USA Soccer

[Titanxman04]

Tonight, our nation has qualified for the World Cup Final for 2010 in South Africa. After being down 1-0 at Honduras, the US responded with three goals, only to allow another from Honduras to reach our final of 3-2.

From the last portion of the game I watched online, US defense looked sloppy and disorganized, and despite good feelings for ensuring their next step, I have to hope they clean things up ont he back end by next summer.

All in all, whether you like it or not, go USA!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Tonight, our nation has qualified for the World Cup Final for 2010 in South Africa. After being down 1-0 at Honduras, the US responded with three goals, only to allow another from Honduras to reach our final of 3-2.

From the last portion of the game I watched online, US defense looked sloppy and disorganized, and despite good feelings for ensuring their next step, I have to hope they clean things up ont he back end by next summer.

All in all, whether you like it or not, go USA!

I missed it since it was not televised! Nice!

[danaandvictory]

One of the most incredible games I've ever seen. Just incredible. We'll probably crap our pants in South Africa, but that game will always stick in my mind.

[MuskieMark]

could be running into some problems in south africa if we dont tighten up in back. great game for casey but why was he even on the field?

[Titanxman04]

Benny Feilhaber (SP?) is not in good enough shape to stay on the field for 90 minutes. Casey was on because Dempsey was injured in a club game.

Our back line needs to figure out some things and stop being lazy. But it was an exciting game.

If our games aren't televised, go to justin.tv. Great website that you'll be able to watch the games on.

[MuskieMark]

Benny Feilhaber (SP?) is not in good enough shape to stay on the field for 90 minutes. Casey was on because Dempsey was injured in a club game.

Our back line needs to figure out some things and stop being lazy. But it was an exciting game.

If our games aren't televised, go to justin.tv. Great website that you'll be able to watch the games on.
well dempsey hasnt been playing up top for us in a while, staying more towards the outside. im more surprised to see altidore left out, especially with the lack of time he's been seeing for club, and if it wasnt him i woulda thought ching would be ahead of him in the pecking order

[Titanxman04]

Altidore was playing. At least in the end he was.

[MuskieMark]

he got in at the very end but not for enough time to really contribute

[AdamtheFlyer]

I think Charlie Davies is about a year away from being an elite striker. Once he learns to control his touch he'll score goals in bunches.

[Snipe]

You guys follow far more than I do. I can't name the players outside of Donovan. He had a sweet strike off a set piece. I try to catch them when they are on TV. Go USA.

[golfitup]

I can't believe Connor Casey scored two goals. I know he's doing well in MLS, but it's hard to take him seriously as a soccer player with the way he looks. But I ain't gonna complain!

Anyone wanna go to South Africa next June?

[Emp]

Moving to Cols (the Crew) and getting Fox Soccer on my digital have given me much more time to watch good football, and I am enjoying it.

Casey is still a mystery for me.......boning up to do on the newer players between now and next June.

[DC Muskie]

Casey was in because Casey actually plays and scores goals, while Jozi sits the bench at Hull. We need guys who actually see games on the pitch, not on the bench.

It was funny, I watched the match at a bar here in DC and the Honduras tv feed had Casey listed as L. Kersey. Well, L Kersey just scored two goals on you.

Our defense is awful, but it certainly doesn't help when Honduras is able to score a goal when everybody was offside. I'm not one who likes to complain about officiating, especially when we win, back the linesman on the side of benches was beyond bad. I'm not sure he undestands what offsides is. He should be thanful Pavon totally duffed that penalty.

It was by far the best match I have ever seen us play. Way better then the trip I made to Germany in 2006 and watch us get our asses handed to us. What was especially funny is watching American soccer fans fill into the bar about an hour before the match, stay for the match, then leaves immediately after. The bar I was in was empty except for me, my two buddies and our server.

The server was absolutely into me by the way.

Six straight trips for our boys. Let's win the group and get a good seed next year.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Casey was in because Casey actually plays and scores goals, while Jozi sits the bench at Hull. We need guys who actually see games on the pitch, not on the bench.

It was funny, I watched the match at a bar here in DC and the Honduras tv feed had Casey listed as L. Kersey. Well, L Kersey just scored two goals on you.

Our defense is awful, but it certainly doesn't help when Honduras is able to score a goal when everybody was offside. I'm not one who likes to complain about officiating, especially when we win, back the linesman on the side of benches was beyond bad. I'm not sure he undestands what offsides is. He should be thanful Pavon totally duffed that penalty.

It was by far the best match I have ever seen us play. Way better then the trip I made to Germany in 2006 and watch us get our asses handed to us. What was especially funny is watching American soccer fans fill into the bar about an hour before the match, stay for the match, then leaves immediately after. The bar I was in was empty except for me, my two buddies and our server.

The server was absolutely into me by the way.

Six straight trips for our boys. Let's win the group and get a good seed next year.

haha, I'm pissed I missed it.

I'm just glad we qualified. Nobody wants to be that borderline/close to qualifying CONCAAF team that has to play the borderline/close to qualifying South American team in that playoff game.

I would have liked to see the atmosphere of the game on tv. Was it crazy? I know Honduras is going through a semi civil war (Their President was kidnapped by one of their generals). It's either Honduras or Costa Rica that doesn't have protected and covered aisles for the players to walk under going to the pitch.

Every road game the US plays there seems to be just one horrid ref.

I wonder if they have any stories from Honduras. I know when we played at Mexico ,their fans drove up trucks to our hotel with enormous speakers at 230 in the morning and blared music. They also pranked called the rooms and other various tactics including the pissing and &$^%ing and vomiting in water bottles then throwing them at our players.

Anyways, so the US and Mexico are in. Costa Rica is probably in barring a huge let down. They have a pretty good squad.

Now its fifa's turn to put us in the group of death once again.

[Titanxman04]

haha, I'm pissed I missed it.

I'm just glad we qualified. Nobody wants to be that borderline/close to qualifying CONCAAF team that has to play the borderline/close to qualifying South American team in that playoff game.

I would have liked to see the atmosphere of the game on tv. Was it crazy? I know Honduras is going through a semi civil war (Their President was kidnapped by one of their generals). It's either Honduras or Costa Rica that doesn't have protected and covered aisles for the players to walk under going to the pitch.

Every road game the US plays there seems to be just one horrid ref.

I wonder if they have any stories from Honduras. I know when we played at Mexico ,their fans drove up trucks to our hotel with enormous speakers at 230 in the morning and blared music. They also pranked called the rooms and other various tactics including the pissing and &$^%ing and vomiting in water bottles then throwing them at our players.

Anyways, so the US and Mexico are in. Costa Rica is probably in barring a huge let down. They have a pretty good squad.

Now its fifa's turn to put us in the group of death once again.

And lets be honest, thats what the world wants. It's not exactly hoped throughout the world that the US succeeds in soccer. If we can get in a decent group, and then play our way into the second round, I think we'll be alright. If we have the sagger that brought us through against Spain, then look out. If it's the team that struggled in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, then we're gonna be ashamed of our team again. Let's hope that we can get some confidence and our team put together for South Africa.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

And lets be honest, thats what the world wants. It's not exactly hoped throughout the world that the US succeeds in soccer. If we can get in a decent group, and then play our way into the second round, I think we'll be alright. If we have the sagger that brought us through against Spain, then look out. If it's the team that struggled in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, then we're gonna be ashamed of our team again. Let's hope that we can get some confidence and our team put together for South Africa.

Yes, that style works well for us (Specifically the Spain game, but we played well against Brazil until the end). We don't have the talent to just possess the ball for what seems like years at a time that Spain/Brazil/Italy etc do. What we excel at is waiting for the moment to counter-attack and then using our athleticism/speed to overwhelm the other team and take advantage of what they give us.

You said it earlier though, sometimes our D can be suspect (Howard not included).

Teams that have qualified for the world cup so far:

1)South Africa (host)
2) US
3) Mexico
4) Japan
5) Australia
6) Korea Republic
7) Netherlands
8) Korea DPR
9) Brazil
10) Ghana
11) England
12) Spain
13) Paraguay
14) Cote Dlvoire
15) Germany
16) Denmark
17) Serbia
18) Italy
19) Chile

Honduras being in 4th place would play Argentina who is in 5th place for a spot in the World cup if qualification "regular season" ended today. Yikes

[Titanxman04]

Argentina would be a clear cut favorite in that match up.

I think the advantage we have this year than in the past is that was have Howard, who has proven and is now considered one of the world's top goal keepers. We haven't had that before, and even back in the days of Tony Meola, we never had a solid keeper. Keller was never that solid of a net-minder in international play. Great during club matches, but once on that big stage, he fell apart.

The other thing that I think will help us is that we've had a team that has played together through some tough competition and they've failed and succeeded together. With those experiences, I feel like this is the most tight-knit team we've ever had going into the World Cup.

I think it's ludicrous that the head of US Soccer said that we would win the World Cup Final. I still think thats a generation or two away from us accomplishing. But I certainly think we could get into the Final 8. We could certainly get past the first round and through the second if we play like we're able to.

With that said, to hell with what the world thinks of us. Go USA!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Argentina would be a clear cut favorite in that match up.

Go USA!

Exactly...That was the point I was trying to make. The competition in South America is obviously way better than in North and Central America. I'm just glad we are in and don't have to worry about that playoff.

Everyone will always root against the US in soccer. That's to be expected.

I agree, top 8 would be considered a victory. Semi's would be incredible. It all depends on the draw. The teams I would not like to face in the initial group are:

1) Brazil - For obvious reasons
2) Italy
3) Spain
4) Argentina - When they qualify
5) Germany
6) Netherlands

[Titanxman04]

t all depends on the draw.

And thats the key. You said it earlier. We'll see if we get f***'d or not.

[xu95]

Casey was in because Casey actually plays and scores goals, while Jozi sits the bench at Hull. We need guys who actually see games on the pitch, not on the bench.

It was funny, I watched the match at a bar here in DC and the Honduras tv feed had Casey listed as L. Kersey. Well, L Kersey just scored two goals on you.

Our defense is awful, but it certainly doesn't help when Honduras is able to score a goal when everybody was offside. I'm not one who likes to complain about officiating, especially when we win, back the linesman on the side of benches was beyond bad. I'm not sure he undestands what offsides is. He should be thanful Pavon totally duffed that penalty.

It was by far the best match I have ever seen us play. Way better then the trip I made to Germany in 2006 and watch us get our asses handed to us. What was especially funny is watching American soccer fans fill into the bar about an hour before the match, stay for the match, then leaves immediately after. The bar I was in was empty except for me, my two buddies and our server.

The server was absolutely into me by the way.

Six straight trips for our boys. Let's win the group and get a good seed next year.

Did you give him your number?

xu95

[AdamtheFlyer]

Has there been any progress in the Jermaine Jones situation? Good chance he'll be approved by June? It would be nice to have a midfielder that is both a physical badass and a threat to score from 35 yards out. He can score the goal Ricardo Clark hit against T&T in his sleep.

[Denver Muskie]

Has there been any progress in the Jermaine Jones situation? Good chance he'll be approved by June? It would be nice to have a midfielder that is both a physical badass and a threat to score from 35 yards out. He can score the goal Ricardo Clark hit against T&T in his sleep.

I doubt it. He just had another surgery and won't be playing for a while. If the US schedules friendlies in the spring in Europe, maybe he could play then, but it looks like he may not be able to suit up until the world cup for the US. I'm not sure they would bring him in without ever having played with the team before.

[TaipeiMuskie]

Yes, that style works well for us (Specifically the Spain game, but we played well against Brazil until the end). We don't have the talent to just possess the ball for what seems like years at a time that Spain/Brazil/Italy etc do. What we excel at is waiting for the moment to counter-attack and then using our athleticism/speed to overwhelm the other team and take advantage of what they give us.

You said it earlier though, sometimes our D can be suspect (Howard not included).

Teams that have qualified for the world cup so far:

1)South Africa (host)
2) US
3) Mexico
4) Japan
5) Australia
6) Korea Republic
7) Netherlands
8) Korea DPR
9) Brazil
10) Ghana
11) England
12) Spain
13) Paraguay
14) Cote Dlvoire
15) Germany
16) Denmark
17) Serbia
18) Italy
19) Chile

Honduras being in 4th place would play Argentina who is in 5th place for a spot in the World cup if qualification "regular season" ended today. Yikes

Argentina is in 4th, one point ahead of Uruguay. They play each other tomorrow in Montevideo. One point is all Argentina needs to qualify.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Argentina is in 4th, one point ahead of Uruguay. They play each other tomorrow in Montevideo. One point is all Argentina needs to qualify.

Oh ok. Thanks for the correction. The point I was trying to make is that playoff game is basically a guarenteed South American victory since the competition is crazy down there. I definitely would not count out Uruguay at home in that game. Argentina is stacked of course and has Messi, but Uruguay has some serious tradition and quality players. I can't wait to watch some of these Qualification games.

[DC Muskie]

Honduras crowd was very respectful and at the same time very loud. They didn't make noise during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, which you never see when we travel to these banana republics.

as for Jones, I would be shocked if he ever is cleared in time to play, and Bradley has demonstrated this year that if you are not playing for your club, you are not getting time with the national squad. This team finally looks like it is putting pieces together and we have one thing going for us in this tournament:

It is not in Europe.

Other than that it would be extremely difficult for us to make even the Final 8. Look, until we have guys outside of our keepers, playing in Champions League matches on a regular basis, we should only look to advance past the round robin stage. Hell we don't develop defenders in this country! We take forwards and midfielders and convert them to back line defenders.

By the way anyone else think it's funny that Argentina decided to give the most important job in the country to Maradona? It was hilarious watching them struggle. However, I am glad they are in, because a World Cup without Messi is missing something.


And 95, no I'm not that easy.

[TaipeiMuskie]

Oh ok. Thanks for the correction. The point I was trying to make is that playoff game is basically a guarenteed South American victory since the competition is crazy down there. I definitely would not count out Uruguay at home in that game. Argentina is stacked of course and has Messi, but Uruguay has some serious tradition and quality players. I can't wait to watch some of these Qualification games.

Understand your point and agree about Uruguay.

Some thoughts about the teams that you wouldn't want to play in the initial group:
Italy is normally the team that you don't want to play after the first round. They always tend to start slow and get better progressively. Brazil, Argentina and Spain tend to get distracted in the later stages. Germany is normally pretty focused the whole tournament.
As for the Netherlands, you never really know what you're going to get from them game to game.

Some really interesting games left in Europe in Groups 2,3 and 6. Fun few days of games (with the time differences).

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Straight from Wikipedia

CONMEBOL KEY GAMES:

October 14, 2009 - ROUND 18:

CHILE vs ECUADOR in Estadio Monumental - Santiago - Chile.

Ecuador will qualify for the World Cup if:
they defeat Chile by at least five goals AND Argentina and Uruguay draw AND if they win by exactly five goals, they score at least as many goals as Argentina.
Ecuador will qualify for the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL play-off if:
they defeat Chile by fewer than five goals, OR
they defeat Chile AND Argentina and Uruguay do not draw, OR
they draw with Chile AND:
either:
Uruguay lose to Argentina by at least 13 goals, OR
Uruguay lose to Argentina by exactly 12 goals AND Ecuador score seven more goals than Uruguay; AND
either:
Venezuela do not defeat Brazil by more than two goals, OR
Venezuela defeat Brazil by exactly three goals AND Ecuador score two more goals than Venezuela

URUGUAY VS ARGENTINA in Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Uruguay will qualify for the World Cup if:
they defeat Argentina.
Uruguay will qualify for the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL play-off if:
they draw with Argentina AND Ecuador do not defeat Chile, OR
they lose to Argentina AND:
either:
Venezuela do not defeat Brazil, OR
the combined margin of Venezuela's victory and Uruguay's loss is 14 or fewer goals, OR
the combined margin is exactly 15 goals AND Venezuela do not score five more goals than Uruguay; AND
either:
Ecuador lose to Chile, OR
Ecuador draw with Chile AND Uruguay do not lose by more than 11 goals, OR
Ecuador draw with Chile AND Uruguay lose by exactly 12 goals AND Ecuador do not score seven more goals than Uruguay.

Argentina will qualify for the World Cup if:
they defeat Uruguay, OR
they draw with Uruguay AND:
Ecuador do not defeat Chile by more than four goals, OR
Ecuador defeat Chile by exactly five goals AND Argentina score more goals than Ecuador.
Argentina will qualify for the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL play-off if:
they draw with Uruguay AND:
Ecuador defeat Chile by six or more goals, OR
Ecuador defeat Chile by exactly five goals AND score at least as many goals as Argentina; OR
they lose to Uruguay AND Ecuador do not defeat Chile.

BRAZIL vs VENEZUELA in Morenao, Campo Grande, Brazil

Venezuela will qualify for the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL play-off if:
they defeat Brazil AND Uruguay lose to Argentina AND:
either:
the combined margin of Venezuela's victory and Uruguay's loss is 16 or more goals, OR
the combined margin is exactly 15 goals AND Venezuela score six more goals than Uruguay; AND
either:
Ecuador lose to Chile, OR
Ecuador draw with Chile AND Venezuela defeat Brazil by at least four goals, OR
Ecuador draw with Chile AND Venezuela defeat Brazil by exactly three goals AND Ecuador score at most one more goal than Venezuela.

So basically Venezuela is effectively out barring a miracle. Anything can happen between Ecuador - Argentina - Uruguay. Although Ecuador has a lot bigger hill to climb

Play-off against CONCACAF team - NOV 18, 2009

The team from fourth place in the CONCACAF qualifying fourth round will enter into a play-off against the team which finishes fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying group.


Honduras / Costa Rica vs Argentina / Uruguay / Ecuador / Venezuela

[MuskieMark]

being one of the best teams not ranked as far as seedings goes, no matter who we draw it is probably going to look like the group of death or at least one of the toughest..bottom line is if we are not bringing our A game, we wont make it out of the group

[AdamtheFlyer]

Charlie Davies was involved in a terrible car accident early this morning. One person was killed in the accident and Davies was seriously injured. This site references a source that says his injuries are not life threatening but "possibly career threatening".

http://www.matchfitusa.com/2009/10/davies-involved-in-car-accident.html

Say a prayer tonight for everyone involved. Just awful.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Charlie Davies was involved in a terrible car accident early this morning. One person was killed in the accident and Davies was seriously injured. This site references a source that says his injuries are not life threatening but "possibly career threatening".

http://www.matchfitusa.com/2009/10/davies-involved-in-car-accident.html

Say a prayer tonight for everyone involved. Just awful.

Just read that. Awful situation....

[DC Muskie]

Awful news. Just awful.

[MuskieMark]

a lot of people commenting on the story seam to think the crash might be alcohol related. 3:00 in the morning with a car full of friends? sure hope not but i guess i wouldnt be surprised

[golfitup]

He was past curfew and a passenger. Ugh, did you all see the pictures of the car? I don't know how anyone could have survived this crash.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/One-Dead-Road-Blocked-in-GW-Parkway-Accident-64073357.html

[golfitup]

http://twitter.com/GrantWahl

Twitter updates from Grant Wahl on the situation. Davies will be out for the World Cup. I may cry. What a terrible accident. Ugh.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

http://twitter.com/GrantWahl

Twitter updates from Grant Wahl on the situation. Davies will be out for the World Cup. I may cry. What a terrible accident. Ugh.

What did they say his injuries were? Are they life threatening? Is he in critical condition?

How in the world could anyone survive that crash?

[AdamtheFlyer]

From Wahl's twitter:

USSF on Charlie Davies: fractures to right tibia/femur, left elbow, facial fractures. Lacerated bladder.

[golfitup]

multiple broken bones, facial fractures, lacerated bladder, had to put rods and screws in his leg, still gonna need surgery on elbow, doctor said at least 6 months to a year with a long rehab after that. But still gotta remember a poor 22 year old girl was killed in the wreck.

[DC Muskie]

GW Parkway is infamous for people speeding. People think it's the audubon.

I will be shocked if Charlie ever plays again. Prayers to all involved. Especially the young woman and her family.

[Kahns Krazy]

The fact that anyone survived that mess is a testament to the engineering that goes into car safety.

[Titanxman04]

Truly a tragedy with the accident. Hate to see it with anyone, famous or not.

-----

Concerning tonight's game against Costa Rica, things aren't looking too great.

USA down 2-0 at halftime, with two silly defensive collapses. As I mentioned before, I was worried after the Honduras game concerning our back four and whether or not they had the mindset to keep things on lock down and make things easy on Howard. They didn't, and on both occasions, a good Costa Rica team made them pay.

Charlie Davies might be on their minds, and in all rights, you can't blame the team for having him on their minds.

We'll see how the second half goes.

USA
#9

[bigdiggins]

Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome Finish. If Costa Rica has to play in a qualifier against South America, they're done. Tough way for them to go out.

Edit
Telecast just confirmed they will have to go to a play-off, and FIFA may not allow either their head coach or top assistant to be on the sideline.

[Juice]

Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome Finish. If Costa Rica has to play in a qualifier against South America, they're done. Tough way for them to go out.

Edit
Telecast just confirmed they will have to go to a play-off, and FIFA may not allow either their head coach or top assistant to be on the sideline.

Espn.com says their playoff is against Uruguay.

[Titanxman04]

Wow. Just wow. What a game. I'm sorry to those who missed it. As frustrating as the first half and part of the second half was (lean over the ball, keep shots low, and it's a different game), it was well worth a 2-2 draw. Those who don't understand the appeal of the game, I cannot point to a better example as to how someone could be so excited over a draw.

USA really stuck in it, and scored with 4:54 gone in stoppage time, WITH ONLY 10 MEN!!!

Hope Onyewu isn't seriously hurt... Did anyone see the replay of his injury and see that left knee and immediately think ligament? I sure as hell hope that is not the case. But I am worried. It'd be a serious blow.

Either way, nicely done USA. Way not to give up like past teams. And what's more, follow through and accomplish that late goal. Big game for them. Says a lot.

[An X Fan]

Fantastic finish. Great determination to be a man down and still get the equalizer. Tough break for Costa Rica - literally seconds away from South Africa and now with an uphill climb to qualify. Titan, you're right. Lots of squandered chances in the first half made the last second draw a welcome outcome. Defense is still a concern. Can't wait for South Africa.

[Titanxman04]

Fantastic finish. Great determination to be a man down and still get the equalizer. Tough break for Costa Rica - literally seconds away from South Africa and now with an uphill climb to qualify. Titan, you're right. Lots of squandered chances in the first half made the last second draw a welcome outcome. Defense is still a concern. Can't wait for South Africa.

Defense is a huge concern. Even bigger with Onyewu hurt. Howard can't keep us out of trouble. Shots like that second CRC goal was impossible for him to stop, and thats the defense ball-watching and playing on their heels. Same concept in lacrosse (which I coach). I have to always remind my defense to be aware with everything around you, keeping your head on a swivel. The US defense didn't do that for that play, and Howard was helpless from 18 yards out.

[danaandvictory]

Onyewu damaged his patella tendons and will miss 3-4 months, per Ives Galarcep. He should be 100% for the World Cup.

The bigger challenge for Gooch is getting a move to a club where he can get some playing time next spring to rehabilitate fully, because he's never going to get a chance at Milan.

[AdamtheFlyer]

Gooch's kneecap was completely gone. It was, OUCH! Just a giant dent in the middle of his knee.

[Flyer1407]

Tough luck for the US, Gooch has always been my favorite player. Isn't a torn patella what Rob Lowery has? 3-4 months seems like an optimistic time frame.

[DC Muskie]

I would be surprised if Gooch made to the Cup.

Great match! That's what you get when you start trying to burn the clock. Hilarious that Super Mario was escorted off by DC finest.

[Denver Muskie]

Hopefully Gooch can get loaned out in the spring or maybe get some reserve games.
DC, did you go to the game? Sam's Army looked pretty sweet. That was hilarious watching their coach get escorted off and he's complaining to the DC police. Like they have any clue about his stoppage time complaints even if they can understand him.

[TaipeiMuskie]

Hopefully Gooch can get loaned out in the spring or maybe get some reserve games.
DC, did you go to the game? Sam's Army looked pretty sweet. That was hilarious watching their coach get escorted off and he's complaining to the DC police. Like they have any clue about his stoppage time complaints even if they can understand him.

Milan wants US Soccer to compensate them for the loss of Onyewu. This is a common and legitimate gripe by all the clubs. Lose a player while on national duty and the team still has to pay him.

He would've gotten his chance considering all the games Milan plays (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions league) games. He should be healthy for S. Africa, but not sure how much competition he'll see. I doubt he gets loaned out since the transfer window is January 1-February 2 which is right about when his 3-4 month recovery is supposed to be up. Tough break for him.

[XU05and07]

Conor Casey does not belong on the field...it's baffling as to how you blow a goal with all the time in the world and its one of the goalie.

Otherwise, a so-so night for the US...they are happy with the result, but should have won the game outright. Costa Rica's 2nd goal was absolutely stellar

[Titanxman04]

Conor Casey does not belong on the field...it's baffling as to how you blow a goal with all the time in the world and its one of the goalie.

Otherwise, a so-so night for the US...they are happy with the result, but should have won the game outright. Costa Rica's 2nd goal was absolutely stellar

There were a number of opportunities that the US had. Donovan had two such opportunities with him and the goalie and he blew it just the same. Altidore sailed a couple over the net. To criticize Casey and not the others? They weren't leaning over the ball when shooting. ALL of them. Casey did alright, I felt. He had a couple of questionable touches, but who didn't?

[XU05and07]

There were a number of opportunities that the US had. Donovan had two such opportunities with him and the goalie and he blew it just the same. Altidore sailed a couple over the net. To criticize Casey and not the others? They weren't leaning over the ball when shooting. ALL of them. Casey did alright, I felt. He had a couple of questionable touches, but who didn't?

I'm not a fan of Conor Casey and I really question his inclusion on the team...you're telling me that of the 308 million people in this country and the million of soccer players in this country, that you can't find someone better than Conor Casey to start for Charlie Davies?...Donovan's chances were a lot closer than Casey's, he also had pressure from defenders on his heels and the goalie made nice plays to cut off the angles.

Casey had about 20 yards to work with...there was no need to one touch it 10 feet high and 10 feet wide...one touch to the center of the field to settle the ball and make the goalie commit to one side.

[Denver Muskie]

Milan wants US Soccer to compensate them for the loss of Onyewu. This is a common and legitimate gripe by all the clubs. Lose a player while on national duty and the team still has to pay him.

He would've gotten his chance considering all the games Milan plays (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions league) games. He should be healthy for S. Africa, but not sure how much competition he'll see. I doubt he gets loaned out since the transfer window is January 1-February 2 which is right about when his 3-4 month recovery is supposed to be up. Tough break for him.

I might be wrong, but I think he could get loaned to an MLS team in March or April since that's when the transfer window for MLS is open. Maybe he could get loaned to a Serie B team even when the window is closed.

[TaipeiMuskie]

I might be wrong, but I think he could get loaned to an MLS team in March or April since that's when the transfer window for MLS is open. Maybe he could get loaned to a Serie B team even when the window is closed.

Actually you're right about the MLS, but I don't think he can't transfer to a Serie B team since they're in the same territory and have to follow the same FIFA rule.

Problem is that if he is in fact fully recovered in 3-4 months and if Milan is still in the Champions League or struggling to get to 3rd place in Serie A, I don't see them loaning anyone at that point in the year.

[DC Muskie]

I'm not a fan of Conor Casey and I really question his inclusion on the team...you're telling me that of the 308 million people in this country and the million of soccer players in this country, that you can't find someone better than Conor Casey to start for Charlie Davies?...

Just to be clear on some facts.

Fact number one, there is only one person out of 308 million in the US who has scored more goals than Casey has in this country's top division. I'm not sure why Jeff Cunnigham wasn't called up actually.

Fact number two, Altidore was starting in place of Davies, not Casey.

Casey may not be on the final roster for SA, but I would like you to name another point forward in this country who can put the ball in the back of the net. You have 298 million options, none of which I am sure to agree with.

More importantly, Bob Bradley is sure not to agree with you.


Casey had about 20 yards to work with...there was no need to one touch it 10 feet high and 10 feet wide...one touch to the center of the field to settle the ball and make the goalie commit to one side.

Not all forward have great touches. Altidore is one. McBride didn't. Not all forwards are built the same way.

Again, it's very important for our midfield and forwards to actually see time on the pitch with their clubs. Everybody missed chances. Altidore had a point blank shot in the first half. Rogers had a bunch of chnaces when he came on. It happens. It's a part of the game.

[DC Muskie]

DC, did you go to the game?

No I had to work. It's the holiday season now, so more and more late hours for me. I caught the end of the first half and the all of the second.


That was hilarious watching their coach get escorted off and he's complaining to the DC police. Like they have any clue about his stoppage time complaints even if they can understand him.

Last night should be an example to teams who try and squeeze out time. I was laughing watching them take out Super Mario from the game. He kept telling the cops that he was trying to fill out the subsitition card. Like you said, they could care less, even if they could understand him.

[golfitup]

This is the Honduran radio call when they found out we scored to tie Costa Rica which sent Honduras to the World Cup for the first time since 1982. This really is fantastic. I hope I can be that happy one time in my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjOv0rJYyF8