Wednesday, September 11, 2013

#USMNT Clinches World Cup Berth!

In front of a record crowd in Columbus, Ohio, the USMNT defeated Mexico, 2-0, to clinch a berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Second half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan gave the U.S. its fourth consecutive "Dos A Cero" win over its arch rival in Columbus.

Watch highlights of the match, courtesy of U.S. Soccer, here.

The win was the seventh in ten matches for the Stars and Stripes in Columbus (the other three resulted in draws). Columbus has become one of the true homes of U.S. Soccer, and the atmosphere in Columbus Crew Stadium was electric more than an hour before kickoff. The crowd of 24,500+ was in full throat for most of the match, and many serenaded the team nearly an hour after the final whistle, when the draw between Honduras and Panama officially clinched the World Cup berth for the USMNT.

I was fortunate enough to be there last night, along with some great friends from the Cleveland Chapter of the American Outlaws. No doubt the greatest experience I have ever had at a sporting event. See below for a few of my favorite photos:


Met Kasey Keller and 
Brian McBride before the match!

























Group shot before kickoff











Celebrating the USA's first goal

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

#USMNT Can Clinch World Cup Berth Tonight With Win Over Mexico

One of the biggest matches in recent U.S. Soccer history happens tonight about two and a half hours from my house, as the U.S. Men take on Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. I am incredibly excited to be going to the match, along with a few dozen fellow members of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Outlaws.

A U.S. win, coupled with a Honduras win or draw against Panama, will clinch a spot in next year's World Cup for the Americans, despite there being two additional qualifying matches on the Hex schedule. Clinching tonight would give Jurgen Klinsmann and the coaching staff some time to evaluate younger players and maybe experiment with some different lineups and formations.

Here are my three big questions for tonight's match:

  • Can the USMNT continue its dominance of Mexico in Columbus? The U.S. has won six and drawn three in its nine-match history of playing at Columbus Crew Stadium, with three of those six wins coming against Mexico (all by a 2-0 scoreline, which is why you will often here American soccer fans refer to "Dos A Cero"). Columbus is a great home for the Stars and Stripes. 
  • How will the absence of many American regulars affect the match? Jozy Altidore, Matt Besler, and Geoff Cameron will all miss tonight's match due to yellow card infractions. However, the biggest absence for tonight will likely be Michael Bradley, whose ankle injury in pre-match warmups on Friday was a big factor in the U.S. giving up two early goals to Costa Rica. Bradley is the heart and soul of this team - it's true most valuable player - and players like Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman will need to step up in the defensive midfield.
  • How will Mexico respond to its recent coaching change? Luis Fernando Tena, the head coach of Mexico's gold-winning Olympic team last year, was named interim coach after Jose Manuel de la Torre was fired following Friday's loss to Honduras. Tena did not have much time to change personnel or much else, but the mental aspect of this change could inspire Mexico to play well. Mexico is desperate - a loss here and they will likely have to win its two remaining matches to have a chance at qualifying for next year's World Cup.
So what do I think will happen? My heart says the U.S. will win by a 2-1 score. My head says Mexico will play with the desperation they need and earn a 1-1 draw. Either way, this match will feature the same things it always does: physicality, controversy, and tension. When it's all said and done, I hope I am celebrating a World Cup berth for the United States!