Remember the Maine

Yes...after almost 24 hours to let this all settle in, it's time to say yesterday's match between the US and Spain was one heck of a day for the US Men's Team. I want to use loads of descriptives, but they've all been used, tons of cliches, but I try to avoid those anyway and I generally just want to scream...but i'll hold it to see how they do in the Final against either Brazil (again) or South Africa.
If you haven't seen it already, or if you're like me and you enjoy watching it over and over again, ESPN has some good video of the highlights.

Everything clicked for us on the pitch yesterday and i'd love to see something similar happen in the final. We had minor moments that were similar in the match against Brazil when they demolished us, but nothing worth mentioning. Now the USMNT will be in their first ever major FIFA Tournament Final...I can only hope they are ALL able to bring their "A game" (excuse the cliche) for the match on Sunday.

My big question for this tournament is ... WHY are the refs continually giving us lame red cards. For the third time in four matches, a US player has received a QUESTIONABLE red card! Bradley MIGHT have needed a yellow for going in cleats up, but he did so at a low angle and HE GOT THE BALL, not the player! There was obviously no malicious intent, yet there he stood, dumbfounded like the rest of us who actually saw the play, as the ref held high another stupid red card. He will be missed on Sunday, just hope it doesn't hurt us over all.

Regardless of what goes on in the Confederations Cup from here on out...the win over Egypt and the win over Spain (do we need to mention once again that they are the #1 team in the world?) should show a lot of folks that the US still can be a team of fortitude...when they want to be...and all pistons are firing. I'm ready for consistancy myself, but am enjoying this ride while it lasts. I think a lot of people are more interested in the US and their qualification for the World Cup 2010 and this, I like.

US versus Guatemala (WC 2010 Qualifier)

For those of you that missed last night's match...well, ya missed a doozy. Though the first half was a tough fought 0-0 draw, the second half was nothing short of brutal. Only two red cards were handed out (one for each side) but there were several yellows and still the ref had absolutely NO CONTROL over the home side (Guate). Though Guate probably had the upper hand as far as how the game was played (when it was actually played), it was the US that dug in and did what needed to be done. Unfortunately, there were some casualties, two-footed slide tackles from behind, Howard got a knee to the head (and then was given a yellow card) and then there was the Eddie Lewis incident. I can't believe I haven't been able to find any pictures of this yet, but i'm sure they'll be out there eventually. Truly Brutal! While the US was able to come away with the 3 points in this qualifying match, I tend to agree with this blogger's ideas about the match. Once I find a good pictures i'll be posting it as soon as I can.

It's a TIE!

So the US barely get away with a 0-0 tie against Argentina this weekend. Though that sounds desperate, they actually played rather well. Had their fair share of possession, shots and Tim Howard had some AMAZING saves to keep our slate clean.This made the celebration of Kasey Keller's 100 matches that much sadder. Evidently there was very little in the way of ovation from the crowd for this honor.

Both sides had a couple ding off the crossbar but nothing managed to make it into the net. This almost makes up for the US losing to both England and Spain, but the fact that they did not score a single goal during these three friendlies is a bit unsettling. That and they barely played Freddie Adu, possibly the most creative player the team has right now.

The next match is Sunday against Barbados in their first World Cup 2010 qualifier. it will be televised at 2pm on ESPN2. Compared to these friendlies they just finished Barbados SHOULD be easily handled...but ya never know.

Really?!?!

Evidently the U.S. Men's national soccer team has jumped up seven positions to number 21 in the FIFA World rankings. Personally, i'm still a fan of the ELO Ratings where the U.S. is in 18...even though I think they both have the US a little higher than they should be. Guess we shall see how we do in the next few friendlies leading up to the World Cup Qualifiers. Coming up we have a couple in Europe, with England on 28 May and then Spain on 4 June, followed by a return trip home and a match with Argentina (#1 in FIFA and #2 in ELO) on 8 June.

Anyone care to comment on their thoughts on the new U.S. jerseys? Not sure I like the new color, but I need to get a U.S. jersey. Of all the jerseys I have, both pro and national teams, I don't have a single U.S. jersey. Not right.

Edit: Just found out the U.S. Women's National team have now qualified for the Olympics as well. Let's Go U.S.A.!

U.S. in a few important friendlies

Today is the first of a few friendlies that the U.S.M.N.T. have lined for them. In our last two meetings with Poland, the U.S. has faired rather well winning in both European meet-ups. But, this go around everything changes, the Polish side has a new coach, who helped them reach the Euros this year (even beat Portugal and Belgium). Poland poses a formidable test for the Americans ahead of upcoming meetings with world powers England, Argentina, and Spain, all scheduled for later this spring. U.S. Coach Bradley will be fielding a mostly European based roster...said to be one of our strongest teams since our Gold Cup win last summer...which we won with a Benny Feilhaber goal that is still one of my all-time favorites.

Though this will be one of the strongest teams the U.S. has ever fielded, it will be tough as they haven't played together since the Gold Cup. A match or two at the least will be needed to give the team some cohesion and confidence I would imagine. This is what I would imagine these friendlies are for as we prepare for World Cup qualifiers that begin in June. Poland is probably doing the same as they work towards Euro 2008 which is also this summer. (Edit: That's On Point has another take on this "strongest team" thing, definitely check it out as well.)

Good luck the the U.S. Match is at 3:30p ET and airs on Fox Soccer Channel...which I can't watch at work! :(

(Newer edit: Can't record it but found another online ticker stream for the game. And it's on blogger.

If you can't beat an 80s pop act, who can ya beat?

Just watching the Fulham match, currently at the halftime break. I really hope they can win this match, at this point every single match is important to them getting out of the relegation group. It doesn't look good for the team with the most US national starters to be in the relegation group. Let's Go Fulham!

Silly, I know, but I find it funny that FSC has the teams listed as FULHAM 0 - 0 W HAM. The letters are just close enough that it looks like Fulham is playing Wham.

Still no score at the half, we shall see how the second half goes.

UPDATE: A controversial goal gives West Ham United the win (1-0). While i'm not a huge EPL fan, I hate to see this because with the number of US players (more than most other teams I believe), this can only add to the european (or maybe even the world's) opinion of the quality of players coming from the U.S. Until the world cup, i'll continue to look at the ELO Rankings.