NEWS: Argentina has captured the Under-20 World Cup Championship

Argentina 2, Czech Republic 1
BMO Field Toronto, Canada

It was a true display of the still efficient youth of the somewhat "watered down" U-20 Argentine squad. Martin Fenin opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a Sergio Aguero, the Atletico Madrid striker, struck back 2 minutes later, however, putting it back to even. Aguero is highly touted to be an even bigger part of the picture at Atletico this coming season with the departure of Fernando Torres to Liverpool (depending on whether or not Diego Forlan is in form). The winner was provided by Mauro Zarate in the 86th minute. Somebody in the New York pressbox here won't let us hear the end of it (his retort, "how many championships have the Americans won?"). Well, he's got us there.

Overall, it was an outright battle of youth out there. There were 10 yellow cards issued - 6 to the Czechs, 4 to the Argentines. The win, however, was Argentina's 6th U-20 title which you would think should start translating into senior World Cup wins again sometime soon.


GOALSCORERS:

CZE: Fenin (60)
ARG: Aguero (62), Zarate (86)

Remember that U-20 WC? Yep, it's still going on.

Despite the US U-20's abrupt absence...the show goes on.

Today brought the first semifinal:

Czech Republic 2, Austria 0

Tomas Micola and Martin Fenin scored their goals in the first twenty minutes making the last 70 minutes a desperate effort for the Austrians. Okotie and Edwin "Jimmy" Hoffer were effectively neutralized by the stingy Czech defense. The Czechs head to the final against either Argentina or Chile.

Why'd they lose? Would it have been any different if we played a "tough" opponent in Spain? Argentina? or Mexico? An unfortunate event in disguise when we beat Brazil and won the group?

All Star Game vs. Celtic tomorrow on ESPN2 at 9:00pm. Who's watching?

'Because I Think...' Readers Had It Right...and Wrong.

What US U-20 team member would have the best World Cup?

"Because I Think..." Readers thought...

Freddy Adu 24% (18 votes)
Jozy Altidore 19% (14 votes)
Michael Bradley 12% (9 votes)
Danny Szetela 11% (8 votes)
Chris Seitz 9% (7 votes)

I'd say next the top two are spot on. The overlooking of Sal Zizzo and Anthony Wallace's contribution was glaring, however. Both received only 8% of the vote total. Could be because you had to type them in with an 'other' vote.

How far do you think the US U-20s will advance in the World Cup?

Win the Whole Thing 41% (15 votes)
Lose in the Semifinals 35% (13 votes)
Runners Up 14% (5 votes)
Lose in the Quarterfinals 8% (3 votes)
Lose in Group Stage 3% (1 vote)

Clearly, the 76% at the top should have been correct in assuming that - especially after the unforgettable win over Brazil, but it was not to be. Only 8% picked the boys to lose in the quarters (and most would have probably expected them to bow out to a Spain, Brazil, or Argentina), but that minority was right. At least this tiny vote shows our faith in the American youth ranks.

A Saturday of Disappointment: Austria stuns the USA,

Austria 2, United States 1

Many - after we got by Uruguay 2-1 in a rather ugly fashion - were relieved to see Austria the next team in our way. The truth is, though, Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer and Mr. Okotie decided to spoil our show. Actually - the loss of this game was for the most part to ourselves. The first 20 minutes showed a reinvigorated American team with fluid passing all centering around Michael Bradley and moving outside to Zizzo or Rogers, back inside to Adu, with one more subsequent touch and then an opportunity. After the goal from Jozy in the 15th minute, he disappeared and right there, the lack of a striker (and let's be honest he is not one to come back for the ball) for the following 70 minutes was crucial. We were a man down from 20 minutes in. We also didn't start putting passes together again until there was about 5 minutes to go in regulation. Overall, a frustrating game even more so because our two most effective players were getting punished for it - Bradley would have had to miss the next game due to yellow card accumulation and Anthony Wallace was the red card casualty. Nathan Sturgis was not there to play today and our wingbacks were wingbacks. No attack. No nothing.

I know I jumped around - but that's what it felt like. Still a decent tournament for a group of kids that deserved a lot more than that. Well the day saw TWO significant upsets and a big day for Central/Eastern Europe as Czech Republic upset Spain (1-1 in regulation, 4-3 on PKs) as well. Ugh - don't even want to watch the final now.

What were the pluses and minuses for you?

Match Report from ESPN SOCCERNET

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SATURDAY (July 14, 2007)

D.C. United 3, FC Dallas 3
RFK Stadium

A shootout that saw D.C. go up 3-0 early on 2 Emilio goals, but the Hoops fought back thanks to a brace from Juan Carlos Toja - everybody's new favorite MLS player. Even more impressive for the Hoops that they came back playing at RFK Stadium.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

DCU: Emilio 2 (10), Fred
FCD: Ruiz (3), Toja 2 (6)

New England 1, Red Bull New York 0
Giants Stadium

The complete opposite of the DCU-FCD clash. Andy Dorman broke the deadlock with a wicked shot 20 yards out, while Angel responded late in the game - not with a goal but instead - his first ejection in a Red Bull uniform. It was due to an apparently "intentional" elbow to Shalrie Joseph's during a mid-air tussle.

NER: Dorman (7)
RBNY: NONE

my Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Kansas City 1, Real Salt Lake 0
Arrowhead Stadium

The Wizards extend Real Salt Lake's demise while stopping the beginning of their own, all thanks to Eddie Johnson who immediately finds his touch once he returns from international duty.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

KCW: E. Johnson (10)
RSL: NONE

Chivas USA 2, Columbus 1
Home Depot Center

Ante Razov rediscovered his scoring touch as the Goats picked apart the Crew. A somewhat on point Schelloto couldn't even help the unraveling (despite adding his 7th assist).

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer (coming Sunday morning)

CHV: Razov (5), Own Goal (Gaven),
CMB: Miglioranzi (2)

Copa America Consolation Match

Mexico 3, Uruguay 1

The Tricolores closed out a formidable showing in Venezuela with Blanco, Bravo, and young'un (new Deportivo recruit) Andres Guardado all getting on the board. Good stuff Mexico - at least it makes the Americans look better (in that, we beat those guys in Gold Cup that have now done really well in Copa America whereas our team stunk and went home after three games). Even more impressive, Uruguay struck first through Abreu and Mexico responded with three unanswered goals.

Match Report from CopaAmerica.com

MEX: Blanco (pen 26), Bravo (68), Guardado (76)
URU: Abreu (22)

Open Cup Upsets and a Crisis Averted!

First off, congrats to the US U-20s for fighting back against a Uruguayan team who has now been added to our shit list. They dove like losers, they started shit after the game like losers, and all in all they were terrible at being losers. Please check Soccer by Ives' blog to see his running commentary and get good information. An own goal and Michael Bradley's 106th minute goal made the difference, propelling the ballsy American squad into the quarterfinals against Austria this Saturday (Austria were 2-1 winners over Gambia).

What in the hell is going on with all these Open Cup upsets!? Yet another MLS team has fallen today. Three overall. Another was pushed to PKs. D.C. fell tonight, 1-0, to the Harrisburg City Islanders (see Team America Spotlight of the Week). Houston and Los Angeles fell Tuesday night and the funny thing is, 2 of the 3 teams are performing exceptionally well in league play (damn, they were the Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup winners of 2006!) Yes, the USOC has very little sway, but it is still an American competition and there is still financial incentive involved. Anyone see the game? Got answers?

Argentina dispatched of Mexico somewhat easily with a sound 3-0 win. This sets us up for Argentina's 'A' Team vs. Brazil's 'B' Team in the Copa America 2007 final.

A Landmark Win: Further Views on Ottawa and the Game

Everything from the drive, to the expensive as hell gas, to the weird Canadian weather was ok'ed when that first goal was scored by Altidore. Unable to put it all into one piece, here is a list of views/opinions of the USA/Brazil match.

- Freddy Adu has proven many doubters wrong while also putting us in our place of thinking a teenager was ready to bear the burden of an MLS team, let alone a country. His confidence, poise, and ability to make something out of nothing was beyond unbelievable.

- Sal Zizzo, rather quiet in the first half, showed us a lot again and for all those thinking that without Johann Smith on that wing we would lose significant speed, you were wrong. Clearly Smith is faster, but Zizzo had a knack for pushing the ball behind the Brazilian defenders and using his acceleration and pace to get around them. Fantastic showing from the UCLA midfielder.

- Jozy Altidore fought with some pretty physical defenders but, all in all, it was like watch Dikembe Mutombo (in his prime) post-up. Chris Seitz would get the ball and fire a long dropkick down field where Altidore would trap, hold the ball up, and shift outside to Zizzo, Adu, or Rogers. At times, this failed but when it worked it was extremely productive.

- Walking to the game reminded me of a European game, everyone walking down the same street, fans screaming, chiding, chanting. Our group got to enjoy this peoplewatching because we decided to camp out (like good alcoholics should) in the parking lot of "the Beer Store" next to some Trinidadians who proceeded to try and persuade me that the US had paid officials off in the game against them that put the United States into the 1990 World Cup in Italy (ie "shot heard 'round the world", Paul Caligiuri's nasty 30 yard drive). I laughed, told them I liked Kenwyne Jones and Densill Theobald - they were happy I knew someone on the team, clinked my glass, and muttered a "go U-S-A".

- Chris Seitz was phenomenal. Several saves on Jo, Alexandre Pato, Leandro Lima, and Renato Augusto were athletic and worthy of European attention or at least a starting job at RSL. And yes, unlike the aging Mr. Keller, Seitz had NO problem coming off his line. Maryland and UCLA were easily the MVP universities of this first round.

- Jo was Brazil's Jozy Altidore. The CSKA Moscow striker was taller and a bit lankier but his power on the ball and technical skill was beyond scary, especially when he would camp out right outside the penalty box. Alexandre Pato, however, was kept silent and that was pretty exciting to see. His first and seemingly only chance came early in the first half. After that, the Chelsea target was outplayed by his American counterpart Freddy Adu.

- The undersized Tony Beltran scared me for about the first 10 minutes. He scared me a bit in the Chile friendly as well, but after those 10 minutes - I realized this kid has the speed to get back, positioning to not get beat often, and real nice support from the centrebacks. His attacking presence was pissing the Brazilians off as, taking a page out of the South American book, Beltran attacked early on the wing and often.

- Sarkodie was great, except for some positioning issues the Indiana product was sharp and tough on the ball breaking up several dangerous chances and starting counter attacks to boot. His presence on the field was due to a Valentine injury and his name in the starting line-up interested me but from the get-go, he did what he was supposed to do.

- Despite Michael Bradley's errant header that led to an eventual Brazilian goal, his play was senior-level. He defended extremely well, but his best asset was the way he organized the counter attacks. Although we didn't see any Rico Clark shots or Benny Feilhaber creativity, Bradley was all-in-all the pulse of the team.

I will have more views and opinions as they come along and at some point I will get to the other games/preview of the knockout round. If I can get online, I will also try and preview some of the MLS weekend but I can't promise that as it IS supposed to be vacation.

I Have Never Felt More Outnumbered: Freddy comes through and Jozy too

United States 2, Brazil 1

There were some amazing performances that I will delve into tomorrow. The overall atmosphere of Frank Clair Stadium was electric and this was easily the most exciting match I have been to since the Mexico-Germany game in the 1998 World Cup. Altidore, Adu and Michael Bradley were simply fantastic and the defense played admirably all game. Robbie Rogers' first half was brilliant but what was even better was that when he quieted down in the second half, Sal Zizzo (who had a slow first half) really picked it up.

Mr. Zizzo, it was nice meeting you. To the Argentinian fans in front of us, control your kid. To the American fans, outnumbered but still vocal, we salute you and thank you for making that game as amazing as it was.

I repeat, USA 2, Brazil 1. I will talk more tomorrow...but seeing as it is 2am here, I am gone.

Greetings from Ottawa, Welcome Osorio, and Houston Avenge the Loss to RBNY

First off, greetings from Ottawa as me, the girlfriend, and my cousin Brandon are getting prepared for the USA vs. Brazil U-20 match-up tomorrow at 7:45pm est (on top of the Argentina/People's Republic of Korea match before). For right now, we will forget about the 1-0 loss to Colombia and the rather poor showing in Venezuela to concentrate on the U-20 USMNT who have compiled a 1-0-1 record.

The drive up was harmless and it seemed like we were making good time. Instead, we made Google-map time and that annoyed me. Either way, the city is ready and cough...actually aware that this game is taking place tomorrow at Frank Clair Stadium in Lansdowne. If I can get to internet, I will post tomorrow - otherwise, expect a "travel log" of sorts coming this Monday (when I return to NJ). In the meantime, I hope you all had a wonderful 4th and if you didn't see the 4-0 Houston drubbing of RBNY, the highlights don't even take care of it. What has happened?

Houston 4, New York 0
Robertson Stadium

Joseph Ngwenya scored twice to propel the Dynamo forward and continue good form (somehow this guy keeps scoring, a Twellman-sense when it comes to positioning in front of the goal). Ching welcomed himself back with a put back in the 32nd minute. His goal was one of four in the first half which put the Bulls away early (2nd year Stuart Holden struck yet another MLS goal of the week candidate). The Red Bulls have quickly turned into a team with the worst form in the MLS - this parity is killing me.

Match Report from MLSnet.com

United States U-20s 6 - Poland U-20s 1 (Goals Included)

Here is the link to the USA's page on Fifa.com, click on the play button in the top right corner and enjoy. If you missed the game or if you just want to see the goalfest again, take a look and play it again and again.

At least three of the goals were in fact, golazos. Freddy Adu was magnificent and with 20 minutes to go his cockiness was somewhat apparent. When you're up 6-1 it's hard not to. Danny Szetela's spokesperson probably missed the game due to the calls flooding his phone. Both of Adu's first two goals were proctored by Sal Zizzo who silently had the most effective game by an American player yet in Canada. There was no answer in Poland's set-up for the UCLA man. Even better, going down a goal early on showed the composure and intestinal fortitude of this youth squad, something which some say the senior squad lacks. Either way, we can't forget that these guys did look lackadaisical and altogether inadequate against South Korea. The big test will be July 6th against Brazil.

Scoring Summary
4' Dawid Jancyk
10' Danny Szetela
19' Freddy Adu
45' Freddy Adu
52' Danny Szetela
70' Josmer Altidore
84' Freddy Adu

US U-20s underimpress against South Korea; Poland beats Brazil!

Montreal, Canada

United States 1, South Korea 1

The US U-20s started strong in Montreal but finished feebly. The Koreans outshot and outplayed the Nats for long stretches of the match and those that needed to perform, did so somewhat inadequately. Freddy Adu had several strong pushes, but never anything consistent or leading to production. Chris Seitz was the brightest spot of the U-20s who got a boost from Poland's result against tournament favorites Brazil. Should be an interesting next couple match-ups.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Poland 1, Brazil 0

Wow. Poland shot 50%. 2 shots, 1 goal and a win over heavy favorites Brazil. Alexandre Pato had several shots but nothing too threatening or definitive. Oh wait...Poland also had 10 men for a good amount of the game as Krzyzstof Krol was sent off in the 27th minute after accumulating two cautions.

Fifa.com's Match Report

Other Scores and Standings:

U-20 WC

Chile 3, Canada 0
Japan 3, Scotland 1
Jordan 1, Zambia 1
Spain 2, Uruguay 2
Nigeria 1, Costa Rica 0

Group A

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Chile	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
	Congo	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Austria	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Canada	1	0	0	1	0	3	0

Group B

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Spain	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
	Uruguay	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
	Jordan	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	Zambia	1	0	1	0	1	1	1

Group C

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Portugal	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	New Zealand	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Gambia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Mexico	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Group D

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Poland	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
	Korea Republic	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	USA	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	Brazil	1	0	0	1	0	1	0

Group E

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Argentina	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Czech Republic	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Korea DPR	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Panama	1	0	1	0	0	0	1

Group F

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Japan	1	1	0	0	3	1	3
	Nigeria	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
	Costa Rica	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
	Scotland	1	0	0	1	1	3	0

Copa America 2007

Brazil 3, Chile 0 (Robinho scores a hattrick)
Mexico 2, Ecuador 1 (Nery Castillo keeps it going)

standings:
FIRST STAGE

Group A	P	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Venezuela	4	2	1	1	0	4	2	2
Peru	3	2	1	0	1	3	2	1
Uruguay	3	2	1	0	1	1	3	-2
Bolivia	1	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1

Group B	Pts	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Mexico	6	2	2	0	0	2	0	2
Brazil	3	2	1	0	1	3	2	1
Chile	3	2	1	0	1	3	4	-1
Ecuador	0	2	0	0	2	3	5	-2

Group C	Pts	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Paraguay	3	1	1	0	0	5	0	5
Argentina	3	1	1	0	0	4	1	3
United States	0	1	0	0	1	1	4	-3
Colombia	0	1	0	0	1	0	5	-5

The USA take on Paraguay tomorrow, July 2nd at 6:35pm on GolTV.

MLS

Sunday, July 1st

Colorado 0, Chicago 0

A bore draw for the most part with very little brewing except for Bakary Soumare's ejection for a shove on Colin Clark in the last ten minutes of the deadlock. Erpen had a somewhat safe first appearance with the Rapids and both teams are just happy to grab a point.

MLSNet.com Match Report

Toronto FC 1, Kansas City 1

KC secured a point at home against the Reds coming away as the only top three Eastern Conference squad to get a point this weekend. A couple sitters weren't finished but Toronto will be happy to grab the point on a header by Danny Dichio. Todd Dunivant had a decent game for his new squad. The Reds worked the last 15 minutes without Andrew Boyens who was ejected after accumulating 2 yellow cards.

KCW: Harrington (3)
TFC: Dichio (5)

Freddy Adu is ready to lead USMNT U-20s to Canada

MLS recaps will be on there way tonight, but in the meantime - if you didn't catch it - the US U-20's beat a solid Chilean squad 2-1 at Giants Stadium yesterday afternoon. It was part of a doubleheader with the USA WNT vs Brazil (a dominating 2-0 win for them). A healthy crowd appeared and Freddy Adu, Robbie Rogers, and Jozy Altidore didn't disappoint as all three put in fantastic matches. For Chile, the man to watch was Alexis Sanchez as he had the crowd reeling throughout the whole match.

Here is my full game report for Top Drawer Soccer


Other tidbits:

How about the Crew hanging on/dominating Los Angeles 3-2 at HDC?

Esky and Findley lit up DC United for a 2-1 scrapper.

Juan Carlos Toja shut out Colorado at home, which I predicted somewhat blindly. It was just a feeling Allen...I had absolutely no reason to do so, your logic was definitely spot on

Also this week I will highlight some kids to watch out for in the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Canada - if you want some information on anyone in particular, let me know (BonnWM3@hotmail.com).

The David Suazo transfer to AC Milan officially fell through. They are looking to peck a top-class striker from someone else in the coming month. It all fell through when both Inter and AC Milan reported that they, in fact, were the ones to capture Suazo. There is no confirmation yet, but it seems the Honduran target man will sign for Inter once all the intricacies are worked out (i.e. Italian officials get their heads on straight).


Chelsea is closing rapidly in on Alexandre Pato, the 17 year old Internacional striker will try and make his case at the U-20 World Cup as not only Chelsea are interested in heisting him. Alexander the Duck in England? Could be fun...

USA's Under-20 Hopefuls and Request for the Speed Golfer

So we all saw that Dominic "Birdman" Oduro crushed Real Salt Lake's hopes for their first MLS win of the season. It was Oduro's 2nd of the season. What I want to know and please someone help me...

Who was that dude speed-driving in the small clip of Thursday night's half-time that ESPN aired? 98 golf balls in one minute. That is amazing and it blew me away...couldn't find him on YouTube, but then again, what the hell would I search for?


GOALKEEPERS (3): Brian Perk (UCLA), Steve Sandbo (SMU), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (6): Tony Beltran (UCLA), Amaechi Igwe (New England Revolution), Ofori Sarkodie (Indiana University), Nathan Sturgis (Columbus Crew), Julian Valentin (Wake Forest), Tim Ward (Columbus Crew)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (Real Salt Lake), Bryan Arguez (D.C. United), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Dax McCarty (F.C. Dallas), Danny Szetela (Columbus Crew), Anthony Wallace (F.C. Dallas)

FORWARDS (6): Andre Akpan (Harvard), Josmer Altidore (N.Y. Red Bulls), Gabriel Ferrari (Sampdoria), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Johann Smith (Bolton F.C.), Sal Zizzo (UCLA)

Three UCLA boys and an Ivy Leaguer join established young'uns Altidore, Adu, and Smith in probably the best U-20 squad the United States has ever assembled. Thomas Rongen has plenty of weapons to lead the charge but his greatest asset is the depth at each position. Altidore and Smith are complemented well by Ferrari, Zizzo, and Rogers, while in the midfield Arguez and Wallace can stand-in (although not MLS tested yet) for the probable four of Bradley, Adu, McCarty, and Szetela. Overall, this will be a fun one and for all the UCLA boys - if performances are up to standard, the pros will come a-knockin' whether across the pond or domestically.

I will be in Ottawa on July 6th for the USA vs. Brazil match-up and my hope is to give an in-depth report on it. I won't have press access (unless someone wants to get me it), but I will have clearance for their upcoming friendly vs. Chile on July 23rd. I will try and gauge their thoughts and expectations then. On the way should also be an in-depth preview of the competition.