OT: USA vs. Costa Rica, Gold Cup semifinal, 10:00pm EDT, FS!
Be more positive in the OP.
I mean, come on. The US brought a C team and performed like it. They're now at like. B+ team and performed like it. If you look at expected goals and opponet expected goals, they've outperformed every team and have been one of the best in the tourney.
unbeaten second time around. Good Cornell guy.
"It's pronounced 'colonel' and it's the highest rank in the military."
Wasn't worth a double post
Random soccer question: is Marseille any good anymore? They used to kill it im ligue 1 before the oil money came.
Finished 5th last year. They have had some coaching turnover IIRC.
22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes, and at the end....
the Germans always win.
- Gary Lineker
there you go op
Heavy metal by Morris 18 seconds in.
deja vu
but haven't found the net.
The El Salvador biters and tittie twisters were suspended 6 and 3 games, respectively.
Second half underway! USA dominating possession and with more active play in the final third, especially Morris. Breakthrough to come shortly. Probably.
I'm not a fan of the KO games going straight to penalties after 90 minutes when tied. Eliminating extra time just introduces more randomness to a game that already has plenty. No thanks.
I've ever seen Altidore hustle. Good
Woo hoo!!!!
Goal Altidore!
And Dempsey--yes!!!
Sick!!!
Super sub
GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!
amazing shot
He knew it was in almost as soon as it left his foot
by USA in a long time. Well played.
in a long, long time. I think we may look back and see that Klinsmann identified and developed quite a lot of talent, but Arena seems to be putting that talent together successfully in a way that Klinsmann failed to do. Crisp, compelling play the whole night long.
I think he's not letting his ego get in the way of player comfort/goals. I'll be first to admit when Landon's departure and comments led to drama, I blamed him for being an aging "superstar" that didn't understand that the game needed to pass him by to prepare for future international competition (aka get caps for younger players who may be less skilled but need to not live in shadows). Now it appears punitive and that Klinsman may have thrown himself in front of chemistry and effective play bc he was too smart to fail. I hate to say it but I don't see Bruce as a long term fix - he just seems to be keeping the fire going until the US can find what they need.
It absolutely was punitive. LD took a 3 month leave of absence from the MNT during TRAINING CAMP! Are you kidding me? What would the board think if someone pulled that on Harbaugh. So much for competing for your position, eh?
Everyone always wants that "New hotness" but Dempsey still makes this US team go, even though he's Morgan Freeman old (soccer-wise)
To be clear, I'm sure Bobby Wood,Morris Aguedela, Rubin etc will replace Dempsey in the next 2 years. But can we stop trying to rush the process.
Thank God we have Pulisic. Otherwise, I'd be despondent about our attack for the 2022 cycle. Unless the youngsters start pulling through.
It remains completely insane that Klinsmann disenfranchised Nagbe to the point that he nearly quit the national team.
^^^ This!!!
I'd like to think that it was a psychological tactic Klinsmann was playing with Nagbe. But, I doubt it. I like Bruce's comment about Nagbe not knowing yet just how good he is. Last night is going to go a long way for his personal development and the development of the team. When Nagbe turned it on it was clear none of the Tico defenders could stay with him. If he can make the same leap that Pulisic has made it'll be huge!
Great game, great win!
Wasn't it Nagbe who had the ball bounce between his legs as he stood at the edge of the 6-yd box? And fell asleep in the area again a few minutes later?
Nagbe beats people with pace off the dribble. This team needs it and it shows. Donovans big role on the team was his ability to beat someone... Nagbe should have a great 5year window with 2 WCs to show well in his prime.
Even more mystifying since we don't have a lot of good options on the wing either (Pulisic-though he can play all over, FabJo, then a bunch of mediocre options). He's one of the first names on my team sheet every game.
but I am an athlete from birth, understand what it takes to excel at a sport and can appreciate those that do, even in sports I don't follow. Dempsey's free kick was one of those moments. What a great placement and he knew it was in as soon as the line left their feet. Congratulations to him on the tie for number one on the all-time list but also congratulations on a spectacular goal. Guess I'll now have to watch the final.
Dempsey's first little touch and then pass to Altidore when Jozy scored was also something to behold.
USA v Jamaica final.
I really wanted another US-Mexico final, but as long as we're there, I'll take it.
win it. *