United States 2, Mexico 1
Soldier Field
Gold Cup Final
The USMNT pulled it off in dramatic fashion Sunday night with another PK conversion from Landon Donovan and arguably the best goal of the tournament from Benny Feilhaber (his second international strike). Overall, it was a game in which although Mexico was pressuring and had some real nice looks at Timmy Howard's net, you could feel the Americans oozing confidence and chomping at the bit. It was raw but gradually as the game went on, a somewhat polished team finished a tough two goal turnaround to win 2-1 over Tricolores. Hugo Sanchez must be feeling the pressure now as two losses in a CONCACAF tournament spells "re-evaluation" for the Mexican legend. Bob Bradley pulled it off and it seems the team is starting to mesh well and learn each other. Feilhaber, Bradley, and Mastroeni all work well together - Rico Clark did add energy, but also some unforced errors (not that Bradley and Feilhaber did supply a good many of those either). Howard solid in goal, expected no less. Yes, we need a striker - but the reserved look for Dempsey or Donovan is working well. While Beasley, in form, is fantastic on the wing and showed it several times this cup (his finals performance was a little weak though). Gotta love the depth and, even more so, you have to be somewhat excited to see the young Copa America take on such quality teams. At least we'll get a sense as to where our depth stops...
Anyways the picture about sums up the win...
5 BRIGHT SPOTS of the MATCH
1. Benny Feilhaber - a text I received from a friend after his impressive strike, "Holy Feilhaber!". Couldn't have said it any better - but the truth is, everyone saw the progress and talent emanating from the HSV young'un and despite some errant touches/crappy passes he seemed to know what he had to do to make that midfield functional. Mastroeni did well to adjust quickly to Feilhaber and was his usual no holding back self although the midfield were getting the run around from; it will be nice to see him continue to get time against real big guns in the Copa America
2. Brian Ching - he might not have been the greatest but he certainly showed flashes of brilliance; that turn on the Mexican defender and the ensuing post-clanker was well-executed (although a finish would have been nice); also his work rate was Brian McBride-ish and was what allowed him to draw that penalty kick in the 62nd minute; now to return to help Houston continue their run of good form
3. Andres Guardado - he didn't turn us around like he did in the last meeting, but his goal was well read and his industriousness on the wing inspired "veterans" like Nery Castillo and Carlos Salcido to decent showings; his collision with Jonathan Spector was unfortunate and I only hope he is alright (big balls not to come out)
4. Jonathan Spector - filled in real well for Frankie Hejduk and made a good case for the starting role, although Frankie Simek (his sub after the collision with Guardado) played admirably as well; it will be nice to have depth at that position (both are not on the Copa America squad as Danny Califf and Marvell Wynne will be looked at instead)
5. Tim Howard - that close range save on Bofo Bautista was amazing and his performance, although a tad shaky at times, was typical of an American GK vs. Mexico; silent confidence is Howard especially when you compare him to the douche-bag that is Oswaldo Sanchez (still bitter about that swipe he took at Eddie Johnson in their last encounter); can't wait to see him have another solid year with Everton as the number one and even England great Phil Neville thinks Timmy will leave himself a "legacy" at Goodison Park!
MLS Game Recaps
Here are some great recaps from various contributors at Top Drawer Soccer. If you want a light read and want the intricacies of each match, take a look at'em.
New England 3, Toronto FC 0
Welshman Andy Dorman starts slow but finishes strong with two goals to bring his season tally to 5 and dispatch of the shifty Toronto Reds. Match Recap.
FC Dallas 1, Colorado 0
Juan Carlos Toja provides the offense...again...as FCD overcomes adversity and a strong home presence to defeat the Rapids. Match Recap.
Real Salt Lake 2, D.C. United 1
Oregon State product and Galaxy castaway Robbie Findley welcomed himself to Salt Lake with 2 goals to douse the hottest squad in MLS. Match Recap.
Columbus 3, Los Angeles 2
LA's woes continue as Gaven continues his form and uses his Copa call-up as an excuse to help the Crew dismantle the Galaxy for their second straight win. Match Recap.
Houston 1, Kansas City 0
De Ro and Onstad were back but it was former U-20 USMNT star Patrick Ianni that took the spotlight with a strong header to open his MLS scoring account and sink the Wizards for the second consecutive time. Match Recap.
1 comment:
good post. But "England great Phil Neville" made me giggle.
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