By IVES GALARCEP
SEATTLE- The U.S. Men’s National Team is back home for World Cup qualifying tonight at CenturyLink Field as they take on Panama in their second of three CONCACAF HEX qualifiers in June (10:30pm, ESPN).
The U.S. come in riding a three-match qualifying unbeaten streak, and they are currently tied for the most points in the HEX with seven (tied with Costa Rica). A win tonight would help the U.S. hold at least a share of the lead in the standings at the mid-way point of the qualifying round.
Panama has its own aspirations of a top spot in the standings, and an upset win against the U.S. would help the Canaleros catapult past the U.S. in the standings.
More than 40,000 fans are expected to fill CenturyLink Field for tonight’s match, with heavy pro-Seattle Sounders crowd expected to be in full voice as two Sounders (Eddie Johnson and Brad Evans) make starts for the U.S. tonight.
Johnson and Geoff Cameron have been deputized into starting roles tonight in place of Jermaine Jones (concussion) and Graham Zusi (yellow card suspension).
In case you missed it earlier, be sure to read the SBI Preview on tonight’s USA-Panama match.
If you will be watching tonight’s match, please feel free to join us here as SBI chronicles all the action. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Tonight’s SBI Live Match Commentary is after the jump):
Would take Gcam at CB over Gonzalez every day and twice on Sunday #justsayin.
How many times are these refs going to blow clear penalty kicks on behalf of the U.S. WWWAAAAAAA Goal my Altidore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We’re witnessing the “next step” for Altidore.
Take it in, this journey is starting to get exciting.
Amazing how fast he is for sucha big man.
Everything you want, he has.
For me, the last thing to come…which appears to be finally developing to make him go from being good to great is: maturity.
Scary to think about if he keeps it together…what we’ll see in the next couple years.
Money
disagree…service is the difference, altho of course he’s amturing too. come on, he’s finally see the ball up front, and what a surprise, he’s good when he gets service
True. It’s not that he’s magically matured in the last 3 matches. He’s been maturing greatly over the last 2 years.
Amazing what Holland can do.Consider that the Eredevise isn’t that much stronger than MLS.That being said I wouldn’t mind if all our young attacking talent went over there as their first foray into Europe.
Think Holland would be a great next step for Mixx and Bedoya.
It’s all that “aged cheese” he eats.
dudester,
“Consider that the Eredevise isn’t that much stronger than MLS.”
That is not true. It is ranked ninth in Europe and the competition and
talent level is higher than MLS.
service…that’s the difference.
Seems like this team finally figured out how to maximize Jozy’s scoring potential.Simple play him next to Demps.BS on the pen call.
Every time Altidore scores, I remember every single one of you “critics”.
When Jozy started making the first team at Red Bull – he was 16.
I told a friend – “Mmmm I have a feeling about this guy – he’s got that New Jersey mojo.”
Recall as well – against Brazil, in the group stages of the U20 world cup, in 2007 Altidore scored both goals v. Brazil and the USA eliminated Brazil.
This.
He will go far, and light it up on the world stage.
Agreed. Definitely a talented guy, we’re pretty lucky he pulls on the jersey for us.
The criticism of Altidore was entirely fair. He was lazy, usually not in shape enough to go 90, and anybody who doesn’t score for 2 years as a striker is due criticism especially when he isn’t creating for other players.
Now, he is playing a much better game and is a quite a handful. It’s great to watch.
That doesn’t mean that the criticism of him wasn’t justified.
Just because a guy isn’t running up and down the pitch full bore for 90+ minutes doesn’t mean he’s lazy. In certain cases (and I’d wager Jozy is one of these), he makes intelligent runs rather than huffing and puffing so his work rate looks astounding.
It’s very clearly a matter of getting Altidore the ball. His form has been impeccable for his club, the service is now reaching that level in the recent USMNT games and you can see the result.
Fair opinion. I disagree as do some commentators, professional or otherwise. He’s a polarizing figure among fans AND more importantly his coaches. I think he’s a fair weather guy but if he gets fair weather, he’s a great asset. I hope he keeps scoring bucketsful.
Service in absence of Landon Donovan has definitely been lacking. That doesn’t excuse a lack of effort…that’s on the man, not the team.
You, beachbum and his family can disagree but the man paid to make decisions disagrees and many of us agreed with him. There’s a reason he was subbed off and it wasn’t for his lack of service.
Stop being an apologist. We’re not haters if we state what our eyes see.
Lack service: check
Lacking effort too often: check
One requires better understanding and ability from teammates. The other is squarely on the player and has zero excuses for being absent.
Three goals, three games. Thirty one goals in Europe. You can keep repeating whatever you want, it doesn’t make it so.
0 goals in the run of play in 2 years previously.
Are you going to sulk and blame everyone else too? That’s fine. That’s a personality defect…that doesn’t mean it’s reality.
The reality is anyone can be a teammate and not everyone is capable of being a good teammate.
Jozy wasn’t a good teammate for quite awhile during the last few years and being petulant was something people with 20/20 vision witnessed.
The type of effort we’ve seen after he scored a single goal reminds you what we could see when Jozy is mentally checked in.
Being a teammate is a two way street. Fighting each play is being a good teammate.
Poor service and whining about service as a professional while sulking around the pitch results in 0 goals.
Good service and hustle? 3 goals in 3 games. Can’t have one without the other.
Keep crying and criticizing, bro! One day someone will tell you how right you are!
That’s your response?
I’ll save the energy for people who are capable and willing to debate.
Run back to the sidelines where you take notes of “critics”.
when he’s not touching the ball except on desperation punts up top he isn’t effective…few are. Further, when he’s stationed alone up top he’s fighting off double teams all the time. With Clint up there with him, Jozy sees space, and with the formation also finally providing width, he sees service
no goals in the run of play for the Nats that long can be traced very seriously to the lack of those two things…a running mate up top and width that provides good service.
it’s the formation change since the Germany game that has made it happen imo
rats! just left a reply to you Old School…no a$$ comments either, but awaiting mods
in a nutshell, the formation change to provide A) a running mate up top, and B) width for service
that is the difference.
“rats! just left a reply to you Old School…no a$$ comments either, but awaiting mods
in a nutshell, the formation change to provide A) a running mate up top, and B) width for service
that is the difference.”
We’ll save it for another day, beachbum, as I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time on a slow day.
Jump in the updated/new thread for the match.
Aiming purely positivity right now after that performance by everyone. I was never trying to take the “negative” angle to begin with but couldn’t ignore such a blanketed/ridiculous statement by “Leo” the sideline reporter.
sure, another day…won’t change the facts though 🙂
great win tonight, and also great performance
You getting personal wasn’t trying to be “negative”…whatever, Old School.
If you’re going to be a jerk and make it personal, at least own it instead of backtracking.
beachbum, don’t forget the actual number of minutes played in the past two years (subtracting the number of minutes he’s played in the last three matches).
http://us.soccerway.com/players/josmer-volmy-altidore/7422/
You know, objective evidence and such.
Mr. School,
You make good points but I think everyone overlooks that tonight was less about Jozy, or any individual really, than it was about the team having a coming out party.
The regulars are finally mostly here and are having a good run of games together. The two CB’s shaky though they may be, are getting a little better and at least seem comfortable with each other. The newer guys, like Fabian, Jones, Zusi, EJ, Cameron are finally getting comfortable as are the surprises, DMB and Evans. Even the fringe guys like Davis are starting to look comfortable.
With every team there is usually a point where the light bulb suddenly goes off in everyone’s head and this run of games seems to be it.
They are finally acting like a real team. I’m not particularly worried about Honduras. I’m sure whoever they come up with to replace our card losses will do the job. And I’m not so sure now that LD, and Dolo will be missed that much if they don’t make it back.
GW,
I can agree with that. When one aspect is clicking, the entire team usually follows suit.
Smart runs? Never one of Jozy’s strong suits. Again, I’m happy he’s engaged, following direction from Deuce and JK, and scoring goals.
I guess the only thing I could respond with would be a suggestion to look up some of his highlights on YouTube with AZ and watch his off the ball movements for yourself. I don’t think hold up play was his strong suit, but it appears that he’s adapted quite well.
I suppose the argument is largely subjective, anyway.
Bull&@$# Yessss!!!
We need to find Fab more…keep the crosses out of the middle away from their strength…split our runs near and far post….blatant PK on Jozy….F yeah…goal !!!!!!!!!!
MB and Jozy DOMINATING this game right now.
Great ball by Fabian too
Sweet child of mine that’s a PK
Eddie J with the horrific service
The US is playing very well right now. The field may s*ck, the fans are frankly asleep, but the team is actually looking very creative.
Is it just my tv, or is this audio feed spotty?
Jozy looking very strong
Panama not just packing it in. They’re looking to get forward with numbers at times
as expected
Mikey playing like he did under Zeman at Roma.Making those deep runs out of mid.With the fitness he has he can do that all night and cause the serious problems.Hopefully Gcam can hold down the fort.
They’re gonna keep attacking Evans all night. Not surprising, though.
I think we can say that that the pitch is a disaster since 6 players have just fell down when trying to make a simple cut. Second home game where we willingly scheduled a game in less than optimal conditions. Kind of embarr$$ing.
#yeah, I reposted to avoid moderation.
Geoff Cameron seems timid out there, like he’s scared he is going to make a mistake.
That’s the feeling I get with every time he plays anywhere but CB.
Evans beaten yet again
Our ball movement is too slow…we need to have more confidence to possess the ball in the middle of the field…I’d like to see Deuce play fast and simply….great shot by MB…unlucky.
Get out the way Duece!
the adthe stream is driving me insane tonite… any others?
Watching on Unimas – the Hispanic cable station in the Boston area it’s Channel 21.
The guys on Unimas think the USA is bossing the game, taking it to Panama, and looking solid and dangerous.
http://www.ilemi.pe/120590/2/Watch-USA-vs-Panama/
Deuce! Pick up your head!
USA not moving the ball quickly enough. Theyre being too deliberate
i’m watching d usa game, but any1 also following d heat game as well?
Picture in picture son!!
LOL
Go Heat!
Dang both teams look slow, we need a creative midfielder.
Yeah. Following Heat v. Spurs in the ‘Daily Dime’ chat.
EJ fails to track back and loses Quintero who blows by Evans.Leaving Omar to sweep up.
BEvans has exposed a couple times tonight already.
So, this IS the second home game that the US intentionally have played under less than optimal football conditions. Interesting set of decisions and frankly, given our resources, kind of embarrassing.
That said, go US!
Beautiful win and turn by MB
Sorry Seattle until you can provide a soccer stadium with real grass, you should not get another qualifier.
Ives is @ss really so bad a word that it needs to be moderated so heavily, I mean c’mon.
Think of it as an opportunity to exercise your creativity. Moderation allows you to think about what you are writing instead of just putting down the first thing that comes into your head.
When you win a Pulitzer Prize you will SBI to thank for it.
…I’m sitting here with a drink, in a beautiful home and watching my boys play for a chance at the World Cup. Seriously, what a GREAT COUNTRY we have all been blessed to live in. Let’s go Yanks
Seconded
+ 2
Wow! Insanely soft call ther against USA
Nice hold up ther by Jozy and Deuce
Well defended corner, Jozy busting out nicely on the counter.
No TV tonight – anyone with a link?
First row sports
Huge throw in by BEvans. FJ skies the volley over the crossbar
Tickets to the Azteca, $60. The look on Chicharito’s face as he walks off the pitch, priceless.
Pura Vida!
Ticos!!! Pura Vida Muchá!!!!!!!
AMAZING National Anthem signing. Subtle, pure and classy.
Singing*, perhaps “signing” too for our hearing impaired.
Anybody have a link?
I’m seeing it on Sportlemon.tv
Tejada just completely whiffed on a spot kick from near the same area as the one that beat Timmy in Jamaica, so don’t tell me that’s an easy ball for a keeper. It’s like catching a long fly ball for a center fielder except you have to arrive at the exact right time and catch (or punch) it at the exact top of you leap. Anyone who’s played center field or fielded punt returns knows its not easy.
Who else would rather see Castillo at lb and Beas at Lmid rather than EJ at Lmid.You get much better work rate on defense.Plus two natural wing players.With two Fwds in Dempsey and Jozy you don’t need another fwd out there.At home would much rather see Klejstan than Cam next to Bradley.
+1
Cameron has not looked great, number of wayward passes. Would have much preferred Klestan.
Mexico throwing objects and hitting Brian Ruiz.
Absolutely despicable.
Stay classy Mexico.
Mexican fans make Liverpool supporters look cla$$y. That’s quite a feat.
Never been called cla$$y before. Thanks guy!
Sincerely,
Liverpool supporter and fellow SBI poster.
Ha! The bar has been set Citro! If you don’t fling your urine at people, you’re a gentleman.
Mexican fans are a disgrace.
But this is nothing new,….and nobody should be surprised by their conduct.
Correct but that doesn’t mean you ignore it.
I’m not watching but is it that bad? In these instances, I would love to hold the team accountable for such actions done by the fans but I understand that FIFA/CONCACAF would probably never do anything about it. In a perfect world they should be forced to play a qualifier in an empty stadium.
Ruiz was hit in the head on one occasion, and pelted with beer cups and water bottles in others…all inside of about 5 minutes.
Ruiz tried to walk away multiple times and Mexican players were physically pushing him back to the corner.
I’m not a lifer as a soccer fan because the sports I grew up in, Mexican players doing that would be coldcocked…but these are soccer players we’re talking about. Much too passive for this kind of bullshit.
Bryan Ruiz had to stop 3 times before he took a corner. One object hit him directly in the head.
I just sent Ives a question asking if FIFA or CONCACAF has the guts to make them change stadiums… we’ll see if he answers
Too make things even more of a disgrace, after drawing to Costa Rica, the Costa Rican supporter section was pelted with debris, liquids and random items.
You could see their fans covering their heads and people shielding their women.
The words to describe what I’m thinking would make me as disgusting as the filth throwing things at the Costa Ricans, so I’ll refrain. I’m tired of that BS.
Mexican fans are garbage. The team should play to empty stadiums until the WC in Brazil.
Whole heartedly agree. +1
+1 me too
“Shielding thier women ” lol
Really “Shielding thier women ” lol
To be fair, Costa Rican fans aren’t angels themselves.
Too bad Fifa doesn’t have the balls to penalize teams a point when their fans act this way. Seems to be a tradition at azteca. No class.
Stay classy, Mexican fans.
I hope can score early and often. Tired of those 1-0 scorelines. We need to be aggressive after the first goal. By the way, i was looking at 2010 highlights, does anyone remember how often the USMNT gave up early goals. Whatever can be said for JK’s team we don’t usually concede early. That’s progress.
Not sure about that since we now concede late goals instead of early ones.
We’re not playing top quality opponents, unlike 2010.
Look at the Hex games in 2009. Ton of games giving up early goals. Wasn’t just the World Cup.
+1 I am sooooo thankful the early goal giveaway has faded from USMNT history. That has nearly given me a cardiac arrest on more than one occasion.
There’s a Johnson on each wing…
Is it better to have a Johnson on your wing or a wing on your Johnson?
I guess we’ll find out tonight.
Don’t like this lineup at all. No wing threat. It might be a long and frustrating night.
How is Fabian Johnson not a wing threat? Just because he wasn’t good against Jamaica? You must not watch him much, he is our best offensive threat outside of Clint,Jozy, and Landon.
I think the lineup is pretty solid. Hoping EJ can be smart and aggressive for 90,
Hey, Johnson, nice cross to Altidore!
Hey, David, how’s that crow taste?
😉
JK getting more steady and predictable with his lineups of late. Seems to have more confidence in his guys. Less tricks, more running out your best guys and making the enemy match YOU. I like it.
USA!!
Go USA!