Saturday, July 25, 2009

US vs Mexico Preview

In their second final in as many tournaments, the United States will face off vs Mexico for the second time this year, but with very different players. The first installment was a World Cup Qualifier in Columbus, Ohio, which was won by the US 2-0 through a Michael Bradley brace. This time around Bradley and the rest of the players that won that match, save for Heath Pearce and Brian Ching, aren't here. For most of these players it will be the first time experiencing the rivalry that is USA-Mexico. The players must be mentally prepared more than anything, playing in Giants stadium which seats 82,000, has sold out, and the majority of the fans will be against the US. The team Mexico has brought is young and inexperienced for the most part as well, but will offer the US team it's stiffest test yet in the Gold Cup. Mexico has brought Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela and from Tottenham comes Giovanni dos Santos, two players who have had very different tournaments, Vela suffered a knee injury in Mexico's first match and missed some time, but dos Santos has made the most out of his opportunity during Mexico's run to the final. US defenders Chad Marshall and Clarence Goodsen (or Parkhurst, or Conrad if available) will be pushed to their limits by Vela, and Pearce and Heaps will have their hands full with dos Santos. As far as a starting 11 goes, the picture says it all. I wouldn't change anything from the 2-0 win over Honduras:

------------------Perkins

Heaps-----Goodsen-----Marshall-----Pearce

-----------Pause-------Beckerman

Holden--------------------------------Rogers

------------Arnaud-----Ching

Keys on the field for the US will be Holden, Beckerman, Marshall, and Ching. If those four players have good games the US can win, and if they play well it will give guys like Goodsen, Pause, Rogers, and Arnaud a chance to enforce their will. Another Dos a Cero will cement the US's dominance of CONCACAF and will set up a HUGE showdown on August 12 at the Azteca in Mexico City.

The Livorno Question

Word around the mill has it that newly promoted Serie A club AS Livorno is pushing hard for the services of Landon Donovan and Ricardo Clark, as they bid to stay in Italy's top flight. The sources are highly credible, and Livorno Chairman Aldo Spinelli has spoken about his clubs pursuit of both players publicly. Both players stock is considerably high after their individual and team performances at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. Both players are considering offers as talks are in an advanced stage with both Donovan and Clark.

I think both should move immediately away from MLS and on to a much better league in Serie A. Not only would both players learn a lot more through training, but both players would potentially be starters, with Donovan much more likely than Clark. Serie A is not a very fast league and so it would make Donovan that much more a commodity, and the leagues defensive bite would greatly benefit Clark, who is known for his physical play. The league would also be wise to sell both players now, as maximum profit is at hand. Donovan would probably garner the league its highest amount paid for a player, more than the $10 million Villarreal paid for Jozy Altidore. Clark's fee would be considerably less, but at 26, is nearing the peak of his career and is worth as much as he'll ever be right now. The league would make a tremendous profit, millions of dollars to spend on new, young talent, and it owes it to both players for representing the league well for many years.

I've always believed that even training overseas is better than because you are surrounded by a better atmosphere, better players, and better coaches. But if your are able to prove yourself there, then you have the opportunity (in Italy), to play against some of the best teams in the world in AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, among others. Donovan and Clark playing against those teams would make them better and smarter players, as Serie A is quite technical. Livorno is not playing in any other competitions except the domestic cup, and so both players wouldn't be run to death by competing in multiple competitions.

MLS needs to see that these two players have given it their all in America and should allow both to pursue their dreams of successful European careers. Assuming Livorno makes the right offers, both players could go on to enjoy solid careers in Italy.

Friday, July 24, 2009

US Strikes it Late, Seals Final Birth

The US left it late to seal their semi-final victory over Honduras. After taking a 1-0 lead just before halftime through Clarence Goodson's thundering header, the US started on fire in the second, but couldn't find that victory sealing goal. Honduras threatened late through Carlos Costly, but Troy Perkins came out bravely and took away the angle, after which Jay Heaps intervened and cleared. The clincher came in the 90th minute through a terrific run of play from the Americans, which saw a Ching back heel find the feet of Holden who crossed to a wide open Cooper who knocked it in for his second in as many games. Here are my player ratings for the match:

Troy Perkins (7.5) - Was forced to make a lot more saves this time around and made them on well taken opportunities from Chavez and Costly especially.

Jay Heaps (7) - His best performance of the tournament, he asserted his dominance on the right side and Honduras had no major attacks from that side. Also did well to clear up after Perkins save on Costly

Clarence Goodson (7.5) - Another player with his best performance of the tournament, won nearly everything in the air that came his way, and slammed his goal home with authority.

Chad Marshall (7.5) - Another steady performance from Chad who has been the best defender on the team for the length of the tournament, again rendered Costly nearly ineffective.

Heath Pearce (7) - Defended well and kept up with Chavez for the majority of the match, got forward well in addition.

Stuart Holden (7.5) - The linchpin in the US attack, his two assists to Goodson and Cooper were spot on.

Kyle Beckerman (7.5) - The anchor in midfield, had another good showing with good distribution throughout.

Logan Pause (6.5) - Again looked uncomfortable early on, but settled in nicely and provided good defense in front of the back four.

Robbie Rogers (5.5) - May have looked dangerous to the common eye, but he was the weakest player in the US squad, he turned the ball way to much.

Davy Arnaud (6.5) - Played tough and hard, but didn't have to many opportunities to shine as Honduras played very physical on him.

Brian Ching (6.5) - Played well throughout the match, and earned his share of free kicks. His clever back heel led to Coopers goal.

Santino Quaranta (6.5)- Never really involved minus his free kick that Marshall put just wide.

Kenny Cooper (7) - Super-sub Cooper scored his second goal in as many matches to put it on ice for the Americans.

For those who missed it, here are the highlights:

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

US vs Honduras Preview

Tomorrow the United States takes on a very familiar Honduras side for the right to play in the Gold Cup finals at Giants Stadium. Last time it took second half substitutions Benny Feilhaber and Charlie Davies to spur the Americans to victory. This time someone else will have to step up as both Feilhaber and Davies have returned to their clubs in Europe. If the US wants to win they will need to be prepared for another physical match-up similar to the first one. As far as a starting line-up goes, here's one worth a gamble:

-------------------Perkins

Heaps-----Marshall-----Parkhurst-----Pearce

------------Pause------Beckerman

Holden----------------------------------Rogers

-------------Arnaud-----Ching

Same as started against Panama minus Jimmy Conrad who gets replaced by Michael Parkhurst who was called back from Denmark. Should be an entertaining match, as I'm sure the boys are looking to prove that they can beat Honduras without Feilhaber and Davies. Stuart Holden and Kyle Beckerman will once again need to have great games, as will Ching and Marshall on the physical side of things. Do that and I US will be able to pull out a victory.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

US outlasts Panama 2-1

Though the US were the favorites going in, you would be ignorant to think that Panama wouldn't put up a fierce opposition. But the US got it done despite going down 1-0 just before halftime. A Kyle Beckerman thunderbolt in the 49th minute and Kenny Cooper's penalty in the 105th minute after being karate kicked by Roman Torres. In a game which saw eight cards shown, seven to Panama (of which five were given in the extra time) , the US was able to maintain its composure from a Panamanian side who did all they could to play disruptive, nasty, "anti-football". Here are the player ratings for the game:

Troy Perkins (6.5) - Didn't have much to do in goal. Had no chance on Panama's goal. But his distribution continues to improve.

Jay Heaps (6) - A much improved performance from the Haiti game, defended well on his flank and did enough to make crosses difficult.

Jimmy Conrad (6.5) - Was looking at a wonderful performance through the match until a nasty head collision forced him to the hospital.

Chad Marshall (7.5) - Dominated the air as usual, and had no chance of recovering on Panama's goal, battled Perez tooth and nail for the remainder of the match.

Heath Pearce (6) - Another steady performance from Heath, who is constantly getting forward on the overlaps, great to see him back in the fold for LB.

Stuart Holden (7.5) - Should have finished his opportunity in the second half, but other than that he was a a thorn in the Panamanian side all game long, would've had a spectacular assist had Ching been able to head the ball left a tad bit more.

Logan Pause (5.5) - A steady performance, and much improved from the Honduras match. Did enough to aid in shutting down some attacks to allow Beckerman to get involved in the attack.

Kyle Beckerman (7.5) - Easily his best performance of the tournament and the goal was spectacular and well deserved. He distributed well and was a calming presence in midfield.

Robbie Rogers (5) - After a flying start to the tournament, he continues to wain. Was a shadow of himself compared to the previous matches and turned the ball over way to much.

Brian Ching (6.5) - Another workmanlike performance from Ching, who barely missed out on his second goal of the tournament. Got beat out by Baloy all game long and was usually rewarded for it.

Davy Arnaud (6.5) - Played well enough to keep his spot for the semi's, and should have had another assist had Holden not pushed his shot just inches wide.

Clarence Goodson (6.5) - Considering the circumstances, he came in and played good and physical. Lost his man on Panama's goal, but an admirable step-in nonetheless.

Kenny Cooper (6.5) - An off and on performance, but it was great to see Cooper step up and take the game winner after being karate kicked.

Brad Evans (NA) - Fresh legs for the few remaining minutes.

For anyone who missed the game, here are the highlights: