World Cup Qualifiers Take Team USA to Jamaica

Posted on September 5, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The CONCACAF Qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup are well underway and the USA will play two matches against Jamaica this week. The United States naturally is the most dominant force in the qualifying area and will be looking to win both matches and qualify smoothly without any hiccups. As the youthful USA Olympic team learned the hard way, qualification isn’t a guarantee and every match is simply 11 vs. 11, so the team will need to be in top form to avoid embarrassment. Pressure will surely be on the squad chosen by Jurgen Klinsmann which features a good amount of young faces.

The Americans started off this round of qualification in solid form drawing Guatemala away and managing a win against Antigua and Barbuda at home this past June. However, Jamaica has also been solid so far, also earning a win and draw against the same teams. Both nations reside on top of the group with four points, and Jamaica will be eager to hold onto that spot to earn a place in the final qualifying round.

Jamaica has not reached the World Cup since 1998 and will be desperate to earn a trip to Brazil. America had better not overlook these matches. The first game will be in Jamaica, meaning a tough trip. The small nations of CONCACAF are known for their less-than-glamorous stadiums and pitches. Therefore, the away matches usually provide a hard task for Americans. The first game will be the away with the home match coming a few days later.

Further providing difficulties for the USA will be their lineup. Both Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan are unavailable because of minor injuries, which will greatly hamper our goal-scoring exploits. Superstar Clint Dempsey will play with the team, but one has to question the form he will be in. Dempsey was recently embroiled in a transfer fiasco at his former club Fulham, which escalated to the point of his refusal to play with the team. He eventually earned a deadline-day move to Tottenham, but he has yet to play a competitive match this season. The last time he played was in June for the United States so it will be interesting to see what kind of shape he is in and if he will even be a starter.

Overall though, America has a vastly superior side, even without our key men. Jozy Altidore has been stellar at AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, and has already scored four goals in only two matches. Also, experienced goalie Tim Howard is a rock on the opposite end of the pitch. I am also excited to see more of Brek Shea, whose incredible run paved the way for the historic American victory in Mexico last month. Shea is a youngster with huge potential in the national side.

Let’s hope that the USA can stroll through these two games. I predict a draw in Jamaica, and a blowout victory when the nations play stateside. America is simply too good for the Caribbean island nations of CONCACAF.

Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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Powerful USA Win in Mexico Provides Hope for Future

Posted on August 24, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The USA Men’s National Team has been a bit of an anomaly in the past couple of years. By defeating Mexico at the legendary Azteca Stadium, America has increased the list of big victories that includes teams like Italy and Spain in recent times. But, amongst such glorious victories have also been painful defeats at the hands of Brazil and also Mexico. Another issue for the USA was the failure to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, which hampered hopes that America will improve in international matches.

But the youth was on fine display in the Mexico friendly and proved vital in scoring the game’s lone goal. Brek Shea made a fine run to set up the goal, putting in a glorious nutmeg on a Mexican defender and penetrating deep into the penalty box, before sending a pass across the face of the goal. Shea is only 22 and plays for FC Dallas in the MLS. At 6’3”, the winger is a physical presence and will be a key weapon for the national team if he continues to make plays like these. Shea trained with Arsenal during the offseason and may well make a move to Europe in the coming years to further develop.

Another solid youngster is forward Terrence Boyd. Only 21, Boyd played a fantastic role in setting up the goal against Mexico when he received Shea’s pass, and back-heeled it further across the goal where Michael Orozco Fiscal could tap it into the net. Boyd plays in Austria and looks like he could be a favorite of Jurgen Klinsmann with his German roots and good early performances.

Although he didn’t play in this match, Jozy Altidore is enjoying a resurgent season at AZ Alkmaar in Holland. Through the first two games, he has scored an impressive four goals and could be righting himself again. Aged 22 he is another force to contend with up top.

Clearly USA is still going to favor Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey as they continue to impress and are in the prime of their careers, but these young forwards are biting at the chomp to impress and have earned the right for extended playing time. More competition is only a good thing for the team, so this week America can celebrate the glorious Mexican victory and feel confident going forward to 2014 World Cup qualification matches. Let us only hope that the team can establish some sort of consistency after this run and may actually compete when another big match comes about. If the youngsters continue to shine, we may have a great American soccer team in the making.

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USA faces Mexico in International Friendly

Posted on August 14, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The United States Men’s National team faces Mexico in a friendly tomorrow at Azteca stadium, where the USA has yet to win. The match is always a heated affair, regardless of the fact that it is merely a friendly game. Since the glorious groin kick on Alexi Lalas and the infamous Landon Donovan urination upon the stadium’s holy grass, these two countries have always had a sincere and mutual hatred when it comes to soccer.

So how does America look to fare in the upcoming match? Based on history, the United States is likely to lose this match. They have never won in the stadium that houses over 100,000 screaming fans. Fortunately, the team that won the Olympics for Mexico will not take part in this game. However, Chicharito of Manchester United will lead the Mexican attack and is sure to create problems for the American defense that will be without usual starting center-backs Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu.

The US is also set to feature without Clint Dempsey, who is the nation’s best player. The Fulham forward is currently discussing a big time transfer to Liverpool and is set to miss out. Thus, the scoring responsibility will fall largely on Landon Donovan and a few key youngsters who have been called up by coach, Jurgen Klinnsman.

One player I hope to see in action will be Chris Wondolowski. He is having a great season with the San Jose Earthquakes and leads the MLS with a dominant 17 goals. He has seen little action in the national team and will be hoping for an opportunity to break into the starting lineup.

This is set to be an extremely tough test for America. Although the match is simply a friendly, this rivalry extends beyond such trivialities. This is a match that both nations desperately want to win. For the United States, pride is on the line too as we haven’t beat Mexico since early 2009. The US also can recall the horrific match that ended the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup hopes for the country when they were beaten 4-2 last year.

Therefore, I expect that America will come out with some real desire to win the game. I boldly predict that the United States will come away winners in a 1-0 grudge match to end the recent woes in the rivalry. The country has yet to conquer this feared stadium so luck will have to be on our side, but I sense that the time is ripe for an American victory.

Rating: 5.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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USA Women’s Team on Verge of Olympic Medal

Posted on August 3, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

With today’s 2-0 win over New Zealand, the USA Women’s soccer team advanced to the Olympic semifinals as they have now won all four of their matches at the 2012 London games. The team only needs to win one more game to earn a medal, and need only win two matches to earn the coveted gold medal and Olympic glory that would result.

The stakes are getting very high at this stage of the tournament, and the matches will become much more difficult as the team will face serious contenders. America has had a fairly simple voyage so far, with their only legitimate competition coming in the France match that they battled back to win 4-2. Since then they have easily brushed aside the likes of Columbia, North Korea, and New Zealand.

Critics will argue that the score lines of these matches that were surprising and frustratingly slim suggest that the US may not be strong enough to handle the likes of a Brazil or Japan, but I beg to differ. Although the margins of victory haven’t been astronomical, the games have never really been in question.

Goalie Hope Solo has had little work to do so far this tournament and America has dominated the matches. Also, since the games have been close the team has yet to be able to relax and lose their drive. They have survived and won a good amount of close games and will need that extra level of intensity if they are to overcome a major team in the world.

The player of the tournament so far has to be Abby Wambach. She has continued to lead the team and has scored in every match at the tournament, placing her jointly atop of the goal-scoring table through this stage of the tournament.

The upcoming matches are the defining ones, however. All the pushovers of the tournament have long since been eliminated from the Olympics and what is left are the best teams.

Facing Canada in the semifinals they will have to defend against the other leading goal scorer of the tournament in Melissa Tancredi. Canada just defeated the Great Britain side, preventing the home nation from earning a medal. Such a feat is quite impressive, and although some Americans will be excited to not have play Great Britain on their soil, Canada is no pushover either.

Looking ahead, there is a good bet that the USA would have to face Japan in the final. A 2011 World Cup final rematch would be a great challenge. Japan is an amazing side that plays fast and defends hard, similar to America’s team. Japan won that last match on penalties so it would be quite a thrilling rematch. After watching Japan defeat Brazil handedly 2-0, the defending world champions look like the team to beat if team USA is to repeat as Olympic champions.

Rating: 7.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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USA Women’s Team Continues Exciting Form in Olympics

Posted on July 26, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

Women are often viewed as enigmas. The USA Women’s national team continued that belief during their opening match of the 2012 Olympics in Great Britain. Playing against a good France team, USA began horrendously by going 2-0 down in the opening minutes. However with great perseverance the team roared back to a 4-2 victory, rekindling memories of an exciting 2011 Women’s World Cup, and they are now on track to compete for a medal during these Olympics.

The spark that has repeatedly lifted America to greatness is Abby Wambach. The veteran forward is a remarkable player and is extremely good at headers. During the 2011 World Cup, she gained monumental fame for her 120^th minute header to equalize against Brazil, as well as a couple other headers including one in the semifinal vs. France, and one in the final match against Japan.

In yesterday’s match, Wambach scored a crucial header that got the US on the score sheet and began the comeback. The goal came five minute after we went down 2-0 and were appearing to crumble. Wambach displayed the type of leadership that is paramount to a team’s needs. Headed goals can come out of nowhere and her talent for scoring these types of goals in vital moments is simply amazing.

The goal gave USA a new sense of purpose. They began to play more open and were able to muster up more goals through Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd.

Alex Morgan is again playing very well, especially for her young age. She has a great calmness in front of goal that enables her to take advantage of every opportunity. She is already a superstar and will likely become the leader of this team in the future.

Although there is definite reason to criticize the USA after the way they started their first Olympic game with horrendously sloppy defending, there is an overwhelming sense of pride in how they restored the lead and won this match. With the ability to come back like they do, there is always a hope that America is never out of any game. This trait will draw fear into the opposition and will keep our confidence high.

I feel that it all starts with Wambach though. She is the defining character of this team and scores most of the important goals. I think that this will be her tournament based on the past and with the all-important header against France. Look out for her the rest of the way in Britain, because she makes women’s soccer incredibly exciting.

Rating: 7.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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Wondolowski and San Jose Dominating the Western Conference

Posted on July 7, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The San Jose Earthquakes have struggled to compete in the MLS during recent seasons, usually finishing in the bottom half of the Western Conference. But in today’s ever morphing MLS, a team’s fortune can change very quickly. This season, the Earthquakes happily reside in first place in their conference and could well be on their way to greatness.

San Jose has recently harbored the league’s best striker in Chris Wondolowski. The American has been leading the MLS in goals scored for the past three seasons and is currently atop the board with 14 goals in only 16 matches. He has nearly eclipsed his league-leading goal scoring marks of past years of 18 and 16, having only played half a full season so far. On this pace he could possibly break the MLS record of 27 set by Roy Lassiter in 1996.

But the Earthquakes this year go beyond simply their star striker. Other players have been in top form too. Recent signing Victor Bernardez has provided strength and steel in the defense. The former Anderlecht man also scored a fantastic volley off of a corner to get San Jose back in the California Classic right before half time. The Earthquakes built off of that momentum to earn a stunning comeback victory 4-3 over their rivals, the LA Galaxy.

Another Honduran player that has helped San Jose to this great start is Marvin Chavez. The winger hasn’t yet featured on the score sheet, but he has accumulated 8 assists on the season. His skill is paramount to the club’s success and has seen the Earthquakes net an MLS leading 36 goals for a two goals per game average. His pairing with Wondolowski has been giving defenses headaches all season.

Captain Ramiro Corrales is a versatile veteran of the MLS, who has featured since the inaugural 1996 season. He can play as a fullback, left midfielder, or a central midfielder. Although his speed isn’t what it once was, his leadership and forward thinking presence is also giving San Jose opportunities. He has five assists on the year so far.

Clearly this San Jose Earthquakes team has been smartly assembled for greatness. The team around Chris Wondolowski feeds him the balls and he can deliver the goals. They will be looking to continue their winning ways against FC Dallas tonight, who are in last place in the Western Conference. Where they go on from here is entirely in their hands and we can be sure to see to “wonderful” soccer ahead from this team.

Rating: 5.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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Portland Timbers on the Rise after Beating Sounders

Posted on June 25, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The rivalry of the Pacific Northwest featuring the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders is developing into the finest of the MLS. On Sunday in front of a packed crowd at JELD-WEN Field, the Timbers put on a fine display to win 2-1 which could very well provide the anchor that will save their season.

Portland started the match off very well and dominated the entire first half. Defender David Horst was unlucky not to put the Timbers ahead after ten minutes with a lovely header that rattled the corner of the goal frame.

However, five minutes later the breakthrough came through Kris Boyd, who was found wide open in front of goal and easily put Portland ahead. It was a fifth goal on the season for the Scotsman who seems to have found a good home in America. He played very well the entire night and could have doubled the lead ten minutes later with a strong header that forced Andrew Weber into a difficult save.

The ensuing corner roared the stadium back to life as Horst got onto another header for his first ever MLS goal. It seemed rather surprising that it has taken the defender so long to score as his early efforts from corner kicks gave him the appearance as a goal poacher going forward. With his dominant height at 6’4”, one must presume that he will continue to find goals off of headers.

Seattle never really found their groove though they did get a goal from a brilliant solo effort from Eddie Johnson who weaved through defenders before blasting the ball across goal into the top corner. However, it was to be the Timber’s day as they held on for the last half hour and earned the crucial victory.

Portland is currently struggling in the table with only 19 points from 14 matches that leaves them in 8^th place in the Western Conference. However, with two games in hand and over half of the season left to play, this victory will give the team the hope and confidence to move forward and claim a top five place that will ensure qualification for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The rivalry with the Seattle Sounders has become a powerful image for the MLS featuring packed stadiums and tense drama. The most recent encounter even provided two late red cards as tempers boiled over during stoppage time. The match had the feel of an English Premier League fixture as the crowd was in heavy support, and there was even a massive banner raised during the pregame suggesting the legendary step the Timbers are taking. The 2012 MLS season clearly has all the makings of an excellent one where the Timbers will be looking to make their mark.

Rating: 8.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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USA Gets the Job Done

Posted on June 14, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

The USA national soccer team was successfully able to lick their wounds and come out firing for their two 2014 World Cup qualifying matches this past week. They dominated both games, first against Antigua and Barbuda and then against Guatemala.

America won the Antigua and Barbuda game 3-1 but it easily could have been 6-0. We finally got to see the potent capabilities of the Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey duo that easily cut through the opposition’s defense. The team played exceptionally well to create a plethora of chances at goal, but they could have used a bit of fortune to convert more of those opportunities. The Antigua and Barbuda goalie, Molvin James, had a great game and kept the island nation in it, but the USA was simply far too good.

One poor spot I did notice during the match was American defender, Oguchi Onyewu. I cannot understand why the player is given so much playing time because he is rather terrible. The single goal that Antigua and Barbuda scored was entirely his fault. Yes, he is a physical presence that can score headers off of corner kicks, but his defensive woes far surpass any goals he creates. I recall his grave defending that gave England a lead in the 2010 World Cup match, and I fear he is holding the team back. His lazy defending last week nearly let Antigua and Barbuda back into the game and could have cost America dearly.

Team USA played impressively again versus Guatemala, but found it harder to score when playing away from home. Although Clint Dempsey found the back of the net and the team had loads of chances, their inability to kill the team off came back to bite them when a fantastic free kick goal by Marco Papa gave Guatemala a draw. The result exemplifies the painful nature of soccer and how any professional player can create a moment of brilliance. When you don’t convert all your chances to build a solid lead, a single moment can ruin the game.

Although that is exactly what happened to America, the two results were impressive overall. Yes, it would have been nice to have all six points from the two matches, but any points won on the road are points earned, and the USA is well on their way to 2014 World Cup qualification. The side should look for ways to become more clinical, and I feel that striker Chris Wondolowski deserves a chance. Likewise, I feel that Onyewu could serve to sit a few matches on the bench until he begins to limit his defensive errors. Clearly there are steps that need to be taken before America will win the World Cup, but those are tomorrow’s issues. For today, let us rejoice in getting qualification off on the good foot.

Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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Antigua and Barbuda to Supply America with Confidence…We Hope

Posted on June 5, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

It seems a long time has passed since the inspiring 5-1 victory over Scotland. What was initially seen as a rallying point for American soccer to gain international attention turned into a minor blip following the beating by Brazil and the humbling 0-0 draw with Canada; I may add that the match featured the starting duo of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey that all of America seemed to be eager to watch and were regretfully disappointed in actual viewing.

It was not to be, and team USA stumbles ahead into 2014 World Cup qualification. The first match pits America against Antigua and Barbuda, a combined island nation from the Caribbean. The United States players seemed to be dreaming of such island beaches during their poor recent showings and as such this match will hopefully repair some of their bruised egos.

A quick scan of the Antigua and Barbuda team shows a squad made up mostly of players from Antigua Barracuda FC, a startup club in the new USL Pro League, which comprises of a host of Caribbean clubs. A few of their players reside in the lower echelons of British soccer, such as Mikele Leigertwood who plays for Reading FC.

This match is a must win for America. They will have a roaring home support in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium. The players play for far more competitive clubs such as Dempsey’s Fulham and Jozy Altidore’s AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. There is absolutely no way that coach Jurgen Klinsmann can let the United States lose this match. In fact, I would go as far as to state that such a loss should result in his immediate dismissal.

The fun games are over. America showed that we can dominate a European team, play averagely against a marginal border rival, and get plastered by the world’s best. It seems as if the friendly matches asked a lot more questions than it did to answer them. The USA team can seemingly beat anyone on their day but can also be abused if things aren’t going their way. Now it is time to prove that we belong in the 2014 World Cup.

I fully expect America to win this match, and by a wide margin too. Surely heads will have been hanging after the disappointing Canada draw, but Antigua and Barbuda aren’t even on that talent level. I feel people will start talking about that Dempsey and Donovan relationship a whole lot more once they set off some fireworks in this one. America will win, 6-0.

Rating: 5.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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America Needs to Regroup after Brazil Spanking

Posted on May 31, 2012 by nrspiller@gmail.com

Facing Brazil is never an easy task, even in a simple friendly when they only play half their starters. But the USA Men’s National Team must certainly be reeling from the 4-1 drubbing they just received and will need to get their confidence lifted ahead of two important qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup.

America came into this match riding high on the international soccer scene. Their five successive wins in international friendlies included victories over Italy, Slovenia, and a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland earlier in the week. The USA was starting to turn heads on the international scene and the thought of adding a victory over Brazil surely would have brought America into the discussion of the world’s best soccer nations.

But all that was wiped away when Brazil completely dominated the match with a group predominantly made of youngsters as they prepare for the 2012 Olympics in London. The USA saw very little of the ball, and although they looked a bit stronger after bringing Clint Dempsey on as a substitute, Brazil added to their onslaught with a late Alexandre Pato goal.

America continues its wait to become a world super power in soccer. People felt we were there after a quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 World Cup. Fans got excited again after the 2009 Confederations Cup tournament when the USA beat Spain and nearly topped Brazil in the final. But every time the team reaches the cusp of greatness, they seem to fall apart.

So how will America recover from its latest setback? Coach Jurgen Klinsmann needs to preach some confidence back into the side. The USA looked dominant against Scotland and their victory over Italy was impressive. But everyone needs to realize that these matches were all just international friendlies. As good as their victories were, and as terrible as the Brazil defeat was, none of these matches actually matter. The only matches that the USA cares about are in the World Cup when everyone watches.

Therefore, America needs to get their heads right before the 2014 World Cup qualifying matches coming up against Antigua and Barbuda, followed by a trip to Guatemala. Qualification is an absolute necessity and we can all recall how embarrassing it was that our Olympic team failed to qualify for this summer. Hopefully the upcoming friendly against Canada will provide just the confidence boost the players will need to rebound.

Yes there are wounds to be licked after Brazil, but all that match displayed is how much more work is required to be done. Even had America won, it would have proved nothing. USA needs to win World Cup games and they definitely need to qualify in order to get there. With Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore coming back to the side to support Landon Donovan, I fully expect this team to rebound and do just that.

Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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