in two World Cup Qualifiers.
Considered a glaring omission from the Gold Cup squad, the former Wizard speedster emerges as a potential dark horse to receive a call up for upcoming qualifiers. Will EJ earn club playing time or will he be loaned out to another club?
Soccer goals: After playing a full 120 minutes midweek in US Open Cup play, plagued by injuries, and missing key offensive starters (Brian Ching and Stuart Holden) absent due to Gold Cup play, the Houston Dynamo hoped that their home dominance would carry over another game, as their undefeated 2009 MLS season streak at Robertson Stadium has catapulted the Dynamo to the top of the Western Conference with 32 points.
This soccer videos feature Dynamo vs Revs highlights and soccer goals.
With the muggy and balmy heat, coupled with the New England Revolution decimated by injuries, Houston Dynamo's chances of winning their ninth straight at home appeared achievable. However, scoring in a quick counter in the 76th minute by Kheli Dube, the Revolution sealed the Dynamo's fate, securing the 1-0 victory.
Despite offering an anemic offense during numerous stretches of the 2009 MLS season, the New England Revolution pressed the Dynamo with their speedy flank play, as veteran Steve Ralston pulled the strings to the offense. In the 7th minute, a Ralston strike forced Julius James to make a sliding save to prevent a potential goal. Ensuing pressure mounted in the 11th minute when Abdoulie Mansally's shot-on-goal forced Onstadt to make a strong and reliable save.
Continuing his excellent form in between the pipes, Pat Onstadt cut Kheli Dube's angle who missed wide right, as he received a perfect through-ball from Abdoulie Mansally during a break-away sequence. With a lethal Darrius Barnes' throw-in in the 40th minute, midfielder Nyassi challenged the Dynamo keeper's reflexes with a low hard strike on goal, which Onstadt scooped up with ease.
In the 36th minute, Houston would demonstrate its danger on set pieces, as the ball was knocked around inside the Revs box and fell to Andrew Hainault. The Houston defender received the ball, shot on goal, and received the deflection, attempting again to slide it past Matt Reis, who gathered the ball with a an athletic jumping save.
With the game scoreless at halftime, both teams began to apply offensive pressure as the game began to experience more attacking opportunities. Generating early second half offense in the 48th minute, Steve Ralston passed to an open Sainey Nyassi who just missed wide right, attempting to exploit the reactive Dynamo defense.
Answering back offensively in the 58th minute, Craig Waibel's cross reached the head of Ricardo Clark, who flicked the ball low and on goal, but Reis proved impenetrable.
Utilizing his speed to surpass the Dynamo defense, Dominic Oduro faced Matt Reis 1v1, but his angle was diminished by Reis' astute positional sense, allowing for the easy save. Although the Dynamo mounted several strong attacking sequences, applying additional pressure to their road opponents, the Revs keeper proved invaluable in the 70th minute, as he ushered a 30-yard Brad Davis strike, just wide right.
Offering multiple saves and keeping the Revolution's hopes alive, Matt Reis would witness his hard work pay dividends in the 76th minute. Rookie defender Kevin Alston would slot a well-weighted long pass to Steve Ralston, bypassing the Houston midfield and defense. Receiving the ball with the softest of touch and a clever left-footed flick, Steve Ralston would touch the ball to a sprinting Kheli Dube, who would seal their fate with a 1-0 victory.
In the final seven minutes, the Houston Dynamo applied continuous offensive pressure, mounting multiple attacking sequences and set-piece opportunities. In stoppage time at the 91st minute mark, the Dynamo's attack would almost equalize from a steaming Julius James' header, which was acrobatically deflected by a diving Matt Reis. The Dynamo's last ditch effort would not culminate into a goal, as the team could not match the New England Revolution's energy and intensity throughout the majority of the match.
Despite leading in shots (17), shots-on-goal (8), and corner kicks (8), the Houston Dynamo failed to capitalize on their multiple scoring chances, while Revs keeper Matt Reis produced eight saves to preserve the clean sheet for New England.
With Stuart Holden returning as the offensive playmaker and Brian Ching solidifying the target forward position, the Houston Dynamo will look to recover from their first home loss, as they host DC United Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 p.m. at Robertson Stadium. Meanwhile, Coach Dominic Kinnear will manage the 2009 MLS All Stars, who will face Everton FC of the English Barclay's Premiere League. Geoff Cameron, Stuart Holden, Brad Davis, and Brian Ching will participate in the MLS All Star Game, while Keeper Pat Onstadt, who was voted on the initial roster, will be replaced by Chivas USA keeper Zach Thorton.
In other Dynamo news: According to Corriere di Livorno, recently promoted Serie A club, Livorno, is expected to reach a transfer deal with MLS and the Houston Dynamo for the services of midfielder Ricardo Clark. Livorno announced their interest last week in both Ricardo Clark and forward Landon Donovan after a strong showing in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After receiving interest from both the German Bundesliga and French club Rennes, it appears that the tenacious defensive midfielder will secure his transfer in the coming weeks.
What did you think of the game? Who was your MOTM? Will the Dynamo maintain their lead in the Western Conference? Share you thoughts.
Soccer Goals: Breathe in and out slowly and calmly. That is what most US supporters said to themselves after Mexico had scored three goals in 11 minutes. However, the soccer goal buffet opened indefinitely at Giants Stadium and closed at 5p.m., as El Tri gave the USA a serious beat down scoring two more goals.
These soccer videos feature interiews with USMNT players after the Mexican thrashing.
Yes, conceding five goals in 33 minutes is unacceptable, and Coach Bradley should have inserted new blood after the first goal, due to Mexico's perpetual attacks. Although the US played a better half than Mexico, the wheels fell off in the second, as Coach Javier Aguirre added Arsenal's Carlos Vela who added a new dimension to the Mexican attack. For this astute coaching move, I salute the Mexican coach, Javier Aguirre, deserving of the victory.
Whether Mexico receives an injection to the remainder of the Hexagonal remains to be seen. Confidence did exude in the second half for El Tri, when Dos Santos and Vela exploited the US' fatigued wing backs who failed to track back in a timely manner. Even the central midfield pairing of Beckerman and Pause provided a serviceable duo, but the midfielders could not match the intensity of Torrado and Castro. Failing to track back promptly cost the USMNT the game. Running swiftly down the flanks with ease, Dos Santos appeared to possess the speed of world record holder Usain Bolt, as he looked back in a 2008 Bolt Olympic rendition to see if he was off sides.
Yes, the defeat hurts. Well, actually it is really painful. But, let's take things into perspective. Deciding not to call up his supplemental players, a gutsy move, back fired for Coach Bradley. Battered and bruised from their beat down, both players and coach Bradley will learn from their experience.
The inexperienced players should have rallied and left everything on the field. But, fatigue overcame their will to win, and El Tri punished them five times without mercy.
In their second FIFA final in the past month, Coach Bradley remained loyal to his players, believing that they would overcome adversity and the constant Mexican attacks. But, after conceding two goals, Coach Bradley demonstrated his reactionary tactics in the eery manner of the 2009 Confederations Cup. His usual suspects at wing back and central midfield appeared to be debilitated, which played a role in their physical demise and letdown.
In an attempt to build cohesion by virtually playing the same starting Xl, Coach Bradley pushed his starters to their maximum level, but then the fortress walls crumbled. Despite scoring the second most goals in the Gold Cup, the USMNT lacked the element of speed at forward, which was a glaring weakness as Ching and Arnaud could not reach probing ball played into space. In the group stages, the US boasted their speed up top with Charlie Davis who unsettled back lines with ease. His element of speed created space for midfielders Quaranta, Beckerman, and Holden, transforming these prospects into US fringe players.
So, where did Coach Bradley go wrong? His selection allowed for an abundance of analogous players, ignoring the element of speed. Eddie Johnson (a glaring omission) and another speed player (Robbie Findley, Jeremiah White, or Jemal Johnson) would have added the extra threat that would have complimented his target forwards Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper. Although Eddie Johnson attempts to settle in with Fulham FC, his experience, increased European confidence, and speed would have wreaked havoc on opposing defenses, allowing for the midfield to generate efficient offensive sequences with their newly created space.
Even though I still admire what Coach Bob Bradley has produced with the USMNT and its player pool, it is essential that he learns from his mistakes and adapts faster, offering a more proactive approach to in-game tactics. His decision making for the US/Mexico qualifier could erase memories of the Mexican beat down or could exacerbate the disdain that many US supporters feel for his tactics and predictability.
Let's take a look at the players grades for US vs Mexico 0-5 defeat.
Troy Perkins, 5.5 - Made several great saves and attempted to single-handedly keep the US afloat, while his defense betrayed him, playing undisciplined and lethargic in the second half. His overall Gold Cup performance states his case for the third position.
Jay Heaps, 2 - Although the penalty call against Dos Santos remains questionable as Jay Heaps received an elbow to the face, pulling on Dos Santos jersey left the window open for referee Campbell. Caught out of position on several occasions, the Heapster never should have advanced so profoundly in the attack, while failing to track back promptly.
Clarence Goodson, 4.5 - Played the best of the defenders, but the defensive unit crumbled under pressure and experiencing a lack of discipline. A strong league campaign should keep him in good standing with Coach Bradley.
Chad Marshall, 3.5 - Perfection had to cease at some moment in the Gold Cup, which transpired in the second half allowing Vela and Dos Santos to turn and dummy the Crew defender. His effort level suggested that he had given up, playing casual after the second goal. Paired with an experienced defender, such as Onyewu or Bocanegra, the 2008 defender would have maintained his composure. His strong Gold Cup display resonated through US soccer forums as he received accolades and approval. Did this game hurt his status for a spot in upcoming qualifiers?
Heath Pearce, 4 - In the first 30 minutes, the out-of-contract left back advanced well and provide great support to Rogers. His crossing offered its moments of jubilation and frustration. However, the ensuing second half witnessed a complete nose dive: His advancement in the attack yielded little danger, and his positional sense allowed Dos Santos free reign on the flank and final third. Not tracking back and suspect man-marking hurt his World Cup chances tremendously. His improved Gold Cup play ensued with each game, but mental mistakes in the final could lead to his demise and omission from the USMNT.
Robbie Rogers, 4.5 - demonstrated more than his past knockout stage games but failed to score on two good chances. His second half strike in the 48th minute could have changed the complexity for the USA. It is imperative that Rogers utilizes his speed and attacks players 1v1 as his crossing has improved over the past two years.
Logan Pause, 4 - Starting the game on a positive note, the Chicago Fire midfielder work rate and play diminshed faster than the 2008 Iceland krona (currency). In his defense, he should have never received a Gold Cup invitation. Amongst US central midfielders, he rates between 12-15 on the depth chart.
Kyle Beckerman, 4.5 - played well in the first half and disappeared in the second half. His composure was evident in the previous games, but against Mexico, the Rasta's strikes on goal were squandered by unease and nervousness on his follow through. Previously, those strikes would flourish on the international and MLS levels.
Stuart Holden, 5 - Tracked back defensively to offer several timely tackles, jump starting a counter attack. However, his play diminished in the second half like Alex Rodriguez in the playoffs. Once slotted centrally, Holden demonstrated his penchant for turnovers as he fatigued early than most games. The tireless winger earned consideration for the Azteca qualifier, but the Gold Cup final has exposed his penchant for turnovers when fatigue sets in.
Davy Arnaud, 3.5 - After a poor showing in the Honduras semifinal, it seemed evident that Arnaud should be relegated to the bench. But, Coach Bradley opted for the Wizard ace to pair with Brian Ching. In hindsight, Kenny Cooper should have started the game because his size would have posed problem for Mexico's back line, while Ching continued his dirty work and hold-up play.
Brian Ching, 4.5 - Hustled and played with conviction but was unable to score a customary header or rebound. Instead, he chased long balls all day until the wheels fell off. Although his hold up play is essential for the US attack, his play requires a speed player to compliment him his skill set.
Subs
Santino Quaranta, 3 - Offered little passion and intensity while turning the ball over on several occasions. His Gold Cup proved that his one dimensional play does not translate to the next level.
Kenny Cooper, 5 - Disappeared and suffered from the lack of service. His stature and play demands a more physical approach, requiring him to hold the ball up better under pressure and relaying it to his teammates. Although his Gold Cup performance suggests that he can score goals, his display indicated that he still offers little in a high international competition. A European move will suit him very nicely.
Are you still bummed after the 5-0 beat down? WIll the US prevail in Azteca? Was the victory overrated for Mexico? Share your thoughts.
