Been crazy busy. However, still keep my ears and eyes open to the soccer teams I follow.
USMNT - if you can't get a victory or a draw against Trinidad Tobago you don't deserve to go to the World Cup. The men's side of US Soccer is in sackcloth and ashes with calls for sackings. Coach Arena within a matter of days resigned. The question now is whether more changes will occur and what changes would be most helpful to improve the program. The major criticism I have heard is that the team simply didn't play as a team with any sense of urgency. They thought they would just roll the ball out onto the field and show up and win. Once they realized they were in a real match and having to play catch up the team just didn't have the mentality to recover. The other observation is the "missing generation" hypothesis. USMNT has relied on that group that came to prominence about a decade ago with Donovan, Howard, Dempsey, Bradley, and others. This group is now running out of gas as time has caught up with them. Unfortunately, the group that is now in their 20s doesn't appear to have the right stuff to take their place. I will now be rooting for Sweden to upset Italy to gain spot in the World Cup.
Elfsborg - they are bottom half of the table. It has been a tough year. The manager, Magnus Haglund, has been sacked. Barring losing every game and someone below them winning every game, they should avoid relegation. But beyond the team is playing for spots in next seasons roster.
Falkenberg - they made a run at the third spot and a place in the promotion playoff but they have since slipped back to fifth. They started the season poorly in the relegation zone for several weeks but slowly creeped up the table reaching third for one week. Will see if they can make a run at promotion next season.
LA Galaxy - they are currently last in MLS with one game to go. Its been a rough season with clubhouse tensions, injuries to key players, and far more defeats than expected. The question for the brain trust is who is going to get sacked in the front office and which players on the roster will be retained. Might Cole get one more year at left back? Will they be able to lay down the curse of right back injuries and find someone who will survive and thrive in that position? Which of their many midfielders (Jones, Pedro, Husidic, Lleget, Boetang) will stay and which will go? We assume the three DPs are "untouchable?" Which of the three goalkeepers will stay and which will go?
Liverpool - they put a lot of shots up but they don't get them in the net and losing Mane to injury makes that even more challenging for them. There have been many draws where they had the lion's share of possession and opportunities and the defense surrendered soft goals. Big win against Maribor with seven goals! Perhaps, that will restore their confidence. On the other hand, it could be that Maribor is simply not very good. Big match this weekend against Tottenham!
Meanwhile, in baseball, Go DODGERS!
It has been a long time since 1988 when they last climbed to the top of the MLB mountain. Two times against the Phillies they were at the short end of a 4-1 NLCS. Two times against the Cards they were at the short end of a 4-2 NLCS. Last year, they were at the short end of a 4-2 NLCS against the Cubs. But this year, they knocked out Arizona in three straight and have gained a 3-0 lead over the Cubs. Let's finish this thing and advance!
Go DODGERS!
Showing posts with label USMNT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USMNT. Show all posts
Playing catch-up - USMNT struggles
Been away from blogging for a bit.
To catch up some ....... there was quite a stir over the defeat of the US to Costa Rica and then the late rally to snatch a point in Honduras.
As a result of the bad results, Alexi Lalas went on an epic rant.
Craig Burley on ESPNFC also went on a rant about the USMNT.
The USMNT still controls its own destiny. They need to beat Panama and Trinidad Tobago to finish third which they should. If they don't, they don't deserve to go to the World Cup, it is that simple
I think USMNT has the players to make it through. However, there is the feeling the team is less than the sum of its parts. How much of it is players not being alert on the field - losing concentration at the wrong moments? How much of it is picking the wrong combination of players to match up against the opponents? How much of it is the coaching staff not preparing and motivating the team? How much of it is the players themselves not pushing each other to give that extra 5% that often separates victory from defeat?
After all the storm and thunder of Burley and Lalas - correct sentiments if stated in a somewhat over-the-top fashion, the bottom line is the USMNT needs to get it done on the field. I think they will. However, we may have to acknowledge that CONCACAF number 4-6 have gotten better and USMNT cannot just toss the ball out on the field and win playing something less than 100%.
To catch up some ....... there was quite a stir over the defeat of the US to Costa Rica and then the late rally to snatch a point in Honduras.
As a result of the bad results, Alexi Lalas went on an epic rant.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 11, 2017
Craig Burley on ESPNFC also went on a rant about the USMNT.
The USMNT still controls its own destiny. They need to beat Panama and Trinidad Tobago to finish third which they should. If they don't, they don't deserve to go to the World Cup, it is that simple
I think USMNT has the players to make it through. However, there is the feeling the team is less than the sum of its parts. How much of it is players not being alert on the field - losing concentration at the wrong moments? How much of it is picking the wrong combination of players to match up against the opponents? How much of it is the coaching staff not preparing and motivating the team? How much of it is the players themselves not pushing each other to give that extra 5% that often separates victory from defeat?
After all the storm and thunder of Burley and Lalas - correct sentiments if stated in a somewhat over-the-top fashion, the bottom line is the USMNT needs to get it done on the field. I think they will. However, we may have to acknowledge that CONCACAF number 4-6 have gotten better and USMNT cannot just toss the ball out on the field and win playing something less than 100%.
And so ends the season for LA Galaxy, Elfsborg, and Falkenberg fans .....
The Galaxy got the 1-0 win at home in leg one. However, in leg two, Colorado got a wonder strike to even up 1-1 on aggregate. Didn't see the game but from the reports, it seemed to be a struggle for both sides with Colorado generally getting the better of the chances. However, it wound up in PKs and Colorado won it. LA Galaxy off-season is going to be interesting as that is now two years in-a-row the team has fizzled out.
Meanwhile, in Allsvenskan, the final matches were held today. Malmo had locked up the championship previously and the last day was left for some final jiggering of the finishing rank for a few teams. Elfborg finished 5th and Falkenberg finished 16th and will be relegated. Looking forward to following the two clubs in the next year. Haven't followed the Superettan before. Will see if FFF can bounce back after a dreadful campaign.
The USMNT have a huge showdown with Mexico on 11/11 as part of World Cup Qualification for the CONCACAF.
On the USWNT side, there aren't any consequential matches in the near term as the 2016 Olympics have concluded as have the 2015 Women's World Cup. However, with the stunning upset in the Olympics, there are some things to consider on the USWNT side. The top priority is finding a successor to Hope Solo. Additionally, as for any team, finding the balance of veterans and working in new talent.
Meanwhile, LFC is top of the table after a 6-1 win over Watford with Klopp saying "stay cool" and indeed fans would be right to not go crazy this early in the season with title talk.
Meanwhile, in Allsvenskan, the final matches were held today. Malmo had locked up the championship previously and the last day was left for some final jiggering of the finishing rank for a few teams. Elfborg finished 5th and Falkenberg finished 16th and will be relegated. Looking forward to following the two clubs in the next year. Haven't followed the Superettan before. Will see if FFF can bounce back after a dreadful campaign.
Thus, now my soccer fan energies will be directed toward US Men's National Team, US Women's National Team, and Liverpool FC.
On the USWNT side, there aren't any consequential matches in the near term as the 2016 Olympics have concluded as have the 2015 Women's World Cup. However, with the stunning upset in the Olympics, there are some things to consider on the USWNT side. The top priority is finding a successor to Hope Solo. Additionally, as for any team, finding the balance of veterans and working in new talent.
Meanwhile, LFC is top of the table after a 6-1 win over Watford with Klopp saying "stay cool" and indeed fans would be right to not go crazy this early in the season with title talk.
Argentina v. USA - who will be in the XI for the US?
The starting XI at the beginning of the Copa America was:
Guzan in goal
Brooks/Cameron at center-back
Johnson/Yedlin at full-back
Jones/Bradley/Bedoya at midfield
Wood/Dempsey/Zardes at forward/attacking midfield.
Unfortunately, due to red card Jones is out and due to yellow card accumulation Wood and Bedoya are out.
So who should be plugged in?
Beckerman and Zusi have been frequently used as substitutes so I can see them in for Jones and Bedoya. But how do you replace Wood's pace and nose for the ball and overall ability to create havoc at the attacking end?
In listening to TV commentators, I think they I heard a someone (probably Lalas on Fox) say that Zardes will take up Wood's role and that Besler will join the defense and push Johnson up into the midfield. The other option is to have Zardes in Wood's role and have Nagbe/Bradley/Beckerman/Zusi for a 4-man midfield.
We shall see!
Go USA!
UPDATE: Well, what can you say after the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina? The #1 team in the world with the #1 player in the world is always going to be tough for the USA ranked a lowly #31. If Argentina had an off night and the USA played their best, the game might be a competitive match with the end result probably still being a loss, perhaps not as bad as 4-0. And, of course, last night, the USA was not at its best missing three starters (Wood, Jones, and Bedoya) and the team seemed a little over awed by the moment resulting in too many rushed passes that didn't connect. It was clear that one team was an "A" level team and the other was a "B" level team.
Critics probably didn't question Zusi and Beckman in for Jones and Bedoya. But the selection of Wondo for Bobby Wood was a head scratcher (even to a novice fan like myself) when I saw it posted on Twitter. The substitution of Pulicic for Wondo at the half underlined that it was not working out. But would another choice have made much difference? Doubtful. Perhaps, a 3-1 loss instead?
Even with Bobby Wood in the line-up, the US would have still been under a lot of pressure. Nonetheless, Wood's speed, physicality and skill does prove the point that sometimes the best thing you can do for your defense is have somebody who is a threat on offense to make your opponent think for a split second there is somebody who can cause some havoc.
The third place match against either Chile or Colombia will also be a tough one since they are ranked #5 and #3 respectively. Hopefully, the USMNT will lick their wounds and be ready for that match and be more competitive regardless of the result.
Some fans say the fans should demand more than "moral victories" from the USMNT. I don't think the USA is at that point yet. They are good enough for fans to expect them to get through the group stage. Now, the expectation should be to get at least one win in the knockout stage - met by the victory over Ecuador.
The next goal is to get two wins in the knockout stage. So a win in the third place match would be that second win. With the suspended players back in the line-up and a good effort, they should be able to be competitive. They might not win but they should be competitive. That would be a realistic expectation.
Guzan in goal
Brooks/Cameron at center-back
Johnson/Yedlin at full-back
Jones/Bradley/Bedoya at midfield
Wood/Dempsey/Zardes at forward/attacking midfield.
Unfortunately, due to red card Jones is out and due to yellow card accumulation Wood and Bedoya are out.
So who should be plugged in?
Beckerman and Zusi have been frequently used as substitutes so I can see them in for Jones and Bedoya. But how do you replace Wood's pace and nose for the ball and overall ability to create havoc at the attacking end?
In listening to TV commentators, I think they I heard a someone (probably Lalas on Fox) say that Zardes will take up Wood's role and that Besler will join the defense and push Johnson up into the midfield. The other option is to have Zardes in Wood's role and have Nagbe/Bradley/Beckerman/Zusi for a 4-man midfield.
We shall see!
Go USA!
UPDATE: Well, what can you say after the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina? The #1 team in the world with the #1 player in the world is always going to be tough for the USA ranked a lowly #31. If Argentina had an off night and the USA played their best, the game might be a competitive match with the end result probably still being a loss, perhaps not as bad as 4-0. And, of course, last night, the USA was not at its best missing three starters (Wood, Jones, and Bedoya) and the team seemed a little over awed by the moment resulting in too many rushed passes that didn't connect. It was clear that one team was an "A" level team and the other was a "B" level team.
Critics probably didn't question Zusi and Beckman in for Jones and Bedoya. But the selection of Wondo for Bobby Wood was a head scratcher (even to a novice fan like myself) when I saw it posted on Twitter. The substitution of Pulicic for Wondo at the half underlined that it was not working out. But would another choice have made much difference? Doubtful. Perhaps, a 3-1 loss instead?
Even with Bobby Wood in the line-up, the US would have still been under a lot of pressure. Nonetheless, Wood's speed, physicality and skill does prove the point that sometimes the best thing you can do for your defense is have somebody who is a threat on offense to make your opponent think for a split second there is somebody who can cause some havoc.
The third place match against either Chile or Colombia will also be a tough one since they are ranked #5 and #3 respectively. Hopefully, the USMNT will lick their wounds and be ready for that match and be more competitive regardless of the result.
Some fans say the fans should demand more than "moral victories" from the USMNT. I don't think the USA is at that point yet. They are good enough for fans to expect them to get through the group stage. Now, the expectation should be to get at least one win in the knockout stage - met by the victory over Ecuador.
The next goal is to get two wins in the knockout stage. So a win in the third place match would be that second win. With the suspended players back in the line-up and a good effort, they should be able to be competitive. They might not win but they should be competitive. That would be a realistic expectation.
USA v. Argentina - Tuesday 6PM PDT
#31 vs. #1.
Am guessing the odds makers have the USA as huge underdogs.
In this case, against the #1 ranked team in the world with the most famous player in the world, Lionel Messi, it isn't false humility to say the USA are the underdogs. Huge. Underdogs.
Team USA's most dramatic moments on the world stage have come against .... Ghana in 2014...
Algeria in 2010 ....
The hard headed sports analysts in me says that in all likelihood, Argentina will dominate possession and eventually get a couple of goals and win comfortably 2-0 or something like that.
But if the USA can keep it close such that one magical moment could do it ..... well who will join the ranks of Landon Donovan and John Brooks for scoring a late in the game goal that sends fans into the stratosphere in celebration ..... ?
Will be interesting to see if Fox Sports will come up with an exciting and stirring teaser for the match! Go Team USA!!
Team USA's most dramatic moments on the world stage have come against .... Ghana in 2014...
Algeria in 2010 ....
The hard headed sports analysts in me says that in all likelihood, Argentina will dominate possession and eventually get a couple of goals and win comfortably 2-0 or something like that.
But if the USA can keep it close such that one magical moment could do it ..... well who will join the ranks of Landon Donovan and John Brooks for scoring a late in the game goal that sends fans into the stratosphere in celebration ..... ?
Will be interesting to see if Fox Sports will come up with an exciting and stirring teaser for the match! Go Team USA!!
US Open Cup, Copa America, and Euro 2016
Friday, Italy v. Sweden.
UPDATE: Ugh. Italy wins it 1-0 on a late goal.
Tuesday night at the Stub Hub, LA Galaxy vs. La Maquina FC in a 4th round US Open Cup. Anticipating that the Galaxy "B-team" will be on the field tonight in what should be an easy win.
UPDATE: Last time I try to predict an "easy win!" LAG got a 1-0 lead but then a foolish red-card (aren't they all?) put them in danger. Indeed the score was tied 1-1 where it remained for regular time. In extra time, LAG picked up a "gift" of a goal when many players on both sides did not play to the whistle.
Saturday night, Galaxy return to MLS action on the road up in Toronto. Hopefully, team USA will still be in the Copa America. I'm guessing Zardes (the one Galaxy player on the USMNT) would not be available for the LAG even if the US are defeated by Ecuador.
UPDATE: I was half asleep watching this match and switching occasionally to Argentina v. Venezuela. Argentina had an easy 4-1 win over Venezuela. Meanwhile, my impression of the Galaxy v. Toronto match was that it was headed for a 0-0 final. Galaxy offense didn't seem to be doing much. Unfortunately, a late goal (76') by Toronto gave them the 1-0 victory. Galaxy had possession 58% but never really seemed to threaten as reflected in their being out shot 14 to 10 and 5 to 2 on shots on goal. Toronto also won 9 corners to the Galaxy's 5. During my time of viewing the game, I though Lleget had one good opportunity but scuffed the shot. Otherwise, not much else. Galaxy had none of their DPs in the game while Toronto had one. At this point, the Galaxy look to be headed toward a playoff appearance but probably an early exit. Of course, they still have time to put all the pieces together in the second half of the season. I think they have more quality players than last year but some of those players are now a year older.
Thursday night in Seattle, USMNT against Ecuador. Ecuador is a highly regarded team and the USA has only beaten them three times since 1984, the most recent being the recent friendly. But this is win-or-go-home knockout competition and the stage where the USA has not had a good track record. There once was a time that surviving the group stage was considered an accomplishment. Now, the bar for USMNT is to advance at least one round in the knockout stage. Can they finally do it?
UPDATE: "I believe that we will win!" Hah! They actually won! A dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador!
Semi-finals:
USA (ranked #31) v. Argentina (ranked #1)
Columbia (ranked #3) v. Chile (ranked #5)
Ecuador is ranked #13 so it was an upset for the USA to win! Does team USA have another one in them?
UPDATE: Ugh. Italy wins it 1-0 on a late goal.
Tuesday night at the Stub Hub, LA Galaxy vs. La Maquina FC in a 4th round US Open Cup. Anticipating that the Galaxy "B-team" will be on the field tonight in what should be an easy win.
UPDATE: Last time I try to predict an "easy win!" LAG got a 1-0 lead but then a foolish red-card (aren't they all?) put them in danger. Indeed the score was tied 1-1 where it remained for regular time. In extra time, LAG picked up a "gift" of a goal when many players on both sides did not play to the whistle.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 15, 2016After that, LAG got two more goals for a final tally of 4-1 but more drama than the scoreline indicated.
Saturday night, Galaxy return to MLS action on the road up in Toronto. Hopefully, team USA will still be in the Copa America. I'm guessing Zardes (the one Galaxy player on the USMNT) would not be available for the LAG even if the US are defeated by Ecuador.
UPDATE: I was half asleep watching this match and switching occasionally to Argentina v. Venezuela. Argentina had an easy 4-1 win over Venezuela. Meanwhile, my impression of the Galaxy v. Toronto match was that it was headed for a 0-0 final. Galaxy offense didn't seem to be doing much. Unfortunately, a late goal (76') by Toronto gave them the 1-0 victory. Galaxy had possession 58% but never really seemed to threaten as reflected in their being out shot 14 to 10 and 5 to 2 on shots on goal. Toronto also won 9 corners to the Galaxy's 5. During my time of viewing the game, I though Lleget had one good opportunity but scuffed the shot. Otherwise, not much else. Galaxy had none of their DPs in the game while Toronto had one. At this point, the Galaxy look to be headed toward a playoff appearance but probably an early exit. Of course, they still have time to put all the pieces together in the second half of the season. I think they have more quality players than last year but some of those players are now a year older.
Thursday night in Seattle, USMNT against Ecuador. Ecuador is a highly regarded team and the USA has only beaten them three times since 1984, the most recent being the recent friendly. But this is win-or-go-home knockout competition and the stage where the USA has not had a good track record. There once was a time that surviving the group stage was considered an accomplishment. Now, the bar for USMNT is to advance at least one round in the knockout stage. Can they finally do it?
UPDATE: "I believe that we will win!" Hah! They actually won! A dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador!
Semi-finals:
USA (ranked #31) v. Argentina (ranked #1)
Columbia (ranked #3) v. Chile (ranked #5)
Ecuador is ranked #13 so it was an upset for the USA to win! Does team USA have another one in them?
USMNT in Copa America & Sweden in the Euro 2016
With no MLS or Allsvenskan matches, it is time to follow the national teams in their competitions.
Its pretty simple for Team USA: don't lose to Paraguay.
A draw is okay because USA finishes with 4 points in group A and the only way they can get eliminated is a big upset by Costa Rica over Columbia. It would be a big upset because Columbia is really good. It would also have to be a big upset in that Costa Rica has to erase their -4 goal differential with a seven goal victory over Columbia.
A win by the USMNT gets them to six points and into the knockout stage.
Paraguay is at the win or go home point. The only way they get to the knockout is to win.
I haven't seen any of the USMNT games but have heard post game comments. The general feeling I get was that the early goals in both matches were key. Colombia got the early goal and US had to chase the game and don't have the skills to break down a solid defense. USA got the early goal against Costa Rica so they had to chase which allowed the US to counter attack and it snowballed into a big win for team USA. The analysts at ExtraTime said this situation played into the US hands because Costa Rica is weak at defensive midfield.
So what does the USA brain trust call for tactically in the first half of the first half against Paraguay?
Do they ask the team to go out and press for the opening goal?
Or do they sit back and let Paraguay be aggressive and hit them when they get too far forward?
If this article is any indication, Paraguay wants to win the game 1-0 and not fall into the trap Costa Rica did and paid for dearly in a 4-0 thrashing.
Meanwhile, in Euro 2016, the usual suspects (France, Germany, and Spain) are favorites. Sweden would be at best a dark horse. Zlatan has had much club success. National team success has been harder to come by because the supporting cast isn't as strong. Nonetheless, he is a game changer and not short on confidence!
UPDATE: Well, well, well. The Scriptwriters at Copa America threw a couple of twists there! The USA got the goal early as the USA fans hoped for. But then the scriptwriters threw in the craziness of Yedlin picking up two yellows thus leaving the USA with 10 for almost all of the second half. Nonetheless, Guzan and the defense held firm and preserved the 1-0 win. But there was one more twist to come: Colombia's manager decided to send out the "B" team against Costa Rica and Costa Rica won 3-2! Classic case of disrespecting your opponent coming back to haunt you. Thus, the US wins group A by goal differential over Colombia.
Sunday's group B match results determine who plays who: the US will get the #2 from Group B and Colombia will get the #1 from Group B. To see the scenarios go here.
UPDATE: Well, well, well. The Scriptwriters at the Copa America throw down another twist by eliminating Brazil with a 1-0 defeat to Peru!
UPDATE: It was a blown call by the refs by all accounts.
USA Fifa ranked #31 face Ecuador (#13)
Colombia (#3) face Peru (#48)
Euro 2016
Meanwhile in Euro 2016, Sweden face Ireland on Monday.
So far the main story line about Euro 2016 has been the fan violence on the streets and in the stands.
On the field, England managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory due to a stoppage time goal late in the game is twist from the Scriptwriters working the Euro 2016.
UPDATE: It is a final. 1-1 Ireland v. Sweden.
Its pretty simple for Team USA: don't lose to Paraguay.
A draw is okay because USA finishes with 4 points in group A and the only way they can get eliminated is a big upset by Costa Rica over Columbia. It would be a big upset because Columbia is really good. It would also have to be a big upset in that Costa Rica has to erase their -4 goal differential with a seven goal victory over Columbia.
A win by the USMNT gets them to six points and into the knockout stage.
Paraguay is at the win or go home point. The only way they get to the knockout is to win.
I haven't seen any of the USMNT games but have heard post game comments. The general feeling I get was that the early goals in both matches were key. Colombia got the early goal and US had to chase the game and don't have the skills to break down a solid defense. USA got the early goal against Costa Rica so they had to chase which allowed the US to counter attack and it snowballed into a big win for team USA. The analysts at ExtraTime said this situation played into the US hands because Costa Rica is weak at defensive midfield.
So what does the USA brain trust call for tactically in the first half of the first half against Paraguay?
Do they ask the team to go out and press for the opening goal?
Or do they sit back and let Paraguay be aggressive and hit them when they get too far forward?
If this article is any indication, Paraguay wants to win the game 1-0 and not fall into the trap Costa Rica did and paid for dearly in a 4-0 thrashing.
Meanwhile, in Euro 2016, the usual suspects (France, Germany, and Spain) are favorites. Sweden would be at best a dark horse. Zlatan has had much club success. National team success has been harder to come by because the supporting cast isn't as strong. Nonetheless, he is a game changer and not short on confidence!
UPDATE: Well, well, well. The Scriptwriters at Copa America threw a couple of twists there! The USA got the goal early as the USA fans hoped for. But then the scriptwriters threw in the craziness of Yedlin picking up two yellows thus leaving the USA with 10 for almost all of the second half. Nonetheless, Guzan and the defense held firm and preserved the 1-0 win. But there was one more twist to come: Colombia's manager decided to send out the "B" team against Costa Rica and Costa Rica won 3-2! Classic case of disrespecting your opponent coming back to haunt you. Thus, the US wins group A by goal differential over Colombia.
Sunday's group B match results determine who plays who: the US will get the #2 from Group B and Colombia will get the #1 from Group B. To see the scenarios go here.
UPDATE: Well, well, well. The Scriptwriters at the Copa America throw down another twist by eliminating Brazil with a 1-0 defeat to Peru!
UPDATE: It was a blown call by the refs by all accounts.
USA Fifa ranked #31 face Ecuador (#13)
Colombia (#3) face Peru (#48)
Euro 2016
Meanwhile in Euro 2016, Sweden face Ireland on Monday.
So far the main story line about Euro 2016 has been the fan violence on the streets and in the stands.
On the field, England managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory due to a stoppage time goal late in the game is twist from the Scriptwriters working the Euro 2016.
UPDATE: It is a final. 1-1 Ireland v. Sweden.
USMNT finishes fourth in Gold Cup
Well, that was a disappointment.
Though the US was tied after 120 minutes with Panama, the stats showed that Panama dominated the game.
Don't know if the USA defenders were too slow or they were out of position too often but Panama was consistently threatening to score. On offense, US passing was wretched. Bradley, usually, pretty reliable had many passes go awry some short and some long.
Anyway, it clearly looked like Panama was the highly motivated team and the USMNT looked disinterested. Nonetheless, despite mailing it in, they got the game to PK where they finally were put out of their misery and rightly defeated.
Though the US was tied after 120 minutes with Panama, the stats showed that Panama dominated the game.
Don't know if the USA defenders were too slow or they were out of position too often but Panama was consistently threatening to score. On offense, US passing was wretched. Bradley, usually, pretty reliable had many passes go awry some short and some long.
Anyway, it clearly looked like Panama was the highly motivated team and the USMNT looked disinterested. Nonetheless, despite mailing it in, they got the game to PK where they finally were put out of their misery and rightly defeated.
Jamaica 2 USA 1: Two steps forward one step back
Expectations for teams grow with success. At one point, team USA was simply proud to be in the competition, win or lose. Eventually, it grew to the point where wins were more common than losses and losses were viewed as learning experience. Now, we have reached a point where losses are viewed as learning experiences and significant disappointments.
The loss to Jamaica is a learning experience for the team. But it is also a huge disappointment because it was a game the team should have won: they dominated possession and put the shots on goal.
Instead, they suffered a high profile defeat due to a lapse in concentration by the goalie in how he handled the ball that set up the second goal from a free kick. It will be argued that the central defenders were not marking properly on the set piece leading to the first goal. And finally, on offense, the USA had its chances but close doesn't count as the ball has to go into the net. What separates the top level teams from the wannabes is cashing in those opportunities and being able to bounce back from the occasional howler. Thus, objectively, the USA remain wannabes on the world stage.
Of course, some fans are on the ledge calling for Coach Klinsmann to be sacked. The adage in sports is don't get too high or too low. Indeed, a high profile loss but on balance the team is making progress.
Jason Davis at ESPNFC offers up a top-10 list of bad losses by team USA and rank this Gold Cup loss as #2.
I've only been actively following the USMNT since 2010 so many of these losses were not familiar to me. I do recall watching the loss to Ghana in the 2010 World Cup. I don't remember if experts were expecting the USA to win that game. But as a novice viewer, at that time, I did not get the sense the USA was the "better" team just failing to cash in opportunities. To my untrained eye, it looked like an even match. Looking on the internet for game stats, it looked like an even match.
In any event, Klinsmann will continue to try to find the right combination of veterans and younger talent to put on the field. If there wasn't such a good crop of younger players developing, the future of team USA would be in question. As it is, the potential is all there and the challenge is to realize that potential and in particular in high profile matches. That didn't happen against Jamaica and the team and the coach will take some heat for the defeat and rightly so.
The loss to Jamaica is a learning experience for the team. But it is also a huge disappointment because it was a game the team should have won: they dominated possession and put the shots on goal.
Instead, they suffered a high profile defeat due to a lapse in concentration by the goalie in how he handled the ball that set up the second goal from a free kick. It will be argued that the central defenders were not marking properly on the set piece leading to the first goal. And finally, on offense, the USA had its chances but close doesn't count as the ball has to go into the net. What separates the top level teams from the wannabes is cashing in those opportunities and being able to bounce back from the occasional howler. Thus, objectively, the USA remain wannabes on the world stage.
Of course, some fans are on the ledge calling for Coach Klinsmann to be sacked. The adage in sports is don't get too high or too low. Indeed, a high profile loss but on balance the team is making progress.
Jason Davis at ESPNFC offers up a top-10 list of bad losses by team USA and rank this Gold Cup loss as #2.
I've only been actively following the USMNT since 2010 so many of these losses were not familiar to me. I do recall watching the loss to Ghana in the 2010 World Cup. I don't remember if experts were expecting the USA to win that game. But as a novice viewer, at that time, I did not get the sense the USA was the "better" team just failing to cash in opportunities. To my untrained eye, it looked like an even match. Looking on the internet for game stats, it looked like an even match.
In any event, Klinsmann will continue to try to find the right combination of veterans and younger talent to put on the field. If there wasn't such a good crop of younger players developing, the future of team USA would be in question. As it is, the potential is all there and the challenge is to realize that potential and in particular in high profile matches. That didn't happen against Jamaica and the team and the coach will take some heat for the defeat and rightly so.
International vs. Club Soccer?
Being relatively new to watching soccer, one thing I did figure out was that in the men's game, the best clubs could probably beat the best national teams.
Reason #1, the highest levels of the top clubs have hoards of cash to buy the best players from around the world and are essentially forming something of an international all-star team. The national teams can only draw upon, obviously, only those who are passport holders of that nation so the talent base is simply not as big.
Reason #2, the clubs play a long schedule and get good at playing together while national teams train in fits and starts so they never get totally used to each other.
This item over at ESPNFC by Michael Cox gives those reasons and more.
I wonder if that is true for the women's game?
I suspect not.
1) The international competitions probably hold higher prestige value than club level achievements at this time.
2) I am guessing that club level women's soccer just doesn't have enough cash in it to have the same international all-star team effect as in the men's game.
From what I gather, the UK women's national team has gained a lot of public affection because of how well they are doing and the level of passion of their play. Meanwhile, the UK men's national teams are known for early flame outs and fans saying they play with no passion because they are saving their energy for where they get their paychecks - the clubs they play for.
The US Women as a group and as individuals have been rock stars because of their success, interesting personal stories and admittedly a very well oiled PR machine.
In the US Men just a few individuals have been breaking through to become the "face of the team" but nowhere near the US Women. Also, I think the USMNT has gained a following more as a collective group due to national pride reasons rather than great successes and compelling individual stories. I'm sure US Soccer would like to see the USMNT get farther in the World Cup and find some marketable "faces of the team" to further its popularity.
Reason #1, the highest levels of the top clubs have hoards of cash to buy the best players from around the world and are essentially forming something of an international all-star team. The national teams can only draw upon, obviously, only those who are passport holders of that nation so the talent base is simply not as big.
Reason #2, the clubs play a long schedule and get good at playing together while national teams train in fits and starts so they never get totally used to each other.
This item over at ESPNFC by Michael Cox gives those reasons and more.
I wonder if that is true for the women's game?
I suspect not.
1) The international competitions probably hold higher prestige value than club level achievements at this time.
2) I am guessing that club level women's soccer just doesn't have enough cash in it to have the same international all-star team effect as in the men's game.
From what I gather, the UK women's national team has gained a lot of public affection because of how well they are doing and the level of passion of their play. Meanwhile, the UK men's national teams are known for early flame outs and fans saying they play with no passion because they are saving their energy for where they get their paychecks - the clubs they play for.
The US Women as a group and as individuals have been rock stars because of their success, interesting personal stories and admittedly a very well oiled PR machine.
In the US Men just a few individuals have been breaking through to become the "face of the team" but nowhere near the US Women. Also, I think the USMNT has gained a following more as a collective group due to national pride reasons rather than great successes and compelling individual stories. I'm sure US Soccer would like to see the USMNT get farther in the World Cup and find some marketable "faces of the team" to further its popularity.
Sports Blogging in Red and Blue
Am hoping to blog a bit more in 2015.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
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