Had a question below in the comments, actually a couple of questions. Figured I'd answer them here.
1) Paco Ramirez and the slapping incident. I haven't seen anything from Paco Ramirez himself. I've seen some commentaries online about the incident, saying it was bad on the part of Ramirez, but mostly there hasn't been discussed much. If I come across something more on it, I'll pass it along.
2) There are some who think Rafael Marquez shouldn't be captain anymore. I can't say I disagree. There are even some who think he shouldn't be called back in at all. I think that's a bit too excessive, though. I think Carlos Salcido or Pavel Pardo would make good captains. I'd probably opt for Salcido, though. He's got more years left in him than Pardo and you could build some longevity and consistency with Salcido as captain.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Picante analysis
This is some pretty good stuff here. It's the Futbol Picante crew talking about the US-Mexico game. Good analysis.
I won't take the time to translate all of it for you English-speaking readers but I will sort of paraphrase one part towards the end.
One of the commentators talks about how, even though Mexico lost to the US again, he doesn't think the US is an equipazo, a great team. The other commentator says "They're not, but neither is Mexico."
They go back and forth. The one falls back on the security blanket many Mexican media are seemingly clinging to, and says that the US would play the same in Azteca and that Mexico would play better in Azteca, and that no matter how bad Mexico was they wouldn't lose to the US in Azteca.
The other commentator returns to the debate over the US and Mexico and brings up a question Ricardo Osorio fielded, where he said he didn't think the US was a great team. He says he would have fired back to Osorio "And what about your team?"
I won't take the time to translate all of it for you English-speaking readers but I will sort of paraphrase one part towards the end.
One of the commentators talks about how, even though Mexico lost to the US again, he doesn't think the US is an equipazo, a great team. The other commentator says "They're not, but neither is Mexico."
They go back and forth. The one falls back on the security blanket many Mexican media are seemingly clinging to, and says that the US would play the same in Azteca and that Mexico would play better in Azteca, and that no matter how bad Mexico was they wouldn't lose to the US in Azteca.
The other commentator returns to the debate over the US and Mexico and brings up a question Ricardo Osorio fielded, where he said he didn't think the US was a great team. He says he would have fired back to Osorio "And what about your team?"
Not enough
I'm sorry but I can't get enough of US-Mexico and the Hexagonal in general. The games are over, there are lots of MLS and Mexican league stuff going on but, damn it, the national teams are still captivating me.
Some of the things I've come across and kicked around on the web this morning:
* Manuel Lapuente seemed concerned over the state of El Tri. He even seemed to go against the grain and said that a home loss was possible.
* Nery Castillo admitted that he had felt some discomfort before the US game and that he may have torn a muscle. (link's in Spanish)
* Here are highlights from Wednesday's other qualifiers:
Trinidad has nobody to blame for blowing a 2-0 lead but themselves:
Costa Rica is dominant at home:
Some of the things I've come across and kicked around on the web this morning:
* Manuel Lapuente seemed concerned over the state of El Tri. He even seemed to go against the grain and said that a home loss was possible.
* Nery Castillo admitted that he had felt some discomfort before the US game and that he may have torn a muscle. (link's in Spanish)
* Here are highlights from Wednesday's other qualifiers:
Trinidad has nobody to blame for blowing a 2-0 lead but themselves:
Costa Rica is dominant at home:
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sven should stay
I organized my earlier thoughts from yesterday into a column for SI.com and added some quotes from a press conference that was held in Mexico City.
I stand by my original statement that Sven-Goran Eriksson should not be fired, and apparently the FMF bosses think so too.
Now, that doesn't mean things won't change if the unimaginable happens... well, at least it seemed unimaginable until recently. If Costa Rica somehow beats Mexico in Azteca on March 28, then Mexico goes to Honduras three days later. Things might change quickly after that.
Anyone remember what happened the last time Mexico hosted Costa Rica and then went down to Honduras in a Hexagonal?
But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. And I say let Eriksson try and avoid that bridge.
I stand by my original statement that Sven-Goran Eriksson should not be fired, and apparently the FMF bosses think so too.
Now, that doesn't mean things won't change if the unimaginable happens... well, at least it seemed unimaginable until recently. If Costa Rica somehow beats Mexico in Azteca on March 28, then Mexico goes to Honduras three days later. Things might change quickly after that.
Anyone remember what happened the last time Mexico hosted Costa Rica and then went down to Honduras in a Hexagonal?
But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. And I say let Eriksson try and avoid that bridge.
Again and again and again
Mural ran this on the cover of the sports section on Thursday:
Translation:
AGAIN
... El Tri loses 2-0 in Columbus
... Marquez is sent off
... The coach's moves don't work
... They give up a set piece goal
... El Tri plays long ball
... Oswaldo gives up a howler
Translation:
AGAIN
... El Tri loses 2-0 in Columbus
... Marquez is sent off
... The coach's moves don't work
... They give up a set piece goal
... El Tri plays long ball
... Oswaldo gives up a howler
In reserve
This cartoon ran in Thursday's edition of Cancha:
Javier Aguirre stands behind Sven-Goran Eriksson and says (presumably to Lil' Tri): You, calm down... I rescued "Ojitos" once.
(Ojitos is Enrique Meza, who was Aguirre's predecessor in 2001 when Mexico struggled in qualification)
Javier Aguirre stands behind Sven-Goran Eriksson and says (presumably to Lil' Tri): You, calm down... I rescued "Ojitos" once.
(Ojitos is Enrique Meza, who was Aguirre's predecessor in 2001 when Mexico struggled in qualification)
Mexico players: good and bad
Here's what I thought about some of the Mexican players and their performances in Wednesday's 2-0 loss to the US:
GOOD
Pavel Pardo: His set-piece ability is strong and it showed against the US. He wasn't active a lot going forward in the run of play but his presence was valuable.
Carlos Salcido: Another solid effort by Salcido. He's Mexico's best defender by the way. He is always in a good position, doesn't get beat easily and can add to the attack. And he doesn't lose his head; at least not on the soccer field.
Nery Castillo: Limited time on the field but he created the early chance that Dos Santos couldn't put away. I wonder how much his relative inactivity over the last year or so contributed to his injury.
Leandro Augusto: He did well to break up the American midfield. He didn't add much offensively but I'm not sure he was supposed to. He's also a set-piece specialist but with Pardo around he didn't have the chance to show that part of his game off. I'd say he's an upgrade over Gerardo Torrado because he's not a yellow card waiting to happen.
BAD
Rafael Marquez: I don't know about this guy. Marquez, the polished defender from one of the world's biggest clubs, makes a play that would be inexcusable from a 15-year-old. He begged for forgiveness right after the game but it's the same story with him. This is the third big red card of his career. If we haven't crossed it already, at what point does "El Kaiser" stop becoming and asset and start becoming a liability? And regarding his apology, I don't know if he apologized to Tim Howard or not. I wonder if he did. That's the least he could do.
Oswaldo Sanchez: He was actually having a decent game until the late error that cost Mexico a goal. Michael Bradley's shot had a lot on it, but "San Oswaldo" should have stopped it. Still, you can only do so much in a game like that if you are the goalkeeper. I don't think he had a bad enough game so where people will start to clamor for Guillermo Ochoa. This job should still be Sanchez's to lose, and he didn't lose it Wednesday.
Carlos Ochoa: Sven-Goran Eriksson has been a supporter of Ochoa's and has fielded him often, but Ochoa's leaves you wondering... why?
Giovani Dos Santos: I'm actually not going to be as hard on him as others because I thought he did a decent job. He dribbled past US defenders and was active at times during the match, but his early chance that he squandered was was mind-numbing.
Aaron Galindo: Jonny Magallon, where are you? Your club teammate struggled in this game, against a team you scored twice on last year. Yes, you committed a foul against this same team in the 2007 Gold Cup final, Galindo committed many more of those same types of fouls on Wednesday, only they weren't in the penalty area.
GOOD
Pavel Pardo: His set-piece ability is strong and it showed against the US. He wasn't active a lot going forward in the run of play but his presence was valuable.
Carlos Salcido: Another solid effort by Salcido. He's Mexico's best defender by the way. He is always in a good position, doesn't get beat easily and can add to the attack. And he doesn't lose his head; at least not on the soccer field.
Nery Castillo: Limited time on the field but he created the early chance that Dos Santos couldn't put away. I wonder how much his relative inactivity over the last year or so contributed to his injury.
Leandro Augusto: He did well to break up the American midfield. He didn't add much offensively but I'm not sure he was supposed to. He's also a set-piece specialist but with Pardo around he didn't have the chance to show that part of his game off. I'd say he's an upgrade over Gerardo Torrado because he's not a yellow card waiting to happen.
BAD
Rafael Marquez: I don't know about this guy. Marquez, the polished defender from one of the world's biggest clubs, makes a play that would be inexcusable from a 15-year-old. He begged for forgiveness right after the game but it's the same story with him. This is the third big red card of his career. If we haven't crossed it already, at what point does "El Kaiser" stop becoming and asset and start becoming a liability? And regarding his apology, I don't know if he apologized to Tim Howard or not. I wonder if he did. That's the least he could do.
Oswaldo Sanchez: He was actually having a decent game until the late error that cost Mexico a goal. Michael Bradley's shot had a lot on it, but "San Oswaldo" should have stopped it. Still, you can only do so much in a game like that if you are the goalkeeper. I don't think he had a bad enough game so where people will start to clamor for Guillermo Ochoa. This job should still be Sanchez's to lose, and he didn't lose it Wednesday.
Carlos Ochoa: Sven-Goran Eriksson has been a supporter of Ochoa's and has fielded him often, but Ochoa's leaves you wondering... why?
Giovani Dos Santos: I'm actually not going to be as hard on him as others because I thought he did a decent job. He dribbled past US defenders and was active at times during the match, but his early chance that he squandered was was mind-numbing.
Aaron Galindo: Jonny Magallon, where are you? Your club teammate struggled in this game, against a team you scored twice on last year. Yes, you committed a foul against this same team in the 2007 Gold Cup final, Galindo committed many more of those same types of fouls on Wednesday, only they weren't in the penalty area.
Marquez poll
Mural ran a poll on its web site today about Rafael Marquez. As of 6:20 am PT, here are the responses along with the percentages:
Considering Rafael Marquez's red card... :
* he should not be called back into the national team - 63.6 percent
* we're used to this type of stuff - 7.6 percent
* he's the captain - he deserves another chance - 7.6 percent
* he'd be better off selling perfume in Barcelona - 21.2 percent
Considering Rafael Marquez's red card... :
* he should not be called back into the national team - 63.6 percent
* we're used to this type of stuff - 7.6 percent
* he's the captain - he deserves another chance - 7.6 percent
* he'd be better off selling perfume in Barcelona - 21.2 percent
US players: the good and the bad
Some thoughts on some of the US players and how I felt they performed in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Mexico:
GOOD
Michael Bradley: He scored both goals so of course he did well. But more than just the goals themselves were the positions he put himself in to score those goals. The first goal, he did well to find room amidst a crowd and did equally as well to finish the ball. It wasn't an easy tap-in as he had to elevate his foot to get to the ball. Oswaldo Sanchez made a gaffe on the second goal, but Bradley had the presence of mind to lay into a long-range shot and did well to get it off. He did his usual grunt work in the midfield as well.
Brian Ching: He didn't score a goal and wasn't involved in the goals but he was far from inactive on the night. He was a physical presence that the Mexican defense couldn't easily deal with. He drew some key fouls early on and helped set up some early chances for the US.
Landon Donovan: Mexico did well to stifle Donovan for most of the game, but Donovan still was a key part of both goals. He had the presence of mind to drift to the far post, underneath a ball that appeared to have been sailing far out of anyone's reach. He beat a pair of defenders to the ball and sent it right to Oguchi Onyewu, whose header and subsequent rebound led to the first goal. Donovan assisted on the second goal as well, and he drew three defenders towards him moments he passed the ball off to Bradley. Coupled with Mexico's red card, the move helped create the space Bradley needed to settle the ball and unleash his shot on goal.
Tim Howard: He came up big several times. He was in perfect position to stop Giovani Dos Santos' close-range shot in the opening minutes and he was in a good spot for much of the game. He took the brunt of the damage from Rafael Marquez's cleats and did not seem rattled by it.
DaMarcus Beasley: Beasley showed why he's a first-choice player. His speed is lethal out there, as he was very active on the flanks. His touch inside the area might need some improvement but that's never been a big part of his game. He's most dangerous when he makes runs and puts himself and teammates in position to do damage, which he did a lot on Wednesday.
Frankie Hejduk: Anyone still doubt Hejduk's ability to perform and contribute at this level? The guy does not stop working, and he plays as hard and as all-out in 2009 as he did in 1998.
BAD
Oguchi Onyewu: Yes, he played a key role in the game's first goal but too often Onyewu was in bad spots on the field and gave away several bad fouls. The knock on Onyewu before was his penchant for giving away silly fouls in inopportune spots and that was what we saw a lot of yesterday. I'm still not convinced that Onyewu is the beast of a central defender seemingly everyone makes him out to be.
Clint Dempsey: He spent as much time diving as he did trying to get into the game. I can't remember... when was the last great game he had while playing for the US? He had a terrible game against Cuba a year ago but still got the game-winning goal in the game down in Havana, so I wouldn't necessarily call his last great game. I expected more from him and also expected Bob Bradley to have replaced him with Jozy Altidore, but neither happened.
Heath Pearce: It's not that he played a terrible game - I thought he did well at times to play the ball out of danger - but some of his crosses were gawdawful. I guess you could say I'm back on the Bornstein Bandwagon.
Sacha Kljestan: Again, not a completely terrible game but his contributions offensively were nil. He had what could have been a chance for about a 25-yard shot in the first half but the ball bounced way off his foot and got away from him. "Kleckstein" - as the Univision announcers called him - would have been hard-pressed to have a good game though. It was his first game against Mexico, and coupled with it being a World Cup qualifier, well, nerves possibly got to him.
GOOD
Michael Bradley: He scored both goals so of course he did well. But more than just the goals themselves were the positions he put himself in to score those goals. The first goal, he did well to find room amidst a crowd and did equally as well to finish the ball. It wasn't an easy tap-in as he had to elevate his foot to get to the ball. Oswaldo Sanchez made a gaffe on the second goal, but Bradley had the presence of mind to lay into a long-range shot and did well to get it off. He did his usual grunt work in the midfield as well.
Brian Ching: He didn't score a goal and wasn't involved in the goals but he was far from inactive on the night. He was a physical presence that the Mexican defense couldn't easily deal with. He drew some key fouls early on and helped set up some early chances for the US.
Landon Donovan: Mexico did well to stifle Donovan for most of the game, but Donovan still was a key part of both goals. He had the presence of mind to drift to the far post, underneath a ball that appeared to have been sailing far out of anyone's reach. He beat a pair of defenders to the ball and sent it right to Oguchi Onyewu, whose header and subsequent rebound led to the first goal. Donovan assisted on the second goal as well, and he drew three defenders towards him moments he passed the ball off to Bradley. Coupled with Mexico's red card, the move helped create the space Bradley needed to settle the ball and unleash his shot on goal.
Tim Howard: He came up big several times. He was in perfect position to stop Giovani Dos Santos' close-range shot in the opening minutes and he was in a good spot for much of the game. He took the brunt of the damage from Rafael Marquez's cleats and did not seem rattled by it.
DaMarcus Beasley: Beasley showed why he's a first-choice player. His speed is lethal out there, as he was very active on the flanks. His touch inside the area might need some improvement but that's never been a big part of his game. He's most dangerous when he makes runs and puts himself and teammates in position to do damage, which he did a lot on Wednesday.
Frankie Hejduk: Anyone still doubt Hejduk's ability to perform and contribute at this level? The guy does not stop working, and he plays as hard and as all-out in 2009 as he did in 1998.
BAD
Oguchi Onyewu: Yes, he played a key role in the game's first goal but too often Onyewu was in bad spots on the field and gave away several bad fouls. The knock on Onyewu before was his penchant for giving away silly fouls in inopportune spots and that was what we saw a lot of yesterday. I'm still not convinced that Onyewu is the beast of a central defender seemingly everyone makes him out to be.
Clint Dempsey: He spent as much time diving as he did trying to get into the game. I can't remember... when was the last great game he had while playing for the US? He had a terrible game against Cuba a year ago but still got the game-winning goal in the game down in Havana, so I wouldn't necessarily call his last great game. I expected more from him and also expected Bob Bradley to have replaced him with Jozy Altidore, but neither happened.
Heath Pearce: It's not that he played a terrible game - I thought he did well at times to play the ball out of danger - but some of his crosses were gawdawful. I guess you could say I'm back on the Bornstein Bandwagon.
Sacha Kljestan: Again, not a completely terrible game but his contributions offensively were nil. He had what could have been a chance for about a 25-yard shot in the first half but the ball bounced way off his foot and got away from him. "Kleckstein" - as the Univision announcers called him - would have been hard-pressed to have a good game though. It was his first game against Mexico, and coupled with it being a World Cup qualifier, well, nerves possibly got to him.
US-Mexico highlights
Some of you probably will watch all seven minutes of this, while others wouldn't glance at this for any reason. But here are the highlights of Wednesday's US-Mexico game.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
One fan's view
I saw this on Mural and I couldn't resist putting it on here. A fan submitted this in the comments section of the US-Mexico match report.
"Es una pena ver como un fútbol tan pateti o como el de usa domina a todavía un fútbol mas patetico como es el mexicano. Ericksson no tiene la culpa de nada! El debería de renunciar solo por como se maneja nuestro fútbol mediocre. Giovani de titular en un partido como este jaja el niño mimado a jugado 45 minutos en los últimos 3 meses en su club. Quein chingados es el jager Martinez? Es patético ver la actitud de nuestros jugadores "Europeos" jaja pinches niñitas mimadas pocos huevos, no por jugar en europa les da el derecho de pensar que con pararse en la cancha pueden ganar un partido. Ojalá y ericksson renunsie y salve su reputación como técnico y no sea afectado por está mafia de fútbol que tenemos frente a nosotros. Bola de rateros golozos pero ya les llegará su hora perros"
"I'll try and translate... ahem... It is embarrassing to watch a soccer so pathetic as the United States continue to dominate an even more pathetic soccer that is Mexico. Eriksson is not at fault for anything! He should resign simply because how our mediocre soccer is run. Giovani a starter in a game like this, haha the boy has just played 45 minutes of soccer the last three months. Who the fuck is Jagger Martinez?... "
I may translate the rest later but I'm kinda busy., just saw that and wanted to get it out there.
"Es una pena ver como un fútbol tan pateti o como el de usa domina a todavía un fútbol mas patetico como es el mexicano. Ericksson no tiene la culpa de nada! El debería de renunciar solo por como se maneja nuestro fútbol mediocre. Giovani de titular en un partido como este jaja el niño mimado a jugado 45 minutos en los últimos 3 meses en su club. Quein chingados es el jager Martinez? Es patético ver la actitud de nuestros jugadores "Europeos" jaja pinches niñitas mimadas pocos huevos, no por jugar en europa les da el derecho de pensar que con pararse en la cancha pueden ganar un partido. Ojalá y ericksson renunsie y salve su reputación como técnico y no sea afectado por está mafia de fútbol que tenemos frente a nosotros. Bola de rateros golozos pero ya les llegará su hora perros"
"I'll try and translate... ahem... It is embarrassing to watch a soccer so pathetic as the United States continue to dominate an even more pathetic soccer that is Mexico. Eriksson is not at fault for anything! He should resign simply because how our mediocre soccer is run. Giovani a starter in a game like this, haha the boy has just played 45 minutes of soccer the last three months. Who the fuck is Jagger Martinez?... "
I may translate the rest later but I'm kinda busy., just saw that and wanted to get it out there.
United States wins again
The United States continued their home dominance over Mexico with a 2-0 victory over their biggest rivals.
The match was more of the same for both teams: the Americans played disciplined, organized and took advantage of their opportunities; Mexico meanwhile faltered all over the field and two of their most dependable players (Rafael Marquez and Oswaldo Sanchez) made glaring mistakes.
I will have more on this result later, what it means for both sides and who some of the players that did well and who let their teams down were.
The match was more of the same for both teams: the Americans played disciplined, organized and took advantage of their opportunities; Mexico meanwhile faltered all over the field and two of their most dependable players (Rafael Marquez and Oswaldo Sanchez) made glaring mistakes.
I will have more on this result later, what it means for both sides and who some of the players that did well and who let their teams down were.
Chucho takes over
Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez took over as coach of America Wednesday, a day after America fired Ramon Diaz.
Ramirez led Mexico to the U-17 world title in 2005 and has stayed with the federation since then. However, he left now to take on the task of managing a giant, and perhaps the allure of America was too much to resist.
America have been a mess since Cuauhtemoc Blanco left, and haven't reached the playoffs since the Clausura 07 season. Daniel Brailovsky seemed to have been doing okay but he was fired before he really had the chance to get his feet underneath him and since then America has gone through Ruben Omar Romano and Ramon Diaz since.
Ramirez led Mexico to the U-17 world title in 2005 and has stayed with the federation since then. However, he left now to take on the task of managing a giant, and perhaps the allure of America was too much to resist.
America have been a mess since Cuauhtemoc Blanco left, and haven't reached the playoffs since the Clausura 07 season. Daniel Brailovsky seemed to have been doing okay but he was fired before he really had the chance to get his feet underneath him and since then America has gone through Ruben Omar Romano and Ramon Diaz since.
Around the region
Lest we forget... and it's hard to remember that there is more going on today than US-Mexico...
Honduras visits Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier today. Here's a brief write-up with probable lineups.
Trinidad & Tobago will play at El Salvador in the other contest.
Honduras visits Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier today. Here's a brief write-up with probable lineups.
Trinidad & Tobago will play at El Salvador in the other contest.
Oh Captain, My Captain
Goal.com's Allen Ramsey compares the respective captains of the US and Mexico national teams.
Here's his take on Carlos Bocanegra of the US.
And here's the write-up on Rafael Marquez of Mexico.
Here's his take on Carlos Bocanegra of the US.
And here's the write-up on Rafael Marquez of Mexico.
Whole greater than sum of parts
If you want to read an excellent story on the US national team ahead of tonight's game against Mexico, look no further. Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune chimes in with his usual gem.
Curbing instability
Mexico would be a stronger team right now had they kept Ricardo Lavolpe.
Now, I'm not saying that Lavolpe is a better manager than Sven-Goran Eriksson, or that the Mexican media and supporters would have put up with Lavolpe after the 2006 World Cup, when Hugo Sanchez was all the rage.
But I am saying that Lavolpe had one thing that Eriksson didn't, and that's time. Lavolpe was hired to take over Mexico in late 2002 and had time to build the team, bleed new internationals and weed out veterans, guide the team through a tournament like the Gold Cup... all before he played a single World Cup qualifier. And then, Mexico had a waltz through the semifinal round before qualifying for the World Cup with two games to spare.
Eriksson was thrown into the fire, and by his own admission had little knowledge of the Mexican league and its players. In a few months, he was asked to guide Mexico through qualifying against some decent competition. Having had little time to prepare and zero experience in managing a CONCACAF team against other CONCACAF teams.
So what happened? Mexico went out and struggled on the road, and everyone was surprised. There has been little continuity in Mexico since 2000. Manuel Lapuente had some good teams at the turn of the century but he moved on, and Enrique Meza took over. That's one coaching change in the midst of a World Cup cycle. Meza lasted not even a year on the job as he nearly sunk Mexico's World Cup 2002 hopes. Javier Aguirre came in, did well to lead Mexico to the World Cup, and moved on after '02. Lavolpe came in, and after the '06 World Cup, enter Hugo Sanchez.
Sanchez actually had the team in decent shape. Where he failed was 1) the Olympic team, which he never ever should have coached, and 2) bringing in the foreigners he so harshly criticized. He may have been able to weather that storm had his popularity not sunk like a stone in the ocean.
Out with Sanchez, in with Eriksson, and that's three coaching changes in the midst of World Cup cycles. And that's just since 2000.
Now there's rumors and speculation about Eriksson own future. If he loses, he's toast seems to be the gist of most of them. While it may seem logical to remove him - a struggling team struggles again, which will only lead to more struggles - if history has shown anything, it's that the lack of continuity has gotten Mexico to where it is today; a talented team with lots of resources and support but also lots of questions and instability.
But if Mexico does lose tonight, Eriksson should stay. Even if its a bad loss, he should stay. If it's a win, everybody is happy and all is right with the world, right? Not exactly. Eriksson has lots and lots of work to do, no matter the result. And he should be given the time to do the work.
After all, if the Mexican federation brought him in as coach, let him coach.
Now, I'm not saying that Lavolpe is a better manager than Sven-Goran Eriksson, or that the Mexican media and supporters would have put up with Lavolpe after the 2006 World Cup, when Hugo Sanchez was all the rage.
But I am saying that Lavolpe had one thing that Eriksson didn't, and that's time. Lavolpe was hired to take over Mexico in late 2002 and had time to build the team, bleed new internationals and weed out veterans, guide the team through a tournament like the Gold Cup... all before he played a single World Cup qualifier. And then, Mexico had a waltz through the semifinal round before qualifying for the World Cup with two games to spare.
Eriksson was thrown into the fire, and by his own admission had little knowledge of the Mexican league and its players. In a few months, he was asked to guide Mexico through qualifying against some decent competition. Having had little time to prepare and zero experience in managing a CONCACAF team against other CONCACAF teams.
So what happened? Mexico went out and struggled on the road, and everyone was surprised. There has been little continuity in Mexico since 2000. Manuel Lapuente had some good teams at the turn of the century but he moved on, and Enrique Meza took over. That's one coaching change in the midst of a World Cup cycle. Meza lasted not even a year on the job as he nearly sunk Mexico's World Cup 2002 hopes. Javier Aguirre came in, did well to lead Mexico to the World Cup, and moved on after '02. Lavolpe came in, and after the '06 World Cup, enter Hugo Sanchez.
Sanchez actually had the team in decent shape. Where he failed was 1) the Olympic team, which he never ever should have coached, and 2) bringing in the foreigners he so harshly criticized. He may have been able to weather that storm had his popularity not sunk like a stone in the ocean.
Out with Sanchez, in with Eriksson, and that's three coaching changes in the midst of World Cup cycles. And that's just since 2000.
Now there's rumors and speculation about Eriksson own future. If he loses, he's toast seems to be the gist of most of them. While it may seem logical to remove him - a struggling team struggles again, which will only lead to more struggles - if history has shown anything, it's that the lack of continuity has gotten Mexico to where it is today; a talented team with lots of resources and support but also lots of questions and instability.
But if Mexico does lose tonight, Eriksson should stay. Even if its a bad loss, he should stay. If it's a win, everybody is happy and all is right with the world, right? Not exactly. Eriksson has lots and lots of work to do, no matter the result. And he should be given the time to do the work.
After all, if the Mexican federation brought him in as coach, let him coach.
US-Mexico Countdown: No. 1
1. 2002 World Cup; Jeonju, South Korea; June 17, 2002: US 2, Mexico 0
The unthinkable happened in 2002 when the United States and Mexico took their budding rivalry to the global stage. The US had stumbled badly in the group stage closing match, losing to Poland 3-1. Still, a 3-2 win over Portugal and a draw against the hosts was enough to see the Americans through to the Round of 16, where a mighty Mexico squad awaited. Mexico had been one of the better sides in the group stage in the entire tournament and fans began to dream about a deep run into the World Cup. Instead, those dreams seemed on the brink of disaster early on when Brian McBride scored not even 10 minutes in. Mexico responded with a furious onslaught but could not break through against US goalkeeper Brad Friedel. In the second half, the Americans put the game away when Eddie Lewis sent a cross into Landon Donovan, who buried a header past Oscar Perez. The US held on to win and claimed the ultimate result in CONCACAF's greatest rivalry.
Lineups
US: Brad Friedel; Tony Sanneh, Eddie Pope, Greg Berhalter, Claudio Reyna, Pablo Mastroeni (Carlos Llamosa, 90), Landon Donovan, John O'Brien, Eddie Lewis, Josh Wolff (Earnie Stewartm, 59), Brian McBride (Cobi Jones, 79).
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Manuel Vidrio (Sigifredo Mercado, 46), Rafael Marquez, Salvador Carmona; Jesus Arellano, Johan Rodriguez, Gerardo Torrado (Alberto Garcia Aspe, 78), Braulio Luna, Ramon Morales (Luis Hernandez, 28); Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jared Borgetti.
Goals
US - McBride 8
US - Donovan 65
The unthinkable happened in 2002 when the United States and Mexico took their budding rivalry to the global stage. The US had stumbled badly in the group stage closing match, losing to Poland 3-1. Still, a 3-2 win over Portugal and a draw against the hosts was enough to see the Americans through to the Round of 16, where a mighty Mexico squad awaited. Mexico had been one of the better sides in the group stage in the entire tournament and fans began to dream about a deep run into the World Cup. Instead, those dreams seemed on the brink of disaster early on when Brian McBride scored not even 10 minutes in. Mexico responded with a furious onslaught but could not break through against US goalkeeper Brad Friedel. In the second half, the Americans put the game away when Eddie Lewis sent a cross into Landon Donovan, who buried a header past Oscar Perez. The US held on to win and claimed the ultimate result in CONCACAF's greatest rivalry.
Lineups
US: Brad Friedel; Tony Sanneh, Eddie Pope, Greg Berhalter, Claudio Reyna, Pablo Mastroeni (Carlos Llamosa, 90), Landon Donovan, John O'Brien, Eddie Lewis, Josh Wolff (Earnie Stewartm, 59), Brian McBride (Cobi Jones, 79).
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Manuel Vidrio (Sigifredo Mercado, 46), Rafael Marquez, Salvador Carmona; Jesus Arellano, Johan Rodriguez, Gerardo Torrado (Alberto Garcia Aspe, 78), Braulio Luna, Ramon Morales (Luis Hernandez, 28); Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jared Borgetti.
Goals
US - McBride 8
US - Donovan 65
US-Mexico Countdown: No. 2
2. 1998 World Cup qualifier; Mexico City, Nov. 2, 1997: US 0, Mexico 0. The United States entered this game desperately needing a point to try and boost their chances of reaching France 98. Mexico, meanwhile, seemed certain to beat the Americans once again on Mexican soil. History was on Mexico's side as the United States had never even managed a draw from a game in Mexico, let alone any level of success in Estadio Azteca. Although the Americans weathered an early storm, Mexico received a boost when Jeff Agoos was given a red card in the first half. Mexico had more than 50 minutes to pile on the goals, except they ultimately could not score one. American goalkeeper Brad Friedel and a determined American squad shut Mexico out in Azteca, which remains as its best-ever result there.
Lineups unavailable
Lineups unavailable
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New trialists
Chivas USA has welcomed Eduardo Lillingston and Arturo Javier Ledesma to their stay in Guadalajara and the two players could soon become reinforcements for Chivas USA, provided they catch the coach's eye.
Lillingston, a forward who spent time with Tecos and Santos in the Mexican first division, was a scrappy, useful player during his prime but was never a standout performer. Ledesma, meanwhile, has some upside as well as height and could help boost a position of need as Claudio Suarez is still apparently decided regarding his future.
The two players are also joined by Diego Scotti, formerly of Audax Italiano and Newell's Old Boys.
Chivas USA will play a friendly against Tapatio on Thursday morning. It will be interesting to see who plays for Chivas USA aside from these trialists, provided they see action. Javier Hernandez and Jesus Padilla, both of whom have spent a lot of time with Tapatio over the last several years, have been linked to Chivas USA, as well as Antonio Salazar.
Lillingston, a forward who spent time with Tecos and Santos in the Mexican first division, was a scrappy, useful player during his prime but was never a standout performer. Ledesma, meanwhile, has some upside as well as height and could help boost a position of need as Claudio Suarez is still apparently decided regarding his future.
The two players are also joined by Diego Scotti, formerly of Audax Italiano and Newell's Old Boys.
Chivas USA will play a friendly against Tapatio on Thursday morning. It will be interesting to see who plays for Chivas USA aside from these trialists, provided they see action. Javier Hernandez and Jesus Padilla, both of whom have spent a lot of time with Tapatio over the last several years, have been linked to Chivas USA, as well as Antonio Salazar.
Catching up
Busy day today for me. Been running around as usual but wanted to take time to share a few stories.
* Club America sacked coach Ramon Angel Diaz. No big surprise. Diaz's America team looked average at best, and that's not the way you want a team to look after investing millions of dollars on offseason acquisitions.
* We're about 24 hours away from US-Mexico. The last time the US played Mexico to open the Hex was in 2001, and I watched the game at the Royal Falconer pub in Redlands. I was a metro reporter (no sports writing, lame!) back then so I left work early to watch the game, and that was one of the few places showing it (I worked in Moreno Valley at the time, some 20-40 minutes away depending on traffic).
* I thought about doing a positional comparison between the US and Mexico but Goal.com did it for me. It's worth a read.
* So is this. My man Joel Aceves getting bit-time play, in the LA Times. Nice. It's a column by LA Times columnist Hector Tobar, trying to paint a picture of the game and the rivalry for non-sports folks.
* And I leave you with a song that I've been humming to myself the last few weeks. Can you guess why?
* Club America sacked coach Ramon Angel Diaz. No big surprise. Diaz's America team looked average at best, and that's not the way you want a team to look after investing millions of dollars on offseason acquisitions.
* We're about 24 hours away from US-Mexico. The last time the US played Mexico to open the Hex was in 2001, and I watched the game at the Royal Falconer pub in Redlands. I was a metro reporter (no sports writing, lame!) back then so I left work early to watch the game, and that was one of the few places showing it (I worked in Moreno Valley at the time, some 20-40 minutes away depending on traffic).
* I thought about doing a positional comparison between the US and Mexico but Goal.com did it for me. It's worth a read.
* So is this. My man Joel Aceves getting bit-time play, in the LA Times. Nice. It's a column by LA Times columnist Hector Tobar, trying to paint a picture of the game and the rivalry for non-sports folks.
* And I leave you with a song that I've been humming to myself the last few weeks. Can you guess why?
Not if but how many
According to Mural, Chivas USA will leave Mexico with at least one, if not two or more Mexican players. CD Guadalajara Vice President Nestor De La Torre told Mural that the club is weighing options and has not made a decision regarding reinforcements for Chivas USA, and did not deny the possibility of some of the names the paper mentioned who could join Chivas USA.
The names tossed around are Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Jesus "Gringo" Padilla and Antonio "Hulk" Salazar.
Mural's story included a quote from Preki, who told the paper was not "antimexicanos" - anti-Mexican - and preferred to have good players from Guadalajara, not just players who were not going to be in the mix at all for Chivas.
Both Hernandez and Padilla (who was born in California) have played in the Clausura 2009 season. Hernandez even scored a goal, in a 2-1 win in Monterrey. Salazar, who is also a forward, has not played for the first team this season.
The names tossed around are Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Jesus "Gringo" Padilla and Antonio "Hulk" Salazar.
Mural's story included a quote from Preki, who told the paper was not "antimexicanos" - anti-Mexican - and preferred to have good players from Guadalajara, not just players who were not going to be in the mix at all for Chivas.
Both Hernandez and Padilla (who was born in California) have played in the Clausura 2009 season. Hernandez even scored a goal, in a 2-1 win in Monterrey. Salazar, who is also a forward, has not played for the first team this season.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sven going away?
Portsmouth sacked manager Tony Adams on Monday in a move that at first seemed to have little consequence on this side of the pond.
However, English tabloid Mirror reported earlier today that Portsmouth would be interested in bringing Sven-Goran Eriksson in as manager to help the struggling club find itself as soon as possible.
According to Mirror's report, Eriksson has told friends that he would be willing to "walk from Mexico back to London" for the Chelsea job (Chelsea also sacked their manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, on Monday) but that the Portsmouth job might be more attainable.
I'm not sure about reports like this. In some ways, any job that opens up is supposedly going to be filled by some big-name candidate who is employed at the time. It stands to reason then that Eriksson would get linked to a position in the English Premiership. However, if this is true, how much has he been focused on the task of qualifying Mexico to the World Cup, of helping Mexico start the Hexagonal in the best manner possible?
A lot will happen in the next 48 hours that will determine both his own fate and the team's chances in qualifying as well. Only time will tell if this report has any meat to it, and luckily for everyone involved that time will pass soon enough.
However, English tabloid Mirror reported earlier today that Portsmouth would be interested in bringing Sven-Goran Eriksson in as manager to help the struggling club find itself as soon as possible.
According to Mirror's report, Eriksson has told friends that he would be willing to "walk from Mexico back to London" for the Chelsea job (Chelsea also sacked their manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, on Monday) but that the Portsmouth job might be more attainable.
I'm not sure about reports like this. In some ways, any job that opens up is supposedly going to be filled by some big-name candidate who is employed at the time. It stands to reason then that Eriksson would get linked to a position in the English Premiership. However, if this is true, how much has he been focused on the task of qualifying Mexico to the World Cup, of helping Mexico start the Hexagonal in the best manner possible?
A lot will happen in the next 48 hours that will determine both his own fate and the team's chances in qualifying as well. Only time will tell if this report has any meat to it, and luckily for everyone involved that time will pass soon enough.
On the case
Mural already has a story up on Chivas USA. No link but here's the gist of the story:
Chivas USA is here, they have one player who has Mexican roots (trailist Cristian Cortez) and have brought along 20 players. Claudio Suarez is not with the team as he is still pondering retirement. Chivas USA will try to get two friendlies while here, and likely opponents are Tapatio and Tecos' Primera A team.
Apparently, the team traveled yesterday and trained in Guadalajara today.
Chivas USA is here, they have one player who has Mexican roots (trailist Cristian Cortez) and have brought along 20 players. Claudio Suarez is not with the team as he is still pondering retirement. Chivas USA will try to get two friendlies while here, and likely opponents are Tapatio and Tecos' Primera A team.
Apparently, the team traveled yesterday and trained in Guadalajara today.
There's some fight in Tecos after all
I don't usually use pictures from Mexican news sites but this was too good to pass up. Mural had pictures of a scrap that broke out between Tecos players during training on Monday. The fight involved former Red Bulls defender Diego Jimenez and Jorge Zamogilny when the latter took exception over an apparent rough challenge from the former.
Not sure if either will become a welterweight fighter or join the mixed-martial arts circuit anytime soon, but by the looks of it, they should stick to soccer.
Not sure if either will become a welterweight fighter or join the mixed-martial arts circuit anytime soon, but by the looks of it, they should stick to soccer.
US-Mexico Countdown: No. 3
3. Copa America ’95 quarterfinal; July 17, 1995; Paysandu, Uruguay; US 0, Mexico 0, US wins 4-1 in penalties
Having reached the final in their first-ever Copa America tournament, Mexico had high hopes of not just getting back to the final but walking away with the championship. The U.S., meanwhile, entered the tournaments as lightweights yet again, but carried a bit more respect in 95 than they had in 93 after having beaten Colombia in the World Cup the year before. Even after a historic 3-0 upset victory over Argentina in the group stage and finishing atop the group, the Americans were underdogs against the more experienced Mexico side. However, the Americans rose to the challenge that El Tri presented. Mexico had several standouts from the 1994 World Cup team on the field, including Marcelino Bernal, Luis Garcia and Alberto Garcia Aspe but the U.S. did well to keep Mexico from scoring. After 90 minutes did not decide a winner, the match went to penalties. Eric Wynalda, Luis Garcia and John Harkes converted for their respective sides to start the shootout but Brad Friedel stood firm in goal and blocked a key shot by Carlos Hermosillo. Paul Caligiuri scored to make it 3-1 in favor of the U.S. while Alberto Coyote missed his attempt for Mexico. When Frank Klopas scored the fourth and decisive penalty, the U.S. had pulled off their second major upset of the Copa America and their first win over Mexico in an international tournament played outside its confederation. Mexico, meanwhile, were left scratching their heads over their early exit.
Lineups
US: Friedel - Burns, Caliguri, Lalas, Reyna (Sorber, 71), Stewart, (Klopas, 68), Dooley, Harkes, Jones (Ramos, 84), Moore, Wynalda
Mexico: Campos - J.Rodriguez, Suarez, Gutierrez, Vidrio, Bernal, (Ambriz, 79), Garcia Aspe, Coyote, Espinoza (Galindo, 68), Salvador (Hermosillo, 68), L.Garcia
Having reached the final in their first-ever Copa America tournament, Mexico had high hopes of not just getting back to the final but walking away with the championship. The U.S., meanwhile, entered the tournaments as lightweights yet again, but carried a bit more respect in 95 than they had in 93 after having beaten Colombia in the World Cup the year before. Even after a historic 3-0 upset victory over Argentina in the group stage and finishing atop the group, the Americans were underdogs against the more experienced Mexico side. However, the Americans rose to the challenge that El Tri presented. Mexico had several standouts from the 1994 World Cup team on the field, including Marcelino Bernal, Luis Garcia and Alberto Garcia Aspe but the U.S. did well to keep Mexico from scoring. After 90 minutes did not decide a winner, the match went to penalties. Eric Wynalda, Luis Garcia and John Harkes converted for their respective sides to start the shootout but Brad Friedel stood firm in goal and blocked a key shot by Carlos Hermosillo. Paul Caligiuri scored to make it 3-1 in favor of the U.S. while Alberto Coyote missed his attempt for Mexico. When Frank Klopas scored the fourth and decisive penalty, the U.S. had pulled off their second major upset of the Copa America and their first win over Mexico in an international tournament played outside its confederation. Mexico, meanwhile, were left scratching their heads over their early exit.
Lineups
US: Friedel - Burns, Caliguri, Lalas, Reyna (Sorber, 71), Stewart, (Klopas, 68), Dooley, Harkes, Jones (Ramos, 84), Moore, Wynalda
Mexico: Campos - J.Rodriguez, Suarez, Gutierrez, Vidrio, Bernal, (Ambriz, 79), Garcia Aspe, Coyote, Espinoza (Galindo, 68), Salvador (Hermosillo, 68), L.Garcia
Flashback
Chivas USA is en route to Guadalajara. The MLS club will train in Guadalajara for the next 10 days, the first time the club has trained there since the 2005 season.
I'll try and provide whatever coverage comes out from Mural that I can, as I'm sure they will report on the club in some fashion or another. I wonder how much they'll write about Sacha Kljestan and/or Jonathan Bornstein when the duo joins up with the club after the US-Mexico game.
Not sure in what conditions the team will return but let's hope they bring back a Mexican player or three from the parent club.
I'll try and provide whatever coverage comes out from Mural that I can, as I'm sure they will report on the club in some fashion or another. I wonder how much they'll write about Sacha Kljestan and/or Jonathan Bornstein when the duo joins up with the club after the US-Mexico game.
Not sure in what conditions the team will return but let's hope they bring back a Mexican player or three from the parent club.
New role
I have some good news to share with you guys. I was hired on by Goal.com to take over their Mexico coverage. Unlike my former blog partner, giving up my blog is not part of the deal so this trusty blog will continue moving forward.
Now, I'm just getting my feet wet over there but I have some ideas in terms of covering the league and national team. All the news will be in English of course so it's a good chance to provide a steady stream of coverage for one of the most popular but underrepresented (in media terms) leagues in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm starting off slowly of course but once we get the ball moving, it's going to move at a brisk pace.
Albert, wanted to share this with you. I wrote something on El Tri along the lines of what you'd asked a couple of days ago. That's my first official Goal.com column.
Anyway, I'd be glad to hear from readers about any suggestions of features they'd like to see in terms of the Mexican league and national team.
Here is a link to the Mexico page on Goal.com. I've got updated league roundups and some news on El Tri there, plus writer Cesar Garcia has his latest Mexicans Abroad column on there. Plus we'll have more stories there on the Mexican national team and whatever league news I can get to.
Enjoy.
Now, I'm just getting my feet wet over there but I have some ideas in terms of covering the league and national team. All the news will be in English of course so it's a good chance to provide a steady stream of coverage for one of the most popular but underrepresented (in media terms) leagues in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm starting off slowly of course but once we get the ball moving, it's going to move at a brisk pace.
Albert, wanted to share this with you. I wrote something on El Tri along the lines of what you'd asked a couple of days ago. That's my first official Goal.com column.
Anyway, I'd be glad to hear from readers about any suggestions of features they'd like to see in terms of the Mexican league and national team.
Here is a link to the Mexico page on Goal.com. I've got updated league roundups and some news on El Tri there, plus writer Cesar Garcia has his latest Mexicans Abroad column on there. Plus we'll have more stories there on the Mexican national team and whatever league news I can get to.
Enjoy.
Hexagonal preview: Costa Rica
Costa Rica
We are back with the final three Hexagonal previews. Up next is Costa Rica, a team that also qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
Match Schedule
Feb 11: Honduras at Costa Rica
Mar 28: Costa Rica at Mexico
Apr 1: El Salvador at Costa Rica
Jun 3: USA at Costa Rica
Jun 6: Costa Rica at Trinidad & Tobago
Aug 12: Costa Rica at Honduras
Sept 5: Mexico at Costa Rica
Sept 9: Costa Rica at El Salvador
Oct 10: Trinidad & Tobago at Costa Rica
Oct 14: Costa Rica at USA
La Sele’s schedule is one of the most advantageous in the entire Hex. The team has four of the first seven matches at home with away tilts at T&T and Honduras nestled in there. Realistically, Costa Rica could have at least three, potentially four wins, by the time Mexico arrives on September 5th.
Meet the Members of the Team
53-year-old Rodrigo Kenton Johnson took over in June of 2008. He worked under Velibor “Bora” Milutinović when Bora was the coach of the Costa Rica NT in 1990.
Álvaro Saborío: The FC Sion striker played at Deportivo Saprissa for several years and he always welcomes a return to his former club’s home ground. Known as “le Gigì", will he have the goal scorer’s touch this summer?
Randall Azofeifa: The midfielder plays for Blegium’s K.A.A. Gent and has the necessary international and club experience to be a factor in the Hexagon. With over 15 caps already, look for a big qualification round from the 24-year-old.
Gonzalo Segares: The Chicago Fire defender has been an important part of his MLS club, but until recently he did not factor in the national squad. Is he going to continue to get call ups?
Key Match
Mexico at Costa Rica (September 5, 2009): At stake could be second or even first place in the Hexagonal. Will El Tri survive a trip to Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá? I doubt it.
Predictions
Best Case Scenario: 1st Place. The USA loses one or two crucial games setting the stage for Costa Rica to top the group. While unlikely, Costa Rica has the depth of talent to survive the summer.
Worst Case Scenario: 4th Place. Also an unlikely situation, but one that is possible if T&T or one of the border nations (Honduras/El Salvador) plays lights out.
- Sean Grybos
We are back with the final three Hexagonal previews. Up next is Costa Rica, a team that also qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
Match Schedule
Feb 11: Honduras at Costa Rica
Mar 28: Costa Rica at Mexico
Apr 1: El Salvador at Costa Rica
Jun 3: USA at Costa Rica
Jun 6: Costa Rica at Trinidad & Tobago
Aug 12: Costa Rica at Honduras
Sept 5: Mexico at Costa Rica
Sept 9: Costa Rica at El Salvador
Oct 10: Trinidad & Tobago at Costa Rica
Oct 14: Costa Rica at USA
La Sele’s schedule is one of the most advantageous in the entire Hex. The team has four of the first seven matches at home with away tilts at T&T and Honduras nestled in there. Realistically, Costa Rica could have at least three, potentially four wins, by the time Mexico arrives on September 5th.
Meet the Members of the Team
53-year-old Rodrigo Kenton Johnson took over in June of 2008. He worked under Velibor “Bora” Milutinović when Bora was the coach of the Costa Rica NT in 1990.
Álvaro Saborío: The FC Sion striker played at Deportivo Saprissa for several years and he always welcomes a return to his former club’s home ground. Known as “le Gigì", will he have the goal scorer’s touch this summer?
Randall Azofeifa: The midfielder plays for Blegium’s K.A.A. Gent and has the necessary international and club experience to be a factor in the Hexagon. With over 15 caps already, look for a big qualification round from the 24-year-old.
Gonzalo Segares: The Chicago Fire defender has been an important part of his MLS club, but until recently he did not factor in the national squad. Is he going to continue to get call ups?
Key Match
Mexico at Costa Rica (September 5, 2009): At stake could be second or even first place in the Hexagonal. Will El Tri survive a trip to Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá? I doubt it.
Predictions
Best Case Scenario: 1st Place. The USA loses one or two crucial games setting the stage for Costa Rica to top the group. While unlikely, Costa Rica has the depth of talent to survive the summer.
Worst Case Scenario: 4th Place. Also an unlikely situation, but one that is possible if T&T or one of the border nations (Honduras/El Salvador) plays lights out.
- Sean Grybos
Sunday, February 8, 2009
US announce roster for Wednesday's game
Here it is, the United States' roster for the Mexico game.
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.), Brian Ching (Houston), Charlie Davies (Hammarby) Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich)
My initial thoughts:
* I'm surprised to see Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies in there. I would not be surprised to see neither of them on the gameday roster but that they are each here speaks loudly in terms of what Bradley has in mind for them (or at least what he hopes they will be able to contribute) for this year and beyond.
* Steve Cherundolo is the biggest absence. He ultimately could not overcome his hip injury. That leaves the door open for either Frankie Hejduk or Marvell Wynne to step in and start.
* Overall it's a pretty strong roster. Eight players from the Carson camp made it and the 12 that are in Europe are experienced and have qualities that speak for themselves.
* An interesting battle will be for the starting left midfield spot. Does Bradley go with the tried-and-true DaMarcus Beasley, even though he hasn't been playing much for Rangers, or does he tab youngster Jose Francisco Torres, who has been playing regularly with Pachuca and knows all about the Mexican team and its players?
* Another battle might be up front. Will Landon Donovan play up top alongside Clint Dempsey? Does Bradley start Donovan in the midfield (God forbid on the right!) and pair Dempsey with another player? If so, who? Jozy Altidore, who scored against Mexico last year? Brian Ching, who does all the little things so very well?
* I think it's a given we'll see Howard; Pearce, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Bradley, Donovan and Dempsey in there, with Kljestan right there as well.
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.), Brian Ching (Houston), Charlie Davies (Hammarby) Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich)
My initial thoughts:
* I'm surprised to see Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies in there. I would not be surprised to see neither of them on the gameday roster but that they are each here speaks loudly in terms of what Bradley has in mind for them (or at least what he hopes they will be able to contribute) for this year and beyond.
* Steve Cherundolo is the biggest absence. He ultimately could not overcome his hip injury. That leaves the door open for either Frankie Hejduk or Marvell Wynne to step in and start.
* Overall it's a pretty strong roster. Eight players from the Carson camp made it and the 12 that are in Europe are experienced and have qualities that speak for themselves.
* An interesting battle will be for the starting left midfield spot. Does Bradley go with the tried-and-true DaMarcus Beasley, even though he hasn't been playing much for Rangers, or does he tab youngster Jose Francisco Torres, who has been playing regularly with Pachuca and knows all about the Mexican team and its players?
* Another battle might be up front. Will Landon Donovan play up top alongside Clint Dempsey? Does Bradley start Donovan in the midfield (God forbid on the right!) and pair Dempsey with another player? If so, who? Jozy Altidore, who scored against Mexico last year? Brian Ching, who does all the little things so very well?
* I think it's a given we'll see Howard; Pearce, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Bradley, Donovan and Dempsey in there, with Kljestan right there as well.
US-Mexico countdown: No. 4
4. 2001 World Cup qualifier; Mexico City, July 1, 2001; Mexico 1, US 0
Everything was set up for a historic and monumental upset. Midway through the Hexagonal, the United States sat atop the table with a near-perfect 4-0-1 record. Mexico, meanwhile, had lost two consecutive matches, including an unthinkable and ultimately unpardonable loss in Estadio Azteca, a 2-1 setback to Costa Rica. After a 3-1 loss in Honduras, Mexico's World Cup hopes were on life support, and coach Enrique Meza was out in favor of Javier Aguirre, who initially dropped such Meza stalwarts as Victor Ruiz, Jose Manuel Abundis and Luis Hernandez. One player who had had a mountain of rising support for a national team call-up was Alberto Garcia Aspe, and Aguirre tabbed him along with six players from a Cruz Azul squad who had just finished losing to Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final. With a makeshift squad and little time to prepare the team, Mexico nevertheless reminded the Americans why they had never won in Mexico City. Garcia Aspe sent a free kick into the penalty area early in the match and Jared Borgetti powered it past a helpless Kasey Keller as Mexico opened the scoring early. The rest of the game saw the Americans run futilely around the field while Mexico regained its confidence and a bit of its swagger, which ultimately helped El Tri surge towards qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
Lineups
US: Kasey Keller; David Regis, Jeff Agoos, Carlos Llamosa, Steve Cherundolo; Chris Armas, Joe-Max Moore (Cobi Jones, 46), Earnie Stewart, Tony Sanneh; Ante Razov (Chris Klein, 82), Jovan Kirovski (Brian McBride, 61)
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Jesus Arellano (Jose Hernandez, 87), Claudio Suarez, Manuel Vidrio, Melvin Brown; Johan Rodriguez (Victor Gutierrez, 66), Gerardo Torrado, Alberto Garcia Aspe (Octavio Valdez, 74), Tomas Campos; Francisco Palencia, Jared Borgetti
Goal
Mexico - Borgetti 15
Everything was set up for a historic and monumental upset. Midway through the Hexagonal, the United States sat atop the table with a near-perfect 4-0-1 record. Mexico, meanwhile, had lost two consecutive matches, including an unthinkable and ultimately unpardonable loss in Estadio Azteca, a 2-1 setback to Costa Rica. After a 3-1 loss in Honduras, Mexico's World Cup hopes were on life support, and coach Enrique Meza was out in favor of Javier Aguirre, who initially dropped such Meza stalwarts as Victor Ruiz, Jose Manuel Abundis and Luis Hernandez. One player who had had a mountain of rising support for a national team call-up was Alberto Garcia Aspe, and Aguirre tabbed him along with six players from a Cruz Azul squad who had just finished losing to Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final. With a makeshift squad and little time to prepare the team, Mexico nevertheless reminded the Americans why they had never won in Mexico City. Garcia Aspe sent a free kick into the penalty area early in the match and Jared Borgetti powered it past a helpless Kasey Keller as Mexico opened the scoring early. The rest of the game saw the Americans run futilely around the field while Mexico regained its confidence and a bit of its swagger, which ultimately helped El Tri surge towards qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
Lineups
US: Kasey Keller; David Regis, Jeff Agoos, Carlos Llamosa, Steve Cherundolo; Chris Armas, Joe-Max Moore (Cobi Jones, 46), Earnie Stewart, Tony Sanneh; Ante Razov (Chris Klein, 82), Jovan Kirovski (Brian McBride, 61)
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Jesus Arellano (Jose Hernandez, 87), Claudio Suarez, Manuel Vidrio, Melvin Brown; Johan Rodriguez (Victor Gutierrez, 66), Gerardo Torrado, Alberto Garcia Aspe (Octavio Valdez, 74), Tomas Campos; Francisco Palencia, Jared Borgetti
Goal
Mexico - Borgetti 15
Sound familiar?
Mural gave Francisco Mendoza a 6 out of 10 rating for his 20-something minutes of action on Saturday against Necaxa. Here is their assessment of his match (in Spanish):
"Corre mucho, dribla, pero no con profundidad, no hizo desbordes de peligro"
So what do I have to say about that?
Y sigue con las mismas pendejadas!
And in case you're interested...
Michel 7, Ponce 6, Reynoso 5, Mejia 6.5, Magallon 5.5, Solis 6, Araujo 7, Baez 6.5, Morales 8.5, Hernandez 6, Borgetti 5; Fabian 5.5, Mendoza 6, Padilla 5.5; Flores 6.5
"Corre mucho, dribla, pero no con profundidad, no hizo desbordes de peligro"
So what do I have to say about that?
Y sigue con las mismas pendejadas!
And in case you're interested...
Michel 7, Ponce 6, Reynoso 5, Mejia 6.5, Magallon 5.5, Solis 6, Araujo 7, Baez 6.5, Morales 8.5, Hernandez 6, Borgetti 5; Fabian 5.5, Mendoza 6, Padilla 5.5; Flores 6.5
Saturday, February 7, 2009
US-Mexico countdown: No. 5
5. Gold Cup '93, Mexico City; July 25, 1993; Mexico 4, US 0
That whole thing about Estadio Azteca and the Americans' supposed fear of the place... this is where it all began. Sure, the United States had played in Mexico before this game but this match featured many players who would go on to play prominent roles in the 1994 World Cup and beyond, and they were reduced to rubbish one hot summer afternoon in El Coloso de Santa Ursula. Mexico and the United States had reached the Gold Cup final. The Americans, though, did so in the comforts of home, having played their entire slate of games at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Thus, the United States was unprepared on two levels; physically the team never did adjust to the altitude and smog and mentally the 100,000-plus crowd and environment were a stark contrast to the 14,000 or so that turned out to watch the US win a semifinal game agaisnt Costa Rica. It's still uncertain whether Mexico performed a zapateado or jarabe but whatever it was the Mexicans danced all over the US. Nacho Ambriz scored in the 11th minute while Desmond Armstrong knocked in an own goal some 20 minutes later to give Mexico a 2-0 edge. Two goals in a 10-minute span in the second half sealed the victory for Mexico.
Lineups
United States: Meola, Kooiman, Doyle, Armstrong, Lalas, Dooley, Wegerle, (Moore 78), Harkes, Jones (Kinnear 52), Henderson, Wynalda.
Mexico: Campos, Hernández, Ramírez Perales, Suárez, Ramírez, Mora (Cantu 76), Ambriz, Del Olmo, Rodríguez, Salvador (Noriega 76), "Zaguinho" Alves.
Goals
Mexico - Ambriz 11
Mexico - Own goal 31
Mexico - Zague 69
Mexico - Cantu 79
Highlights are below. If you want to get a sense of what it was like for the US on the field that day, read this story Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union Tribune wrote to preview the last US-Mexico game in Azteca, a 2005 qualifier.
That whole thing about Estadio Azteca and the Americans' supposed fear of the place... this is where it all began. Sure, the United States had played in Mexico before this game but this match featured many players who would go on to play prominent roles in the 1994 World Cup and beyond, and they were reduced to rubbish one hot summer afternoon in El Coloso de Santa Ursula. Mexico and the United States had reached the Gold Cup final. The Americans, though, did so in the comforts of home, having played their entire slate of games at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Thus, the United States was unprepared on two levels; physically the team never did adjust to the altitude and smog and mentally the 100,000-plus crowd and environment were a stark contrast to the 14,000 or so that turned out to watch the US win a semifinal game agaisnt Costa Rica. It's still uncertain whether Mexico performed a zapateado or jarabe but whatever it was the Mexicans danced all over the US. Nacho Ambriz scored in the 11th minute while Desmond Armstrong knocked in an own goal some 20 minutes later to give Mexico a 2-0 edge. Two goals in a 10-minute span in the second half sealed the victory for Mexico.
Lineups
United States: Meola, Kooiman, Doyle, Armstrong, Lalas, Dooley, Wegerle, (Moore 78), Harkes, Jones (Kinnear 52), Henderson, Wynalda.
Mexico: Campos, Hernández, Ramírez Perales, Suárez, Ramírez, Mora (Cantu 76), Ambriz, Del Olmo, Rodríguez, Salvador (Noriega 76), "Zaguinho" Alves.
Goals
Mexico - Ambriz 11
Mexico - Own goal 31
Mexico - Zague 69
Mexico - Cantu 79
Highlights are below. If you want to get a sense of what it was like for the US on the field that day, read this story Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union Tribune wrote to preview the last US-Mexico game in Azteca, a 2005 qualifier.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Experience counts
I wrote this story for SI.com and it was published earlier today. I'm just now getting around to linking to it though. I ran eight miles today and my legs are still trying to recover, but at least I didn't have a game to officiate.
Anyway, when I talked to Hejduk about US-Mexico, things weren't quite clear on his chance to make the roster. Now, Steve Cherundolo seems to be on the outs with a hip injury so Hejduk could play an important role in the game.
Anyway, when I talked to Hejduk about US-Mexico, things weren't quite clear on his chance to make the roster. Now, Steve Cherundolo seems to be on the outs with a hip injury so Hejduk could play an important role in the game.
Day of Rest
With six days left before Mexico's crucial World Cup qualifier against the U.S., what did Mexico spend time on? Did they practice tactics? Maybe try and work on the attack? Possibly set pieces?
No. Mexico did nothing.
Tri coach Sven Goran Eriksson gave the team the day off as he celebrated his 61st birthday.
Mural ran this cartoon today:
The American says: I have studied you well... I know all of your defects and virtues.
The Tri guy points to Sven and responds: Tell him, he's the one who doesn't know me.
No. Mexico did nothing.
Tri coach Sven Goran Eriksson gave the team the day off as he celebrated his 61st birthday.
Mural ran this cartoon today:
The American says: I have studied you well... I know all of your defects and virtues.
The Tri guy points to Sven and responds: Tell him, he's the one who doesn't know me.
A vote for the Americans
Earlier this week, Zinha told reporters in Mexico that the U.S. was overrated and assured everyone that Mexico was superior.
Now, Manuel Lapuente has said the exact opposite. Lapuente said the U.S. is the stronger side and that results show just that. Lapuente coaches Tigres in Mexico and used to coach the Mexican national team, twice actually. He had a very strong Mexican team in the late 1990s, and led them to the 1999 Confederations Cup title.
Anyway, Lapuente said that the U.S. isn't necessarily a powerful side but all they have done is beat Mexico time and again, and that counts for something.
Now, Lapuente was never a supporter of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Lapuente was one who felt the post should go to a Mexican coach after Hugo Sanchez was fired. Perhaps his motives for speaking out this way are as much of a vote of no confidence against Eriksson than they are his true feelings. Or maybe he wants to remind everyone that he was in charge of Mexico back when El Tri could come to the U.S. to play the Americans and expect to walk away with a victory. Or maybe he really feels that way and his opinions catch people off guard because of what he's saying.
Whatever the case, there seems to be a wide range of feelings over Mexico's standing with respect to the U.S.
Luckily for everyone involved, the teams will have a chance to settle things on the field in a few days' time.
Now, Manuel Lapuente has said the exact opposite. Lapuente said the U.S. is the stronger side and that results show just that. Lapuente coaches Tigres in Mexico and used to coach the Mexican national team, twice actually. He had a very strong Mexican team in the late 1990s, and led them to the 1999 Confederations Cup title.
Anyway, Lapuente said that the U.S. isn't necessarily a powerful side but all they have done is beat Mexico time and again, and that counts for something.
Now, Lapuente was never a supporter of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Lapuente was one who felt the post should go to a Mexican coach after Hugo Sanchez was fired. Perhaps his motives for speaking out this way are as much of a vote of no confidence against Eriksson than they are his true feelings. Or maybe he wants to remind everyone that he was in charge of Mexico back when El Tri could come to the U.S. to play the Americans and expect to walk away with a victory. Or maybe he really feels that way and his opinions catch people off guard because of what he's saying.
Whatever the case, there seems to be a wide range of feelings over Mexico's standing with respect to the U.S.
Luckily for everyone involved, the teams will have a chance to settle things on the field in a few days' time.
US-Mexico countdown: No. 6
6. Gold Cup ‘98 final; Los Angeles; Feb. 15, 1998: Mexico 1, US 0
Days after beating Brazil by 1-0 in a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal, the United States hoped its momentum would carry on into the final against Mexico, who survived an overtime semifinal affair with Jamaica to reach the final as well. Any momentum the Americans had after defeating the selecao went by the wayside, however, as Mexico flexed its muscle against its regional foes. As the game was not broadcast live, the excitement among area Mexican supporters for this match was over the top. A monstrous pro-Mexico crowd of 91,255 packed the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the game, and another several thousand fans who did not get tickets sought refuge in the nearby LA Sports Arena to watch the game on closed-circuit television. Luis Hernandez ensured that the masses that turned out would not go home disappointed as he buried a point-blank header in the back of the net just before halftime, a goal that gave the Mexicans a commanding and ultimately insurmountable lead. With the win, Mexico piled up its third consecutive Gold Cup title while the Americans were left scratching their heads and searching for answers.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Mike Burns, Alexi Lalas (Brian McBride, 82), Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos; Frankie Hejduk (Claudio Reyna, 76), John Harkes, Joe-Max Moore, Cobi Jones; Eric Wynalda, Roy Wegerle (Preki, 46).
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Pavel Pardo, Duilio Davino, Claudio Suarez, Salvador Carmona; German Villa, Roberto Medina, (Raul Rodrigo Lara, 66) Ramon Ramirez (Enrique Alfaro, 85), Javier Lozano (Braulio Luna, 55); Luis Hernandez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Goal
Mexico – Hernandez 43
Days after beating Brazil by 1-0 in a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal, the United States hoped its momentum would carry on into the final against Mexico, who survived an overtime semifinal affair with Jamaica to reach the final as well. Any momentum the Americans had after defeating the selecao went by the wayside, however, as Mexico flexed its muscle against its regional foes. As the game was not broadcast live, the excitement among area Mexican supporters for this match was over the top. A monstrous pro-Mexico crowd of 91,255 packed the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the game, and another several thousand fans who did not get tickets sought refuge in the nearby LA Sports Arena to watch the game on closed-circuit television. Luis Hernandez ensured that the masses that turned out would not go home disappointed as he buried a point-blank header in the back of the net just before halftime, a goal that gave the Mexicans a commanding and ultimately insurmountable lead. With the win, Mexico piled up its third consecutive Gold Cup title while the Americans were left scratching their heads and searching for answers.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Mike Burns, Alexi Lalas (Brian McBride, 82), Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos; Frankie Hejduk (Claudio Reyna, 76), John Harkes, Joe-Max Moore, Cobi Jones; Eric Wynalda, Roy Wegerle (Preki, 46).
Mexico: Oscar Perez; Pavel Pardo, Duilio Davino, Claudio Suarez, Salvador Carmona; German Villa, Roberto Medina, (Raul Rodrigo Lara, 66) Ramon Ramirez (Enrique Alfaro, 85), Javier Lozano (Braulio Luna, 55); Luis Hernandez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Goal
Mexico – Hernandez 43
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Desperate times call for Loco
Tigres is hard up for goals apparently. How hard up are they? Juan Pablo Garcia has been training with the first team this week as the Monterrey-based club is in search for some offense. Tigres sits at the bottom of the overall table in Mexico and has scored two goals in three games. Their minus-eight goal differential is the worst in all the league.
Garcia, a former MLS standout, scored a goal for Tigres B in the second division last weekend, which was apparently good enough to land him some time with the first team. Reportedly Tigre coach Manuel Lapuente may consider Garcia as an option for playing time against Cruz Azul on the weekend.
Garcia, a former MLS standout, scored a goal for Tigres B in the second division last weekend, which was apparently good enough to land him some time with the first team. Reportedly Tigre coach Manuel Lapuente may consider Garcia as an option for playing time against Cruz Azul on the weekend.
Sorting out US roster from down south
Mural ran a short story today about some players the U.S. has apparently called in for the Mexico match next week.
According to the story, a U.S.-based source told Mural that the following players have been called up for the game: Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Tim Howard, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, Clint Dempsey, Francisco Torres, Brad Guzan. It did not say that these were the only European-based players coming (where's Bocanegra?) but it said these were for certain called up.
Stories like these might seem useless to US supporters but you'd be surprised how much attention has been paid to the camp that is ongoing in Carson has received abroad, in terms of what players are there and what players aren't. This story is sort of a reminder to folks in Mexico that the United States is indeed calling on all their big guns, as if they need a reminder.
The story makes mention of the camp and says that among the players who will stay with the team include Brian Ching, Sacha Kljestan and Frankie Hejduk.
According to the story, a U.S.-based source told Mural that the following players have been called up for the game: Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Tim Howard, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, Clint Dempsey, Francisco Torres, Brad Guzan. It did not say that these were the only European-based players coming (where's Bocanegra?) but it said these were for certain called up.
Stories like these might seem useless to US supporters but you'd be surprised how much attention has been paid to the camp that is ongoing in Carson has received abroad, in terms of what players are there and what players aren't. This story is sort of a reminder to folks in Mexico that the United States is indeed calling on all their big guns, as if they need a reminder.
The story makes mention of the camp and says that among the players who will stay with the team include Brian Ching, Sacha Kljestan and Frankie Hejduk.
Mexico back on March 11
Mexico fans won't have to wait too long after their game next week against the U.S. to see their beloved national team on American soil again.
Mexico will play Bolivia on Wednesday, March 11 in Colorado. The game will be played at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The match will also serve as a tune-up for Mexico's second World Cup qualifying match, against Costa Rica in Mexico City on March 28.
Mexico will play Bolivia on Wednesday, March 11 in Colorado. The game will be played at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The match will also serve as a tune-up for Mexico's second World Cup qualifying match, against Costa Rica in Mexico City on March 28.
Pachuca's out
No Copa Libertadores for Pachuca.
Universidad de Chile lost in Pachuca 2-1 on Wednesday but the Chileans got the road goal they needed and won on the tiebreaker as the aggregate series finished tied at 2-2.
The following statistic would take some actual research but it's been a while since Mexico did not get three teams into Copa Libertadores. Not sure how many years but it seems each year three Mexican teams are in the tournament and most of the time they all get past the first round.
Here are the highlights:
Universidad de Chile lost in Pachuca 2-1 on Wednesday but the Chileans got the road goal they needed and won on the tiebreaker as the aggregate series finished tied at 2-2.
The following statistic would take some actual research but it's been a while since Mexico did not get three teams into Copa Libertadores. Not sure how many years but it seems each year three Mexican teams are in the tournament and most of the time they all get past the first round.
Here are the highlights:
US-Mexico countdown: No. 7
No. 7. Gold Cup 2007 Final, Chicago, June 24, 2007. US 2, Mexico 1.
Although it happened quite regularly in the 1990s, the United States and Mexico had not met in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in nearly a decade. This time around, though, the teams avoided upsets along the way and met in a highly-anticipated final. Mexico finally broke through its scoreless streak and tallied a goal against the United States on American soil for the first time in eight years as Andres Guardado knocked a ball into the goal late in the first half, which sent most of the 60,000 fans in attendance into a frenzy. The goal forced the United States to try and come from behind to win, which they did. Mexico's Jonny Magallon helped fuel the comeback as he was whistled for a foul inside the penalty area. Landon Donovan converted the penalty kick and leveled the score. Some 11 minutes later, Benny Feilhaber scored what might be the most aesthetically-pleasing goal in the rivalry's history with a long-range volley. Mexico mounted a furious rally and came close to scoring a few times but in the end the Americans held on to win the Gold Cup title at Mexico's expense.
Lineups
US: Tim Howard; Jonathan Spector (Frank Simek, 72), Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein; Clint Dempsey (Taylor Twellman, 69), Benny Feilhaber, Pablo Mastroeni (Ricardo Clark, 46), DaMarcus Beasley; Brian Ching, Landon Donovan
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Jonny Magallon, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio; Alberto Medina (Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 78), Pavel Pardo, Jared Borgetti (Omar Bravo, 40), Jaime Lozano (Adolfo Bautista, 81), Andres Guardado, Nery Castillo
Goals
Mexico - Guardado 44
US - Donovan 62
US - Feilhaber 73
Although it happened quite regularly in the 1990s, the United States and Mexico had not met in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in nearly a decade. This time around, though, the teams avoided upsets along the way and met in a highly-anticipated final. Mexico finally broke through its scoreless streak and tallied a goal against the United States on American soil for the first time in eight years as Andres Guardado knocked a ball into the goal late in the first half, which sent most of the 60,000 fans in attendance into a frenzy. The goal forced the United States to try and come from behind to win, which they did. Mexico's Jonny Magallon helped fuel the comeback as he was whistled for a foul inside the penalty area. Landon Donovan converted the penalty kick and leveled the score. Some 11 minutes later, Benny Feilhaber scored what might be the most aesthetically-pleasing goal in the rivalry's history with a long-range volley. Mexico mounted a furious rally and came close to scoring a few times but in the end the Americans held on to win the Gold Cup title at Mexico's expense.
Lineups
US: Tim Howard; Jonathan Spector (Frank Simek, 72), Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein; Clint Dempsey (Taylor Twellman, 69), Benny Feilhaber, Pablo Mastroeni (Ricardo Clark, 46), DaMarcus Beasley; Brian Ching, Landon Donovan
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Jonny Magallon, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio; Alberto Medina (Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 78), Pavel Pardo, Jared Borgetti (Omar Bravo, 40), Jaime Lozano (Adolfo Bautista, 81), Andres Guardado, Nery Castillo
Goals
Mexico - Guardado 44
US - Donovan 62
US - Feilhaber 73
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ciao Becks
Becks wants out.
"I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it’s just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement," Beckham said following Milan's friendly against Rangers.
And with that, it looks as if his stay with the Galaxy is all but over.
"I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it’s just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement," Beckham said following Milan's friendly against Rangers.
And with that, it looks as if his stay with the Galaxy is all but over.
Process of elimination
Mexico already has called in their group of 23 players for the game against the U.S. next week but as far as Bob Bradley's task goes, there is still some time left before the U.S. releases their roster and selects their own set of players for the game.
While the international contingent will be revealed after the weekend's slate of games (I'm assuming we won't know until at least Sunday the final list of foreign-based players), in camp there are plenty of players from whom Bradley could sort out his roster.
I'll try and figure out here with some rationale as to who I think will be on the roster, stands a chance of making the final cut and won't participate in the game at all.
Certain: Brian Ching, Sacha Kljestan. I don't think there is any doubt over the status of these two. In fact, I'd say to go ahead and pencil them in the starting lineup. Ching's experience and Kljestan's form will come in handy against Mexico.
Possible: Jonathan Bornstein, Frankie Hejduk, Marvell Wynne, Ricardo Clark. I would be surprised if we saw all four of these players but I'm expecting at least two. Bornstein, Hejduk and Clark have played and had success against Mexico. Bornstein and Clark were on the field for both U.S. wins over Mexico in 2007, including the Gold Cup final. Hejduk's accolades and experience speak for themselves. I think it comes down to one spot for Hejduk and Wynne, and if that's the case I'd take Hejduk. However, Bradley could opt for some cover in case Steve Cherundolo cannot recover in time to play in the match. Gun to my head, I'm picking Bornstein and Hejduk to join Kljestan and Ching.
Try for El Salvador/Trinidad: Jon Busch, Will Hesmer, Matt Pickens, Ugo Ihemelu, Chris Wingert, Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven, Jack Jewsbury, Robbie Rogers, John Thorrington, Kenny Cooper, Charlie Davies, Chris Rolfe. Carroll played in Bradley's first win over Mexico in 2007 so that may count for something, but more than likely none of these guys will join the international-based players in Columbus. That's not to say they aren't valuable - in fact, I think 2009 will be an important year for several of these guys, and that Bradley will call on several of these players for qualifiers/cup matches. But now is not the time for them, mostly because they either lack experience or have too many players in front of them to stand a chance of making the roster (Cooper, for instance, is a fine player but you've got plenty of other experienced options up front).
While the international contingent will be revealed after the weekend's slate of games (I'm assuming we won't know until at least Sunday the final list of foreign-based players), in camp there are plenty of players from whom Bradley could sort out his roster.
I'll try and figure out here with some rationale as to who I think will be on the roster, stands a chance of making the final cut and won't participate in the game at all.
Certain: Brian Ching, Sacha Kljestan. I don't think there is any doubt over the status of these two. In fact, I'd say to go ahead and pencil them in the starting lineup. Ching's experience and Kljestan's form will come in handy against Mexico.
Possible: Jonathan Bornstein, Frankie Hejduk, Marvell Wynne, Ricardo Clark. I would be surprised if we saw all four of these players but I'm expecting at least two. Bornstein, Hejduk and Clark have played and had success against Mexico. Bornstein and Clark were on the field for both U.S. wins over Mexico in 2007, including the Gold Cup final. Hejduk's accolades and experience speak for themselves. I think it comes down to one spot for Hejduk and Wynne, and if that's the case I'd take Hejduk. However, Bradley could opt for some cover in case Steve Cherundolo cannot recover in time to play in the match. Gun to my head, I'm picking Bornstein and Hejduk to join Kljestan and Ching.
Try for El Salvador/Trinidad: Jon Busch, Will Hesmer, Matt Pickens, Ugo Ihemelu, Chris Wingert, Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven, Jack Jewsbury, Robbie Rogers, John Thorrington, Kenny Cooper, Charlie Davies, Chris Rolfe. Carroll played in Bradley's first win over Mexico in 2007 so that may count for something, but more than likely none of these guys will join the international-based players in Columbus. That's not to say they aren't valuable - in fact, I think 2009 will be an important year for several of these guys, and that Bradley will call on several of these players for qualifiers/cup matches. But now is not the time for them, mostly because they either lack experience or have too many players in front of them to stand a chance of making the roster (Cooper, for instance, is a fine player but you've got plenty of other experienced options up front).
Dream over
While thinking back to last February, I realized that there is something missing this year that was going on the last two years at this time: there is no Sueno MLS.
Two words sum up how I feel about that: Thank God.
Chivas USA got lucky with Jorge Flores, the winner from year one, even though he doesn't play and figures to have an uphill battle for playing time. Last year's winner isn't a part of the club anymore last I heard: no Under-18, Under-19, whatever the case may be. He's not around.
Let's hope that competition doesn't resurface in the future.
Two words sum up how I feel about that: Thank God.
Chivas USA got lucky with Jorge Flores, the winner from year one, even though he doesn't play and figures to have an uphill battle for playing time. Last year's winner isn't a part of the club anymore last I heard: no Under-18, Under-19, whatever the case may be. He's not around.
Let's hope that competition doesn't resurface in the future.
Damage been done?
David Beckham wants to stay in Italy and his lawyers are working on trying to make that happen, according to reports. On loan from the Galaxy to AC Milan, Beckham might not return in early March like he's supposed to.
While that may not have been much of a surprise to some, the idea was that he would return and play in his third season with the Galaxy. But now that he's apparently decided on trying to make a go of it in Italy for good, has he done irreparable damage? Would he be accepted by Galaxy fans and MLS fans in general should he come back?
If so, why bother bringing him back? AC Milan is willing to deal for him and rumors vary from $6-20 million in terms of the money the Italian club is willing to shell out for his services.
It just seems that the Galaxy stands more to gain at this point than to lose. They could ship out a player who may not necessarily want to be with the club, attempt to put a focus back on the field and on their soccer product, and make some money while they're at it. It might be a bit of a PR disaster for a while but perhaps that's a storm worth weathering.
While that may not have been much of a surprise to some, the idea was that he would return and play in his third season with the Galaxy. But now that he's apparently decided on trying to make a go of it in Italy for good, has he done irreparable damage? Would he be accepted by Galaxy fans and MLS fans in general should he come back?
If so, why bother bringing him back? AC Milan is willing to deal for him and rumors vary from $6-20 million in terms of the money the Italian club is willing to shell out for his services.
It just seems that the Galaxy stands more to gain at this point than to lose. They could ship out a player who may not necessarily want to be with the club, attempt to put a focus back on the field and on their soccer product, and make some money while they're at it. It might be a bit of a PR disaster for a while but perhaps that's a storm worth weathering.
Out another game
Mexico will have to do without Carlos Vela for two qualifiers now instead of just one.
Already out for their opening qualifying match against the U.S., Vela must also sit out the March 28 date against Costa Rica after FIFA extended his automatic one-match ban for another game. Vela picked up a red card against Honduras in Mexico's final semifinal qualifying match after chopping down a Honduran player with a tackle late in the game.
Already out for their opening qualifying match against the U.S., Vela must also sit out the March 28 date against Costa Rica after FIFA extended his automatic one-match ban for another game. Vela picked up a red card against Honduras in Mexico's final semifinal qualifying match after chopping down a Honduran player with a tackle late in the game.
More inflated hijinks
On the heels of the overrated comment, this cartoon ran in today's edition of Mural:
Tri: I think you are just overrated.
USA: That's what you said about the dollar, and now it's worth 15 pesos.
(A little note, "inflado" literally translated is "inflated" or "blown up" or "exaggerated" so in the sporting context "overrated" is probably the best way to translate that)
Tri: I think you are just overrated.
USA: That's what you said about the dollar, and now it's worth 15 pesos.
(A little note, "inflado" literally translated is "inflated" or "blown up" or "exaggerated" so in the sporting context "overrated" is probably the best way to translate that)
US-Mexico countdown: No. 8
8. World Cup qualifier; Columbus, Ohio; Sept. 3, 2005: US 2, Mexico 0
For each side, this was as close to a final as possible. With a win, the U.S. or Mexico would have clinched a spot in the 2006 World Cup. For the match, the Americans turned to Columbus Crew Stadium, site of their qualifying triumph over Mexico four years prior. But this time around the weather was not a factor. Instead, it was the Americans’ game that stood out. With the match scoreless in the 53rd minute, Eddie Lewis sent a ball into the area on a free kick. The ball bounced around in the box, caromed off the post and straight out to Steve Ralston on the goal line who easily tapped the ball across the goal line. A few minutes later, DaMarcus Beasley slipped a ball past Oswaldo Sanchez on a corner kick and the U.S. doubled their lead. The Americans hung on to win and clinch a spot in the 2006 World Cup at the expense of Mexico, the first time in modern history that the Americans accomplished that feat.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Gregg Berhalter, Eddie Lewis; Steve Ralston (Santino Quaranta, 81), Claudio Reyna, Chris Armas, DaMarcus Beasley; Landon Donovan (Pablo Mastroeni, 74), Brian McBride (Jeff Cunningham, 90+)
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Francisco Rodriguez (Mario Mendez, 59), Rafael Marquez, Duilio Davino, Carlos Salcido; Gerardo Torrado, Ramon Morales, Gerardo Galindo, Antonio Naelson “Zinha” (Omar Bravo, 69), Francisco Fonseca (Alberto Medina, 58), Jared Borgetti
Goals
US – Ralston 53
US – Beasley 58
For each side, this was as close to a final as possible. With a win, the U.S. or Mexico would have clinched a spot in the 2006 World Cup. For the match, the Americans turned to Columbus Crew Stadium, site of their qualifying triumph over Mexico four years prior. But this time around the weather was not a factor. Instead, it was the Americans’ game that stood out. With the match scoreless in the 53rd minute, Eddie Lewis sent a ball into the area on a free kick. The ball bounced around in the box, caromed off the post and straight out to Steve Ralston on the goal line who easily tapped the ball across the goal line. A few minutes later, DaMarcus Beasley slipped a ball past Oswaldo Sanchez on a corner kick and the U.S. doubled their lead. The Americans hung on to win and clinch a spot in the 2006 World Cup at the expense of Mexico, the first time in modern history that the Americans accomplished that feat.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Gregg Berhalter, Eddie Lewis; Steve Ralston (Santino Quaranta, 81), Claudio Reyna, Chris Armas, DaMarcus Beasley; Landon Donovan (Pablo Mastroeni, 74), Brian McBride (Jeff Cunningham, 90+)
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Francisco Rodriguez (Mario Mendez, 59), Rafael Marquez, Duilio Davino, Carlos Salcido; Gerardo Torrado, Ramon Morales, Gerardo Galindo, Antonio Naelson “Zinha” (Omar Bravo, 69), Francisco Fonseca (Alberto Medina, 58), Jared Borgetti
Goals
US – Ralston 53
US – Beasley 58
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Comic relief
Alright everyone, let's all take a deep breath or five and stop hurling insults at each other.
I figured we could all have a laugh - at someone else's expense, of course.
And this sound-less compilation...
I figured we could all have a laugh - at someone else's expense, of course.
And this sound-less compilation...
When the cat's away
I leave you guys alone for a couple of hours....
I'm not in a position to do it right now because I'm going from one game to another but I will have to moderate comments from now until, sometime after the game I suppose.
I like the passion and debate but not so much the insults and such.
I have to go ref a boys varsity game now, young'uns so do behave while I'm away.
UPDATE: I've enabled comment moderation. Enough's enough. See, you guys sent some bad karma my way as I had to give a yellow card to a coach for the first time this season.
I'm not in a position to do it right now because I'm going from one game to another but I will have to moderate comments from now until, sometime after the game I suppose.
I like the passion and debate but not so much the insults and such.
I have to go ref a boys varsity game now, young'uns so do behave while I'm away.
UPDATE: I've enabled comment moderation. Enough's enough. See, you guys sent some bad karma my way as I had to give a yellow card to a coach for the first time this season.
Hey Porter
The U.S. national team will play its second World Cup qualifying match in Tennessee, U.S. Soccer announced today.
The U.S.-Trinidad & Tobago match on April 1 will be played in Nashville.
Last year, the Americans played Trinidad & Tobago in Chicago during the semifinal round of qualifying and now will return to Nashville to host the Caribbean nation. The U.S. last played a match in Nashville in May 2006 against Morocco in one of the final tune-ups for the 2006 World Cup.
The U.S.-Trinidad & Tobago match on April 1 will be played in Nashville.
Last year, the Americans played Trinidad & Tobago in Chicago during the semifinal round of qualifying and now will return to Nashville to host the Caribbean nation. The U.S. last played a match in Nashville in May 2006 against Morocco in one of the final tune-ups for the 2006 World Cup.
Dunny's back
The Galaxy have obtained Todd Dunivant from Toronto FC as the former Galaxy standout returns after nearly three years in New York and Toronto. The Canadian club gets some allocation money in return.
Dunivant, who played every minute during the Galaxy's championship-winning 2005 season, will battle for a starting spot at left back. This move fills the hole left vacant by the departure of Ante Jazic, whom the Galaxy traded to Chivas USA. Either Mike Randolph is not ready for the long haul or Galaxy coach Bruce Arena felt that depth along the backline is necessary, or both.
I've always been a believer in Dunivant and felt he should never have been dealt away in the first place. However, injuries and inactivity have hampered Dunny for several years now. In 2007 Dunivant played in 25 games but a year ago played in just nine.
Just how much Dunivant has left in the tank remains to be seen but he can still be effective and provides a much more experienced option than Randolph.
Dunivant, who played every minute during the Galaxy's championship-winning 2005 season, will battle for a starting spot at left back. This move fills the hole left vacant by the departure of Ante Jazic, whom the Galaxy traded to Chivas USA. Either Mike Randolph is not ready for the long haul or Galaxy coach Bruce Arena felt that depth along the backline is necessary, or both.
I've always been a believer in Dunivant and felt he should never have been dealt away in the first place. However, injuries and inactivity have hampered Dunny for several years now. In 2007 Dunivant played in 25 games but a year ago played in just nine.
Just how much Dunivant has left in the tank remains to be seen but he can still be effective and provides a much more experienced option than Randolph.
Talk of Mexico's starting lineup
I came across this video from ESPN's Futbol Picante, where the members of the show debate over who should start for Mexico in the game against the United States next week. Here's the video, and I took the time to translate (very loosely) what was said...
The host starts off by saying that Oswaldo Sanchez will be the starter in goal and everyone agrees, saying that it is "undoubtedly" his position and that he is a good leader. Ricardo Osorio should return as the starter. On central defense. Marquez is fine and will travel...
Analyst: I have some doubts over Galindo. He's a fine player but isn't fast. Salcido could play as a central defender.
Host: Galindo has good size and could go against the Americans because of that.
Analyst: And aside from that he spent some time playing in Germany.
Host: Salcido can play wide or in central defense.
Analyst: It's likely he'll be out wide.
Host: The problem in the midfield is who will lead the attack.
Analyst: Well, I think the defensive part of the midfield is pretty much established. Torrado's absence and the inclusion of Leandro who is a natural left-footed player means we'll see him in one spot and Pavel in another.
Host: Okay, well who will play on the right? Zinha? If Zinha doesn't start, could we see Luis Perez?
Analyst: I see Zinha there. He's more capable.
Host: Pavel and Leandro then in the center of the midfield.
Analyst: ... (he talks about Zinha's qualities and says he should have some support defensively so he can focus on the attack)
Host: Nery Castillo. Do you think he'll start? And take the spot on the left side that is normally Guardado's?
Analyst: No, no. I think he'll play up top alongside Vuoso. I'd actually play him more in the midfield, maybe as a withdrawn striker.
Host: How about Medina? Would he start again?
Analyst: He's been showing that he can handle it. He's playing very well.... Villaluz is another player that might be able to contribute on the right side and that might free up Zinha.
Other analyst: This team isn't bad.
Host: We've got Castillo out left because Eriksson doesn't play with two (forwards), he has played more of a 4-4-1-1.
Analyst: Well, I'd take out Medina and put in Ramon Morales... take out Medina, move Castillo over and put Morales in on the left. You'd have a stronger more experienced team.
Other analyst: You need strong attack-minded wingers. The US has backs who like to push up and join the attack so you need dangerous players in the midfield so the Americans will worry and won't be so confident going forward, they'll be more worried about defending than attacking.
Other analyst: Pavel can join the attack. Leandro can join the attack. Ramon Morales is very good on the attack. [On an aside, Morales was not called in]
Other analyst: With those players, Zinha, Castillo, Medina, Vuoso, we won't be very dangerous in the air. Vuoso is the only one. And going up against those towers (the US has)...
Host: What does Eriksson play for: to keep them from scoring or to score a goal?
Analyst: If he comes out to not give up a goal, the game will be hideous.
Other analyst: But you have less of a chance of losing. Still, I think we should go and try to win.
They finish with some thoughts on counterattacks and how a strong defense will minimize the threat of a counterattack.
The host starts off by saying that Oswaldo Sanchez will be the starter in goal and everyone agrees, saying that it is "undoubtedly" his position and that he is a good leader. Ricardo Osorio should return as the starter. On central defense. Marquez is fine and will travel...
Analyst: I have some doubts over Galindo. He's a fine player but isn't fast. Salcido could play as a central defender.
Host: Galindo has good size and could go against the Americans because of that.
Analyst: And aside from that he spent some time playing in Germany.
Host: Salcido can play wide or in central defense.
Analyst: It's likely he'll be out wide.
Host: The problem in the midfield is who will lead the attack.
Analyst: Well, I think the defensive part of the midfield is pretty much established. Torrado's absence and the inclusion of Leandro who is a natural left-footed player means we'll see him in one spot and Pavel in another.
Host: Okay, well who will play on the right? Zinha? If Zinha doesn't start, could we see Luis Perez?
Analyst: I see Zinha there. He's more capable.
Host: Pavel and Leandro then in the center of the midfield.
Analyst: ... (he talks about Zinha's qualities and says he should have some support defensively so he can focus on the attack)
Host: Nery Castillo. Do you think he'll start? And take the spot on the left side that is normally Guardado's?
Analyst: No, no. I think he'll play up top alongside Vuoso. I'd actually play him more in the midfield, maybe as a withdrawn striker.
Host: How about Medina? Would he start again?
Analyst: He's been showing that he can handle it. He's playing very well.... Villaluz is another player that might be able to contribute on the right side and that might free up Zinha.
Other analyst: This team isn't bad.
Host: We've got Castillo out left because Eriksson doesn't play with two (forwards), he has played more of a 4-4-1-1.
Analyst: Well, I'd take out Medina and put in Ramon Morales... take out Medina, move Castillo over and put Morales in on the left. You'd have a stronger more experienced team.
Other analyst: You need strong attack-minded wingers. The US has backs who like to push up and join the attack so you need dangerous players in the midfield so the Americans will worry and won't be so confident going forward, they'll be more worried about defending than attacking.
Other analyst: Pavel can join the attack. Leandro can join the attack. Ramon Morales is very good on the attack. [On an aside, Morales was not called in]
Other analyst: With those players, Zinha, Castillo, Medina, Vuoso, we won't be very dangerous in the air. Vuoso is the only one. And going up against those towers (the US has)...
Host: What does Eriksson play for: to keep them from scoring or to score a goal?
Analyst: If he comes out to not give up a goal, the game will be hideous.
Other analyst: But you have less of a chance of losing. Still, I think we should go and try to win.
They finish with some thoughts on counterattacks and how a strong defense will minimize the threat of a counterattack.
Aguirre out
Javier Aguirre is out with Atletico Madrid as Aguirre was sacked by the club on Monday. The firing ends his six year-plus run as coach in La Liga as Aguirre left Mexico following the 2002 World Cup to take over Osasuna before joining Atletico Madrid.The firing opened the door to instant speculation in Mexico regarding Aguirre's future. Here is Tuesday's cover of Cancha, which asks the question at the bottom "Will they want him with El Tri?"
Countdown goals
For the US-Mexico countdown I wanted to supplement my words with some videos but games from the 1990s were apparently not available on You Tube so I wasn't able to add many highlights. As we inch towards the top of the countdown, I'll be adding more videos as several of the top games have goals and highlights available.
But here's a compilation that has some of the games from Nos. 21 through 9. Here are US goals from No. 11 (US 2-0 in 2000), No. 15 (2-2 in 1997), No. 16 (US 4-0 in 1995) and No. 21 (US 3-0 in 2000) as well as No. 9 (US 2-0 in 2001). I believe the video was part of the run-up to the last World Cup qualifier between the two teams, played in 2005 in Ohio. That one is coming up soon here on the countdown, but for now here is the video for some of the games that have already appeared on the countdown.
But here's a compilation that has some of the games from Nos. 21 through 9. Here are US goals from No. 11 (US 2-0 in 2000), No. 15 (2-2 in 1997), No. 16 (US 4-0 in 1995) and No. 21 (US 3-0 in 2000) as well as No. 9 (US 2-0 in 2001). I believe the video was part of the run-up to the last World Cup qualifier between the two teams, played in 2005 in Ohio. That one is coming up soon here on the countdown, but for now here is the video for some of the games that have already appeared on the countdown.
US-Mexico countdown: No. 9
No 9. World Cup qualifier, Mexico City; March 27, 2005: Mexico 2, United States 1.
For the United States, this match represented Bruce Arena's third (and what would be his final) chance of winning in the famed Estadio Azteca, where the U.S. had never even scored a goal. Mexico, meanwhile, were hoping to solidify their position in qualifying after a solid victory in Costa Rica to kick off the Hexagonal. It was the Mexicans who took control of the match early on. Despite familiarity with the conditions in Azteca, Arena's team nonetheless hit the wall at the half hour mark (Arena would later say) and Mexico capitalized. Jared Borgetti scored on the half-hour while Zinha added the match-winner three minutes later. Eddie Lewis scored a historic goal for the Americans in the second half but the goal was ultimately of little consequence. Mexico choked the life out of the match over the final half hour as a strong and confident Tri side dispatched of their northern neighbors on Mexican soil yet again - the Americans held an 0-22-1 mark against Mexico in Mexico following this latest setback.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Carlos Bocanegra (Pat Noonan, 75), Gregg Berhalter, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo (Brian McBride, 83); Pablo Mastroeni (Steve Ralston, 70), Claudio Reyna, Eddie Lewis, DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan; Eddie Johnson.
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Salvador Carmona, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido; Jaime Lozano (Luis Perez, 68), Pavel Pardo, Antonio Naelson "Zinha"; Francisco Fonseca, Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Ramon Morales, 68), Jared Borgetti (Alberto Medina, 65).
Goals
Mexico - Borgetti 30
Mexico - Zinha 33
US - Lewis 59
(video of the first two goals are available but not the US goal)
For the United States, this match represented Bruce Arena's third (and what would be his final) chance of winning in the famed Estadio Azteca, where the U.S. had never even scored a goal. Mexico, meanwhile, were hoping to solidify their position in qualifying after a solid victory in Costa Rica to kick off the Hexagonal. It was the Mexicans who took control of the match early on. Despite familiarity with the conditions in Azteca, Arena's team nonetheless hit the wall at the half hour mark (Arena would later say) and Mexico capitalized. Jared Borgetti scored on the half-hour while Zinha added the match-winner three minutes later. Eddie Lewis scored a historic goal for the Americans in the second half but the goal was ultimately of little consequence. Mexico choked the life out of the match over the final half hour as a strong and confident Tri side dispatched of their northern neighbors on Mexican soil yet again - the Americans held an 0-22-1 mark against Mexico in Mexico following this latest setback.
Lineups
United States: Kasey Keller; Carlos Bocanegra (Pat Noonan, 75), Gregg Berhalter, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo (Brian McBride, 83); Pablo Mastroeni (Steve Ralston, 70), Claudio Reyna, Eddie Lewis, DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan; Eddie Johnson.
Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez; Salvador Carmona, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido; Jaime Lozano (Luis Perez, 68), Pavel Pardo, Antonio Naelson "Zinha"; Francisco Fonseca, Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Ramon Morales, 68), Jared Borgetti (Alberto Medina, 65).
Goals
Mexico - Borgetti 30
Mexico - Zinha 33
US - Lewis 59
(video of the first two goals are available but not the US goal)
Monday, February 2, 2009
No news is good news
... for Pavel Pardo and Mexico anyway.
Club America's team doctor Alfonso Diaz said that Pardo should be fine and capable of playing against the U.S. on Feb. 11. His rationale? He never saw a report on Pardo.
Even though he did not examine Pardo himself, Diaz said he saw no sort of update on Pardo's condition, which apparently means that it isn't serious enough to warrant such a report. Diaz also said that Pardo should be able to heal from such an injury in a brief amount of time anyway.
Pardo took a knock to his thigh during Saturday's game against Morelia and left the match in the 59th minute, which led to speculation over his availability for the qualifying match against the U.S.
Club America's team doctor Alfonso Diaz said that Pardo should be fine and capable of playing against the U.S. on Feb. 11. His rationale? He never saw a report on Pardo.
Even though he did not examine Pardo himself, Diaz said he saw no sort of update on Pardo's condition, which apparently means that it isn't serious enough to warrant such a report. Diaz also said that Pardo should be able to heal from such an injury in a brief amount of time anyway.
Pardo took a knock to his thigh during Saturday's game against Morelia and left the match in the 59th minute, which led to speculation over his availability for the qualifying match against the U.S.
Zinha's zingers
Antonio Naelson "Zinha" apparently doesn't hold the United States national team in high regard. Actually, he doesn't seem to hold them in any regard.
Zinha didn't hold back any of his thoughts on how he really perceives El Tri's regional rival on Monday as he assured reporters that Mexico was the better team.
"To me, Mexico is much better but we need to do things the right way. We need to put the negatives aside," Zinha told reporters.
The negatives likely would include a lack of scoring goals and penchant for mistakes, both of which have plagued Mexico in recent months. Also, the lack of goals has been an issue against the United States as Mexico has three goals in the last decade in games against the U.S. on American soil.
No matter, though. Zinha said the U.S. was not all it was cracked up to be.
"They are very overrated because from my perspective they are not what they are made out to be."
Reporters brought up Mexico's poor record against the U.S. in the U.S. - Mexico hasn't beaten the Americans outside of Mexico since 1999. They asked him if the Mexicans feared playing against the U.S., if they were scared of the U.S. national team.
"Scared of who? Of playing soccer? You can't have any fear on the field, and least of all against a team that is not superior to the Mexican team."
Zinha didn't hold back any of his thoughts on how he really perceives El Tri's regional rival on Monday as he assured reporters that Mexico was the better team.
"To me, Mexico is much better but we need to do things the right way. We need to put the negatives aside," Zinha told reporters.
The negatives likely would include a lack of scoring goals and penchant for mistakes, both of which have plagued Mexico in recent months. Also, the lack of goals has been an issue against the United States as Mexico has three goals in the last decade in games against the U.S. on American soil.
No matter, though. Zinha said the U.S. was not all it was cracked up to be.
"They are very overrated because from my perspective they are not what they are made out to be."
Reporters brought up Mexico's poor record against the U.S. in the U.S. - Mexico hasn't beaten the Americans outside of Mexico since 1999. They asked him if the Mexicans feared playing against the U.S., if they were scared of the U.S. national team.
"Scared of who? Of playing soccer? You can't have any fear on the field, and least of all against a team that is not superior to the Mexican team."
Fun with Frankie
I went out to US camp on Sunday and was the only reporter out there. I'm sure everyone else had last-minute Super Bowl preparations to get ready but I was going to be in that area anyway so I figured why not go and talk to some of the US players while there.
One of the players I had the chance to talk to was Frankie Hejduk. I hadn't really planned on talking to him but the more I thought about it the more I figured it would be good to get his thoughts on US-Mexico. After all, he played many games against Mexico when the US didn't have the kind of success they now enjoy against El Tri.
I wanted to ask him about the game in Columbus, about the cold weather and what sort of affect it would have on the players and on the game but I couldn't recall instantly whether he had played in the game (he didn't, incidentally).
So I asked him if he had indeed played in that match.
"I can't remember '07 let alone '01. That's a good question."
One of the players I had the chance to talk to was Frankie Hejduk. I hadn't really planned on talking to him but the more I thought about it the more I figured it would be good to get his thoughts on US-Mexico. After all, he played many games against Mexico when the US didn't have the kind of success they now enjoy against El Tri.
I wanted to ask him about the game in Columbus, about the cold weather and what sort of affect it would have on the players and on the game but I couldn't recall instantly whether he had played in the game (he didn't, incidentally).
So I asked him if he had indeed played in that match.
"I can't remember '07 let alone '01. That's a good question."
Like old times
Sunday's game between Tigres B and Tapatio in Mexico's Primera A Division had a sort-of Chivas USA feel to it.
On the field for Tapatio, who lost 1-0, was Francisco Mendoza and Carlos Borja, former members of Chivas USA, while Jesus Padilla also saw action for the club. Padilla spent some time with the MLS team in the 2006 preseason and has long been linked to the club.
Who scored the game-winning goal for Tigres B?
Juan Pablo Garcia.
On the field for Tapatio, who lost 1-0, was Francisco Mendoza and Carlos Borja, former members of Chivas USA, while Jesus Padilla also saw action for the club. Padilla spent some time with the MLS team in the 2006 preseason and has long been linked to the club.
Who scored the game-winning goal for Tigres B?
Juan Pablo Garcia.
US-Mexico countdown: No. 10
10. World Cup qualifier; Columbus, Ohio; Feb. 28, 2001: US 2, Mexico 0
Both teams opened their respective path towards the 2002 World Cup against each other as Mexico visited the United States. For the match, the U.S. selected cold-weather Columbus, Ohio, as the venue. With temperatures reaching a high of 29 degrees, the match became known as La Guerra Fria, or the Cold War. Mexico coach Enrique Meza entered the match with a string of questionable results as confidence in him appeared waning while U.S. coach Bruce Arena had enjoyed a pair of wins over Mexico the year before. The match was a physical contest from the start as Brian McBride had to leave the match with a swollen eye, the remnants of a hard foul. The move opened the door for Josh Wolff's heroics. With the match scoreless at halftime, Wolff got the Americans off and running early in the second half. Clint Mathis played a long ball over the top of Mexico's defense and Wolff outran the Mexican defense towards the goal, eluded goalkeeper Jorge Campos and scored the only goal the U.S. would need. Late in the game, Wolff set up Earnie Stewart's insurance tally and the U.S. began their qualifying campaign successfully.
Lineups
United States: Brad Friedel; David Regis, Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, Tony Sanneh; Cobi Jones, Chris Armas, Claudio Reyna (Clint Mathis, 43), Earnie Stewart; Brian McBride (Josh Wolff, 15), Joe-Max Moore (Carlos Llamosa, 79)
Mexico: Jorge Campos; Claudio Suarez, Rafael Marquez (Victor Ruiz, 69), Alberto Macias, Salvador Carmona (Miguel Zepeda, 56); Marco Antonio Ruiz, Pavel Pardo, German Villa, Braulio Luna (Jesus Arellano, 75); Luis Hernandez, Francisco Palencia.
Scoring:
United States - Wolff 47
United States - Stewart 87
Both teams opened their respective path towards the 2002 World Cup against each other as Mexico visited the United States. For the match, the U.S. selected cold-weather Columbus, Ohio, as the venue. With temperatures reaching a high of 29 degrees, the match became known as La Guerra Fria, or the Cold War. Mexico coach Enrique Meza entered the match with a string of questionable results as confidence in him appeared waning while U.S. coach Bruce Arena had enjoyed a pair of wins over Mexico the year before. The match was a physical contest from the start as Brian McBride had to leave the match with a swollen eye, the remnants of a hard foul. The move opened the door for Josh Wolff's heroics. With the match scoreless at halftime, Wolff got the Americans off and running early in the second half. Clint Mathis played a long ball over the top of Mexico's defense and Wolff outran the Mexican defense towards the goal, eluded goalkeeper Jorge Campos and scored the only goal the U.S. would need. Late in the game, Wolff set up Earnie Stewart's insurance tally and the U.S. began their qualifying campaign successfully.
Lineups
United States: Brad Friedel; David Regis, Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, Tony Sanneh; Cobi Jones, Chris Armas, Claudio Reyna (Clint Mathis, 43), Earnie Stewart; Brian McBride (Josh Wolff, 15), Joe-Max Moore (Carlos Llamosa, 79)
Mexico: Jorge Campos; Claudio Suarez, Rafael Marquez (Victor Ruiz, 69), Alberto Macias, Salvador Carmona (Miguel Zepeda, 56); Marco Antonio Ruiz, Pavel Pardo, German Villa, Braulio Luna (Jesus Arellano, 75); Luis Hernandez, Francisco Palencia.
Scoring:
United States - Wolff 47
United States - Stewart 87
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Mexico releases roster
Here it is. I'll have some thoughts later.
Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sánchez (Santos), Guillermo Ochoa (América), Jesús Corona (Tecos UAG)
Defense: Juan Carlos Valenzuela (América), Julio Cesar Domínguez (Cruz Azul), Carlos Salcido (PSV), Ricardo Osorio (Sttutgart), Rafael Márquez (Barcelona), Aarón Galindo (Guadalajara), Leobardo López (Pachuca), Fausto Pinto (Cruz Azul)
Midfield: Pavel Pardo (América), Leandro Augusto (UNAM), Luis Ernesto Pérez (Monterrey), Israel Martínez (San Luis), Antonio Naelson (Toluca)
Forwards: Alberto Medina (Chivas), Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Giovani dos Santos (Tottenham), Vicente Matías Vuoso (Santos), Carlos Ochoa (Chivas), Nery Castillo (Shakhtar), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal), Omar Bravo (Deportivo la Coruna)
Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sánchez (Santos), Guillermo Ochoa (América), Jesús Corona (Tecos UAG)
Defense: Juan Carlos Valenzuela (América), Julio Cesar Domínguez (Cruz Azul), Carlos Salcido (PSV), Ricardo Osorio (Sttutgart), Rafael Márquez (Barcelona), Aarón Galindo (Guadalajara), Leobardo López (Pachuca), Fausto Pinto (Cruz Azul)
Midfield: Pavel Pardo (América), Leandro Augusto (UNAM), Luis Ernesto Pérez (Monterrey), Israel Martínez (San Luis), Antonio Naelson (Toluca)
Forwards: Alberto Medina (Chivas), Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Giovani dos Santos (Tottenham), Vicente Matías Vuoso (Santos), Carlos Ochoa (Chivas), Nery Castillo (Shakhtar), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal), Omar Bravo (Deportivo la Coruna)
Adventures in reffing
I've had a quite eventful last... well, two months, but in particular the last three days in my role as high school referee. I had my confidence raised, shattered and raised again, which I guess is all part of the learning process.
Thursday I had a junior varsity girls game. This was a fairly high-level JV girls game as the two high schools have traditionally had strong varsity girls teams. I was doing well, active, making all the right calls and getting no flak from the coaches and/or parents in attendance. With about five minutes left and the score at 0-0, that all changed. The visiting team had the ball in the hosts' penalty area. A girl dribbled the ball around some defenders when one of them stuck her leg out and tripped the attacking player, who fell to the ground as the ball went away from her.
I blew my whistle and pointed to the spot. PK. I was certain it was the right call. It wasn't a blatant foul; the defender didn't elbow her or knock her down from behind, but nonetheless it was a foul. The visitors converted the penalty and took a 1-0 lead. About three minutes elapsed by the time play resumed, and for those three minutes I took quite a bit of heat from the losing coach. She was complaining about everything from that point on, to the point that I nearly cautioned her. Still, I figured what would be best would to keep control of the game, blow the whistle as soon as the 35 minutes were up and get the hell out of dodge.
After I ended the game, I jogged over to get my stuff. Sometimes I change out of my cleats and slip back into something more foot-friendly but this time I didn't bother. I figured I'd rather leave without giving people time to complain or whatever. Well, that didn't happen. As I'm walking out towards the gate I hear the coach racing towards me.
"REFEREE! REFEREE!"
Well shit, here comes the coach, I thought. This was a first. I was involved in a game earlier this year when a parent waited for me and my partner in the parking lot after his son was sent off (I didn't send him off but that didn't matter to that guy) but this was the first time a coach ran to me after a game to complain about a call.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked her twice. Maybe that took some of the edge off because she seemed to pause for a second before she ripped into me.
"How could you call that? The girl tripped over her own feet? Did you not see that?!?!?!?"
I didn't stop walking. No way. But I didn't speed up or anything, just kept at my pace. I probably should have just not said anything but that probably would have pissed her off even more so I told her that I had the best vantage point, that she was on the sideline and that her player tripped the other girl. She said something else before she turned away but at that point I just put my head down and tried to leave before anyone else confronted me. Luckily, there were a lot of people coming and going as the varsity game was set to start later and I sort of just blended in at some point.
Although I think I handled the confrontation well, what I should have done was carded her. As a high school referee, I can card people after I've blown the final whistle. And really, she crossed the line. She completely lost it, lost control, displayed poor sportsmanship and set a bad example to her players. I should have red-carded her ass and given her a game off to think about her actions and force her to explain herself to her principal, since that's what HS coaches have to do after receiving a red card (at least in my area). But, of course, I was unclear on whether or not I could have carded her at all. It was the first time it came up, so after talking to other referees about it I am now more up-to-speed on that.
On Friday I was slated to ref a varsity girls game between a pair of mid-level area girls teams. I couldn't stop thinking about the day before. Had I made the right call? Should I have let play go on? Did I do what I never want to do and decide the game? That stupid confrontation made things worse. Had the coach not approached me I may not have second-guessed myself so much, but she went all Dominic Kinnear on me so it rattled me a bit. I was nervous then before Friday's game so I called a referee buddy of mine to talk about it and hopefully settle my nerves.
It was a great call, actually, as he had reffed the varsity game afterward. The same coach, who was on the bench as an assistant coach for that game, had continued her shenanigans as she was complaining about the calls so much so that my friend had to tell her to be quiet. Maybe she was still seething over the PK or whatever. Anyway, the team had earned five yellow cards and a red card that game and lost. The school apparently has a reputation for being like that and the coach hasn't been that great to other officials as well. So apparently I didn't force a rational coach into doing something irrational.
Anyway, in Friday's game I was doing well at the start. I was keeping up with the speed of play, making all the right calls, ignoring incidental contact, etc. Still, the one thing I did not want was to have the players put me in a position where I either needed to call a penalty or let contact in the area slide. I didn't know how I would react.
Of course, that happened with about 10 minutes left. Ahead 1-0, a girl dribbled the ball into the penalty area and two defenders sandwiched her and knocked her on her back. I didn't hesitate and immediately blew my whistle and pointed to the spot. It was 100 percent the right call. The opposing coach did not complain. Later, the other ref said that I had made a good call.
That kind of made me feel better. I don't like to play mind games with myself and always try to stay focused and make the right calls. But when your confidence is down, it's hard to do that. I was fine and Friday's game restored whatever faith that had been lost from the end of the previous day's game to the start of the other.
It's situations like that that have helped me learn about refereeing games, and have given me the knowledge and experience necessary to improve. As bad as those things are, it's the only way to continue evolving and developing.
Thursday I had a junior varsity girls game. This was a fairly high-level JV girls game as the two high schools have traditionally had strong varsity girls teams. I was doing well, active, making all the right calls and getting no flak from the coaches and/or parents in attendance. With about five minutes left and the score at 0-0, that all changed. The visiting team had the ball in the hosts' penalty area. A girl dribbled the ball around some defenders when one of them stuck her leg out and tripped the attacking player, who fell to the ground as the ball went away from her.
I blew my whistle and pointed to the spot. PK. I was certain it was the right call. It wasn't a blatant foul; the defender didn't elbow her or knock her down from behind, but nonetheless it was a foul. The visitors converted the penalty and took a 1-0 lead. About three minutes elapsed by the time play resumed, and for those three minutes I took quite a bit of heat from the losing coach. She was complaining about everything from that point on, to the point that I nearly cautioned her. Still, I figured what would be best would to keep control of the game, blow the whistle as soon as the 35 minutes were up and get the hell out of dodge.
After I ended the game, I jogged over to get my stuff. Sometimes I change out of my cleats and slip back into something more foot-friendly but this time I didn't bother. I figured I'd rather leave without giving people time to complain or whatever. Well, that didn't happen. As I'm walking out towards the gate I hear the coach racing towards me.
"REFEREE! REFEREE!"
Well shit, here comes the coach, I thought. This was a first. I was involved in a game earlier this year when a parent waited for me and my partner in the parking lot after his son was sent off (I didn't send him off but that didn't matter to that guy) but this was the first time a coach ran to me after a game to complain about a call.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked her twice. Maybe that took some of the edge off because she seemed to pause for a second before she ripped into me.
"How could you call that? The girl tripped over her own feet? Did you not see that?!?!?!?"
I didn't stop walking. No way. But I didn't speed up or anything, just kept at my pace. I probably should have just not said anything but that probably would have pissed her off even more so I told her that I had the best vantage point, that she was on the sideline and that her player tripped the other girl. She said something else before she turned away but at that point I just put my head down and tried to leave before anyone else confronted me. Luckily, there were a lot of people coming and going as the varsity game was set to start later and I sort of just blended in at some point.
Although I think I handled the confrontation well, what I should have done was carded her. As a high school referee, I can card people after I've blown the final whistle. And really, she crossed the line. She completely lost it, lost control, displayed poor sportsmanship and set a bad example to her players. I should have red-carded her ass and given her a game off to think about her actions and force her to explain herself to her principal, since that's what HS coaches have to do after receiving a red card (at least in my area). But, of course, I was unclear on whether or not I could have carded her at all. It was the first time it came up, so after talking to other referees about it I am now more up-to-speed on that.
On Friday I was slated to ref a varsity girls game between a pair of mid-level area girls teams. I couldn't stop thinking about the day before. Had I made the right call? Should I have let play go on? Did I do what I never want to do and decide the game? That stupid confrontation made things worse. Had the coach not approached me I may not have second-guessed myself so much, but she went all Dominic Kinnear on me so it rattled me a bit. I was nervous then before Friday's game so I called a referee buddy of mine to talk about it and hopefully settle my nerves.
It was a great call, actually, as he had reffed the varsity game afterward. The same coach, who was on the bench as an assistant coach for that game, had continued her shenanigans as she was complaining about the calls so much so that my friend had to tell her to be quiet. Maybe she was still seething over the PK or whatever. Anyway, the team had earned five yellow cards and a red card that game and lost. The school apparently has a reputation for being like that and the coach hasn't been that great to other officials as well. So apparently I didn't force a rational coach into doing something irrational.
Anyway, in Friday's game I was doing well at the start. I was keeping up with the speed of play, making all the right calls, ignoring incidental contact, etc. Still, the one thing I did not want was to have the players put me in a position where I either needed to call a penalty or let contact in the area slide. I didn't know how I would react.
Of course, that happened with about 10 minutes left. Ahead 1-0, a girl dribbled the ball into the penalty area and two defenders sandwiched her and knocked her on her back. I didn't hesitate and immediately blew my whistle and pointed to the spot. It was 100 percent the right call. The opposing coach did not complain. Later, the other ref said that I had made a good call.
That kind of made me feel better. I don't like to play mind games with myself and always try to stay focused and make the right calls. But when your confidence is down, it's hard to do that. I was fine and Friday's game restored whatever faith that had been lost from the end of the previous day's game to the start of the other.
It's situations like that that have helped me learn about refereeing games, and have given me the knowledge and experience necessary to improve. As bad as those things are, it's the only way to continue evolving and developing.
Shoot 'em up, Tex
Jose Francisco Torres is in.
"Gringo" Torres has been called up to the U.S. national team for their game against Mexico on Feb. 11, so says Pachuca and the player himself (thanks Robert for the heads-up!).
Check out the a shot of the young cowboy here. I'm trying to figure out if that's a real picture or not... I have my doubts but it's funny anyway.
Said "Gringo" about the match: "I'm very happy. I've just been informed of the call up. I think that with the players coming back from Europe we'll have a very strong team."
Of course, Torres was asked about Mexico's Public Enemy No. 1, Landon Donovan.
"He can be a difference maker at any moment. He's a great player with a lot of great qualities."
Torres talked about having had to choose between the U.S. and Mexico.
"It was a difficult decision to make but now I just have to focus on training and if I get a chance to play against Mexico I have to give everything I have to succeed. Games between Mexico and the United States are and will always be Clasicos. For me, it will be a special occasion because I know both teams very well."
"Gringo" Torres has been called up to the U.S. national team for their game against Mexico on Feb. 11, so says Pachuca and the player himself (thanks Robert for the heads-up!).
Check out the a shot of the young cowboy here. I'm trying to figure out if that's a real picture or not... I have my doubts but it's funny anyway.
Said "Gringo" about the match: "I'm very happy. I've just been informed of the call up. I think that with the players coming back from Europe we'll have a very strong team."
Of course, Torres was asked about Mexico's Public Enemy No. 1, Landon Donovan.
"He can be a difference maker at any moment. He's a great player with a lot of great qualities."
Torres talked about having had to choose between the U.S. and Mexico.
"It was a difficult decision to make but now I just have to focus on training and if I get a chance to play against Mexico I have to give everything I have to succeed. Games between Mexico and the United States are and will always be Clasicos. For me, it will be a special occasion because I know both teams very well."
Razov in, but out
Ante Razov's new deal become official on Friday but he immediately gave us a taste of what we can expect this year. Razov will be out 8-12 weeks after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle.
Razov can still be an asset for Chivas USA but this is probably a clear sign that the team ought to peg their hopes on the starting forwards as being Alecko Eskandarian and Maykel Galindo... at least until Jared Borgetti gets here, right?
Razov can still be an asset for Chivas USA but this is probably a clear sign that the team ought to peg their hopes on the starting forwards as being Alecko Eskandarian and Maykel Galindo... at least until Jared Borgetti gets here, right?
US-Mexico countdown: No. 11
11. International friendly; Los Angeles; Oct. 25, 2000: US 2, Mexico 0
This game ultimately meant little in terms of the result; it was a friendly after all. However, it sort of led to a separation between the two teams as young talent was on display in Los Angeles that night, talent that developed far better for the U.S. than it did for Mexico. And it was also a night of firsts for Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan. Having beaten a Mexico team that was comprised mostly of Pumas players earlier in the summer, Arena now had to face a Tri side that featured both promising youngsters and experienced players. Meanwhile, the U.S. also had several of its own domestic prospects, including an 18-year-old Donovan. The match was spirited early on but featured no goals. Donovan eventually came into the game as he replaced an injured Chris Henderson midway through the first half. Early in the second half, Clint Mathis dribbled through the Mexican defense and slipped a pass to Donovan, who eluded Adrian Martinez and knocked in his first-ever goal for the full national team. Donovan then set up Josh Wolff with a cross from the left side, and Wolff buried an attempt from distance. This match was meaningful for the Americans as Donovan played his first US-Mexico match and first US match ever, Wolff played in his third US game - and each played instrumental roles in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup and in the tournament itself - while six others were capped for the first time as well. Also, some of Mexico coach Enrique Meza's call-ups did not develop well at all, such as Luis Ignacio Gonzalez, Jesus Olalde, Adrian Martinez and Victor Ruiz.
Lineups
United States: Tony Meola; Carlos Llamosa, Jeff Agoos, Greg Vanney, Chris Klein; Kerry Zavagnin, Richie Williams (Peter Vagenas, 86), Chris Henderson (Landon Donovan, 32, Bobby Convey 90+), Clint Mathis; Josh Wolff (Sasha Victorine, 89), Chris Albright (Joe Franchino, 77).
Mexico: Adrian Martinez; Sergio Almaguer, Omar Blanco, Duilio Davino; Pavel Pardo (Johan Rodriguez, 46), Ramon Morales (Juan Pablo Rodriguez, 58), German Villa, Victor Ruiz (Gilberto Adame, 74); Daniel Osorno (Luis Ignacio Gonzalez, 69), Jesus Olalde, Jared Borgetti (Cesareo Victorino, 46).
Goals
United States - Donovan 50
United States - Wolff 79
This game ultimately meant little in terms of the result; it was a friendly after all. However, it sort of led to a separation between the two teams as young talent was on display in Los Angeles that night, talent that developed far better for the U.S. than it did for Mexico. And it was also a night of firsts for Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan. Having beaten a Mexico team that was comprised mostly of Pumas players earlier in the summer, Arena now had to face a Tri side that featured both promising youngsters and experienced players. Meanwhile, the U.S. also had several of its own domestic prospects, including an 18-year-old Donovan. The match was spirited early on but featured no goals. Donovan eventually came into the game as he replaced an injured Chris Henderson midway through the first half. Early in the second half, Clint Mathis dribbled through the Mexican defense and slipped a pass to Donovan, who eluded Adrian Martinez and knocked in his first-ever goal for the full national team. Donovan then set up Josh Wolff with a cross from the left side, and Wolff buried an attempt from distance. This match was meaningful for the Americans as Donovan played his first US-Mexico match and first US match ever, Wolff played in his third US game - and each played instrumental roles in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup and in the tournament itself - while six others were capped for the first time as well. Also, some of Mexico coach Enrique Meza's call-ups did not develop well at all, such as Luis Ignacio Gonzalez, Jesus Olalde, Adrian Martinez and Victor Ruiz.
Lineups
United States: Tony Meola; Carlos Llamosa, Jeff Agoos, Greg Vanney, Chris Klein; Kerry Zavagnin, Richie Williams (Peter Vagenas, 86), Chris Henderson (Landon Donovan, 32, Bobby Convey 90+), Clint Mathis; Josh Wolff (Sasha Victorine, 89), Chris Albright (Joe Franchino, 77).
Mexico: Adrian Martinez; Sergio Almaguer, Omar Blanco, Duilio Davino; Pavel Pardo (Johan Rodriguez, 46), Ramon Morales (Juan Pablo Rodriguez, 58), German Villa, Victor Ruiz (Gilberto Adame, 74); Daniel Osorno (Luis Ignacio Gonzalez, 69), Jesus Olalde, Jared Borgetti (Cesareo Victorino, 46).
Goals
United States - Donovan 50
United States - Wolff 79
Another one goes down
Add Pavel Pardo to the list of players who may be in doubt for Mexico's game against the United States.
Pardo left Saturday's America-Morelia match in the 59th minute with a thigh injury. Pardo took a knee to the thigh early in the match and before the hour mark the pain apparently became too much to handle.
Afterwards, though, Pardo reassured the media that he would be okay.
"I wasn't able to run 100 percent but it's not that bad," he was quoted in Reforma. "I have one week to recover."
Pardo's presence had been a bit of a stabilizing force for a banged-up Tri squad. Without Andres Guardado (injury) and Gerardo Torrado (suspension), Mexico was already lacking talent and experience. Also, Carlos Vela (suspension), Fernando Arce (suspension) and Jonny Magallon (injury) are all out for the match, the latter having only slim possibilities of playing. Rafael Marquez's availability is also in question.
Without Pardo, Mexico would lose a great deal of experience and leadership, as well as a player great set-piece ability. Still, one week might be enough time for him to recover, as he said, so not sure if Tri fans need to fret too much. Yet.
Pardo left Saturday's America-Morelia match in the 59th minute with a thigh injury. Pardo took a knee to the thigh early in the match and before the hour mark the pain apparently became too much to handle.
Afterwards, though, Pardo reassured the media that he would be okay.
"I wasn't able to run 100 percent but it's not that bad," he was quoted in Reforma. "I have one week to recover."
Pardo's presence had been a bit of a stabilizing force for a banged-up Tri squad. Without Andres Guardado (injury) and Gerardo Torrado (suspension), Mexico was already lacking talent and experience. Also, Carlos Vela (suspension), Fernando Arce (suspension) and Jonny Magallon (injury) are all out for the match, the latter having only slim possibilities of playing. Rafael Marquez's availability is also in question.
Without Pardo, Mexico would lose a great deal of experience and leadership, as well as a player great set-piece ability. Still, one week might be enough time for him to recover, as he said, so not sure if Tri fans need to fret too much. Yet.
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