USMNT vs. Guatemala

This is tonight, right? Anybody going?

Don't know squat about G'mala, know we've got basically a "B" team plus Donovan going.

Anybody got a clue as to what to expect?

I don't...

 

I thought about driving down, but couldn't swing it this weekend.

 

Thought about it also, but that's a 4 hour round trip for just a friendly.

I would imagine Guatemala would be rolling out their A team since the Gold Cup is their first meaningful games in a year. EDIT: according to the match preview Guatemala is reshaping their squad.

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/usnationa ... 87?cc=5901

 

A pretty weak Guatemala team, but it is still nice to win 6-0.

A sloppy first 30 minutes, but they started to get better in the last 15 minutes and Herc scored the first goal.

Mix and Stu came on to replace Torres (who actually played well himself) and Beckerman and everything started to open up in the middle. It was a joy to watch a healthy Stu-S-A play again. His assist on Donovan's second goal was damn nice. Also nice to see Wondo and Bedoya score their first career goals.

And finally, congrats to Donovan on scoring two goals, giving him 51 and he became the fourth CONCACAF player with 50+ goals all-time.

Here are the goals -> http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=13611

 

Not sure I agree Torres played well, but from where I was watching I had some difficulty making out who was who so I hesitate to critique anyone. It also wasn't Torres' fault that the middle was so clogged-was that solved by the halftime subs or by switching Donovan and Corona? However, Torres needed to shine more against that competition. I have to think Mixx has now passed him by and will be given more opportunities to prove himself. It was great to see Stu play such lively soccer. My fears that he won't be the same player are beginning to fade :dance:

Gooch made some good clearances and appeared to be moving better than he did in his most recent appearances. I'm looking forward to seeing him play against tougher competition in the Gold Cup.

While all the laudits will go to Donovan and Holden I think once again Beasley was the most dangerous player on the field considering his full 90 consistency and he was playing defense.

As for Wondo- that was a mighty fine finish and well deserved.

 

Can't quibble about 6-nil, can we? Don't know how many of these guys will be on the final squad for Brazil, but I DO know one thing...we ain't gonna do diddly squat without Number 10 out there. As much as I love Deuce, Landon Donovan has what some call the "X" factor. He skews the predictable and tangible to the unpredictable and intangible by his mere presence. And this is, in all liklihood, the last WC go around for him and the current generation of American stars...Dempsey, Howard, Bocanegra (if he even makes it), Gooch (see Boca), Beasley, Eddie J., et. al. I'm sure I left some guys out, but, bottom line, they'll be a bit long in the tooth for serious consideration for Russia in 2018, if they haven't already retired from international competition by then.

So, the takeaway for me from last night? A take care of business prep for what amounts to a tryout tournament for next year. Although...the bitter taste of the Rose Bowl lingers like bad garlic. Would it be nice to avenge that loss? Hell, yes. Is it mandatory for continued success towards Brazil? Probably not. Still, it's always better to win when you're supposed to.

Mission accomplished.

On to Portland and Belize! Can't wait to see how the Timbers faithful responds to the challenge laid down by the patriots in Seattle. It's gonna be LOUD! AND I LIKE IT LOUD1

COME ON YOU YANKS!

 

I'd like to see John Busch get a shot with the national team. The Earthquakes only had about half of their team there Saturday night (5 at the Gold Cup plus injuries) and lost to New England 2-0. It would have been about 6-0 without Busch.

Edit: Should have looked it up before I posted -- Busch is 36. Mark Schwarzer was excellent in his late 30's.