CONCACAF Gold Cup

[TexasTerror]

USMNT roster...the US 'B' team sans a returning from injury Brian Ching, Charles Davies and maybe a defender or two...?

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Troy Perkins (IK Start), Luis Robles (FC Kaiserslautern)

DEFENDERS (7): Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Jay Heaps (New England Revolution), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaellands), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Sam Cronin (Toronto FC), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Santino Quaranta (D.C. United)

Group A
Canada
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Jamaica

Group B
Grenada
Haiti
Honduras
USA

Group C
Guadelope
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama

US Schedule...
7/4 - US vs Grenada - Seattle
7/8 - US vs Honduras - RFK
7/11 - US vs Haiti - Foxborough

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Figure I'd start this up since I'm still juiced from the Confederations Cup run. Bradley named the 24-man squad for the Gold Cup today - no Confederations Cup place to play for this year, only CONCACAF dominance and to see who might be ready to make the jump to the USMNT - and only four players from the South Africa roster are on there this time.

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1076588.html#us+name+experimental+gold+cup+ squad

Goalkeepers: Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Troy Perkins (IK Start), Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern)

Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Jay Heaps (New England Revolution), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaellands), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

Midfielders: Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Sam Cronin (Toronto FC), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby), Santino Quaranta (D.C. United)

*****

The US faces a trio of teams that probably have the combined population of Iowa: Grenada, Honduras and Haiti, almost certainly guaranteeing a spot in the knockout rounds. Honduras is the only team that could pose a threat.

*****

If I were the coach, I'd probably start Busch in the nets with a back four of Cherundolo/Parkhurst/Pearce/Heaps. I'd be awful tempted, especially in group play, to go with a 4-3-3 and go with Arnaud/Evans/Rogers and Ching/Adu/Davies up front. But more likely they'll go 4-4-2 with Adu dropping back to midfield. Adu would give Bradley a multitude of options.

[appmaj]

I feel good about the "group" stage.

[TexasTerror]

Not thinking many thought we'd see these two results...

El Salvador 2-1 Costa Rica
Canada 1-0 Jamaica

[UNHWildCats]

In progress

USA 4 Granada 0

6' Adu F.
31' Holden S.
60' Robbie Rogers
67' Davies C.

[UNHWildCats]

Final 4-0 USA

[TexasTerror]

Glad to see Holden get into the scoring...

While I do not think he will factor much into 2010 WC cycle, he's going to be around come 2014. Bank on it! :)

[EPJr]

5 July
Panama 1:2 Guadeloupe
Nicaragua 0:2 Mexico

[JMU Newbill]

How many goals does Adu have to score in the Gold Cup to get a legitimate shot at playing time with the MNT? I really wish they would give him a shot.

[TexasTerror]

How many goals does Adu have to score in the Gold Cup to get a legitimate shot at playing time with the MNT? I really wish they would give him a shot.

Goals? There's other factors. The best player in a match could easily come from someone not in goal who does not score a single goal...

There is more competition throughout the lineup now, especially in the midfield in wake of some of the things we saw at the Confederations Cup.

[JMU Newbill]

Goals? There's other factors. The best player in a match could easily come from someone not in goal who does not score a single goal...

There is more competition throughout the lineup now, especially in the midfield in wake of some of the things we saw at the Confederations Cup.


I know there are other factors... but you want to tell me that Bradley takes any of that into consideration? If he did, Altidore wouldn't be getting (as much) PT because he is not any type of possession forward. He had a hat trick in a game where our b-squad was playing, had surgery immediately following, and still that put him in the starting line up.

[JMU Newbill]

Not to mention, Altidore cannot win a head-ball to save his life, is a so-so passer at best, and proved that he was not completely match fit in the CC matches as he had to be subbed out with 20 minutes left on several occasions... neither time to bring in a defensive minded player.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

As much as I like Adu, the man of the match on Saturday was clearly Robbie Rogers. Of anyone on the field, he has the best chance (so far, anyway) to get PT in World Cup qualifying and possibly the WC. Of course, he'll need to do it against better teams than Granada, but I was pretty impressed.

I think Adu should start training to be DaMarcus Beasley's replacement - I think his future is on the wing, with occasional runs down the center to wreak havoc. At this point in his career, he could be a super-sub and generate chances in the center for the strikers off the wing. But he needs regular club work to do that.

[TexasTerror]

Guys like Adu and Holden will be major players in the 2014 World Cup. I think each has a bright future with the MNT - but 2010 may be a bit too much to expect. 2014, 2018 for the two who could carry the torch after stalwarts like Beasley and Donovan move on.

[TexasTerror]

Jamaica is having a rough tournament. Fell to 0-2 with their loss to Costa Rica. With El Salvador left, could they really go 0-3 in group play...?

Canada leads El Salvador 1-0 in the other match today.

[JMU Newbill]

Who's watching the game tonight?

[TexasTerror]

Canada holds on to 1-0 win. They'll advance with the six points.

Tonight:
Haiti-Grenada
US-Honduras

[appmaj]

Who's watching the game tonight?

I will be

[89Hen]

Who's watching the game tonight?
I should be going. :o

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I'm thinking about bringing my wife & son to the Gold Cup Quarters next weekend at the Linc. Think they'll be the 5PM game or the 8PM game?

Watching the USA/Honduras game tonight at 9PM. A US win means the scrubs will be playing this Saturday and a 1st place finish will be all but guaranteed.

Did anyone notice that Feilharber was quietly called into the Gold Cup squad this week? He'll definitely play the full 90 minutes - hopefully he won't displace Adu, though, which is what I fear.

I could see the 4-4-1-1 again, with Perkins-Cherundolo-Conrad-Goodson-Pearce in back with Rogers-Feilharber-Holden-Pause-Adu-Davies.

EDIT: Wonder if Ching might play today?

[LacesOut]

Who's watching the game tonight?

Me.

ESPN2??

[NHwildEcat]

Me.

ESPN2??

I don't think it is on ESPN 2. Does anyone know if it is even going to be on tv?

[mcveyrl]

I don't think it is on ESPN 2. Does anyone know if it is even going to be on tv?

Fox Soccer

[NHwildEcat]

Fox Soccer

Thanks!

[JMU Newbill]

I hope Ching doesn't play.... ever again.

[EPJr]

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/greg_lalas/07/08/us.gold/davies-adu.jpg
At the Gold Cup, Charlie Davies (left) and Freddy Adu have a lot to say about where the U.S. stands heading into the 2010 World Cup.

Sports Illustrated/CNN.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/greg_lalas/07/08/us.gold/index.html?eref=T1)

[UNHWildCats]

I don't think it is on ESPN 2. Does anyone know if it is even going to be on tv?
In the United States (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States) English language coverage of games involving the USA, as well as one game from each round of the knockout stages even if the USA is not involved, will be on Fox Soccer Channel. All tournament games will receive Spanish language coverage split between Galavision, TeleFutura, and Univision.

[NHwildEcat]

In the United States (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States) English language coverage of games involving the USA, as well as one game from each round of the knockout stages even if the USA is not involved, will be on Fox Soccer Channel. All tournament games will receive Spanish language coverage split between Galavision, TeleFutura, and Univision.

Looks like I will have the volume down on the Spanish stations...haha. Better than nothing!

[LacesOut]

Looks like I will have the volume down on the Spanish stations...haha. Better than nothing!

LOL

Same here.

[appmaj]

I hope Ching doesn't play.... ever again.

He is and he is his usual self

[TexasTerror]

I never understood all the hate for Ching here...is it a jealousy for the Dynamo being the premier MLS team with or without DeRo, thanks to Ching...?

When he was healthy, he was getting praised by all the national soccer pundits I read as it relates to his USMNT performance... ???

[TexasTerror]

Haiti 2-0 over Grenada in the early game BTW.

Noel 14'
Marcelin 79'

A win by US clinches passage.

[EPJr]

USMNT 2:0 Honduras

[Dane96]

I never understood all the hate for Ching here...is it a jealousy for the Dynamo being the premier MLS team with or without DeRo, thanks to Ching...?

When he was healthy, he was getting praised by all the national soccer pundits I read as it relates to his USMNT performance... ???

He plays really well...against "B" teams. Here is my take-- he is NO Taylor Twellman (who never should have seen the pitch...and I personally know the guy)...but he isnt going to get us over the hump.

I have no problems with Ching being on the USMNT and our World Cup teams...as a sub. He is holding the Fort...and doing it well...for the younger guys to step up.

[JMU Newbill]

Did you guys see Adu is leaving the MNT to play for his club in the preseason? No more gold cup action for Adu, and I think this pretty much seals his fate as being left off of the 2010 WC roster.

[Dane96]

What are you talking about?

Seals his fate? His fate would be sealed because he looks like ****. The reason he is going to Benfica is a pre-arranged deal between he, Benfica, and Bradley (because the Nats coach has to be asked/told what is going on).

Whole point is for him to win a role at Benfica or at another team on loan so he can play everyday and get better.

Felheiber is leaving too-- his fate sealed?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Ching was excruciating to watch, though he did ultimately find the net. Rogers and Adu were serving up some great balls but Ching - perhaps not totally fresh off of injury - couldn't make it happen. The starting XI were simply slow, and it showed - once the speedy world-class players like Feilharber and Davies got in there, it was a different game. It didn't help that Honduras were filled with a bunch of goons - it seemed like they were fouling every play with no cards.

Honduras' best chance came on a 1-on-1 where he was CLEARLY offside with no whistle. Troy couldn't do anything, but somehow the striker tried to get clever and go near side - and instead hit the side netting. A huge break for the USMNT - if that went in, the whole complexion of the game would have changed.

If Adu is indeed going to Benefica to compete for PT, Freddy's Gold Cup showed flashes of great ball-handling skills and creativity, even if he would disappear for stretches. You've got to hope that Benefica will start playing him, or at least loan him to a club that does. (I keep hoping against hope that AS Monaco will take him for another year and this time start him.)

So far this Gold Cup has very much been a tryout for WC roster spots, and it's been pretty encouraging quite frankly. Rogers has emerged on the wing, and Bocanegra and Pearce have done a fine job in defense. Quaranta too had some nice moments on the right wing last game too - which surprised me.

If we can find a true striker to replace Casey/Ching off the bench, the USMNT could very well be a tough out in the WC. AFAIK Davies is a lock for the starting lineup - he transforms the game when he's in there.

[Dane96]

I think he is a lock too...basically making Altidore the target striker. Can he do that is the question. Personally, I want to see Altidore develop either in that role...or us finding someone else to fill the role and start next to Altidore-- I think Davies would be a great 35 minute super sub like Theo Walcott.

I think Felheiber is a guarantee on the WC team...and will be the ultimate sub....a real game changer.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I think he is a lock too...basically making Altidore the target striker. Can he do that is the question. Personally, I want to see Altidore develop either in that role...or us finding someone else to fill the role and start next to Altidore-- I think Davies would be a great 35 minute super sub like Theo Walcott.

I think Felheiber is a guarantee on the WC team...and will be the ultimate sub....a real game changer.

Boy do I agree with all your statements. Unfortunately I think we're stuck with the "Dempsey or Lando starting at mid and then shifting to striker in the second half" experiment for the time being. After initially being worried about defense, I'm now more worried about not having enough finishing power at striker, especially off the bench. But the USMNT's progress will be tied to Altidore's progress for sure.

It's funny how I've gone from two Confed cup losses where I wanted to scrap the entire team and start over to being so uberpositive about the USMNT's overall depth. I think it's tied to Davies' emergence - he has honestly been a piece that's been missing for the last twenty years, IMO.

[tribe_pride]

Boy do I agree with all your statements. Unfortunately I think we're stuck with the "Dempsey or Lando starting at mid and then shifting to striker in the second half" experiment for the time being. After initially being worried about defense, I'm now more worried about not having enough finishing power at striker, especially off the bench. But the USMNT's progress will be tied to Altidore's progress for sure.

It's funny how I've gone from two Confed cup losses where I wanted to scrap the entire team and start over to being so uberpositive about the USMNT's overall depth. I think it's tied to Davies' emergence - he has honestly been a piece that's been missing for the last twenty years, IMO.

You can also thank Bocanegra for your confidence in the team.

[EPJr]

Charlie Davies is signing with Sochaux in France's top league so he'll be leaving as well.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Charlie Davies is signing with Sochaux in France's top league so he'll be leaving as well.

Great move for Davies - he will for sure be starring up top with Vaclav Sverkos, their young Czech striker. Sochaux barely escaped relegation last year, so you can believe that they will be counting on all their signings to get to mid-table or better.

Great move for both Sochaux and Davies.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I just got my new jozy altidore national team jersey today.. had been waiting for two weeks.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Results yesterday:

Guadeloupe 2-0 Nicaragua
Mexico 1-1 Panama

That puts Canada, the USA, and Guadeloupe as basically already qualified for the knockout rounds - and all that they need to is tie and they're first in the group. (The US could still even lose and still be first on goal differential.)

Where it gets interesting, though, is who gets left out of the knockout rounds.

With 0 points, Grenada is totally out of it. Jamaica has to win by 2+ goals to over El Salvador to have a chance, and Nicaragua has to beat Panama and hope for help in order to qualify.

Mexico could be anywhere from 1st to 3rd in their group. They are basically in with a tie or win, but they could even lose and as long as the top teams aren't upset they're in. But if they lose and Panama wins and the goal differential is +3, the USA would very likely play Mexico in Philadelphia (since Mexico would be the 3rd placed team). (This scenario would also be helped if Canada beats Costa Rica tonight.)

If Costa Rica loses tonight to Canada, they're out unless Nicaragua ties or beats Panama. If they win, they're in the knockout rounds.

I am a big, big, big fan of Guadeloupe and Panama this weekend. I've always wanted to see the USA play Mexico - somehow, all the other potential US matchups fall way short.

[EPJr]

10 July

Costa Rica 2 - 2 Canada Draw
El Salvador 0 - 1 Jamaica

[LacesOut]

Stupid and unrelated question to anything in this thread, but, a uni question...................anyone know why the US always seems to wear the white jerseys/white shorts combo?

What is their other (and they have to have one, right?) uni combo?? I ask because at some point in my life I would like to see it. LOL

Like I said, this is a stupid question.

[TexasTerror]

How 'bout that Houston Dynamo Stuart Holden saving the day and getting the tie?

The USMNT will next play against A3 or C3 on July 18 in Philly. A3 is Jamaica. C3 will be either Mexico (not likely) or Panama. Depends on which two third-place teams qualify.

[EPJr]

Quarter Finals

18 July
Canada 17 : 00
Vs.
Honduras

United States 20 : 00
Vs.
Panama

19 July
Guadeloupe 15 : 00
Vs.
Costa Rica

Mexico 18 : 00
Vs.
Haiti

[TexasTerror]

I'm going with Honduras, USA, Guadelope and Mexico in the quarters.

The US side got a very tough draw against Panama. Would love for Haiti to knock off El Tri, but I know better.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Give me USA, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico - no surprises here.

[appmaj]

Give me USA, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico - no surprises here.

What he said...

[EPJr]

Cherundolo And Parkhurst Exit Cup

US National Team defenders Steve Cherundolo and Michael Parkhurst have returned to their club sides. Cherundolo is starting preseason training with Hannover and Parkhurst returns to FC Nordsjaelland on the SAS Ligaien.

http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/ussoccerplayers/2009/07/cherundolo-and-parkhurst-exit-cup.html

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Cherundolo And Parkhurst Exit Cup

US National Team defenders Steve Cherundolo and Michael Parkhurst have returned to their club sides. Cherundolo is starting preseason training with Hannover and Parkhurst returns to FC Nordsjaelland on the SAS Ligaien.

http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/ussoccerplayers/2009/07/cherundolo-and-parkhurst-exit-cup.html

Parkhurst is leaving since he has to sit out next game anyway with yellow card trouble. As for Cherundulo, he's now fit and has proved he belongs with the "A" team, so he has nothing left to prove.

Jonathan (ugh) Bornstein is a mortal lock to be recalled - and he'll need to play great in order to justify any prayer of getting on the WC squad - but with no other defenders to call in, the second player recalled might prove interesting. If I had to guess Bradley will probably recall the Dynamo's defensive mid Ricardo Clark (who could have a future in Europe if the cards fall right), but I could also see Altidore getting recalled too in an effort to get some work in before Olympiakos gets started (because I am not sure Altidore will be getting a lot of PT at Olympiakos). The smart money, IMO, would be on Clark.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Projected starters for tomorrow:

—————————-Perkins—————————
Evans——Goodson—-Marshall——Pearce
Quaranta—Holden—Beckerman—Rogers
—————-Ching————-Arnaud—————-

What is the love affair with Beckerman in the center? He does have a good work rate, but he continually underwhelms me as a US international.

That back four worries me a little without Cherundulo, and how come Bradley didn't recall Bornstein in the back line?

http://www.goldcup.org/page/GoldCup/NewsDetail/0,,12802~1722676,00.html


U.S. coach Bob Bradley has the ability to call in six additional players, as a result of a CONCACAF pre-tournament stipulation, but he said he doesn't anticipate calling in Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Bornstein, Conor Casey, Ricardo Clark, Brad Guzan or Sacha Kljestan.

"The group that we have here at the moment covers everything," Bradley said at an afternoon press conference at Lincoln Financial Field. "We have had a chance in this tournament to get different players on the field and I think we've seen, especially with defenders, Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson, Chad Marshall, Jimmy Conrad, Jay Heaps and Brad Evans have all gotten experience in this tournament and have all done well. In that regard, we feel good about the way things have developed and there's no need to add players just for this game."

While we're talking about love affairs, why does he keep playing Brad Evans as well? He sucked against Grenada and has been invisible in the last two games. And I'm worried that we don't have a real left back without Cherundulo there.

IMO, Bradley is gambling that he'll have plenty enough to get by Panama with this group. I hope he's right, but I think he's playing with fire going out with this group.

[EPJr]

Gold Cup quarterfinals

Saturday
Canada 0:1 Honduras
Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia
5 p.m. ET

U.S.A. 2:1 Panama
Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia
8 p.m. ET


Sunday
Guadeloupe vs. Costa Rica
Dallas Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, Texas
3 p.m. ET


Mexico vs. Haiti
Dallas Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, Texas
6 p.m. ET

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Bradey did play with fire, and won. The USMNT overcame a rookie mistake by Holden (controlling the ball instead of clearing it from the goalie box) and finally got a call go their way (Panama was getting away with murder all game) to get a justified penalty kick in ET.

MOM was Pearce, who was all over the field and set up the tying goal to Beckerman. It was a garbage-time goal, but I ain't complaining.

The Pananmanians basically attacked the ref after the game - there will be blood from FIFA and CONCACA for this. The guy called for the yellow card an PK for the HIGH SPIKE IN KENNY COOPER'S GUT reached and grabbed the jersey of the ref. He might get suspended for the rest of the WC season.

[TexasTerror]

Semifinals - July 23rd
Chicago, Ill. (Soldier Field)

Honduras vs United States
Mexico vs Costa Rica

Finals - July 26th

[Lehigh Football Nation]

If the USA beats Honduras tonight, I'm heading over to the Meadowlands for the final on Sunday with my family. xthumbsupx

I'm thinking USA/Mexico final: the Costa Ricans are going to have a tough time in Chicago with a stadium full of Mexico fans. Parkhurst is back now that Conrad is recovering from a nasty injury last Saturday.

The key to this game for the USA is to keep that back line together and to be extremely patient. Honduras can hang with the USA, but have a tendency to wilt at the end of games - that's been the trend for the past three years. However, as ever I'm still worried about the USA back line and how they will hold up.

Another big question for me is: Can Brian Ching go an entire game without making that one boneheaded mental error that keeps the USA from scoring an extra goal? I've counted, oh, four such "Ching's" in the Gold Cup, and I'm not eager to add another to the mix.

[EPJr]

Gold Cup SemiFinals
Mexico vs Costa Rica
Honduras 0:2 USA

[Mr. C]

Great game between Mexico and Costa Rica, 1-1 after overtime and Mexico wins 5-3 on penalties. Now the Mexicans get to be humiliated by the United States again.

[ElSissy]

Let's just hope we are able to get a win at Azteca when the A teams will be on the field and the result of the game is important.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Just ordered my tickets - my family and I will be wearing red and sitting with "Sam's Army" at the Meadowlands this weekend. I can't wait! Even though it's not the "A" team, I've always wanted to see a USA/Mexico game and now I get my chance.

I missed the Mexico game - though by all accounts it was a thriller - but the USMNT probably had their best game of the tournament in the early matchup. They controlled the pace of the game early and unlike the Panama game I never at any time thought that Honduras was going to get back in this game. Goodson's goal was great - a world-class goal, set up expertly by Holden just before halftime. That goal was the result of a lot of first-half work that really paid off.

There's a lot of players - Rogers, Pearce, Holden, and I'd throw Cooper in there as well - that are getting very valuable experience in this Gold Cup. Pearce, already playing in Germany, looks certain to get a look for WCQ. I was wondering if Cooper might get a look in Germany after his amazing run of scoring (6 caps, 4 goals)? IMO, he's way better than Connor Casey.

[LacesOut]

Sorry if it's already been posted, but what time is the final? And what channel? Please tell me ESPN/ESPN2 will be carrying it!!

[TexasTerror]

Fox Soccer Channel
3 PM ET/2 PM CT

[LacesOut]

Fox Soccer Channel

That is not cool.

[appmaj]

Let's Go USA!

[TexasTerror]

0-0 at the half.

The US has had a lot more chances - whether it set pieces or shots - compared to Mexico, who probably had their best chance in the 44th, 45th minute of play.

[ElSissy]

Is it just me or does Mexico seem to have considerably more team speed than the USA?

[TexasTerror]

Is it just me or does Mexico seem to have considerably more team speed than the USA?

The US just seemed to be very slow when it came to recovering from set pieces. If they would turn over the ball on possession, Mexico just seemed to explode down the other end...

Of course, it seems like El Tri has a thing for holding jerseys on a lot of those set pieces, negatively impact the ability to make much of them... xnonono2x

[TexasTerror]

Mexico scores after being rewarded a questionable PK...1-0.

[TexasTerror]

2-nil.

Mexico just abusing the USMNST defense right now. The team has just collapsed, unbelievable. I guess it is best to get this one out of the way now, so the USMNT can get El Tri in Azteca...

[tribe_pride]

We need to keep in mind that this is not our real national team (same for them) so this game (and the whole CONCACAD Gold Cup) should be taken with a grain of salt.

Would have loved to have won this game but this is definitely not a preview for the next month match. Not sure if either team will have even 1 player in this match who will play in August.

[TexasTerror]

Ouch, 5-0.

Just caught up on the score after I turned it off when the 'B' side gave it all up in that short time span early in the second half.

[ElSissy]

Everyone in Mexico and the US will forget this game if we get a win at Azteca.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Everyone in Mexico and the US will forget this game if we get a win at Azteca.

Not me. I was there. And it's awfully hard to win a soccer game when the refs spot El Tri a two goal lead. Did you see the play where the ref called the penalty? I couldn't see it from Sam's Army, but I watched it when I got home and said "you have got to be kidding me". Some incidental contact, the Mexico player elbows Goodson (I think) in the face and the ref points at the spot - are you f--ing kidding?

The second goal had to be the most blatant non-called offside I've ever seen. THAT I was able to see very clearly even from our section. I mean, the guy was five steps up from the ball, and the flag stays down. Unbelievable.

Having said all that, it was disheartening to see the Americans come apart after the refs gave El Tri the game. It's one thing to lose 2-0 and quite another to give up three more goals after you've stopped trying. You have to play 90 minutes. And it does say once again: we need more depth on the back line. Heaps simply isn't good enough to play in the WC, neither is Goodson, and the 'A' team is in desperate need of players who can challenge for spots back there.

Finally, if you haven't seen the USMNT play El Tri at any level, you deserve to see it at least once in your life. I hate Mexico, but their fans really bring it. I'd say 60,000+ of the 80,000 fans there were wearing green. Those Mexican goals were deafening. And this was basically our 'B' teams playing!

[JMU Newbill]

It was embarassing for the US... whether that's our B-Team, C-Team, or Q-Team.

[LacesOut]

Glad I didn't watch!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Did I just find myself agreeing with Brian Ching?

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AiBMfyVNP1_NnmbCZJ_C_iomw7YF?slug=ap-goldcup-americans&prov=ap&type=lgns


The United States stands second behind Costa Rica in CONCACAF qualifying for 2010. Mexico is fourth and desperately needs a home win to avoid winding up in a playoff against a South American team for a spot in South Africa.

A U.S. team has never won in Mexico.

“Look at anybody in the United States and this loss has to anger you,” Ching said. “If you are an American and are not ticked off, something is wrong with you.

“It’s an anger we can bring with us on Aug. 12.”

xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

Agree - frankly, it's one of the best things that could happen. We got thumped by Mexico in a game that didn't mean anything and didn't involve the real team. If the real team can actually get psyched up for the next game based on this result, hey, perfect!