USMNT vs Honduras Preview

The U.S. Men's National Team is less than 24 hours away from starting "The Hex," the final round of World Cup Qualifying in its region. The six-team, round-robin format will run over the next several months, with the top three teams qualifying for the 2014 World Cup and the fourth-place team advancing to take on a team from the Oceania region in a home-and-home playoff for a fourth slot. 

First up for the USMNT in Hex play is Honduras, with the match taking place in San Pedro Sula...which the Washington Post recently dubbed "the world's most violent place." The match is a very big deal in Central America, with the Honduran government declaring it a "National Holiday" so people can get off work early and cheer on "La Catrachos."

Honduras is considered a leading contender for one of the 2014 World Cup berths. They qualified for the world's greatest tournament twice, including 2010. Many of its starters play in Major League Soccer, so there will be some familiarity on the pitch tomorrow between players from both squads.

The all-time record between these two CONCACAF rivals is 12 wins for the US, four wins for Honduras, and three draws. The US has outscored Honduras by a 33-20 goal margin. In the most recent FIFA World Rankings (January 17, 2013), Honduras was ranked 59th, while the US was 28th.

This should be a very interesting matchup, with Honduras wanting to get off to a good start in front of what should be a raucous crowd, while the US would probably be content with a draw in a tough road environment. If a team can win most of its home matches and draw a few on the road in The Hex, a World Cup berth is theirs.

As is most often the case, I will be at Mavis Winkles Irish Pub in Independence, Ohio, with the American Outlaws Cleveland Chapter to cheer on the stars and stripes. If you are in the area, please come by and join us. GO USA!

USMNT Draws with Canada in First Match of 2013

The USMNT played Canada to a scoreless draw last night in its final match before the Final Round of World Cup Qualifying begins next Wednesday. Jurgen Klinsmann fielded a mostly "B" squad made up of MLS players and a smattering of other leagues, with only a handful of them likely to make next week's squad when they play at Honduras on February 6. Here are my hat trick points from last night's match:

1. Gonzalez, Beckerman, and Gatt shine brightest
The best three players on the field last night could all play a role in World Cup qualification for the USMNT. Omar Gonzalez is in the best form of his young career, having just won MVP of the MLS Cup for the Los Angeles Galaxy. He played a solid centerback last night and should be paired with Geoff Cameron in the starting XI next week against Honduras. Kyle Beckerman captained the squad from the defensive midfield position last night and was solid. He could challenge Danny Williams for that spot in the starting lineup in seven days. Josh Gatt showed off his speed and tenacity on the wing last night and would be a good threat off the bench for the top squad.

2. Canada once again frustrated the US by packing it in.
In recent years, Canada has seemed more than willing to play for a draw against the US, using a very conservative strategy. Last night was no different, as the US had significantly more possession, but could not get many shots on goal because the Canucks packed the midfield. You got the feeling watching last night's match that had the Stars and Stripes scored a goal, the floodgates would open on counterattacks since Canada would likely become more aggressive. Unfortunately, the result was just as Canada seemingly wanted.

3. Who else makes the USMNT squad for next week?
Gonzalez, Beckerman, and Gatt should all be safe. Seattle Sounders forward Eddie Johnson will likely make next week's squad as well, as he was a surprise catalyst late last year in qualifying matches. Also in the mix to make the WCQ roster is talented midfielder Graham Zusi. Longshots are Benny Feilhaber (could provide some creativity in the midfield) and Chris Wondolowski (might be able to offer some finishing talent despite his recent struggles when playing for the national team). Expect the final roster for next week's critical match to be released in the next day or two. 

2013 Major League Soccer Schedule Released

Earlier today, the 2013 MLS Schedule was released. Some highlights:

• Opening Day for the 2013 season will be Saturday, March 2. The best match of the day on paper is probably defending Eastern Conference Champion Houston Dynamo hosting D.C. United on NBC Sports Network. The following day, Portland Timbers host New York Red Bulls in what should be an exciting match on ESPN2.
  
• A total of 87 matches will be nationally televised in the United States, with most matches on ESPN, ESPN2, or NBC Sports Network. NBC's second year of MLS coverage takes another step forward with three live matches being shown on the "parent channel" - New York Red Bulls vs D.C. United on  March 16, Portland Timbers vs L.A. Galaxy on September 29, and D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo on October 27.
  
• Week 3 will be "Rivalry Week," with eight regional matches headlining MLS's version of March Madness. The week's most spirited contest will likely be Seattle Sounders hosting Portland Timbers.
  
• The defending champion L.A. Galaxy will host the Houston Dynamo in a rematch of their MLS Cup Final on May 5 on ESPN2.

To view the schedule in its entirety, click here.

Five Wishes for American Soccer in 2013

As we ring in the new year, I reflected upon an eventful and enjoyable 2012 blogging about soccer and thought ahead to 2013. Qualifying for the 2014 World Cup will be the big story globally, and it will be the focus of my blog in the upcoming year.

Specific to American Soccer, I have five wishes for 2013:

1. A relatively smooth World Cup qualification for the USMNT
The final round of qualifying for the US, the Hexagonal, begins in February with a trip to Honduras. Three of the first four matches for our boys are on the road - a difficult task to be sure. But if they can get a win over Costa Rica in their lone home match during that stretch, and pick up a couple draws or a win in the other three, they should be in the top half of the group going into June home matches against Jamaica and Panama. Remember, the top three of the six automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the fourth place team goes into a playoff. The USMNT should have no trouble earning one of those three spots, unless they start off poorly on the road.

2. Another trip to the Gold Cup Final for the USMNT
The USMNT will also be participating in the Gold Cup in July, a regional tournament that will be hosted here. Because of the tournament taking place in a World Cup Qualifying year, teams like the US and Mexico will likely field "B" teams, but USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann should use this opportunity to get some young up-and-coming players who could make the 2014 World Cup team like Terrence Boyd, Chris Pontius, Josh Gatt, and Perry Kitchen. I would also like to see Stuart Holden, coming off more than a year of injury trouble, get significant playing time to see if he can get back to Premier League form. Revenge over Mexico in the Gold Cup Final for losses to them in the 2009 and 2011 finals would be icing on the cake.

3. A successful beginning for the National Women's Soccer League
Sustained success for women's soccer outside of the national team has been lacking in the U.S., but the third time may be the charm. The NWSL will begin play in the spring with eight teams - Boston, Chicago, Western New York, New Jersey, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Portland. U.S. Soccer has promised to subsidize the league and help pay salaries for national team players to play in the league, which would be a good foundation. The Canadian and Mexican soccer federations have also pledged to help pay salaries for some of their national team players to participate in the league.

4. Seamless transition for new USWNT coach Tom Sermanni
There is no question that in recent years, the US Women have been the class of the world. Led by Pia Sundhage, the ladies in stars and stripes won gold in the 2012 Olympics in exciting fashion, winning a thrilling semifinal against Canada and then exacting revenge on Japan in the final. Sundhage was a beloved leader for the USWNT, but the native Swede resigned to take over as head coach of Sweden's women's national team - something she dreamed to do before ending her career. Enter Sermanni, former head coach of Australia's women's national team. Sermanni led Australia to the quarterfinals of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup, the best finishes in the history of Australian football. There will be some challenges for Sermanni, with many core players aging, but Alex Morgan is the probably the best overall player in the women's game today at just 23 years old, and Megan Rapinoe (27 years old) is a very good player in her prime, so there is strong young talent to build his team around.

5. US-Mexico in Columbus on September 10, 2013
A somewhat selfish final wish since Columbus is my home away from home and less than a three-hour drive away, but you cannot argue with the merits of why Columbus should host this match. Columbus has been a great host for US Soccer, specifically important matches between the two best teams in CONCACAF in recent years. The USMNT has beaten Mexico all three times they have played in Columbus. The lasting memory of this past September 11 World Cup Qualifier in Columbus, an important 1-0 win over Jamaica, was a raucous and patriotic crowd supporting the stars and stripes. What else could US Soccer want in a host for its most important home match in the Hex?

BPL Midseason Review and Second Half Predictions

The end of Matchweek 19 marks the midway point of the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League season, so I thought it prudent to recap what has happened so far and how I see the second half playing out. Here are my quick thoughts on each team in order of where they stand in the table:

1. Manchester United (46 points) - dramatic victories in recent weeks have masked some flaws in the back, but they are still the class of the league. Victory over Man City in December was critical.

2. Manchester City (39) - lost two of last four, including shocker to Sunderland. Hope to be within striking distance of the top of the table when they host Man U on April 6.

3. Chelsea (35 - only played 18 matches) - have won three in a row and seem to be hitting their stride under Rafa Benitez's leadership. Match at Everton this Sunday will be important for Champions League positioning.

4. Tottenham (33) - Gareth Bale is healthy and showing that he is one of the top talents in the BPL, lifting the Spurs to Champions League contention once again. Have lost to Everton and Arsenal already.

5. Everton (33) - Blues are often a second-half team, so an impressive first half has them thinking Champions League for the first time since 2005. A positive result against Chelsea this weekend would really shake things up.

6. West Bromwich Albion (33) - one of the big surprises of this season, the Baggies shook off a three-loss streak with seven points in their last three matches. Will likely get a wake-up call at Man U this weekend.

7. Arsenal (30 - only played 18 matches) - a roller coaster season for the Gunners, who are currently on the upswing with three wins in a row. High goal differential of +14 looks really good at this point relative to other teams they are competing with for Champions League.

8. Stoke City (28) - the Potters are on a nine-match unbeaten streak, utilizing their typical style of conservative play. We'll see how well that works against Man City next week.

9. Swansea City (25) - Michu's 13 goals have led a surprising attack for Swansea, the first Welsh side to play in the BPL. Could see them climbing until a late-season stretch that will have them facing Chelsea and both Manchester clubs in a span of three matches.

10. Liverpool (25) - Anfield natives are restless coming off a dreadful loss to Stoke. Liverpool has to find another offensive threat to partner with superstar goal-scorer (11 on the season) and drama queen diver Luis Suarez.

11. Norwich City (25) - The Canaries have surprised many BPL followers this season by staying mid-table, but their -8 goal differential reveals some concerns that will likely catch up with them unless they can find some offensive firepower before the January transfer window passes.

12. West Ham United (23 - only played 18 matches) - the best of the promoted sides this season, the Hammers have been a solid squad and should have enough to stay out of the relegated zone.

13. Sunderland (22) - biggest win of the season so far came earlier today when they knocked off Man City and got over the 20-point mark with their second win in a row. Steven Fletcher has enjoyed his first season at the Stadium of Light, tallying eight goals.

14. Fulham (21) - the folks at Craven Cottage are nervous, as Fulham's recent form has been horrible (draws with relegation zone QPR and struggling Southampton, as well as being routed by Liverpool). Dimitar Berbatov has cooled off.

15. Newcastle United (20) - one of this year's biggest disappointments, Alan Pardew's crew has not been able to follow up their stellar 2011-12 campaign with anything positive...save Demba Ba's continued scoring punch (11 goals - no one else has more than 3).

16. Aston Villa (18) - the Villains have been thumped by a cumulative score of 12-0 in their last two matches, raising tempers and concerns at Villa Park. Christian Benteke has been impressive in spurts, but they are now a BPL-worst -21 in goal differential.

17. Southampton (16 - only played 18 matches) - the proud fanbase of the Saints were thrilled to rejoin the top flight, but they have struggled a bit. A recent win over Reading could prove to be crucial to remaining out of the relegation zone.

18. Wigan Athletic (15) - winless in their last six, Wigan Athletic must once again get hot in the second half to avoid relegation...something Roberto Martinez has been able to coax out of his boys in recent seasons.

19. Reading (10) - recent form has not been all that bad, with a draw vs Swansea and one-goal loss to Man City, but they have a lot of work to do to move up the table and avoid going back down.

20. Queens Park Rangers (10) - QPR brought in Harry Redknapp a few weeks ago when the team was winless and looking for something to spark the squad. Redknapp has since led the team to a win, and two one-goal losses after that win show improved form...but likely not enough to avoid relegation given their poor start.

And here are my revised predictions for how the table will finish:

1. Manchester United (Champions League berth)
2. Chelsea (Champions League berth)
3. Manchester City (Champions League berth)
4. Everton (Champions League berth)
5. Arsenal (Europa League berth)
6. Tottenham (Europa League berth)
7. Stoke City
8. Swansea City
9. Liverpool
10. West Bromwich Albion
11. West Ham United
12. Norwich City
13. Newcastle United
14. Sunderland
15. Fulham
16. Aston Villa
17. Southampton
18. Wigan Athletic
19. Reading
20. Queens Park Rangers

MLS Cup Final Preview - David Beckham's Farewell Match

Later this afternoon, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo battle for the MLS Cup (ESPN at 4:30 pm ET). This is a rematch of last year's final, which the Galaxy won to earn their third title in the 16-year history of the league.



David Beckham hoisting the MLS Championship Trophy after leading the Galaxy to the 2011 title

 Here is my preview of the 2012 MLS Cup Final:

Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo are undoubtedly the underdogs in this match, but don't underestimate their talent on the field or in the coaches box. Brad Davis has been one of the best players in the league in recent seasons, and he racked up eight goals and a dozen assists in 2012. Davis had to sit out last year's final due to a quad injury, so you know he will be motivated to put in a great performance today. Along with David Beckham, Davis is one of the finest set piece threats in the MLS, so today's match could be dictated by which team earns the most set pieces in threatening areas on the pitch. Dominic Kinnear is in his ninth season as head coach of the Dynamo and led them to the MLS title in 2006 and 2007, so he knows what it takes to win a big match.

Los Angeles Galaxy
The Galaxy have been the drama darlings of the MLS in recent months. David Beckham announced he would be leaving the league after this season, so you know the Galaxy will want to send him out on top. Landon Donovan, the most decorated player not only in the history of US National Team Soccer but also the MLS with four championship rings, has openly discussed uncertainty about his future and hinted about retirement so he, too, may be playing his last match in the MLS. While Beckham and Donovan obviously bring a great deal of talent to the Galaxy, you cannot overstate how important Robbie Keane and his 16 goals and nine assists were to their campaign while the two more well-documented stars battled injuries. Like Houston, L.A. is led by an experienced and successful manager in Bruce Arena, who has won three MLS titles as head man.

Prediction
Look for a fired up crowd to help the Galaxy dictate play early. It would not surprise me if that energy cost the home team, however, and led to a mistake that gives the Dynamo an early lead. Even if that happens, I don't see the Galaxy letting this farewell story for Beckham - and possibly Donovan - end on a losing note. Again, set pieces will be a big factor, and it would be all too storybook to see Beckham score the winner off a free kick.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Houston Dynamo 1

Life Without Landon Looking More Likely for USMNT

Landon Donovan has been the face of the USMNT for years. He is the all-time leader in scoring and assists for the national team and has the most appearances in the stars and stripes of any active player. His stoppage time goal against Algeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup was probably the most important and memorable goal scored by the USMNT, advancing them into the second round and setting off celebrations throughout the world.

In recent weeks, however, Donovan has talked more and more about retiring from the game. Most recently, in an interview with ESPN's Julie Foudy, Donovan said that his body has told him he needed a break over the past year. He went on to say "I don't feel any obligation to play. I don't feel any responsibility to play. I think I've put in a lot into this whole thing. I'm proud of what I've done and what I've been a part of. But I can't fake it."

This lack of passion and commitment to the USMNT is troubling, but in many ways it will help further the handoff of team leadership and identity from Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra - the two mainstays of recent years - to the likes of Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard. Donovan will not be playing in any matches any time soon, if ever again, while Bocanegra's spot in the Starting XI is more and more tenuous after every match. Dempsey and Howard are among the best at their positions in the English Premier League, and both have played key roles in Jurgen Klinsmann's locker room.

2013 will be a big year for the USMNT. The final qualification round - known as the Hex - begins in February/March and the Gold Cup will take place in the summer. Despite the likely absence of Donovan, the US seems to have a lot of depth in the midfield with Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Danny Williams, Brek Shea, and hopefully a healthy Stuart Holden returning to the squad. But Landon Donovan will be missed...from the sounds of his recent interviews, probably a lot more than he will miss his teammates or putting on the red, white, and blue kit.