Okay well that might be taking it a little far, but Tim Howard and especially US backup Brad Guzan did some pretty amazing things in Carling Cup* action this week. Both the American starter and backup saved penalty kicks in their midweek cup games against Premier League opposition. Howard stopped Tottenham Captain (and all around Irish badass) Robbie Keane’s effort from the spot, but couldn’t save Everton from being ousted from the competition. The… Read more
This is the first of a three blog installment taking a look back at qualifying and as noted in the title, a look ahead to South Africa 2010, over the course of the next week. PART ONE: WHAT WE LEARNED We’ve come a long way, both as a blog and more importantly, as a national team since the summer of 2008, when the United States senior team hosted Barbados to begin World Cup qualifying and a Brad Guzan set-piece blunder coupled with Michael… Read more
Frankie Hejduk is the man. Forget the fact that he’s one of only three wing defenders on the U.S. roster that I trust right now*. Forget his incredible runs into the opposition’s side of the field that stimulate the Yanks’ attack. We’re talking about a badass 35-year-old dude who’s out in the parking lot chugging beers and singing with the Columbus Crew faithful! Enjoy! *See Jonathan Spector and Steven… Read more
My thoughts on the Honduras match and where we’re headed: 1.) Jozy is the real-deal. Jozy played the best game I’ve ever seen him play. He was clearly inspired by Chuck D’s injuries and was ready to take it out on the Ticos. He was remarkable, and he’s improved dramatically since he started playing for Hull. Last night, I noticed that his first touch is much improved, and now he can hold the ball up top by himself much like a Didier… Read more
Wow! What a ride! The past 144 hours have taken me from the cradle to the grave, and back again much like the 20-minute Subhuman’s 1983 punk classic. The past 4 days have seriously been like Darien Lake’s Predator – a rollercoaster of epic proportions. I’ll work a game-wrap into what I’ve been thinking since Friday: Friday at about 3:00pm: NWB rolls in from the ATL and tells me that “he’s on vacation.” The Marlins’ season is… Read more
U.S. Soccer just hit a huge high with the boost of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and promptly followed that with the brutal low of Charlie Davies’ car crash. A fractured tibia and femur along with a laundry list of other injuries will almost certainly keep Davies from returning for the World Cup, but USMNT fans should just be hoping that he plays soccer again. These are the kinds of injuries that can end careers, but my gut tells me we’ll see Chuck… Read more
She’s not not good looking. Meet Blake Lively, a burgeoning young actress you may recognize from such artistic endeavors as the television show “Gossip Girl” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” And yes, as per Yankette of the Month doctrine, Ms. Lively is a red blooded California girl. Doesn’t the photo alone make you want to start chanting “U-S-A” at the top of your lungs? Whether she is breaking Dan Humphrey’s heart or somehow fitting into a pair… Read more
