(sigh)

It felt like a carbon copy of the Brazil Confed Final.
I groaned when I saw Bornstein come in for 'Dolo. I knew the Mexicans would go straight after him. We're definitely at a transition stage for the US men, especially in the back. Ike Opara please don't be injury prone, your country needs you.

On the plus side, both US goals were well worked pretty goals that took advantage of Mexico not defending well.

Bob, you proved that you actually can adapt game to game, but the US needs someone better. Thanks for what you've accomplished. I won't be surprised if he stays on, but the US needs a change.

Everyone settle in for a Mexican reign for a few years.

Now take a deep breath, and settle in again. It's WWC time.
Just win, baby. :)

Time to represent

Just win, baby.
This is a damn good Mexican team that's shown kinks in the armor the last two games. The US started great against Canada, struggled, and now seem to be finally gelling. We'll see if Bob plays it straight, or if he continues to change things up. I think Landon will start this time around (not that hard to fathom). 


Army and Outlaws be careful, don't do anything too stoopid, and give them hell. I wish I could be down there in person.

We've missed ya.

Welcome back, Freddy. You've earned it.

Well done, Bob

The game against Jamaica showed that Bob Bradley can change things up when needed. I wish he had done this sort of thing sooner, but I won't harp because the results showed.

I'm still concerned about the finishing, but the team completely put Jamaica on their heels all game.

BTW, Mr. Jones? Shame on you for that dive. You're lucky it worked. You should be missing the semifinal.

Prediction

Big, strong, fast teams have given the US hell lately. If Jamaica's on their game, and the US still hasn't figured out how to score in bunches, they're gonna blow out the US.

If the US can finish, it's gonna be a shootout, but the US will lose.

I hope I'm wrong either way.

Y KANT JOHNNY/JANE SCORE?

After watching the women take on Mexico in their WWC send off friendly, and last night's USMNT debacle against Panama, I've fucking had it with these teams not being able to put away their opponents.

Let's start with the women, they did everything but score until Cheney saved them with a blast from the goddesses. They're not ready for the World Cup, and they need to be a lot cooler in front of the net if they're going make their way through the knockout rounds. If they expect Abby to provide the goals, they're in trouble. She's a holding forward now. She's good for heading set pieces, and for laying the ball off to speedy, clinical forwards to slot the ball home. She's not fast enough or good enough with the ball at her feet to do anything else. Let's hope someone steps up for the women to be that stone cold finisher. Can someone tell me what happened to Sydney Leroux, and why she isn't on this team?

The men...fuck...the men are in piss poor shape. I wasn't happy with Bob Bradley's re-up after South Africa, but I was willing to give him a chance. His teams don't come to tournaments ready to play. This learning as you go shit has to end, and that's Bob's fault. I'm tired of the US figuring out how to attack after they've put themselves in a hole. It's gotten stale, and it's time for a change. Short of a miracle win against an on fire, in form Mexico (+13 goal differential in 3 games!!! Are you fucking kidding me?) in the final. I think Bob's gone after this tournament. They need new blood. The forwards aren't getting shit for service. The midfield is too unsettled, and the defense is just too green. Do it now before World Cup qualifying. Please.

Wow.

Yup. Spain took 'em out behind the woodshed and they ran away with their pants down.

I know it was a makeshift crew to start the game, but daaaamn. Have some organization boys.

That said...

I've had my doubts about Michael Bradley lately. He redeemed himself well this game, he brought some much needed stability and calmness to the midfield when he came in second half. Deuce did his part too, but I still think he should be a target forward. Props to Cherundolo for holding up his side of the defense.

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Speaking of Whoop-Ass. Costa Rica's put five past Cuba thus far. I'm liking the Cuban's generic adidas jerseys.