What a day it is to wake up a U.S. Soccer fan.
A 2-0 win over Spain that resonated around the world has done alot for the psyche of the sport for the moment in this country.
This was a result that even the mainstream media in some cases had to pick up but more importantly it is a win that draws a direct line to the grass roots level and has brought optimism ahead of the World Cup next summer in South Africa.
One moment to focus on out of many:
JOZY ALTIDORE TURNING SPANISH DEFENDER JOAN CAPDEVILA:
This was defending at it’s worst when Capdevila made the poor judgement to try and come around Altidore to win a tackle.
The 19 year old then used his body to roll Capdevila away and then scored the game’s first goal.
It was less than honest defending against arguably the strongest man (or teenager) on the field. Capdevila also should have known better as the two played together at Villareal in Spain.
SOUTH AFRICA VS. BRAZIL
Airs today on Espn at 1:30 cst. Opportunity to see who the U.S. will play in the Confederations Cup Final.
Can the “Bafana Bafana” take a page out of the U.S. book and get motivation from the home fans?
RIQUELME SAYS NO GO
Juan Roman Riquelme of Boca Jrs. has no intention of returning to the Argentine national team or playing under Diego Maradona.
Despite the pleas from Julio Grondona who is hoping Riquelme will reach out to Maradona.
Maradona was never the right man for this job……What do you say?
MEXICO 4 VENEZUELA 0
While the U.S. stunned Spain, silently in Georgia at the Georgia Dome , Mexico defeated Venezuela 4-0 in a friendly getting two goals from Giovanny Dos Santos.
Next up is Guatemala for Mexico and new coach Javier Aguirre.
SOUTH TEXAS YOUTH SHUT OUT OF NATIONALS
The region 3 tournament is complete and despite advancement to that stage by teams in South Texas none have advanced to the national championships which take place in Lancaster, Mass.
North Carolina led the way with 4 teams at both the boys and girls levels followed by South Carolina with 2 teams and Georgia with two teams.
Still it is an achievment to get to the regional championships so congratulations to all the teams in the area that did!
CHING/HOLDEN GOLD CUP BOUND
Brian Ching and Stuart Holden have been called up to the U.S. National team to play in the Gold Cup in July.
Ching was penciled in to go with the U.S. to the Confederations Cup but pulled out with a hamstring problem and made his return in MLS last weekend.
Both he and Holden will be on display on national tv this Sunday night when the Dynamo play in LA after the Confederations Cup final.
Tickets for the GOLD CUP and CHELSEA VS. CLUB AMERICA in Arlington, TX at the new Cowboys stadium can be purchased at a discount at FIESTA TICKETMASTER outlets!
Get them now…
What is your favorite moment from yesterdays U.S. win over Spain?
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Stuart Holden belongs on the MNT; glad to see that he will be playing in the Gold Cup.
I haven’t yet seen the whole game US v Spain, but I loved the energy and attacking defense that the US showed.
I’ve criticized their style of play in past postings, but it is hard to argue with results!
Well done MNT!
Altidore certainly displayed his strength on that play. This tourney has been wonderful for his development.
Now maybe he can find the strength to start lifting his hand to his heart for the Star Spangled Banner before the games.
The best moment was the camera shots of the American fans and the pride on their faces. And I agree with Mattoomba, our players need to show more respect when our national anthem is played – sing the song and hand on heart. The history behind that song provides them the freedom to be playing the game they love. Hence the Iranian team players who have been punished for showing solidarity with their people at home.
My favorite moment was having three different threads open: One out of our site in Germany was particularly amusing as it had the disbelief and shock from the Spaniards mixed in with the disbelief and congratulations from everyone else in Europe and elsewhere. Needless to say I have been fielding questions, comments and inquiries about our players since yesterday almost non stop. Great to see the team getting the respect they deserve for the effort.
US Fans, the Mezzanine will be having the final on Sunday and you bet the American Outlaws will be there. Come on out and support the team.
Glenn, could be an interesting Gold Cup with all the young talent getting a chance to shine. I am looking forward to it.
South Texas youth was not shutout of nationals. The Dallas Texans Houston (DTH 92 Red) have already clinched a spot to Nationals through their performance in the USYS National League. They did not have to qualify through regionals.
Good luck in Landcaster guys!
I was able to catch the first half during my lunch hour.
Caught the replay last night on Telefutura, right now on U.S. airwaves no one calls them like Pablo Ramirez and Jesus Bracamontes.
Even though I’m Mexican and the USMNT has owned El Tri lately, it is a great moment in U.S. Soccer, congrats to them.
Which national team would be able to crack the defensive strategy used by Team USA?
Cj,
I am looking at the US YOUTH SOCCER page and it has not South Texas team listed so must be a typo.
I do see Dallas Texans 94 Red (North Texas) at under 15 girls?
Where am I going wrong and someone needs to let USYSA know.
Glenn
I wouldn’t say just one play but the back line took care of it time and time. Torres and Villa don’t need a good angle to score it just seemed every time they had a shot Jay-D or tha Gooch got the play they needed. So much Torres was moved out wide but even that was ineffective.
Our Euro based players really shined. This game will be huge as several are either looking for more playing time or negotiating contracts. $$$$
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Oh, BTW I no longer feel that Bradley should step down. (No Duh) In particular, I think the call to use push Dempsey to a forward as he has done in the last two matches has been a gem.
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/story.asp?story_id=4268&print=y
US Youth Soccer National League Under-17 Boys Champion Named
National League Under-17 Boys Champion – Lower Merion Velez (E-PA)
Lower Merion and Dallas Texans – Houston 92 Red (S-TX) advance to US Youth Soccer National Championships
FRISCO, Texas (April 19, 2009) – The US Youth Soccer National League Under-17 Boys, the last of the six age groups to finalize League standings, wrapped up the season this weekend with two make up games played at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn. The weekend’s results named Lower Merion Velez (E-PA) as the National League Under-17 Boys champion and Dallas Texans – Houston 92 Red (S-TX) as the runner up.
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/story.asp?story_id=4268&print=y
US Youth Soccer National League Under-17 Boys Champion Named
National League Under-17 Boys Champion – Lower Merion Velez (E-PA)
Lower Merion and Dallas Texans – Houston 92 Red (S-TX) advance to US Youth Soccer National Championships
FRISCO, Texas (April 19, 2009) – The US Youth Soccer National League Under-17 Boys, the last of the six age groups to finalize League standings, wrapped up the season this weekend with two make up games played at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn. The weekend’s results named Lower Merion Velez (E-PA) as the National League Under-17 Boys champion and Dallas Texans – Houston 92 Red (S-TX) as the runner up.
Through their success in the League, Lower Merion and the Texans both punch their ticket to the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships July 21-26 in Lancaster, Mass.