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USA vs. Guatemala: Match Night Commentary

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The U.S. Men’s National Team can book a place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tonight with a win or draw against Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park (7:15pm, ESPN2).

The Americans are coming off a last-minute 2-1 win against Antigua & Barbuda on Friday and will be the heavy favorites against a Guatemala side that has never beaten the United States on American soil.

For Guatemala, a draw or win also means a place in the Hexagonal, though the outcome of the Jamaica-Antigua and Barbuda match will determine whether the ‘Chapines’ can advance even with a loss.

SBI will be providing live commentary on tonight’s action so please feel free to follow along here. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (Tonight’s commentary is after the jump):

Comments

  1. A fine win, but backline problems persist. I remain amazed at those who think Boca can compete at this level. His time has passed. Will he be faster (or smarter) if somehow the US makes it past the hexagonals? JK may be a fine coach in other regards, but he seems lost when it comes to organizing a defense for a national team. Time for a help wanted ad.

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  2. Most def a bittersweet victory… I wanted the USA to win but not at the expense of Guatemala. This one stings a little. With that said i feel that Jamaica is an easier team than Guate so that will benefit us in the next round. Great win tonight by the USA and they did it pretty convincingly… Except for the first 5 minutes but other than that I was finally happy with what i saw. For ONCE! Eddie Johnson showed that he can tear up concacaf teams with his fancy footwork and MB is always MB and it’s always nice to cap tie a player(Corona) and for all the flack that Pankhurst gets I thought he had a great night.

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    • That might be true and i think that the comments section really should mimic the old one. When you reply its confusing, because it doesn’t actually show who you’re replying to, you just have to guess. If they can fix this comments section than i think it will be back to norman.

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  3. I don’t know who it is but MB needs to play a true central midfield position in front of the CDM-Danny Williams, Jermaine Jones, even Torres can play behind him. Brings too much going forward, but still isn’t a true CAM.

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    • Not a Ronaldinho style CAM, no. Not in the fast, run at defenders and create a goal out of nothing style CAM, but he is probably much more in the mold of the more recent vogue of do-it-all style midfielder like a Scholes or Lampard. Not many teams use Ronaldinho style CAMs anymore so I think it’s just as well for us that he is the guy that pulls the strings. We’d be lost without him. I don’t think anyone wants to see JJ pulling the strings.

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  4. EJ’s link-up play has been outstanding. I almost want him back in the midfield for the rest of the night, but I think he’s already getting tired.

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  5. in response to the bring carlos Ruiz back to MLS comment. problem he has a discipline and fitness and is a known to have a drinking problem.. He makes the worst decisions ever. Philly to Veracruz. Comes on spanish radio and claims it is an amazing opportunity. Hes then let lose for the same binge drinking that got him booted out of MLS the first time around. That is what has derailed him from becoming a truly world class player. Its a shame honestly because the man can ball.

    at this point id pass on the guy too much baggage

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  6. I am absolutely shocked by EJ’s performance. I just didn’t think he could provide that type of threat on the wings. His run down the right flank was perfect, as was his pass to Dempsey. He’s able to take players on with confidence and has displayed great overall movement. I had written him off for good. Shame on me I guess.

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    • If anything, I might actually have been more impressed by him in this game than the A&B game. Even though he didn’t score he showed great skill and effort, and made intelligent runs. Very pleased, hope he keeps it up.

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  7. I hate to say it in the middle of a great first half…
    But isn’t it sad that Guatemala have a badge that is sooooo much better than the US’s?
    After this game… (please God let it be a win for the US) can Klinsmann sort that out?

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  8. Bocanegra is much too slow to stay with Ruiz. Ruiz needs 2 steps to leave Boca in the dust. Eddie Johnson has not improved much from his play in previous world cup qualifiers. . He doesn’t the touch and ball control skills that will be needed against teams much better than Antigua and Guatamela.

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    • Looked to me like Michael Bradley gave the ball away and Guatemala took the opportunity and scored. Did see I see that right? Was it MB who gave it away?

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      • He was put in a tough sideline, and a give away in that position should not result in that easy of a goal.

  9. God, the red/white, white, and white looks bad.

    Red/white, blue, and blue imo is the best (a horizontal Atletico Madrid), the usual red/white, blue and white is 2nd.

    Also the break in the jersey for the numbers looks bad, do what QPR/every other European team do, just put the numbers (in blue) over the hoops.

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    • The lack of a kit identity is an ongoing frustration with US Soccer. These Where’s Waldo jerseys are ridiculous. The sash was classy and was a look they could have kept for good (and still should). You can still vary an iconic look, but not if you don’t have an iconic look.

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