If Donovan hasn't proven to people that he can hang with the best of them after this tournament, then there is nothing else he can do. Here are a couple of articles about his great play over the Confed Cup. He is the Yank-Who-Should-Be-Abroad and I am hopeful that he will get a chance to prove himself across the pond.
While it's a huge disappointment, Howard reflects on USA's loss to Brazil. He talks about what makes Brazil so good and gives credit to his team for its effort.
Extra Point: 6/29
Josh Elliott praises Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and an American team that inspired pride in defeat at the Confederations Cup.Extra Point: 6/29 Matt Winer comments on Brazil's deflating rally against the U.S. in the Confederations Cup final.
I don't want to get too excited until this actually happens, but this would be a great pick up. I don't think he is exactly the answer to our problems, but the more depth, the better. You could see our depth issues in yesterday's game when we brought on Klejstan and Bornstein. I am hopeful though. Someone needs to make sure US Soccer at least calls him in to get him in a qualifier.An interesting development to say the least.
I know that it isn't the World Cup, but to say this tournament is meaningless as I have read in several places is absurd. Some of the American media don't know enough, and some of the English media have written it off (probably because England were not in it). But look at the following pictures and video and tell me it doesn't mean everything to these players. The video shows Timmy getting the goalkeeper award and Clint receiving the bronze boot for his goals scored. Go to about the 6:20 mark to see how badly Clint wanted this one.
Well, I don't even know what to say. What a game. It was a tale of two halves. A completely inspired first half and a disastrous second. The goal within the first minutes of the second half gave the Brazilians belief and deflated the US. We looked extremely tired in the second half. I am not one to find moral victories, as I prefer actual victories. Still, I am extremely proud of this team and can't think of a better experience for these players. Let's enjoy, if we can, the great first half we had.I will be back for more comments and videos.
I think it is interesting to watch highlights with English (UK) commentary. They are often more critical of the US and so when they praise the US, it is almost more meaningful. I know I have posted about 80 videos of these games, but it is fun to keep watching.
The Down Side of Today - Bradley's Red Card First, it wasn't a red card. Heck, it wasn't even a yellow. *&#$, it wasn't even a foul. Bradley got the ball, and yet again we got a red card. *Remember Jorge Larrionda?
JP Dellacamera and John Harkes recap the US Men's Team remarkable upset against FIFA's top ranked Spain. The win ends Spain's record 35-game unbeaten streak.
I don't think there is much I can say, but wow. What a gutsy performance! Jay Demerit, Jonathon Spector, and Ricardo Clark - welcome to the big time. Enjoy the highlights. Sorry to be posting so late, but I saw the game late. There will be much more to follow.
Here are some more highlights (can you really not watch it enough?) as well as highlights of the Brazil game. Let's not forget the importance of Brazil to beat Italy 3-0. Here they are:
Just kidding. I'm kind of making fun of those who flipped out about firing Bradley. I'm not saying I agree with all of his decisions he has made. Even today, I was not pleased with Dempsey starting or staying in as long as he did, but he scored so I will keep my mouth shut. Anyway, let's just be happy today. What an improbable day! I'm so excited. After the last month or so, it feels fantastic to be a US fan right now. I would have considered myself content with a solid performance, but to actually advance is unbelievable! I will post up all the videos and interviews that will surface so keep checking back. USA!! USA!! USA!!
Well, hopefully Bob knows what he is doing. This is why he is the coach and I am a nerd who just blogs about it. I'll be back after the game, hopefully joyous.
I know this isn't on the minds of too many US soccer fans right now, but this site is primarily meant to help follow Yanks Abroad. Brescia lost 3-0 to Livorno today and will remain in the Serie B. What does this mean for Szetela? Probably not much as he probably will head to Poland anyway. Disappointing time there as he rarely saw the field or even the bench for that matter. He is still young so hopefully will get a chance to prove himself elsewhere. Here are highlights from today's game.
Saw this at Original Winger. It would be very disappointing for it to fold after such a short time. Hopefully once the economy picks back up, things will get back to how they were originally planned.
Jen Chang, Andrew Hush and David Mosse discuss the U.S.' performance in the Confederations Cup and whether coach Bob Bradley is the right man for the job.
I don't want to make too many comments other than the fact that I know it's Brazil, but we looked like the US of 1980. Complete amateur stuff out there. Dempsey and Beasley need to sit on the bench for a while and EARN their spot. We need a result and better performance against Egypt to get some pride and confidence back.
I have been out of town which is why there have been no updates for a while. I wouldn't have posted anything you couldn't find anywhere else, but hopefully I normally can provide a one stop place for US fans. Anyway, here are some post Italy (aka "Go F Yourself Rossi) articles and videos. Brazil here we come.
I can't say I'm the biggest fan of the FIFA rule change, but in this case, I'm okay with it. Dear Edgar Castillo, join the fun! I think this will be a great thing for the USMNT. Let's get this guy in some games and see how he fits into it all. I'm not trying to get too excited but know it can't hurt.
Jen Chang, Andrew Hush and David Mosse preview the U.S. national team's games in the Confederations Cup and talk about who's hot and who's not in MLS. They also discuss Jones and his wish to switch national teams.
ESPN Soccer announcers JP Dellacamera and John Harkes discuss the U.S. National's team's come-from-behind victory over Honduras in World Cup qualifying.
I aged 5 years in that match. Regardless, it was a much needed 3 points and a great test for the boys. I usually don't like to provide too much insight since I am sure most people could care less what I think, but some thoughts from the match:
*Casey wasn't the best out there, but definitely worked his rear end off, held the ball well at time, and deserves another game.Too many fouls up front, but I was pleasantly surprised.
*This was the first game in a long time that I have seen Dempsey work hard though I think it was from trying to make up for his mistake.
*Bornstein did well enough, but he still looks awkward and out of place. Is that really our best option?
*Ricardo Clark=Fantastic Very unlucky not to get a penalty awarded. We almost didn't miss Bradley with the way he played.He really stepped it up. Well done, Rico!
*Spector was man of the match for me. I think he needs to be our first option (ahead of Frankie maybe??) there. Just keep giving him games for experience.
*Jozy put in a ton of energy particularly in the first half. Watch out for him when he finally gets regular club time. An inform Jozy is a dangerous Jozy.
*Feilhaber did well. Again, he just needs more games with the club team (i.e. Jozy, Beasley, Adu, Pearce) which he admitted after the game.
*It is still so disappointing to play at home yet have so much away support. It was unsettling to watch Honduras look so comfortable in an away match. They even were getting calls at the beginning of the match which were "home team" calls.Great job to those US fans who were there with their red and voices!
*Much more passion and energy from the players. Very happy with the result and hopefully gives us confidence as we look towards Confed Cup.
U.S. Soccer Show: 6/5 Jen Chang, Andrew Hush and David Mosse discuss what went wrong for the U.S. in its loss to Costa Rica and look ahead to the match against Honduras.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its endeavor to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.