Soccer FanHouse

US Loses Final Match of 2009

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:00 EST

AARHUS, Denmark (AP) - The United States wasted an early goal by Jeff Cunningham and lost a World Cup warmup 3-1 to Denmark on Wednesday night, the final match of 2009 for the Americans.

Substitutes Johan Absalonsen, Soren Rieks and Martin Bernburg beat
goalkeeper Brad Guzan during the first 10 minutes of the second half as the
Danes took advantage of a porous U.S. defense.

Cunningham, Major League Soccer's scoring leader this year, scored in the 26th minute after a poor clearance by Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen. It was the first international goal in 12 appearances for Cunningham, who before last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Slovakia hadn't played for the U.S. since 2005.

The United States finished the year with 13 wins, eight losses and three ties, qualifying for its sixth straight World Cup and losing in the finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The next time most of the U.S. squad will be together is March 3, when the Americans are likely to play an exhibition game at the Netherlands.

The U.S. was missing Landon Donovan, who remained in the United States to play in this weekend's MLS Cup for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and several other regulars.

Denmark was without Jon Dahl Tomasson, Dennis Rommedahl, Daniel Agger, Soren Larsen and Nicklas Bendtner.

U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber of Aarhus, playing in his home stadium, had a seventh-minute shot that was deflected by a diving Sorensen. Cunningham put the United States ahead with a left-footed shot from about 26 yards.

Absalonsen, Soren Rieks and Martin Bernburg entered at the start of the second half, and all played key roles in Denmark's comeback.

Simon Kjaer looped a pass over Jonathan Spector in the 47th minute, and Absalonsen tied the score. Five minutes later, Absalonsen sent a low ball to Rieks, who pushed it past Guzan. Bernburg added the third goal in the 55th
minute after the ball went between defenders Jonathan Bornstein and Carlos Bocanegra.

US Loses Final Match of 2009 originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Different-Look US Preps for Slovakia Test

Michael Cardillo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: International Soccer, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

To call 2009 a busy year for the U.S. national team would be an understatement. Even labeling it a marathon wouldn't be quite right. An ultra-marathon might make more sense.

Bob Bradley's team has participated in two tournaments -- the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup -- along with the final round of CONCACAF 2010 World Cup qualification. All told the U.S. has already played 22 matches -- going 13-6-3 -- on two different continents.

The grueling year winds down with a trip to a third continent -- Europe -- when the U.S. places fellow 2010 World Cup qualifier Slovakia in Bratislava. (10 a.m., Fox Soccer)

Saturday's match might be more significant from a U.S. perspective for which players aren't on the field, than who are. All-time leading goal-scorer Landon Donovan will be Stateside following Friday night's Los Angeles Galaxy/Houston Dynamo MLS semifinal, which also ties up Stuart Holden and Brian Ching. By the same token Mexican League players Jose Francisco Torres and Edgar Castillo weren't available for the match.

More concerning for the U.S. are the long-term injuries to forward Charlie Davies and defender Oguchi Onyewu, as both players status for June 2010 in South Africa remain very murky. Also absent will be defender Jay DeMerit, who is recovering from eye surgery.

To top it over, No. 1 keeper Tim Howard was left back in England with Everton, as Bradley looks to give Brad Guzan, Troy Perkins and Marcus Hahnemann looks.

Since the game is a friendly, expect Bradley to make the most of his substitution options.

The two areas to look at are at forward and central defense.

At forward, two players called back from the international wilderness -- Eddie Johnson and Jeff Cunningham -- figure to get extended looks to see if they can fill the void due to the injury to Davies. Both are interesting cases, with Johnson back in the Fulham squad -- although not playing regularly -- looking to regain the momentum from 2005/06 when many U.S. fans figured he'd become the "next big thing" for the team. Cunningham, meanwhile, has toiled away in MLS and was the league's leading goal-scorer this season with 17 at the age of 33. Cunningham can be easily dismissed by many fans, but he does have a nose for goal -- something the U.S. could certainly use.

With the depth at forward thin for the U.S., both players should get ample looks between Saturday and next June to see if they're worthy of inclusion in the final 23-man roster.

At defense it figures to be a very makeshift lineup. Captain Carlos Bocanegra should start in the center, with guys like MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall, Clarence Goodson and Jimmy Conrad getting some time to see if they're ready to step in should Onyewu knee injury prevent him from reaching match fitness by the time of the World Cup.

Even with all the changes, the U.S. still has usual starters Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore in the mix, so the game isn't a total throwaway.

If anything, Saturday's match, coupled with Wednesday's match in Denmark gives Bob Bradley a final chance to look at some players and build on the U.S.'s depth. At the same time he'll likely keep his fingers crossed that nobody called into the squad is felled by injury, which would make 2009 -- an otherwise fine year by the U.S. -- end on a sour note.

Different-Look US Preps for Slovakia Test originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charlie Davies Leaves D.C. Hospital

Brian Straus — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: U.S. Men's National Team

One month after a late-night car accident that killed a young woman and shattered his World Cup dreams, U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies was released from a Washington D.C. hospital Tuesday. The 23-year-old said he's committed to returning to the field, although his doctor said the forward has a long road ahead.

"I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has dealt with me in the [Washington] Hospital Center and [National Rehabilitation Hospital] for really putting in the time to help me get better as a person and as an athlete," Davies said in a statement. "I continue to improve every day and I look forward to getting back on my feet and attacking rehabilitation. Thank you for everyone's support, it really means a lot to me."

Davies was hurt early in the morning of Oct. 13, the day before the national team's final World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at D.C.'s RFK Stadium. He was not driving, but was out well after curfew. One of the two women in the car was killed, and the other, rumored to be the driver, suffered injuries thought to be less severe than Davies. The player suffered multiple fractures to his leg, elbow and face, in addition to a lacerated bladder.

Davies' doctor, James DeBritz, said, "Charlie faces a long recovery from his orthopaedic injuries. It will take time and extensive physical therapy for his bones and soft tissue to heal. However, his overall health, age and positive attitude should help him to have a good outcome."

The investigation into the accident reportedly is continuing.

The national team will play friendlies at Slovakia on Saturday and at Denmark on Nov. 18.

Charlie Davies Leaves D.C. Hospital originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edgar Castillo Gets First U.S. Call-Up

Michael Cardillo — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

The official U.S. roster hasn't been released yet for the U.S. National Team's upcoming European friendlies against World Cup qualifiers Slovakia and Denmark, but Goal.com is reporting that Edgar Castillo will be selected for the squad by coach Bob Bradley.

Castillo, who has played his entire career in Mexico, originally declared his intentions to play for El Tri despite the fact he was born in New Mexico. A new tweak in the FIFA rules allowed Castillo to switch allegiances since he never appeared for Mexico in an "official match."

The addition of Castillo, 23, is a bit of a boon for the U.S., or at the very least a dose of good news. In the last month the team has lost starters Charlie Davies, Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit to varying injuries.

Castillo, a defender, also gives Bradley another option at the left back position other than the oft-criticized Jonathan Bornstein. In fact, bringing into Castillo for the friendly matches is borderline critical because the only other viable U.S. options at the positions aren't in play. Captain Carlos Bocanegra will be forced into the center of the defense by necessity after a brief flirtation by playing him outside left. Another option -- Heath Pearce -- might not be on the roster since he's seen sporadic playing time since being let go by German club Hansa Rostock before eventually landing at FC Dallas, which didn't make the MLS playoffs.

Many U.S. fans would love to jump to the conclusion that Castillo is the panacea the U.S. has been searching for at the position for years. Of course, in the soccer world, the prospect of the unknown tends to trump the reality of the situation quite often. Until seeing how he fits in the U.S. set-up it's impossible to gauge Castillo's actual potential and worth to the team heading into the World Cup.

The bigger question from Castillo's switch from Mexico to the U.S. is if other American-born players with Mexican or other national roots opt to play for the Stars and Stripes, following the leads of Castillo and Jose Francisco Torres.

As of now, the status of the U.S.'s other international, for lack of a better term, switcher -- Jermaine Jones -- remains unclear as the Schalke 04 midfielder remains on the sidelines until at least December due to a second surgery on his injured ankle. Despite his best intentions, there won't be too many opportunities for Jones to integrate himself into the U.S. team before next June.

For now, Castillo's inclusion for the Nov. 14 match in Slovakia and Dec. 18 match in Denmark add a nice wrinkle into a pair of games -- that unlike the marathon slate played by the U.S. in 2009 -- don't have a whole lot riding on them.

Edgar Castillo Gets First U.S. Call-Up originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jozy Altidore Late for Match, Left Out of Squad for Hull City

Michael Cardillo — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: English Premier League, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Sort of a weird situation that developed Saturday with U.S. teenage striker Jozy Altidore at his Premier League club team Hull City. Altidore wasn't in the lineup, nor was he even on the bench for the Tigers 0-0 draw with last-place Portsmouth.

Apparently Altidore was late to the KC Stadium and posted an apology on his Twitter page. What's weird, is on his actual page, the apology is no longer posted and the most recent tweet is encouraging Hull fans to make a lot of noise at the game.

All things considered, it's hard to read all that much into the situation. Altidore wouldn't be the first player in the history of professional soccer to be late for a match. It was a little distressing that the 19-year-old, who is fighting for a place in the starting XI, would risk being late and nullify any chance of seeing the field.

However this situation is resolved, Hull manager Phil Brown likely has less faith in Altidore than he previously had. You could say Brown was already a little worried about Altidore considering he brought in former Celtic striker Jan Venegoor of Hesselink near the end of the August transfer window to play up top.

Even with Saturday's draw, Hull City is still in the relegation zone, which probably hurts Altidore's chances to play even more. It's unlikely a club is going to pin its survival hopes on an unproven 19-year-old American. It also makes Altidore's fine debut a couple months ago, when he set up a goal on his first-ever Premier League touch seem like happened a long, long time ago.

Hopefully Altidore learns his lesson from today, whatever actually happened, and it only galvanizes his fight for a spot in the team.

Either way, it's another piece of crummy news for U.S. fans this week to go along with the longer-than-expected time on the shelf for defender Oguchi Onyewu after knee surgery and the ongoing worry over Charlie Davies, who remains hospitalized following his horrific car accident earlier this month.

Jozy Altidore Late for Match, Left Out of Squad for Hull City originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Midfielder Maurice Edu Claims Racial Abuse After Loss

Michael Cardillo — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: European Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

A rough couple of months for American midfielder Maurice Edu might have hit a new low on Tuesday night. While going to his car after Rangers' stunning 4-1 home loss to Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni in Champions League group play, Edu said via his Twitter page that he was racially abused by his own home fans.

Edu posted this late Tuesday:

"Not sure what hurt more: result last nite or being racially abused by couple of r own fans as I'm getting in my car...smh...off to rehab."

Sadly, this isn't the first claim of this type of nature from an American playing in Europe, as last spring Oguchi Onyewu filed a lawsuit against another player in the Belgian League whom he claimed had slurred him during a match.

For Edu, this situation is truly insult to injury. The promising midfielder and 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year has been sidelined since June after knee surgery, forcing him to miss both the Scottish Cup final and the Confederations Cup.

Tuesday night's loss by Rangers put them in last place in Champions League Group G with only one point after three matches. However upset fans might be, taking it out on a player for his ethnicity, especially a player that didn't even feature in the match, is absolutely unjustifiable.

The club itself has come down hard on the allegations made by Edu, labeling the fans in question as "moronic" and would work toward identifying the alleged abusers and taking appropriate measures thereafter.

American Midfielder Maurice Edu Claims Racial Abuse After Loss originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Landon Donovan Wins Honda Player of The Year Award Again

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:48:00 EST

Filed under: US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Landon Donovan was named the best player on
the U.S. team for a record-breaking sixth time on Tuesday.

Donovan, 27, was instrumental in the Americans' successful qualifying campaign for the World Cup and its trek to the Confederations Cup final.

"I think this year was, aside from 2002 (when the U.S. reached the World Cup quarterfinals), as long as I've been part of the national team, the best year the national team's had," said Donovan, who won the Honda Award for the third successive year after winning three in a row in 2002-04. "Maybe including 2002. So to be part of it, to be recognized for that, is very cool."

Donovan received 424 points in balloting by 221 media members, finishing ahead of two England-based teammates, goalkeeper Tim Howard (267 points), who plays for Everton, and 19-year-old forward Jozy Altidore (178), who is with Hull City on loan from Villarreal.

Donovan is also a Major League Soccer most valuable player candidate after captaining the Los Angeles Galaxy to its first playoff berth since it won the MLS Cup in 2005. He has been the pivotal force behind the Galaxy's resurrection after the acquisition of David Beckham failed to bring the club success in 2007 and 2008.

Donovan has gone through several difficult periods this year. He spent three months on loan to Bayern Munich and was not offered a full contract. His marriage, to actress Bianca Kajlich, dissolved.

And he was a major figure in "The Beckham Experiment," a book chronicling and critical of Beckham's first two seasons with the Galaxy. Donovan criticized Beckham's leadership and effort in the book, and he apologized to the English star for airing his thoughts in public.

Since Beckham returned to the Galaxy from a loan deal to AC Milan, he and Donovan have developed a strong partnership.

"A lot of that fell on David," Donovan said. "David had a choice to let that bother him or to let it help us as a team. And he was a man about it. He accepted my apology, and he's been fantastic in every way. You guys see it on the field, but off the field he's been just as good. Interacting, inviting guys to do things, keeping the team tight."

Beckham has all but completed a deal to return to Milan on loan in January, and Donovan also is interested in playing in Europe after three stints in Germany, the first two with Bayer Leverkusen.

Italy's Livorno targeted Donovan in July, and Richard Motzkin, Donovan's agent, said "there's no shortage of interest from clubs over in Europe."

Landon Donovan Wins Honda Player of The Year Award Again originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers Rising: US Midfielder Dishes on Bradley, Davies, Cup Chances

Brian Straus — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: MLS, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, FanHouse Exclusive

The U.S. national team's stirring comeback against Costa Rica last week will be remembered for Bornstein's header, Davies' tragedy, Bradley's hustle and Onyewu's injury. But it also should be remembered for the contribution of Columbus Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers, whose entry in the 69th minute changed the match.

Playing in his first World Cup qualifier, the nimble winger added an obvious spark to a team trailing by two goals. He hit the cross that led to Michael Bradley's 72nd-minute goal, came close twice to tying the game himself, then delivered the corner kick that Bornstein finished in stoppage time. A key member of this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup squad and a regular camp participant, Rogers certainly made his case for South Africa when presented with the opportunity.

This weekend, Rogers sat down with FanHouse and offered some interesting insight into a young player's path to the national team, his famous mentor, the Davies accident and the curfew culture that likely played a role.

FANHOUSE: What was it like to be part of those furious final minutes against Costa Rica? What were the emotions?

ROGERS: Something that I definitely won't forget. Definitely. I was just trying to make some sort of impact. When I got on there, I had a lot of energy. I felt like the Costa Ricans were a little tired. I was getting the ball in some dangerous spots. I was happy to bring some energy to the team and it worked out. I was happy to get that goal there at the very end. It was a special night. We won the group and kind of paid tribute to Charlie. I got to wear his number. In the big picture Charlie's okay. I got to see him. There's more to life than just soccer. I'm just happy he's alive. He's recovering and he's doing really well.

FANHOUSE: The team's reaction at the whistle was telling. The result obviously meant a lot to you guys. This was no meaningless game, was it?

ROGERS: After the Honduras game we talked about it and we said, 'Look, we want to get a top seed. We want to do well in the World Cup.' To do that we need to win our group -- it gives us the best possibility of getting a top eight seed. That was part of the motivation.

Also, there's a bunch of winners on that team. No one likes to lose, not in training, not in a game of cards, not anything. You can really tell. I think a lot of teams maybe after going two down would have really just dropped their heads and kind of just forfeit the game, but all the guys fought back until the very end, until the 94th minute I think we scored, and it just kind of showed the character and what the team is all about. It's been like that the whole qualifying cycle. I was just happy to be a part of it. Even though I played in one qualifying game, I was on five rosters. But I was really happy to get a chance to play and change the game when I came in. It was exciting.

FANHOUSE: You've been in camps, as you said, and played a key role on the Gold Cup team. What sort of opportunities are there for less experienced players to break into the national team? Does Bradley give you a fair shot?

ROGERS: Bob watches us in training. You have to work hard in training. You have to be playing well with your club. He gave a chance to me in the Gold Cup...He gives young guys chances. If you're playing well and working hard, he's not afraid to put you on the field. If you earn it, he'll definitely put you on the field. There's no politics involved, nothing like that. He was fair to me. He gave me that chance and hopefully I'll get more chances. If not I'll keep working and doing the same things.

FANHOUSE: You went to Europe [Dutch club Heerenveen, where Michael Bradley started] in 2006 but it didn't work out. Did you see the Crew as a step down? Do you think it's added or detracted from your career?

ROGERS: To tell you the truth, I didn't really know what to expect. When I first got there, I didn't know if I was going to be traded or if they wanted to keep me. I knew they had a lot of guys in my position. But I had a long history with Sigi [Schmid, then Columbus coach], so I knew he might want to keep hold of me. I knew him out in California and his son played on my club team, so we've known each other for a long time. Sigi really helped me find my game and helped me grow up, especially last year, and helped me develop into a midfielder that hopefully can play more with the national team.

Bobby's [current coach Robert Warzycha] helped me a lot as well. These guys also, Guille [Barros Schelotto], and some of the other guys like Frankie [Hejduk] and all these guys really help me out on the field. I was really lucky to be put with this group and I think you need a little luck in your career if you really want to make it farther and be a good professional.

FANHOUSE: David Beckham's opinion that he must play in Europe to prepare for the World Cup raises the question though, can MLS put you where you feel you need to be to take the next step with the national team?

ROGERS: I think this is a good stepping stone for me. Columbus Crew, like I said, I was lucky to be put with this kind of organization, with this group of guys. They've really helped me. I don't know if I can say the same thing for every club because I've only played here. But I can definitely say this club has helped me.

I still want to go back to Europe and try to further my career and play for a bigger club. I think at one point in my career I'm going to have to do that if I really want to step into the national team and be a solid contributor. But you can still look at guys like Landon, Stuey [Holden] has been starting the past few games, Jonathan Bornstein, who scored the game winner, is also in MLS. There's definitely a place for those guys. Just, I think there are more guys playing in Europe that are on the national team and those are the guys who are playing for their clubs.

FANHOUSE: But the key factor is that they play.

ROGERS: They play, exactly. That's the most important thing, that you're playing in games. If you just go to a club in Europe and sit on the bench or sit in the stands, I mean, there's no point.

FANHOUSE: So you think you have a realistic shot at playing in South Africa next summer?

ROGERS: That's definitely one of my goals. I definitely think I have a shot. I'm confident I can get on that roster. Of course I need a little luck and be playing really well, but I think there's a chance. To go to a World Cup, just the possibility to be on the roster, you know, is pretty ridiculous. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I know that maybe it can happen. But I won't get my head down if it doesn't happen either.

FANHOUSE: You spent time with Juergen Klinsmann while growing up in California. What impact did that have on your development?

ROGERS: In Huntington Beach I played some PDL and some men's league with him. He played under a fake name. He didn't want media and other people coming out. He just would teach me little things on the field, talk to me off the field, talk to my family about what he thought maybe would be a good way for me to develop as a young player, as a young professional. Just gave me different ideas about soccer.

I remember him always telling me that the only time that you're really going to be playing well is when you're happy. I went to Holland and I wasn't happy and I wasn't playing the way I want to be playing. That for sure, happened. Just when I watched him play. He was always moving and always running. He was never stagnant, always playing quickly. I definitely learned from him just playing beach soccer and pick-up games. He was definitely someone I watched when I didn't know him, and then when I got to know him he was a great person as well, a great role model. He really helped me.

FANHOUSE: And he was the guy that everyone thought should take over the national team after Bruce Arena resigned in 2006.

ROGERS: Juergen I think was pretty close to taking the job, then he went over to Germany [Bayern Munich] and everything. Bob's done a great job. A lot of people aren't giving him as much credit as they should.

FANHOUSE: Why is Bradley the right coach for this team?

ROGERS: There's a lot of things. I think he's great at giving young players a chance. I think he's good at building a team that's strong on and off the field, that has a winning mentality. He knows it's important to have structure off the field as well as on the field. He's good tactically. He's a strong individual in that he doesn't really care what people think, and he's a good person as well. I think there's just so many things that contribute to his success and the success of his teams. He's really helped me this past year and I'm looking forward to every camp I go to and even look forward to just training. I think he's a good coach.

FANHOUSE: And the criticism? Is any of it valid?

ROGERS: I don't really look at that kind of stuff, but when you see like titles, you're like, "Oh, this is nonsense."

FANHOUSE: Bradley talks so much about the responsibility, commitment and sense of community he wants from those of you on the national team. The Davies accident must have hit him pretty hard. While Davies certainly didn't deserve what happened, he was out at 3 AM.

ROGERS: It sucks because we already qualified, so I'm sure a lot of guys kinda wanted to celebrate qualifying. We did have curfew, I think 12 o'clock. It's not uncommon for guys to sometimes miss curfew a little bit after you've already qualified or you're celebrating a win or whatever. I know Bob feels bad about it. Everyone feels bad about it. It just shows you how fragile life is. You look at that kind of stuff and you read about that kind of stuff on the internet or you hear it on TV or whatever, and you never really think it's going to be someone you know.

FANHOUSE: Has it changed you?

ROGERS: Yeah, for sure. When I talk to my friends now and they say, "Oh, we're going to go out," I'm like, "All right, well make sure you're careful."

[Davies] is a great guy, a great person, a great friend and a great player, so I feel really bad for him. But, he'll be back. He's got great character. He'll work hard to get back to where he was and he'll have another World Cup to fight for....He's a great kid and everyone really needs to kind of learn from it.

Rogers Rising: US Midfielder Dishes on Bradley, Davies, Cup Chances originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Stuns Costa Rica, Delights Honduras

Brian Straus — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

WASHINGTON -- Playing a man down following Oguchi Onyewu's knee injury, the U.S. national team continued to press as it faced its first World Cup qualifying defeat on home soil in eight years. With seconds remaining in the 95th and final minute, defender Jonathan Bornstein raced unmarked onto Robbie Rogers' corner kick and powered home a sharp header that set off celebrations in both Washington D.C., and Honduras, while sending Costa Rica into sudden mourning.

The Ticos, up 2-0 at half and apparently on their way to the South Africa, surrendered their lead in the second half and settled for a 2-2 draw in Wednesday night's match at RFK Stadium. The result consigned them to a two-game playoff against Uruguay and lifted the Hondurans, who won in El Salvador, to the finals for the first time in 28 years.

More Coverage: Argentina Survives, Advances to 2010 World Cup

The game, the 18th in a year-and-a-half qualification odyssey, was played in the shadow of Tuesday morning's one-car collision that severely injured U.S. striker Charlie Davies. Many of the 26,243 fans in attendance held up Davies' number 9 during a ninth-minute tribute. At the same time, Conor Casey missed a wide-open chance that would set the tone for an infuriating first hour for the Americans.

Powered by the incisive attacking of Landon Donovan and Stuart Holden and some outstanding work up top by Jozy Altidore, the U.S. had little trouble creating chances throughout the first half. But Casey, who scored twice in Saturday's clincher in San Pedro Sula, botched an open look from 18 yards following a nice setup from Altidore, and Holden headed wide seven minutes later.

By the time Donovan hit his close-range shot over the crossbar in the 37th, the U.S. was trailing 2-0. Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz, who plays for Dutch club FC Twente, gave the hosts a lesson in finishing during a stunning four-minute span. In the 21st, he blew by Onyewu on the left and hammered a shot through Tim Howard's legs. In the 24th, he took a quick pass that beat Carlos Bocanegra and unleashed a vicious, rising shot from just outside the penalty area that beat Howard to the upper left corner.

Tico goalkeeper Keilor Navas was exceptionally strong in front of goal, punching out crosses at will. Donovan had an open look in the 44th but hit it meekly, and Altidore had all day to place his shot in the 45th but hit it straight at the goalkeeper.

Trailing but not desperate, the U.S. could take solace in the fact that it had been in this situation before. The team seems to muster its best effort only when facing adversity. In the 10 games in the hexagonal, the Americans yielded the first goal six times, yet they came back to secure 11 of their 20 total points in those games.

"It's a plus that we can compete and keep pushing when we're behind, and it's a minus that of late we've had too many situations where we have gone down," Bradley said.

With the forwards unable to finish, the defenders took charge. Midfielder Michael Bradley halved the U.S. deficit in the 72nd minute, jumping on a rebound following yet another nice save from Navas. But in the 83rd, disaster struck. Onyewu went down while backpedaling in the Costa Rican penalty area, and waived to the bench immediately. Bob Bradley said after the game that the defender had torn the patella tendon in his left knee, an injury he said could mean 3-4 months on the sidelines. Robbie Rogers, Jose Francisco Torres and Kenny Cooper had entered the game, leaving the U.S. without an available sub. But the team would not settle for the loss, and when Rogers stepped up to take his corner in the fifth and final minute of added time, Bornstein made the decision to push forward.

"We were pushing extremely hard that whole second half," the defender said. "I don't usually go up for corner kicks. Usually I stay in the back. But for that one, I was like, 'I'm getting in there.' "

When the ball went in, the Costa Ricans immediately slumped, sensing the gravity of the goal, while the U.S. celebrated as it it had only just qualified for the World Cup. Fireworks soon were set off atop RFK, and the players gathered on the field as Bocanegra took a microphone and thanked the fans. Bornstein said finishing ahead of Mexico and winning the six-team CONCACAF group carried "huge significance" to the players.

"The whole team wanted to go out and put in a good effort today. For Charlie, for his family, for everyone that was involved in this situation," Bornstein said. "To get the tie and go on to the World Cup as first in the group, I think it shows a lot about our team and what we're all about."

US Stuns Costa Rica, Delights Honduras originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charlie Davies' World Cup in Jeopardy

Brian Straus — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies will be hospitalized "for at least a week" following surgery to repair numerous fractures and a lacerated bladder suffered in a one-car accident early Tuesday morning in Arlington, Va.

A federation doctor said that "injuries of this nature usually require a recovery period of 6-12 months and extensive rehabilitation," making it likely that the 23-year-old will miss next summer's World Cup.

A 22-year-old Maryland woman was killed in the crash, which occurred at around 3:15 AM. The identity and condition of the third passenger still hasn't been released, and the relationship between the pair and Davies is unclear. The NBC affiliate in Washington posted pictures of the mangled SUV on its Web site, while The Washington Post's Steven Goff reported that Davies was indeed in violation of a national team curfew.

U.S. Soccer said that Davies suffered fractures to the femur and tibia in his right leg, his left elbow and his face, in addition to the injured bladder. Doctors inserted titanium rods in both leg bones "with no complications," according to the federation. He will need additional surgeries on his elbow and possibly his face. Dr. Dan Kalbac, who issued the 6-12 months prognosis, said that thanks to Davies' fitness level, "his ability to resume high-level competition is substantially improved."

The U.S. will face Costa Rica in its qualifying finale Wednesday night at RFK Stadium. U.S. coach Bob Bradley will not bring in a replacement for Davies for the game, but appears to face the prospect of planning for the World Cup without one of American soccer's rising stars.

Charlie Davies' World Cup in Jeopardy originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Clinches World Cup Berth

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:41:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, U.S. Men's National Team

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (AP) -- The U.S. soccer team is headed to South Africa for a chance to redeem itself in the World Cup.

Conor Casey scored his first two international goals in the second half, Landon Donovan added another and the United States clinched its sixth straight World Cup berth with a game to spare by rallying past Honduras 3-2 Saturday night."We did a good job tonight," Donovan said. "We're going to South Africa."

In one of the most thrilling end-to-end matches the U.S. has played in many years, the Americans took a 3-1 lead before Honduras closed on Julio Cesar De Leon's second goal of the game.

Carlos Pavon had a chance to tie following a hand ball in the penalty area by Jonathan Spector. But Pavon put his penalty kick over the crossbar in the 87th minute, then fired high on an open header from in front in the 89th.

Coming off a first-round elimination at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the United States (6-2-1) is first in North and Central America and the Caribbean with 19 points and assured of one of three automatic berths that to go to the top finishers in the region.

"We're very proud," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "We understand the responsibility we have every time we step on the field for our fans, for our country."

Mexico (6-3) also clinched Saturday and has 18 points following a 4-1 victory over visiting El Salvador. Costa Rica (5-4) moved into third with 15 points after winning at home against Trinidad and Tobago.

Honduras (4-4-1), seeking its second World Cup appearance and first since 1982, has 13 points and dropped into fourth. If the Catrachos are still in that spot after the final match at El Salvador on Wednesday, they would meet the No. 5 nation from South America in a playoff.

The nation has been in turmoil since a June military coup, but the crowd was united behind its team.

"This isn't an easy place to play," Donovan said. "No one else has won here in qualifying and we just did."

De Leon put Honduras ahead in the 47th minute when he curved a free kick over a five-man defensive wall and to the right of leaping U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard from one yard outside the penalty area after a foul by Oguchi Onyewu.

That set off sustained boisterous cheering and jumping that made Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano shake, but the sellout crowd of about 40,000 was silenced when Casey tied it in the 55th.

Onyewu sent a long pass downfield, and Charlie Davies nodded it across the area to Casey, who outjumped a defender and outmuscled goalkeeper Noel Valladares for his first goal in 15 international appearances.

David Suazo nearly put Honduras ahead in the 65th, one minute after entering, but Howard made a leaping fingertip save. Casey then gave the U.S. the lead a minute later when he split two defenders, took a pass from Donovan and scored from 16 yards.

Donovan, who set an American record with his 10th assist of the year, extended his U.S. scoring record on a 21-yard free kick in the 71st minute. It was if the air had been sucked out of the stadium.

Maurcio Sabillion nearly tied it in the 82nd, putting a bicycle kick over the crossbar and causing Howard to scream at his defenders.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

US Clinches World Cup Berth originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. on Brink of World Cup Berth

Michael Cardillo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, International, Soccer Posts, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

This much is simple for the U.S. national team's Saturday night 2010 World Cup qualifier at Honduras. If the U.S. leaves San Pedro Sula with three points, then it automatically qualifies for next June's World Cup in South Africa. Anything else? Well it's so confusing that the U.S. Soccer site has established a scenario generator to run through all the possible outcomes.

It's also known that a) the U.S. is stepping into a tricky road environment in a country in the midst of a political crisis, b) the U.S. won't have midfielder Clint Dempsey and c) the game will not be seen in America except for select closed circuit establishments.

So what should U.S. fans fortunate to find a way to watch the match expect?

For one, the U.S. is facing a very strong Honduras team, which is looking to book its place in the World Cup for the first time since 1982. Los Catrachos can qualify Saturday night with a win and a Costa Rica loss to Trinidad and Tobago and feature Premier League players Wilson Palacios, Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa, along with Inter Milan's David Sauzo.

This will be the fourth meeting in 2009 between the two nations, with the U.S. winning all three including a 2-1 qualifier at Solider Field in Chicago in early June.

The crowd, too, bears watching. Due to the ongoing civil hostilities, will the home crowd look to the game as a 90 minute respite? Or will they expect the team to dazzle them from the opening whistle and run the Americans off the field? If this doesn't happen, could the home crowd get antsy?

"The main thing that we have talked a little bit about and are very aware of is the fact that this game means everything to Honduras and to its people and that the atmosphere in the stadium will be loud, passionate and exciting," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said during Thursday's media conference call. "We have seen that in other places, so we draw the parallels and draw up on those experiences. I think that will work well for us."

As for Bradley's U.S. team? Aside from the loss to Dempsey to injury, it figures to be business as usual (at least on the field) with Landon Donovan the key man once again. Bradley hinted on Thursday that either Stuart Holden or Benny Feilhaber will be the candidate to replace Dempsey in the starting XI.

Bradley wasn't too concerned with defender Oguchi Onyewu's lack of playing time at AC Milan, so the U.S. lineup should look very familiar, with the biggest questions beside replacing Dempsey being who starts at right and left back between the quartet of Jonathon Spector, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathon Bornstein and Frankie Hejduk.

It's likely the young tandem of Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore will start at forward, though Brian Ching could be in the mix if the U.S. plays a more conservative lineup.

Factoring into all the lineup decisions is a worrisome issue that Altidore, Carlos Bocanegra, Conor Casey, Cherundolo, Donovan, Feilhaber and Hejduk would all miss the Costa Rica match should they receive a yellow card on Saturday.

"The yellow card situation is a challenging one. I think that we have to find balance in this, in some cases, that includes players that play the same position who maybe are both carrying yellow cards, making some decisions in those ways," Bradley said.

The U.S. has been adequate on the road during qualifying, posting a 4-3-1 mark. Yet only one of those wins has come during the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, last month at Trinidad & Tobago.

By contrast, Honduras is 8-0-0 at home in qualifying. However they are 0-3-0 vs. the U.S. in 2009 and 10-2-3 overall, including a 2-1-1 in Honduras, so something will have to give on Saturday.

"We know each other very well. There's a great deal of respect, and if you look at their group of players, there's talent. Guys have done well, particularly in England. As everybody knows, I know Amado [Guevara] very well, who won't be playing in this match, he's out with cards," Bradley said. "As far as knowing the personnel, knowing the style of play, we have respect for the way they play and their talent. We think they're well coached. And now, when we go into this game we understand how much they're playing for and how much it means to their fans."

Should the U.S. falter, it still has next Wednesday's match against Costa Rica to get a result and avoid the dreaded playoff with the fifth-place South American team.

"Ideally we can finish up things Saturday but, again, there are factors in all of this that are sometimes out of our control. It's been a very tight final round because of some of the other results. But the opportunity to go there and play to win and come away with three points is a great challenge, one that we are embracing," Bradley said. "I think the players are ready for it and we're going to go for it with everything we have knowing that obviously we still have the home game to follow."

U.S. on Brink of World Cup Berth originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alexi Lalas Eager to Bring 'Soccer People Together' at Film Festival

Michael Cardillo — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Soccer Posts, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Ever since he burst onto the worldwide scene at the 1994 World Cup thanks in part to his unmistakable fiery red goatee and flowing locks, Alexi Lalas has been one of the Apostles of spreading the world on U.S. soccer.

In the 15 years since the U.S. announced its ambition on the world stage, Lalas has witnessed the gradual steps as soccer awareness in America has slowly crept from the fringes, edging closer to the mainstream.

So when his brother Greg decided to host a soccer-themed film festival -- Kicking & Screening -- earlier this year in New York, he jumped at the chance to help. And when Greg Lalas decided to host another event next week in Washington, well, Alexi Lalas was going to be there to both help his brother and help spread the gospel of soccer.

Alexi Lalas will be part of the second Kicking & Screening festival, participating in a soccer-themed poetry reading (his mother Anne Woodworth is a poet) on Oct. 16 at the Busboys & Poets before the screening of "Sons of Saknin United."

"It's something that's fun to be involved with and is near and dear to my heart," Alexi Lalas said. "At the end of the day it brings soccer people together.

"There is this whole, I don't want to call it a soccer underground anymore, but there's been a whole literary culture with at least a thread of soccer in it."

Lalas, the 1995 U.S. Player of the Year, will be pulling double-duty in the nation's capital next week, both helping his brother promote Kicking & Screening, as well as working for ESPN as a analyst as the U.S. national team wraps its 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Costa Rica at RFK Stadium on Oct. 14.

For all U.S. supporters heading to the match, including both Lalas brothers, are hopeful it'll be a celebration with the U.S. already wrapping up an automatic berth. For that to happen, the U.S. needs to either win at Honduras Saturday night or get a result and hope Costa Rica stumbles against Trinidad & Tobago.

Alexi Lalas -- a veteran of numerous qualifying battles in Central America -- figures the U.S. will have its hands full with a tough Honduras team, which can put itself on the precipice of booking a place in South Africa next June with a result against the U.S. (Honduras would automatically qualify with a win and Costa Rica loss.)

"(Honduras) is like a lot of places in Central America where it's a crazy environment from when you touch down at the airport to the time you leave," he said. "They'll have their hands full with the environment and a Honduras team that's playing with incredible confidence who can see the light at the end of the tunnel in their grasp and who believes they're a better than the U.S. team."

Throw in a shaky political situation -- Honduras is in the midst of a political coup -- and Bob Bradley's team should have its hands full.

"When we started this process not a lot of people were talking about Honduras being where they are," Lalas said. "The U.S. has to play a smart game."

On that note, Lalas thinks the U.S. would be okay leaving Honduras with a draw, but doesn't necessarily think the team's mindset should be playing for a tie from the opening whistle.

"Any time you go down to places like (San Pedro Sula) the first 20 minutes are important to weathering the storm," he said. "At the same time, the U.S. has made a transition from instead of absorbing pressure, they want to establish some offensive rhythm. The days of the U.S. sitting back and absorbing pressure in Central America are long gone."

Unfortunately for Lalas, and most U.S. fans, the game will not be broadcast in America, instead the Honduran Federation sold the rights to a Brazilian media company which tried to sell the match to ESPN and Fox. Both companies balked and as a result it will only be seen on select closed circuit locations across the country.

"This is an unfortunate byproduct of the success of American soccer and ESPN," Lalas said. "The rights aren't held by the U.S., therefore people have to bid. As much as we love soccer, there's only so much people are willing to do. ESPN will not be involved with the broadcast, but it's not like we'll ignore the game is going on. If the U.S. happens to qualify, ESPN will be on top of it."

Lalas also offered some takes on a couple other issues surrounding the U.S. national team.

He isn't too concerned with the lack of playing time for Oguchi Onyewu since he transferred to AC Milan over the summer. As a former central defender, who also played in Serie A, he thinks Onyewu will be ready for both qualifiers.

"From a national team perspective, you want him playing games," he said. "He's also the type of player there his game is pretty straightforward and doesn't change a lot. Playing in Italy you'll get the nuances that would make him better. I still think we'll get a good performance from Oguchi."

Lalas also gave his opinion on one of the enigmas of U.S. soccer -- Clint Dempsey -- who is out for the Honduras game with a shoulder injury.

"The situation with Clint is he hasn't played, as far as I'm concerned, consistently well, but you get that one moment of brilliance and at the highest level that sometimes what you need," Lalas said. "Sometimes we've seen 89 minutes of subpar, uninterested soccer then score a goal. What happens when it's at the highest level in a World cup and instead of 89 minutes it becomes 90 and you don't get that moment and you've wasted it?"

Lalas thinks part of the inconsistency of Dempsey's play in the U.S. shirt is his tendency to drift from his stated right midfield role and into the center of the field. He's also like to see whoever lines up at right midfield to play as a complement to Landon Donovan on the left.

"You can't argue with Clint's ability," Lalas said. "He seems like a different player at Fulham, but that's sort of comparing apples to oranges. Nobody can have a free role any more. If we're not playing with a right side, that's a weakness. If Clint continues to drift, the U.S. will have to find a way to exploit it in a positive sense and hope and pray whoever is at right back is a man among boys."

Lalas likes what he's seen from a possible candidate to replace Dempsey in the starting lineup vs. Honduras -- Stuart Holden -- but doesn't want to put too much pressure or responsibility on a young player.

"The tendency is to push him along faster than he needs to be pushed," Lalas said. "With the World Cup coming everyone wants him to be ready. There's no doubt he's got quality, but I'd hate to have him pushed into a situation he can't handle when we can recognize in eight months from now he might not be the guy, but four years and eight months from now we'll have a hell of a player."

Assuming the U.S. banks the necessary points against Honduras and Costa Rica to ensure an automatic place in South Africa, Lalas says that Dec. 4 is a day all U.S. fans should circle since its the date of the FIFA draw for the 2010 World Cup. That, Lalas thinks, more than anything could determine the fate of the U.S.

"It'll answer some questions, but it brings up very many more," he said. "Right now, for the U.S., I just think that we still struggle to get over the hump of being the underdog to not necessarily the favorite, but on equal footing. It's a hard transition for a team like the U.S. that has played so long as so well as the underdog. I'd like to see them matched up with teams where they're the underdog."

In the end, Lalas is hopeful that the week of Oct. 12 serves as both a celebration for U.S. soccer on the film and soccer cinema in the States around the DC area.

"If it comes down to having to beat or tie Costa Rica at RFK, I like our chances," Lalas said. "If all hell breaks loose and we somehow finish fourth, it doesn't mean we're out, but nobody wants to get to that point."

For more information on Kicking & Screening, please visit it's website.

Alexi Lalas Eager to Bring 'Soccer People Together' at Film Festival originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clint Dempsey Ruled Out vs. Honduras

Michael Cardillo — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International, Soccer Posts, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

For fans of the U.S. national team clamoring for midfielder Clint Dempsey to move from the right side of midfield to the right side of the bench, well, they've gotten their wish, though the circumstances aren't exactly ideal.

Dempsey has been ruled out for Saturday's 2010 World Cup qualifier at Honduras due to a shoulder sprain. Dempsey picked up the injury in the closing minutes of Fulham's 2-2 draw Sunday vs. West Ham United. His status for next Wednesday's final qualifier vs. Costa Rica in Washington is still unknown.

Dempsey's injury most likely means that Stuart Holden will get the nod at starting right midfielder. Holden shined during July's CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring goals and setting them up.

Though the injury forced coach Bob Bradley's hand, many U.S. fans had questioned the constant inclusion of Dempsey in the starting XI due to his sometimes listless and disinterested performances. Yet while Dempsey has a tendency to drift through matches, he does have the ability to rise to the occasion and score important goals including the first-half equalizer in the U.S's 2-1 win over El Salvador last month.

However it shakes out, the match vs. Honduras -- which the U.S. would punch its ticket to South Africa with a win -- will show the U.S. and U.S. fans what life without 90 minutes of Dempsey looks like. There's the chance the U.S. could soar, but the fans also might need to be careful what they wish for.

Clint Dempsey Ruled Out vs. Honduras originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Bradley Names US Squad for Final 2010 Qualifiers

Michael Cardillo — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Whichever side of the fence you fall on in the matter of Bob Bradley coaching the U.S. men's national team, there's one thing both his supporters and detractors can agree upon -- the man is consistent.

Thursday Bradley selected his 22-man roster for the upcoming CONCACAF 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Costa Rica. There is little, if any, surprise in the players Bradley recalled for the crucial games, which will determine if the U.S. qualifies for South Africa automatically.

The only real issue that Bradley faced when deciding on the roster was in the defense. Central defender Jay DeMerit picked up an injury to his eye while playing for his club, Watford, as was unavailable. Usual U.S. stalwart Oguchi Onyewu finally featured for AC Milan during its midweek shock defeat to FC Zurich in the Champions League, coming in as a 61st minute substitute, but he still could be rusty come Oct. 10 in Honduras.

With those issues in mind, Bradley brought in some cover in the forms of Jimmy Conrad and Clarence Goodson.

Somewhat surprisingly, New Mexico-born Edgar Castillo -- who's recent switch from Mexico to the U.S. was approved by FIFA -- wasn't included. It's hard to imagine Bradley would have given Castillo his first start in a such a difficult environment like Honduras, yet he could have included him in the squad to get him acclimated going forward. That means the much-maligned Jonathan Bornstein is probably the starting left back since recent FC Dallas signing Heath Pearce was also left out of the mix.

There's nothing remarkable about the U.S. midfield, other than the fact Robbie Rogers was included while Kyle Beckerman stays home.

At forward, Kenny Cooper gets recalled after a nice start since transferring to 1860 Munich from FC Dallas. Unless the U.S. clinches in Honduras, it's hard to see him getting any playing time, but at least he provides another option should the first-choice pairing of Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore fizzle.

The U.S. wraps up an automatic berth in the World Cup with a win or if Costa Rica loses to Trinidad & Tobago. The U.S. can move to South Africa with a draw at Honduras, should Costa Rica also draw.

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew, José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (1860 Munich), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Bob Bradley Names US Squad for Final 2010 Qualifiers originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans on Pine a Cause for Concern

Michael Cardillo — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, International, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Aside from the fact that they're both a) human beings, b) American international soccer players of African descent and c) from the greater Washington, D.C. area, there aren't too many similarities between Freddy Adu and Oguchi Onyewu, saying nothing of the pair's nearly one-foot height and seven-year age discrepancy.

Adu, as we all recall, entered MLS in 2004 with fanfare worthy of a Michael Bay special effects blockbuster and was supposed to set the league afire with his amazing skill and footwork -- all at 14 years of age. Since his arrival the pint-sized midfielder has played for two MLS clubs, made a much ballyhooed transfer to Portuguese giants Benfica and now at 20 years old finds himself loaned out for the second time in three years.

Meanwhile the same year Adu attempted to burst onto the MLS scene, Onyewu quietly moved from French club Metz to Belgian power Standard Liege, where he blossomed into a hulking central defender with a pair of Jupiler League crowns under his belt. Most American fans probably didn't even know of the alliterative defender's existence until his famous stare-down of Mexican forward Jared Borgetti in the U.S.'s 2-0 win over El Tri in Columbus, Ohio, which booked a place in the 2006 World Cup.

While Onyewu -- who transferred to AC Milan in July -- has been a regular in the U.S. back four since his 2005 breakout, Adu has struggled to make an impact on either the club or country level, but his potential still teases many U.S. fans.

However, a little less than two weeks before the final pair of CONCACAF 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Onyewu and Adu find themselves in similar situations -- stuck on the bench for their club teams. For Adu this is nothing new, as he spent long spell of inactivity at Benfica before being loaned to AS Monaco where he again struggled to crack the starting XI. Currently loaned out to Belenenses in Portugal, Adu has yet to feature since moving there at the end of the summer transfer window in August.

Adu, though, doesn't seemed worried Tweeting on Sept. 19, "Not in the 18 against academica BUT dont worry spoke with the coach and all is good.Wants to take it slow for first couple games.StepBYstep."

Granted, Adu was an extreme long shot to be called into the U.S. fold by coach Bob Bradley, who has made it a point that American internationals need to be playing at their club team in order to feature for the Yanks. This issue reached a boiling point for sections of U.S. supporters who called for the inclusion of Jozy Altidore even though the New Jersey teenager languished on the bench at Villareal before being loaned to Xerez where he also didn't play.

The lack of club playing time didn't seem bother Altidore all that much during the U.S.'s run at June's Confederations Cup, including a famous goal against Spain in the American's 2-0 semifinal win. (The playing time certainly helped Altidore, as he was loaned to Hull City before the start of the Premier League season, where he's now getting steady playing time.)

Yet Bradley's "play-to-play" policy (for lack of a better term) should be put to the test next month when it comes to Onyewu, who has yet to play in a competitive match for Italian giants. In fact, Onyewu now sits fourth on the Milan central defensive depth chart and rarely even makes the final matchday roster. On a personal level for Onyewu, this isn't all that hard to believe, since it takes time to adjust to a new league and language. Long term, too, it could prove a beneficial move for Onyewu, but it will take time to work his way into the starting lineup past Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva and Kakha Kaladze.

Unless suspended or injured, though, Onyewu has been one of Bradley's first names written down on the U.S. team sheet.Will the 6-foot-4 Washington native's lack of playing time be taken into a account when the U.S. heads to Tegucigalpa to play Honduras in a critical match on Oct. 10? Can Bradley risk starting a center back, who may train everyday against the likes of Alexandre Pato and Andrea Pirlo, but isn't being tested in game situations.

And by the same token what to make of the coach's son Michael, who's recently found himself in the doghouse at Borussia Mönchengladbach? (Michael Bradley did play on Tuesday in Gladbach's 1-0 loss to Duisberg in the German Cup, though it was his first appearance since being subbed out at halftime in a 3-0 loss to Werder Bremen on Aug. 23.)

The Onyewu situation would seem the easier to address, since the U.S. could either play Marshall next to Jay DeMerit or slide captain Carlos Bocanegra to the center of the defense. As for the Michael Bradley? If we don't factor in the father-son dynamic, there isn't exactly a ready-made replacement in the center of the field, which could force the elder to shift his tactical lineup with perhaps a pass-first player like Jose Francisco Torres getting the nod.

Onyewu's lack of playing time at Milan also underlines another lingering doubt inside the minds of some U.S. fans, namely the lack of Americans competing in either the UEFA Champions League or to a lesser extent the Europa League. A long held belief by some, is that is the U.S. is truly going to take the next step in international progress, it needs players competing at Europe's top clubs and by extension the Champions League. (In the first Group Stage matchday of the 2009-10 competition, the only American was DaMarcus Beasley, who sat the bench for Rangers.)

For the immediate future, Bob Bradley faces a tough decision, which opens himself up for second guessing. Does he stick with the U.S. regulars (Onyewu, Bradley) even though they're spending time on the bench and could be rusty? Or does he gamble on players who are more in form (Chad Marshall, Benny Feilhaber) though less experienced in the U.S. team fold?

Should the U.S. get the necessary points next month to qualify for South Africa this issue of "play-to-play" could take on added significance as the calendar ticks closer to June 2010, especially if the U.S.'s best player -- Landon Donovan -- decides to act on the rumors and take one final dip in European waters.

Americans on Pine a Cause for Concern originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For US, First Is Deceiving

Brian Straus — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

A very good friend, a big sports fan who appreciates soccer but doesn't really follow it closely, sent me an e-mail on Thursday morning, hours after the U.S. national team had escaped Trinidad and Tobago with a 1-0 win, saying, "Looked like it was an ugly one but we'll take 3, right? Am I right that the U.S. will coast through and qualify now?"

"Coast?" What would have given him that idea? And then I looked at some of the press reports that circulated following the game. "U.S. moves to verge of 6th straight World Cup berth," said the AP, while CNN's headline was, "United States and Mexico march on to 2010." ESPN mentioned the "vital steps" taken toward qualification, while most other outlets referenced the mere two standings points needed from the final two games to secure a summer in South Africa.

So, we're all set then. It's a mere formality, right?

It's telling that most of the commentary that followed Wednesday's very ugly (and lucky) win are reluctant to discuss how deceiving the Americans' position atop the CONCACAF standings really is. Yes, they're in first place at 5-2-1 and yes, they need just two points from their games at Honduras (Oct. 10) and home to Costa Rica (Oct. 14) to qualify. The U.S. could qualify even after losing both games.

But the truth is that advancement is far from a foregone conclusion. A look at the schedule suggests that the fate of Bob Bradley and Co. very likely will come down to that Oct. 14 game at RFK Stadium -- a winner-take-all match against the Ticos. Combine the tension of a 90-minute battle for a World Cup berth, a quality opponent, CONCACAF refereeing and the very nature of a sport in which one card or crossbar can determine the winner and loser, and you have a pretty uncomfortable scenario.

Just ask the Scots or the Saudis, who saw their South African dreams end this week with one late mistake on home soil.

There are two things to consider -- the schedule and the national team's form. The latter has not been convincing. Falling behind to El Salvador at home demonstrated the side's continuing knack for making critical early errors. The U.S. showed resiliency in coming back to win, but followed that with a disjointed, uninspiring performance in Trinidad that was salvaged only by an unlikely long-range blast from Ricardo Clark. The U.S. won't go far if it's depending on low-scoring defensive midfielders for its offense.

"I know people like to look at teams on paper and say, 'This should be an easy win.' These games are not easy anywhere in the world," Landon Donovan said in Trinidad. "There are a lot of teams that struggle to get through these games. We played well. We didn't play perfect, but we got the result we needed."

He's right, to an extent. Most countries find that qualifying resembles a minefield rather than a cruise. But it was hard not to notice the dropoff in performance compared to the end of the Confederations Cup, and the next two opponents will not be nearly as forgiving as El Salvador and Trinidad.

Which is where the schedule comes in. On Oct. 10, the U.S. heads to Honduras (4-3-1), Mexico (5-3-0) hosts El Salvador (2-4-2) and Costa Rica (4-4-0) entertains Trinidad (1-5-2). With the Salvadorans needing a miracle to stay alive and the Soca Warriors already eliminated, it's nearly impossible to imagine Mexico and Costa Rica failing to take all three points from those matches. In the hexagonal, home teams have compiled a scary 18-3-3 record. Trinidad accounts for two of those defeats, and the third was Mexico's stunning destruction of Costa Rica on Sept. 5.

Honduras is 8-0-0 at home and has outscored its guests 22-3. Based on the Americans' current form, would you bet on them in San Pedro Sula?

Victories by the home sides on Oct. 10 would leave the standings looking like this:

Mexico 18 pts.
Honduras 16 pts. (ahead on goal differential)
USA 16 pts.
Costa Rica 15 pts.

On Oct. 14, Mexico heads to Trinidad and Honduras visits El Salvador. That latter game may be a bit tricky for the Hondurans, even though El Salvador will have been eliminated at that point. But because Honduras will be ahead of the US on goal difference, (it already is up by one and will increase that with a victory on Oct. 10), the Americans will need at least a point against Costa Rica to ensure passage. So we're back to that tense scenario - hoping to avoid a disaster at RFK Stadium in the final game against an equally-desperate opponent.

The odds are still with the U.S. But it is far from a "coast."

For US, First Is Deceiving originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Survives vs. Trinidad and Tobago

Michael Cardillo — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, Soccer Posts, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

It's a good thing that style points don't count for very much in international soccer. Wednesday night, in a must-win 2010 World Cup CONCACAF qualifier, the U.S. squeezed by Trinidad and Tobago in Port-of-Spain by the narrowest of 1-0 margins.

Ricardo Clark's bending blast from just outside the penalty area was the only moment of inspiration or brilliance for the U.S. on the night -- but it proved to be enough to secure the precious three points. The win temporarily pushes the U.S. to the top of the CONCACAF Hexagonal with 16 points, pending the result of Mexico/Honduras later Wednesday night.

After a listless first half, where Trinidad ended up with more shots on target -- including one off the crossbar, U.S. coach Bob Bradley appeared ready to make some changes, namely taking off Clark and bringing on Stuart Holden. On what could have been his final touch of the night, Clark struck gold after collecting a nice pass from the left side from Landon Donovan and ripping a wicked bending shot past Clayton Ince. Donovan, yet again, was the one shining light on the field for the U.S.

The U.S. made Clark's goal hold up for the final half hour as Trinidad never really pressed keeper Tim Howard. In fact, the closest the U.S. came to surrendering the equalizer came in the third minute of stoppage time when Jonathan Bornstein deflected a ball back at Howard, which he went down low to smother.

All-and-all, it wasn't exactly an awe-inspiring performance by the U.S., especially when coupled with a underwhelming 2-1 struggle over El Salvador at home last week.

The only thing Bradley might want to do with the game tape is burn it, as the U.S. struggled for large stretches to simply string more than one pass together. The only bright spot, aside from the three points, was the slew of U.S. players that brought yellow cards into the match avoided the referee's book and won't be suspended for accumulation.

That said, the U.S. did do what they had to do and won their first road match in this stage of qualification -- again, style points don't qualify you for the World Cup. Barring a total collapse in the final two matches -- Oct. 10 at Honduras; Oct. 14 vs. Costa Rica -- the U.S. should reserve its plane tickets to South Africa next June. The U.S. will likely avoid the prospect of a two-match playoff with the fifth-place South American team.

And speaking of the fifth place South American team, as forgettable as the U.S. performance was Wednesday night, at least it wasn't Argentina losing 1-0 at Paraguay (which qualified with the win) to fall into that dreaded fifth-place spot. (Diego Maradona, the Turk wants to see you.)

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Argentina's Javier Zanetti, center, fights for the ball with Paraguay's Jonathan Santana, left, and Paraguay's Cristian Riveros during a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Asuncion, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Cesar Olmedo)

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Argentina's Gabriel Heinze, top, fights for the ball with Paraguay's Enrique Vera during a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Asuncion, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Cesar Olmedo)

A young Brazilian supporter waits for the start of their FIFA World Cup South Africa-2010 qualifier football match against Chile at Pituacu stadium, in Salvador, northern Brazil, on September 9, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA (Photo credit should read MAURICIO LIMA/AFP/Getty Images)

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Argentina's Juan Veron walks off the field after being sent off by referee Fagundes Salvio, of Brazil, during their World Cup qualifying soccer match in Asuncion, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Cesar Olmedo)

A small boy supporter of Brazil waits for the beginning of the South American qualifying football match against Chile for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, at Pituacu stadium in Salvador, northern Brazil on September 9, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA (Photo credit should read MAURICIO LIMA/AFP/Getty Images)

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Uruguay's Luis Suarez, front, celebrates with teammate Edinson Cavani after scoring during a 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer game against Colombia in Montevideo, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

D.C. United goalkeeper Josh Wicks pulls down the ball over Kansas City Wizards midfielder Jack Jewsbury during first half action at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (Chuck Myers/MCT)

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Argentina's substitutes sit at the bench during a World Cup qualifying soccer match against Paraguay in Asuncion, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Cesar Olmedo)

Kansas City Wizards Matt Besler and Jimmy Conrad, right, attempt to head the ball on goal during a corner kick against D.C. United in the first half at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (Chuck Myers/MCT)

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Kansas City Wizards midfielder Herculez Gomez (21) and D.C. United midfielder Rodney Wallace (22) battle for the ball deep in the United zone during first half action at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (Chuck Myers/MCT)

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US Survives vs. Trinidad and Tobago originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Needs Another Big Win in Trinidad

Brian Straus — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

Twenty years ago, the U.S. national team took its first legitimate step onto the global stage thanks to a perfect half-volley from Paul Caligiuri that vaulted the Americans to a 1-0 win at Trinidad & Tobago and their first World Cup since 1950.

Wednesday night, the U.S. returns to Port of Spain as a recognized global contender, but the stakes are just as high. Perhaps more than any other country, the growth, legitimacy and visibility of the sport in the United States depends on World Cup qualification. With just one point separating the top four teams in CONCACAF and the Americans' road difficulties making a playoff with a South American side an unappetizing prospect, a win in Trinidad is critical to ensuring a place in South Africa next summer.

More: England, Spain Punch Ticket to South Africa

Three games remain for each team in the Hexagonal, and while Trinidad (1-4-2) and El Salvador (1-4-2) have not been mathematically eliminated, their hopes have all but been extinguished. That leaves the U.S. (4-2-1), Honduras (4-2-1), Mexico (4-3-0) and Costa Rica (4-3-0) to slug it out for the three automatic berths.

Two months ago, people were pondering a World Cup without the Mexicans. Now, especially after their stunning 3-0 win at Estadio Saprissa over the weekend, they must be considered the favorites to finish atop the six-team group. El Tri has been re-invigorated since the arrival of Javier Aguirre and has the best young attacking talent in the region. They also are the only one of the top four teams that will play two of their final three games at home, and as everyone knows, the Azteca advantage is significant.

The U.S. will finish at Honduras on Oct. 10 and vs. Costa Rica four days later at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Those games are far from sure things. The Hondurans have won all eight of their home qualifiers in the current cycle and have outscored their guests by a combined 22-3. The Costa Ricans could be playing for their World Cup lives and dismantled the U.S. in their previous meeting. There will be no room for error, and no excuses, if the Americans fail to secure all three points in Trinidad (ESPN Classic, 7PM ET).

"We understand how important every game is here at the end. The way results have gone thus far, there haven't been many ties and teams have won at home, so teams are bunched at the top," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said after Saturday's win over El Salvador. "We have to continue to fight for every point."

The U.S. has its share of success in Trinidad, including the famous 1989 win. Despite a loss there last fall when, with qualification to the Hexagonal secured, Bradley fielded a side composed largely of reserves, the U.S. has more than held its own at Hasely Crawford Stadium with a 4-4-2 record. Considering the Soca Warriors precarious position, several Americans wondered if the home-field advantage might be reduced even further.

"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," goalie Tim Howard said. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say. I think the best thing for us is to go down there with our focus and the right mindset."

"They're playing at home, so they'll have some pride," Landon Donovan said. "It's hard to know what to expect."

One sure thing is the return of defender Oguchi Onyewu from yellow-card suspension. The Milan man will take his place in the middle of Bradley's back four. Jay DeMerit will not play because of a groin injury, leaving Bradley to decide whether to keep the more inexperienced Chad Marshall in the middle and move captain Carlos Bocanegra out to the left, or whether to simply replace Marshall with Onyewu.

Jonathan Bornstein struggled against El Salvador, and made a critical mistake leading to the opening goal, which perhaps may be enough to earn Marshall a cap on Wednesday. Right back Jonathan Spector was beaten on the Salvadorans' goal as well, but he adds a passing dimension that Bornstein lacks.

Bradley would be wise to stick with the Jozy Altidore-Charlie Davies pairing up top and should trust that Donovan and Clint Dempsey will be able to engineer chances against a defense that has yielded 15 goals during the Hexagonal, the most by far.

The other concern is yellow card peril. Nine players (Altidore, Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Ricardo Clark, Dempsey, Donovan and Benny Feilhaber) would miss the Honduras match with a card on Wednesday.

With the standings so tight, something as simple as a late tackle in midfield could have an impact on the U.S.' qualifying prospects.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Mexico will entertain Honduras at Azteca and Costa Rica will visit El Salvador.

US Needs Another Big Win in Trinidad originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Survives Wild Night in Salt Lake

Brian Straus — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:50:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

The U.S. national team overcame a stunning early deficit and typically bizarre CONCACAF refereeing Saturday night outside Salt Lake City, defeating El Salvador, 2-1, in a wide-open World Cup qualifier that was surprisingly close and intense.

Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore scored near the end of the first half for the Americans, who had fallen behind thanks to the sort of early defensive lapse that has been uncomfortably common this summer. A second-half strike from Altidore was ruled out controversially by the Honduran referee, but the U.S. had done enough to secure a valuable three points on its road to South Africa.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley opted to go on the attack against the Salvadorans, who had never won a game on American soil. He paired Altidore and Charlie Davies up top, and had the skillful Benny Feilhaber partner with Michael Bradley in central midfield. The U.S. created little early but had the better of the play, and Landon Donovan was active from the start attacking from a deep position.

Davies had a near post shot parried aside by Salvadoran goalkeeper Miguel Montes in the 9th minute, and he found Dempsey near the penalty spot 20 minutes later but the Fulham midfielder steered his shot wide. The game was opening up and the Americans were starting to look more dangerous. Then disaster struck.

In the 31st minute, left back Jonathan Bornstein kicked the ball blindly back over his head from the corner and sliced it directly to Salvadoran midfielder Rodolfo Zelaya. He settled near the edge of the penalty area, froze three American defenders and chipped the ball toward Cristian Castillo, his teammate with Mexican second-division outfit Leon. Castillo outjumped Jonathan Spector and hit a perfect looping header that fooled U.S. goalie Tim Howard and gave El Salvador a shocking lead. Howard was cheating to his right to follow an overlapping run in that direction and was ill-prepared for the shot. It was the last in a series of American errors.

Three minutes later, former D.C. United midfielder Eliseo Quintanilla nearly doubled the lead, beating a struggling Spector and launching a high shot that Howard did well to block.

The match now was free flowing. Each team's midfield dissolved and the chances were coming from both sides. El Salvador effectively found seams in the American defense on the counterattack. Davies and Dempsey came close, the latter on a wide open header, before Davies had a shot cleared off the line in the 40th minute.

Just when it seemed the game was unfolding as one of those matches where the dominating team would do everything but score, Dempsey tied it up. In the 41st, El Salvador pulled an offside trap on a Donovan free kick to the right, but mistimed it. Dempsey was standing at the six and lunged toward the ball, heading it inside the left post.

In stoppage time, the Americans took the lead through Altidore. The burly Hull City forward finished a brilliant play that started with Michael Bradley's industrious work in the corner. He held the ball from two Salvadoran defenders, found space and passed back to Donovan near the left touchline. The Galaxy man, who set the all-time record for US qualifying appearances at kickoff, curled a pass toward an unmarked Altidore at the penalty spot. Montes had no chance, Altidore had his sixth goal of qualifying, and the U.S. was in front.

"I think it was a big goal for us. It was well earned as well. Most importantly, we had some type of momentum going into the second half," Altidore told ESPN.

Zelaya had a penalty appeal turned down early in the second, but the U.S. had a much bigger gripe with the officials in the 57th. Dempsey sent a perfectly-weighted pass through to Altidore, who held off Jose Henriquez, barreled in on Montes and slotted his shot home. Inexplicably, referee Jose Pineda called the goal back. The linesman had not raised his flag, and there was no indication on replay that any infraction was committed -- Altidore was a good two yards onside when Dempsey played the ball. It was typical CONCACAF shenanigans, but the U.S. still had the lead.

Each team continued to have acres of space on the ball, and each could have added to their total. Dempsey shot straight into the goalie's chest on a 65th-minute breakaway, two minutes after Castillo passed up an open shot and passed into goalmouth traffic. Davies limped off with a calf injury suffered in the 71st, and the game slowed until El Salvador's Williams Reyes saw his close-range bid snuffed by Howard in the 87th. A piledriver header from U.S. sub Jose Francisco Torres produced an even more impressive save from Montes.

The score was a fair result, but the game certainly was more problematic than the U.S. likely had envisioned. Their possession did not translate to control, and El Salvador was sufficiently dangerous to raise a few questions. However, Bradley will have the suspended Oguchi Onyewu back on the field next Wednesday in Trinidad, which should help shore up the back somewhat.

Still, a win is a win, and the U.S. is in good position at 4-2-1.

"This is what qualifying is all about. It's never easy," Altidore said. "There's always an extra bit of energy from [CONCACAF opponents playing the U.S.]. We have to deal with it, but I think we dealt with it well tonight. It was tough playing at altitude as well, but I think the guys hung in there."

US Survives Wild Night in Salt Lake originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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