OT: US v MEX - 8 pm ET- DOS A CERO AGAIN???

Submitted by superstringer on

USA's first game of its 10-game qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.  Of the 3 most difficult games, 2 of the 3 three are our first two games:  home to Mexico tonight, then at Costa Rica in 4 days.  Meaning, if we don't win both games it gets a lot easier, but, there is always pressure to get a couple good results right away.

Fourth time in a row we're playing them in Columbus for our WC qualifier.  Last three times it was 2-0 ("dos a cero") for the good guys.

If you arent a big soccer fan, WATCH b/c:

(1) it's a great, colorful rivalry where the players all know, respect, and can't stand each other, and the crowd will be really into it (and 90% pro-US), and

(2) there is one US player you have GOT to see.  18 year old Christian Pulisic.  He's the real deal -- and he's not an import, he grew up in Hershey PA.  He now starts and plays regularly for Borrussia Dortmund, not only one of the top teams in Germany but one of the top teams in the world right now.  He plays in their Champions League games -- that's how much confidence they have in him.  He is smooth and confident on the ball, a great distributor, and not afraid to shoot.  This isn't Freddy Adu hype ("wait until he grows up...").  He is already probably the best or 2d best American talent ever (Landon Donovan), and "when he grows up," he's going to be the best American ever.

And, in light of this week's biggest news story, and given the opponent, I feel compelled to remind everyone:

*** NO POLITICS ***

 

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ken725

November 11th, 2016 at 6:20 PM ^

We know for sure that Tim Howard will start. 

Fabian at LB and Yedlin at RB.Brooks is a lock to start at CB. The other spot is up in the air because of Geoff Cameron is out with an injury. It is going to come down to Besler or Omar Gonzalez. My friend said he thinks Gonzalez gets the nod because of his familiarity with the Mexican players from playing on Pachuca.

MF will probably be Bradley, Bedoya, Pulisic, Jones/Kljestan. I think Kljestan should start and he has earned it with his play with NYRB this year. Only thing is he has a broken nose, so I'm not sure if that will take him out of the starting line 11.

Forwards will probably be Wood and Jozy. I'm not a big Jozy fan, but he has been playing well recently. Looks like the weight loss has really helped him.

 

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 32857

James Burrill Angell

November 11th, 2016 at 4:49 PM ^

Any kind of result tonight (to non-soccer fans, that means getting a win or a tie, both of which get you points towards World Cup qualifying) would be fantastic. 

The top 3 teams out of 6 qualify for the World Cup and while winning the group would be nice, qualifying is where its at. Mexico is probably the top team in the group so getting even a point would start things out right. 


US hasn't won in Costa Rica in forever so getting the point tonight to avoid two losses to start qualifying is important.

Joined: 08/12/2009

MGoPoints: 15918

Yinka Double Dare

November 11th, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^

American Outlaws supporters group people will be 8,000 out of the about 20,000 fans, and they have already said in advance that anyone starting a chant like that in their sections will be subject to removal. They don't mess around either, you can be booted from AO entirely for inappropriate behavior, which can even include losing the ability not only to get tickets through AO (since you wouldn't be a member) but possibly through US Soccer as well. 

I'm pissed that I wasn't able to go, had to sell the tix I got in the lottery (we sell them for face value within the AO group)

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 9742

Everyone Murders

November 11th, 2016 at 4:56 PM ^

Even if you don't love the beautiful game, Pulisic is worth tuning in to see.  He has a very bright national and club future before him.

Plus, this is the USMNT's big rival - their OSU.

I'm seeing it USA 2 - El Tri 1. 

Joined: 12/14/2010

MGoPoints: 65552

nerv

November 11th, 2016 at 5:30 PM ^

For the love of Odin Jurgen needs to play Pulisic every game. Its worrisome how often he doesnt seem to be in the starting XI. There is nobody else on the roster who can take on a defender and create opportunities like he can.

Joined: 04/14/2009

MGoPoints: 14024

cheesheadwolverine

November 11th, 2016 at 7:35 PM ^

Is this Pulisic's first start?  And is he starting at Dormund yet?  Do we think he's finally breaking past the Adu/Altidore/Green child-hype and might actually become the long-rumored first great American outfield player?

Oh, and PS, I'm not sure I can root for us in this game this week.  Neg away. 

Joined: 10/25/2008

MGoPoints: 7468