Thursday, June 24, 2010

USA 1, Algeria 0: The Day After

A day for headaches and heartbreaks, elation and despair, heart attacks and tears of joy.  All of it was on the pitch when the referee blew the final whistle yesterday.  The Americans were through.  Through, on top of their group, for the first time since 1930.  And it was the poster boy who got them there.  After an exhausting 90 minutes, where the chances were coming in bunches for the Americans, but the goals weren't, Landon Donovan slotted home a rebound off a Clint Dempsey shot in the 91st minute.  Bars and public areas around the country exploded with happiness.  I, alone in my living room after taking the day off work, jumped out of my chair, screamed like a school girl, and fell to my knees in disbelief at what had just unfolded.  Ian Darke's call was mesmerizing, of course, I didn't hear it until after I'd watched a replay of the game.  After all the doubt had crept in, when you thought the US just wasn't going to score, after another disallowed goal, when chance after chance went begging, the US found a way and a will to succeed in the dying embers of the match.  God Bless the USA.

Player Ratings:

Tim Howard- 10- My first ever perfect score for a player, but Tim kept the shutout, controlled the back line, and flung the pass that led to the winner.  Can't ask for any more from Howard on the day.

Steve Cherundolo- 8- Another massive performance from the diminutive right back.  Ziani and Belhadj were non-factors for the majority of the match, and we have Cherundolo to thank for that.

Jay DeMerit- 8- Newcastle and West Ham take notice.  Another great day at the office for DeMerit, who stood tall in the back, even after losing their midfield cover.

Carlos Bocangrea- 6.5- Had some shaky moments early, but picked it up and helped maintain the clean sheet with some fine aerial defending.

Jonathan Bornstein- 5.5- Not his worst game ever, but he should really learn how to clear a ball.  There were at least two or three times his clearances went straight to the Algerian side.  That said, he did make some solid tackles and his speed helped.

Landon Donovan- 7- Did disappear for some stretches, but was very dangerous several times.  And of course, he scored the goal, probably the most important of his career.

Michael Bradley- 8- Yet again, a massive performance from Bradley Jr.  He is definitely looking at a big money transfer this summer if he continues at this pace.

Maurice Edu- 6.5- Finally, an Edu-Bradley combo in the midfield and it worked wonders.  Edu was deployed in the holding position, allowing Bradley to push forward into the attack.  Expect another start from Edu against Ghana.

Clint Dempsey- 7- So many chances, but just couldn't capitalize.  He played very well though and caused the spill from the keeper that led to the goal.  His early goal should've counted though.

Herculez Gomez- 6.5- I was very impressed with Gomez.  He tested the keeper on every chance he got.  Really hope he gets another start against Ghana.

Jozy Altidore- 8- Huge FULL game from Altidore today.  Great 90 minutes, showed a nice first touch, and attacked with fervor.

SUBS:

Benny Feilhaber- 7- Has got his touch back and probably should've had an assist if not for a "save" by the keeper.

Edson Buddle- 5.5- One good chance from 5 yards which probably should've been converted.  Played physical up top.

DaMarcus Beasley- NA- Nothing more than his WC 2010 cameo.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Transfer Goodies

Caught up in all the World Cup hoopla, a few big names in US Soccer have popped up on the map.  One is already done, and that is Sacha Kljestan joining Belgian champions Anderlecht.  Great move for him, not a lot of pressure and he certainly has the talent to make something of himself.

On the rumor side, Jonathan Bornstein is rumored to be on his way to Atlante in the Mexican Premier League.  Again, another move I like.  He could play against better attackers and thus improve his game.  Also, Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel are rumored to be in the market again.

Aris Thessaloniki are continuing to try to extend the loan for Eddie Johnson.  After a mildly successful tail end of the season in Greece, Johnson apparently made enough of an impression to warrant another go around.  Should he remain at Fulham, he probably won't see much action.

Also, just a couple hours ago, Ives tweeted about having a chat with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and undoubtedly talked about the American players, then Ives guaranteed an American transfer to Arsenal.  Howard, Bradley, Dempsey, and Donovan are all on the radar.

More to come...