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By CLEMENTE LISI - NEW YORK, NY (Mar 31, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- Two ties in two games is not a bad start given the 10-game schedule, but Trinidad & Tobago enter Wednesday's game against the United States in Nashville with issues on the road to South Africa. Saturday's 1-1 draw with Honduras followed an opener against El Salvador that they dominated, but couldn't win.
“We did not play well,” coach Francisco Maturana lamented after the Honduras game. “We lacked rhythm. I hope we can improve in the next game and get some points.”
With J Hutcherson -- The quick read on yesterday's announcement that Fox Soccer Channel is the new home of the UEFA Champions League starting next season is based on relative availability and viewership. There's no way Fox Soccer can spin 34 million into 98 million.
Fortunately for Fox Soccer, they're also part of a broader network that apparently was willing to put a price on the Champions League.
With J Hutcherson -- There should be at least three main takeaways from Saturday's 2-2 draw with El Salvador. There's definitely such a thing as overestimating your opponents, there's not enough defensive depth for the US, and it's time to figure out a better substitution policy.
All three played out when Jozy Altidore was brought on in the 61st minute.
The Seattle Sounders continue to have the best record in Major League Soccer, putting away Real Salt Lake. Elsewhere, ties abounded in a week where three games ended 1-1.
As a parent or coach, even if you claim to know absolutely nothing about the game of soccer, more often than not, you will concede that you know one obvious and important rule -- no hands allowed. Players must learn to control the ball with their feet (and other parts of their body, if they are so inclined) in order to attack the opponent’s goal and ultimately score. With a few basic helpful hints, any parents or first-time coach can practice foot skills with a young team.
The United States had to come back from two goals down on Saturday to salvage a draw with El Salvador at Cuscatlán. Eliseo Quintanilla opened the scoring in the 15th minute and El Salvador doubled that lead in the 72nd through Cristian Castillo. Subbed on in the 61st minute, Jozy Altidore got the US on the board in the 76th. Frankie Hejduk got the equalizer in the 87th minute, saving the point on the road.
By Graig Carbino - ALBANY, NY (Mar 26, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- The votes have finally been tallied and we are moving forward into Round 2 of the American Abroad March Madness Tournament. In case you missed it last week, we tossed sixteen US players plying their trade abroad into seeds and asked for your help in picking winners.
With J Hutcherson -- Pardon me if I don't jump into the pre-match hype that tends to build any team the United States happens to be playing as some test or potential problem. El Salvador doesn't have the players to make this a game home or away, and that should show over ninety minutes.
Sure, we all remember Guatemala and Cuba away, when the US spent too much time trying to break down a defense that would have bent under their normal attack. We've seen the United States get too clever with the passing, keep their target forward back, and basically make things harder. We've also seen the US defense make all the difference while the attack worked out its issues.
By Clemente Lisi - MIAMI, FL (Mar 26, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- El Salvador may not be the toughest team in the world, but their fans sure help make the difference whenever “La Selecta” plays at home. The United States can expect very hostile fans when the squad walks onto the field at San Salvador’s Estadio Cuscatlan on Saturday night.
A harsh reception is nothing new for teams that play on the road during World Cup qualifying, although El Salvadorians bring hostility to whole new levels.
With J Hutcherson -- Courtesy of Tuesday's conference all with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, we should all be delighted to know that the League puts serious thought into schedule.
Ok, the response was more like 'thanks for asking, but we've got that.' So don't look for a substantive discussion on why the League backed itself up into March Madness and yet another round of World Cup Qualifying.
With J Hutcherson -- Here's what happens when all you really want to do is bask in the reflected glory of special guest Jim Belushi. Your star player rolls in and lets the media know he's done at the end of the season. Better yet, he's just done with you.
Welcome to the Chicago Fire's season kickoff luncheon.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco isn't overly enthusiastic with what the Fire is doing now, and he has an out at the end of the season. Or, as he put it to The Chicago Tribune's José Luis Sánchez Pando -- "My contract will be done, and I will leave happy because I have great teammates. It's a decision I made. I'm going to look for other options."
Continue reading "Wednesday's Daily: Blanco Makes It Clear" »
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber met with the media by conference call on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the latest round of MLS expansion. The League added Vancouver and Portland, bringing the total number of teams to 18 by 2011.
Garber talked about the short-term success already being seen in Vancouver, where they set a new season tickets sold record by moving 5,000 tickets in 48 hours. He also stressed the importance of the concentration of teams in the Pacific Northwest for redefining fan support for North American soccer while pushing the product on the field.
"We really have to start prioritizing the competition on the field," Garber said. "Our business is secure, our foundation is lad for the long term. Now we have to assure that we solidify the quality of play."
In other MLS news, Seattle forward Fredy Montero was named Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 1. Montero scored the first goal in the history of the Seattle MLS club and finished the game with two goals and an assist.
Tony Edwards speaks with the former MLS Cup winner.
With Fox showing Premier League games on network television, Jason Davis looks at how this could impact Major League Soccer.
Dario Camacho explains the injury issues for several Major League Soccer clubs.
US Soccer Players catches up with National Team alum Arnie Mausser.
Clemente Lisi previews the big picture trends for 2012.
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