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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.

 

Santino Quaranta, 5 - Replaced Robbie Rogers providing solid defense and solid passing.

 

What do you think of the USMNT Victory? Will Mexico present problems? Will Kenny Cooper earn a starting position? Share you thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: USA silences Honduras 2-0 in Gold Cup Semis - Player's Grade.

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