Soccer weekly post

Its been international soccer on the TV with Euro 2016 coverage at ESPN and Fox with Copa America.

In the end, the US didn't measure up to Argentina. For the 3rd place match they came out with more purposefulness and gave it a go but fell 1-0. The USMNT had some great chances but couldn't cash them in. From what I hear, analysts appear to think the back four is looking more solid, Guzan looks to succeed Howard in goal, Zardes/Wood/Dempsey (and if Altidore could stay healthy) provide them with some movement and scoring chops, but there are concerns about the midfield. Midfielders Jones and Bradley appear to be the key players but might not have enough abilities to take the US to the next level. Nagbe and Pulisic are promising and the hope is they will develop further and in the next few years be major forces on the squad.

Meanwhile, in the final between Argentina and Chile, it was a chippy 0-0 in regular time and then the extra time yielded no goals leaving everything to rest on the roulette wheel of PKs. Messi missed the opportunity to put Argentina in the driver's seat. Chile had the initiative and put it away on the 5th kick when another Chile's goalie made a save.

Over in Euro 2016, the shocker was England's loss to Iceland. Look at the Iceland squad - these players ply their trade in mostly Scandinavian leagues. A few in higher profile leagues. Compare that to the England roster! Almost everyone plays in the vaunted English Premier League. A classic case of a well oiled team of lesser individual talents beating a mixture of more capable individuals without the team chemistry.

The LA Galaxy continue to struggle. On the weekend, once again the Galaxy surrendered a goal late in the game yielding a draw against the rivals San Jose. It is a mid-week US Open match against Portland up in the great North West. This is followed by a home MLS match on July 4 against Vancouver. Zardes and Keane return from international duty but I'm not expecting them to play in the US Open Cup match. It will be interesting to see who Coach Arena puts out for the US Open Cup. He said, "It will a mixture." Coverage is via streaming at YouTube. Galaxy haven't gone far in the US Open Cup as it has not been a priority. Don't think that is likely to change this season.

UPDATE: Galaxy defeat Portland 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup!