CONCACAF Update

For those of you who don't know, here are the current standings for the final round of World Cup Qualifying in the CONCACAF Region (tonight's game's have NOT been included):

Costa Rica: 12 pts
United States: 10 pts
El Salvador: 5 pts
Honduras: 4 pts
Mexico: 3 pts
Trinidad & Tobago: 2 pts

Tonight's game's pit Honduras vs. El Salvador (Honduras currently leads 1-0 in the second half) and Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago (Mexico leads 2-1 in the second).

Mexico, damn how they've fallen off this cycle, and to think this was supposed to be they're "golden" generation with players like Giovanni Dos Santos (Tottenham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Andreas Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Guillermo Ochoa (Club America) and Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk). Plus sturdy veterans like Rafa Marquez (Barcalona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), and Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Mexico was expected to be at least in second, if not leading the group at this point in time. Instead they are second from last (withstanding tonights result) and getting desperate. They're next WCQ game? Against the United States in the hell that is Azteca. Though it's a place that Mexico never loses (cough, cough), given Mexico's recent poor form, this will be the best chance the US has to grab their first win at Azteca.

Summer Transfer Outlook

With Kaka signing a record deal with Real just days ago, it seems that Real Madrid are trying to get back to the days of the Galacticos era. Look out for Christiano Ronaldo to sign within the coming weeks as well. Rivals Barcalona are also making a bit of a haul as Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly signed with the club, and Franck Ribery is getting closer as well.

On the US front, backline stalwart Oguchi Onyewu, who didn't resign with Belgian champions Standard di Liege is looking for a new home. As he can sign on a free, look for teams in France and England to fight it out, strong rumors have him going to newly promoted Birmingham City in the English Premier League.

C. Walsh is in a band!!!!!

That's right folks, yours truly is now in a band. I play bass guitar in a band called The Ember Sky. Check us out on MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/theembersky

First show that I will play is on June 19th in Clarksville, TN.

USMNT in the Confederations Cup, and beyond...

On June 15 at 2:30 PM ET the United States Men's National Team will take on Italy in a rematch of the now famous 1-1 draw from the 2006 World Cup (the US were the only team to take points off of Italy for the entirety of the tournament). Bob Bradley, after a slip-up in Costa Rica, rebounded to beat Honduras 2-1 on goals from Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra. The US, who earlier today just arrived in Johannesburg, will begin training on the morrow. The other two matches in the group (is it just me, or does FIFA just hate the USSF?) pit the US against Brazil and Egypt. Sure, good enough experience for the WC, lets just remember that we still have World Cup qualifiers to play (five to be exact, and three of them are away!) Following the Confederations Cup, the US will return home to have its depth tested as the team will look to defend its title in the 2009 Gold Cup. The US is expected to field a less than full strength squad as most of the regulars will be due some much needed rest and time with families. Damn work will keep me from watching any of the games live from South Africa, but you can rest assured that they will be recorded on my DVR.

Cheers

Cheers! In this blog, most of the tid-bits, stories, and news I comment on will be soccer/football/futbal related. However, as a student of political science I reserve the right carry on about politics, religion or other world news. Kentucky Wildcat Basketball and Notre Dame Football will also be amongst the favored topics. Now with no further explanation needed, lets get down to Brass Tacks....