World Cup qualifying took some interesting twists and turns in Concacaf.
Lets first start with the United States response in a 2-1 win over Honduras.
Carlos Costly scoring early for Honduras made this interesting but the United States did not panic and found a solid performance to post a 2-1 come back victory.
Here are some of my thoughts on the match:

*The issue at outside back certainly took a step forward tonite with the play of Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector. Spector looks more mature and is a legitimate right back candidate now to push incumbents Frankie Hejduk and Steve Cherundolo. Sure looked interesting when comparing it to Marvel Wynne and DaMarcus Beasley vs. Costa Rica.

*Dynamo Ricardo Clark just got himself back in the mix in central midfield with a solid performance as did Benny Feilhaber who has been out in the hinterlands.
Feilhaber brings a passing element that others don’t necessarily have in that area of the field.

* Landon Donvan, Tim Howard and Carlos Bocanegra all led with their experience. Donovan’s penalty was hit with authority while Bocanegra’s diving header again proves to be a game winner like his header in Guatemala.

*As much as DaMarcus Beasley has been an integral part of the U.S. it is clear that his lack of playing time has hurt his game currently.

*The possession game was found and some good passing and moving made this a great step up and erases a poor performance in Costa Rica. Clint Dempsey began to blossom especially in the second half and it was obvious that both he and Donovan have to create and make plays from wide. Donovan came in central on his right foot at times and was dangerous.

*Passion, commitment plus an overall improved performance quickly changes the mood from Wednesday’s loss at Costa Rica.

Your thoughts on the U.S. ?

MEXICO in grave danger…

Mexico is now in grand danger after losing 2-1 at El Salvador. Eliseo Quintanilla a former DC United reject scored a late penalty to knock off “El Tri” and become a national hero all at once for El Salvador.
The debut of Javier Aguirre included a reach to the past with players like Oscar Perez in goal, Gerardo Torrado in midfield, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guille Franco. Did you agree with some of the player selection from Aguirre. Where is the impact of the “Golden Generation”? It does not seem to have translated to the senior level yet.
Incidentally, how much pressure is now on Mexico with their next match at Azteca against the U.S.?

DYNAMO GET IMPORTANT ROAD WIN

The Dynamo won in a different way this past Friday at Chicago. An early Stuart Holden goal from Kei Kamara was the difference and for long stretches Chicago had the Dynamo under pressure. Fire midfielder Marco Pappa was having all kinds of success while the movement and pace of Patrick Nyarko was a dangerous element but Chicago could not produce a goal. The Dynamo remained stingy, committed and with a great overall attitude in the second half began to frustrate the Fire .
Manager Dominic Kinnear made a timely sub with Brian Mullan and slowly the game began to turn. A great road win ahead of Wednesday’s match against Chivas USA which should be a beauty at Robertson.
By the way, an outstanding effort from the Fire supporters group with some “AMAZING” red flare’s display!!!

MY TAKE…….
With the entire world on display today playing World Cup qualifiers I still am amazed that MLS continued league play today.
It almost seems disrespectful to the big picture and makes us in some ways look a bit ignorant.
On one hand we are trying to align with the world’s game and on the other we are missing the obvious opportunity to create a greater awareness for the entire sport in this country.

What is your take?