After a brief hiatus, I’m back. So let’s recap… A lot has happened in the world of American soccer over the last two months. Here are some quick hits from the Summer:
In World Cup Qualifying
- Despite an early goal by Charlie Davies, the US National Team failed to earn their first win at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and dropped the match 2-1, falling to 0-23-1 all-time south of the border.
- Over Labor Day weekend in Utah, the USNT came from behind to beat El Salvador 2-1 behind goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey.
- In a sloppy match in Port of Spain, Trinidad, midfielder Ricardo Clark won the US three points with the match’s lone goal. The US moved to the top spot in the World Cup qualifying region of CONCACAF. The top three teams automatically qualify. The fourth place team will play the fifth place team from South America for a place at the World Cup. Here are the current standings:
US Players
- Davies made an instant impact for his new squad FC Sochaux in the French first division. Davies came on as a sub in the second match of the season and scored two goals. However, his efforts weren’t enough as Sochaux fell 3-2 to Champions League participants Bordeaux.
- Altidore, in his debut, made his presence known with his new English Premier side, Hull City. Coming on as a sub in his first EPL match, Altidore sent a beautiful chip pass to Kamel Ghilas who put Hull on top 1-0 against Bolton.
- Oguchi Onyewu has yet to make his Serie A debut for AC Milan. This disappointing development is a setback for not only Gooch but for US Soccer. The National Team’s best defender left his former squad Standard Liege of Belgium after last season to seek out a higher level of competition and has been riding the pine ever since he signed with AC Milan… more to come on this topic.
- Tim Howard’s club Everton is struggling in the early-going of the English Premiership season after finishing 5th last year and qualifying for the Europa League (a level below the Champions League). After the departure of Everton’s defensive leader, Theo Lescott, Howard’s team has struggled to earn many wins.
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