Soccer Goals: What's the Gold Cup? That is what MLS Week 19 stated as they offered several interesting games with a couple of come-from-behind victories. Claudio Lopez scored a goal from 50 yards away, catching the keeper off guard. He suggested that his goal was the best he ever scored. David Beckham got his handshake in Kansas City.
This week offered several great comebacks. Trailing by two goals in the first half, Real Salt Lake tallied four consecutive goals, two of which were scored in the final four minutes. Receiving additional help from their young forwards, the Columbus Crew scored two consecutive goals from forwards Steven Lenhart and Jason Garey to secure the 3-2 victory over Toronto FC. Losing 0-2 to DC United, San Jose came from behind on a Ryan Johnson goal and Cornell Glen penalty conversion to draw even with DC United 2-2.
In the Press Pass discussions, the group debates how much US soccer and Major League Soccer has grown. Since the USA has experienced a rise in play over the past year, will MLS also make its run in the top five of sports in the USA?
What do you think of MLS Week 19? What was your favorite play? Has MLS and US Soccer progressed greatly over the past 13 years? Share your thoughts.
Soccer goals: If you suffer from PMBS (Post Mexican Beatdown Syndrome), Obrero SK midfielder Alejandro Bedoya might have provided the remedy for your ailments, scoring two goals against BK Hacken 2-2 draw --one of which was scored in stoppage time. What could lead to greater inspiration is that the talented Weston, Florida native scored two goals in 14 minutes of Allsvenska play.
This soccer video features BK Hacken vs Obrero Sk highlights and soccer goals.
With a little luck of the Irish, the former Boston College Eagle could have netted a hat trick but just missed with a lazering header that veered wide left and could have secured the victory. After appearing 11 matches for the Swedish side, Bedoya has now made an impression, scoring two goals in 12 appearances.
What do you think of the performance? Do you like the way Alejandro Bedoya plays? Share your thoughts.
After impressive Confederations and Gold cup showings, goal-and-assist-filled preseason performance, and record setting assist in the opening game of the season, Benny Feilhaber willed his team to victory with a 45th minute goal, his first Danish regular season goal, which allowed AGF Aarhus to climb to the top of the Danish Superliga.
After playing a full 90 minutes and earning a yellow card, the US international midfielder was subbed out in stoppage time. After helping secure the game winner, his coach congratulated him for his fine goal, but alluded to his defensive work and bite, as a reason for his fantastic performance while slotting in at left wing.
Benny Feilhaber alluded to his stretch of good performances due to his fitness and confidence stating that "well, I think that I am coming off a nice summer with the [US] national team (USMNT) which has undoubtedly helped me with my confidence and fitness.
He added that "I think the team (Aarhus) is playing really well right now. I think that it is easy to come into a team that when everyone has so much confidence on the ball. I know the things that I am good at, and I am just trying to help the team with those things. I feel comfortable with everybody and hope to keep things going."
With two Danish league games set with Odense BK and Koge before the Mexico/USA qualifier in Mexico's D.F., Feilhaber aspires to parlay his summer's performances into another potential break-out performance, reminiscent of 2-1 victory in the 2007 Gold Cup final that witnessed Feilhaber scoring a long distance one-touch volley.
What do you think of Feilhaber's reemergence? Did Benny cheer you up after such a bad beatdown of the USMNT? Will the US Men's National Team defy odds and defeat Mexico en Azteca? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: If you are a US supporter, these highights will sting even greater, knowing that El Tri dismantled the USMNT with a 5-0 goleada. As Mexican supporters continue to revel in their Gold Cup Final thrashing, Mexico plays hosts to the USMNT who desires to inflict revenge during their hexagonal qualifier. Here are the highlights of the 2009 Gold Cup Final.
These soccer videos feature soccer goals and highlights of Mexico vs USA.
What do you think of the beatdown? Will the USMNT enact revenge on El Tri? Will this help improve Mexico's psyche and Mexican soccer, heading into the qualifier? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: Defeating Honduras for the third consecutive time in a two month span with a 2-0 victory, secured US' advancement to the 2009 Gold Cup final to face El Tri, who survived in a 5-4 penalty shootout. Emerging as a defensive presence and deadly weapon on set pieces, Clarence Goodsen punished Honduras at the end of the first half from a Stuart Holden corner kick. In addition, his aggressive run towards goals on another set piece should have yielded a penalty as forward Carlo Costly grabbed his uniform, sending him to the ground. In a nutshell, Honduras did not have an answer for the lanky center back.
These soccer videos feature highlights, soccer goals, and Davy Arnaud interview.
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Demonstrating his faith in the squad, opting not to summon his supplemental contingents, Coach Bob Bradley has proven to US supporters and foreign spectators that the USA boasts emerging talent. His C team demonstrated that they can compete with anyone in CONCACAF, despite lacking A & B list players. American Soccer and Major League Soccer have witnessed the ascension of its talent pool and garnered the attention of the international media, who is taking notice of the US' quality depth.
Experiencing soccer euphoria after the US' Confederations Cup run and now the advancement to the 2009 Gold Cup final, the US has embarked on a turning point in its history. A country, that dedicates itself to football, basketball, and baseball, has seen an increase in player interest from various European suitors. Making a swoop for two promising prospects, Everton FC (English Premiere League) recently signed midfielder Anton Peterlin (Ventura County Fusion) and forward Cody Arnoux (Wake Forest) who were sequestered by the assertive Coach David Moyes. With a splendid performance in the Gold Cup final, the trend could continue for several players American players.
Shining as bright as the reflection from the white sandy beaches of the Carribean, Stuart Holden has proven his value as a chauffeur to the US attack, adding two timely assists against Los Catrachos. Nervousness and hesitancy have gone out the window after his debut, as the cool breeze of confidence has transformed his play. Although he did not play against Honduras in the group stage, it was evident that his presence posed problems for the Honduran defense who responded with few answers.
Continuing to improve from each performance and providing a superb late game save against Carlo Costly, keeper Troy Perkins has demonstrated that his pursuit of the final US keeper position for South Africa is his. Good decision making, quickness of his line, athleticism, and composure suggest that Perkins embodies what Coach Bradley wants from a keeper.
With USMNT set to face a strong and fatigued Mexican side after playing a full 120 minutes against Los Ticos, the USMNT will test their abilities agaisnt El Tri in the 2009 Gold Cup final. Limiting Dos Santos' menacing runs and applying offensive pressure to further create an unstable Mexican defensive back line, will be imperative to secure a victory and build confidence and momentum, heading into the Mexico/USA qualifier in Azteca. Whatever outcome ensues, the USMNT showing has exceeded expectations and has proven the depth and talent that the US possesses.
Let's examine the player grades for the USA Vs Honduras Gold Cup Final.
Players Grade
Troy Perkins, 8 - Provided his best Gold Cup performance in the tournament, saving an excellent Chavez first half strike and Costly second half attack. His stock and confidence continues to rise.
Jay Heaps, 5.5- Finding his defensive rhythm at right back has offerd stabilty to the back line. Although Jay Heaps disappeared in the attack for stretches, his aerially attack during set pieces created two deadly headers.
Clarence Goodsen, 6.5 - Emerged as an offensive weapon on set pieces and provided a solid defensive performance. Goodsen has succeeded Jimmy Conrad on the depth chart.
Chad Marshall, 7 - Played an impeccable game, shadowing Costly, distributing effectively, and proving dangerous on set pieces. Coach Bradley has his number on speed dial for the Hexagonal.
Heath Pearce, 7 - has rekindled sparks of confidence and renewed form, supporting Robbie Rogers on the left flank. His passing and offensive attacking inclination has manifested itself in the past two games. If he continues his progress and finds a club where he can earn playing time, he can emerge as a starter or substitute for the left back position.
Stuart Holden, 7.5 - Tallying two assists while offering great passing and strong work rate, producedanother solid Holden display. The offense distribution flows through his feet, utilizing his vision and funneling the ball to the appropriate player.
Logan Pause, 5 - Struggled with his distribution under pressure but his defensive presence persisted through the full 90 minutes. He needs to reduce his reckless fouling.
Kyle Beckerman, 6.5 - Offering his typical defensive presence and crafty passing, the Rasta improved his second half performance, initiating several attack with his incisive balls.
Robbie Rogers, 5- Plagued by hesitance and timidness, Rogers failed to exploit his defender with his flank speed, fatiguing early in the second half. He did provide several precise crosses, but his potential and ability requires a better performance.
Brian Ching, 6.5- Poor touches failed him early, but his hold-up play and passing posed defensive issues for the Catracho's defense. His deft heel pass to Stuart Holden resulted in Kenny Cooper's late game goal.
Davy Arnaud, 5- Struggled in the first half with the speed and aggressive play, losing possession on several occasions, Davy Arnaud did improve in the second half. His play could send him to the bench as Cooper has emerged in the past two games.
Subs
Kenny Cooper, 7 - Entered the game providing a superb step-over along the flank to draw a foul in a dangerous area. His confidence and play has improved during the knock-out stages. His in-box efficient striking suggests that he needs to remain near the goalmouth, where he has proven to be a deadly finisher.
Soccer Goals: It required every ounce of energy, 120 minutes of playing time, and a 5-4 penalty shoot out to secure the victory. Alhthough Mexico should have sealed the game in regular time, Costa Rica scored a stoppage time goal to force extra time and penalties. Although Mexico missed their penalty shot in regular time, they proved deadly and accurate converting all five shots. On the other hand, Costa Rica's fate would be sealed, as Guillermo Ochoa anticipated and guessed the right direction, leaping and denying the penalty conversion.
These soccer videos feature highlights and soccer goals of the Mexico vs Costa Rica game.
Can the USA defeat Mexico? Will this give Mexico the added fuel to win the game on August 12? Share your thoughts.
