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USMNT rally to beat Panama late, save Mexico’s World Cup hopes

US Men's National team vs. Panama

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

The U.S. Men’s National Team pulled off some late-game heroics against Panama, and they saved more than just themselves.

The U.S. scored twice in second-half stoppage time to erase a one-goal deficit and beat Panama, 3-2, in a dramatic World Cup qualifier at a rainy Estadio Rommel Fernandez on Tuesday night. Graham Zusi scored the equalizer in the 92nd minute off a cross from substitute Brad Davis and Aron Johannsson netted the winner a minute later with a near-perfect individual effort against the stunned Canaleros.

The result not only saw the Hexagonal-leading Americans match the record point total they set in CONCACAF’s final round of qualifying during the 2006 World Cup cycle, but it also eliminated a heartbroken Panamanian team and saved Mexico from astonishingly missing out on the World Cup. El Tri lost to Costa Rica, 2-1, on Tuesday night and would have been eliminated from qualifying had the U.S. not scored the two late goals.

Zusi and Johannsson’s strikes for a U.S. squad filled with reserves erased two separate leads that Panama had, including a late one that looked to assure that the hosts would move into CONCACAF’s fourth-place spot in the Hexagonal and face New Zealand in next month’s two-legged play-off.

After seeing Gabriel Torres’ 18th-minute opener canceled out by a Michael Orozco header in the 64th, the Canaleros jumped out in front again when Luis Tejada poked the ball into the back of the net in the 84th minute of a match they had to win in order to have any shot at reaching Brazil next summer.

Following a low cross from the right that U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan got a slight touch to but couldn’t steer clear of the center of the penalty area, Tejada outraced the U.S. defense to score a crucial goal that brought Panama’s World Cup hopes back to life. The strike sent the Panamanian players and their fans into a frenzy, as they knew they were on the brink of moving past Mexico in the Hexagonal table due to fourth-placed El Tri trailing Costa Rica in a qualifier played simultaneously.

Panama’s joy turned into despair in stoppage time, however.

With only seconds remaining before Panama could officially celebrate advancing to next month’s play-off, Davis hit a gorgeous cross from the left that Zusi met and did well to head home in the second minute of stoppage time. The Canaleros were punished for questionably continuing to send numbers forward against the Americans instead of dropping them back in an effort to preserve the lead.

Whatever self-belief Panama still had at that moment in the match went up in a cloud of smoke seconds later after Johannsson netted his first goal at the international level. Johannsson, who was inserted by U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in the 62nd minute, hit a hard low shot into the bottom corner that Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo could do little about.

The writing was on the wall for the heartbroken Panamanian players and some of them burst into tears and had to be consoled by the Americans following the sound of the final whistle.

The U.S., who played in a 4-2-3-1 formation in the match, finished their successful Hexagonal campaign with a 7-1-2 record. The 22 points they earned from those qualifiers match the record point total the Americans set during the 2006 World Cup qualifying cycle. The U.S. also finished atop the group back then.

Klinsmann’s side’s qualifying campaign may have ended with a successful road victory, but they are not done playing in 2013 just yet. The U.S. will partake in two road friendlies in Scotland and Austria in November to close out the year.

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What do you think of the United States’ 3-2 win over Panama? Was this the wildest night of sports that you’ve experienced? Did you find yourself rooting for Panama so as to see Mexico eliminated? Which American players impressed/disappointed you?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Great article Franco, petition to change name to SoccerByFranco seeing as good ol Ives rarely posts on here anymore and saves all of his good stuff for goal.com.

    Reply
  2. 1. You can’t be a top team in the world unless you have that killer instinct. Maybe we’re developing it.

    2. Why didn’t Panama just put 11 behind the ball? They could have avoided this, but they kept attacking!

    3. It’s a pretty proud moment when a B-plus USMNT goes into Central America and wins a qualifier. Under these circumstances, what a credit to the USA.

    4. Why would you do anything but play to win? Anything else is too clever by half.

    5. USA! USA!

    Reply
    • I think once he feels more integrated with these guys, and more comfortable that he’s not a newbie, he’s going to be great to have on our team.
      His vision, spacing, natural touch over the ball are all strong.
      Once he grows in confidence with his teammates… oh yea

      Reply
    • I disagree. He may not be great with the partners he’s been given but I think he is the future, not Altadore. The only other one I’d like to see get a run out is Juan Agudelo. He has amazing skill and I think if he stays healthy, should be given more chances. He’s young and talented

      Reply
      • I see AJ taking over Dueces roll. I like how he came back and made plays and put him self in the game instead of waiting for it to come to him.

      • He did a much better job than Diskerud in that position. They really opened up the attack as soon as Bacon came in the game. I wish he was able to bend that one in just before Panama made it 2-1.

    • I like the combination of a Wondo type motor with actual skill, finishing, and soccer IQ. Another Dempsey/ Donovan type that can help.

      Reply
  3. Already qualified and a chance to eliminate Mexico from the World Cup … strategically / big picture-wise, the USA should have manned down and eliminated Mexico from the World Cup. I would much rather face any other CONCACAF team in a knock out round of the World Cup than Mexico. Hope it doesn’t come back and bite us.

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    • Garbage. Eliminating Mexico in 2002 in a knockout WC was awesome. If you are really better than your rival you dream of beating them up in front of the whole world. If you are a coward, you enjoy eliminating them through back-channels and intentionally losing games. Stop being a beta male and believe in your team! We are good!

      Reply
    • Do you want the US to be taken seriously in the soccer world like any other American? Yet you comment here saying that you would rather have us lay down and lose to an inferior opponent. Makes no sense! Win, win, win and things will fall into place… Why be scared of Mexico?

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    • Why are so many people afraid to a scenario where we play against Mexico in the knockout rounds? I don’t understand. First of all, Mexico has to beat NZ. Secondly, we have to qualify out of our group in Brazil (as would Mexico). Thirdly, the chances of us going up against Mexico again like we did in 2002 are minimal. Fourthly, if we were actually pitted against Mexico and could not beat them, then we would not deserve to move on to the next round anyway!

      Reply
    • The difference is that Mexico is the only other CONCACAF team that ever makes it to the group stage. I think the US owns Mexico in the group stage match more so than any European, Asian, or (God forbid) African team likely to make it there, so I like seeing them in Advance in WC. Dos a cero all day long baby.

      Reply
    • In what universe is panama playing in a knockout game at the world cup finals?

      Mexico would be a dream matchup in an elimination game when you consider the possible top 16 alternatives.

      Reply
  4. For whatever reason, Jurgen only puts Brad Davis in for a few minutes and all of you expect miracles within that time frame. Finally Klinnsman puts him and gives him enough time to get warmed up and now everyone sees what’s possible.

    Davis certainly isn’t fast, but he’s a smart player with good instincts. He reads the game well and loves to serve goals on a silver platter. I think he could provide wonders on the Left Wing for the USMNT if given more chances to become acquainted with the US squad and get more playing time on the pitch against good teams. He’s a good competitor and has a few tricks up his sleeve if given the opportunity.

    Go Dynamo!

    Reply
  5. “The good team will find the way to win” (Donovan).
    I believed and told my friends at 89” when US downed 2-1 “US will tie or win do not worry”; It happened. Congratulation and credit to US team, especially to JK. Go to Brazil and make noise.

    Reply
  6. I might have felt a little bad about this W if Panama’s goalie hadn’t pulled that fake injury time wasting BS there at the end. US was being sporting about the whole thing and they pull that? At that point I lost all empathy for them. Man up and play the game right or you don’t deserve to win.

    Reply
    • Agreed. He was faking it big time. I don’t think Boyd even touched him. IF he did, he barely grazed him and the goalie was totally embellishing. He deserved a yellow. Which brings me to my next point: Courtney Campbell is a shitty referee. He has no business refereeing WC qualifiers or even youth soccer for that matter.

      Reply
  7. I have Mexican family. I love Mexico. But, I have been rooting from the beginning for Panama to make it. It would have been the most amazing thing for that country — and just to make the WOrld Cup, but to make it when the tournament is just a little ways down south, in Brazil. I’m sure so many Panamanians would have made the trip. So, I feel badly for them.

    On the other hand, I could see it coming when they kept charging forward and trying to take on USA defenders, instead of having the good sense to slow the game down and/or take the ball to the corners. They were thumbing their noses at the soccer gods, and they were smote down.oThey were too caught up in their feelings of glory. That’s never a good thing.

    Reply
  8. Feel bad for Panama. They were so close.

    I thought KB looked out of sorts tonight. Loved the hook on AJs first shot. Loved the goal. I think he will jump to #2 striker

    Reply
    • I know there is a WC to focus on but I’m salivating for the next cycle. We’ve got the potential to have a ton of great talent maturing all at the same time. Now if only we could produce some more fullbacks.

      Reply
  9. My brother had a pretty good idea – we should let New Zealand hold their home leg in Columbus.

    I’m having lunch with a Mexican friend tomorrow. I think it’s safe to say he’s buying.

    Reply
  10. While I came down to Panama to watch the US play well and win, the way it happened was gut wrenching… I wish I could have celebrated Johannsson’s first goal more…

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  11. Part I love the most in all this is that Mexico’s (Golden Generation, Olympic Gold Medal, etc, etc, etc…) managed 7 goals in 10 matches. While the US (pack it in Defense) scored 15. So who plays the more attacking & attractive style????

    Reply
  12. I was rooting for the USA all the way like I always do. I want our team to always play to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s the World Cup, Qualifying, a friendly, or practice. Winners play to win. Everyone else can stand or fall on their own. Congratulations to the USA! Keep it up!!!

    Reply
  13. Classic commentary in Spanish on bein sport espanol-

    Quienes son los gigantes del CONCACAF? Para mi no hay duda– Estados Unidos.

    Who are the giants in CONCACAF? For me there’s no doubt– USA.

    I think I’ll make that into a t-shirt.

    Reply
  14. I could care less about Mexico benefiting from our scraps or Panama not advancing. US winning regardless, is how you create a new culture. We want every game to be important to every player, because they want to be constantly striving to be the best and be deserving of a spot on the USMNT. I want a team of winners, who can come from behind, overcome playing away from home in hostile environments, and represent the US with everything they have regardless of the circumstance. I am incredibly proud the US fought til the last minute tonight, and I hope they always do so regardless. Couldn’t be more proud or more excited to see where this USMNT takes us. USA!

    Reply
    • Interesting sidebar…just ambled on over to FIFA’s website and used their ratings calculator…looks like the USA will finish with 1040 points…which should move us ahead of Greece and Portugal (which will have 1036 points after their tie with Israel today)…to finish 11th…just three spots out of the seeds for the World Cup. Pretty sure that’s where it ends…the seeds in the December draw will be determined, I believe, by the October ratings.

      We’ve won 14 of our last 15 under Klinsmann…and came very, very close to winding up with a WC seed. Kinda stinks…we only needed another 30 or 35 points or so to getting our own group in the World Cup.

      That’s progress, for sure. I know we were technically ranked higher in 2006, but I very much doubt anyone thinks that ’06 team in reality was better than this one.

      Reply
      • Totally agree, and the way to get to a seeded position in future rankings is maintaining a winners mentality and to continue vetting talent as JK has been. The US should stake a claim of dominance and strike fear in the hearts of our foes for decades to come. I never want the opposition to think there will be games that they can win or easy games against the US. This is how the US becomes truly great and some day wins a world cup.

      • We will stay at 13th. We will move ahead of Portugal, Croatia and Greece. But we got leapfrogged by Switzerland, England and Chile. Would have taken 1138 to tie Switzerland for a seed.

        Still, I agree that this is great progress and the top-15 ranking does seem to reflect reality for the first time.

        BTW, assuming Uruguay win their playoff, 4 of the 8 seeds will go to South America. There will be a lot of very good European teams not seeded. Including Italy, Netherlands, who will tie for the 8th spot if Uruguay fail.

    • Yes of course. I mean it sucks that Panama didn’t qualify and Mexico goes on to play NZ, but very proud of the class and character of our team. Fan emotion and fantasy is different from the actual professionalism you want your squad to show.

      Reply
    • The USMNT always plays ’til the end. That’s nothing new. I’d like us to start with left wingers on the left and right wingers on the right. That would be cool.

      Reply
  15. I am unable to provide any sort of objective view of the game because I feel absolutely gutted for Panama. It was hard to see them crumple to the pitch and stumble down the tunnel in anguish after the final whistle. I feel like we are terrible bullies who had no reason to do what we just did. That just felt totally unnecessary…

    I guess the one thing I want to point out is that Aron Johannsson brings something to this team that no one else does. He was exuding so much confidence as he started that move that I had no doubt he was about to bury it.

    Reply
    • Gotta agree with Kevin on this. Can’t really feel too bad for them; Panama dropped too many points at home.
      Two points:

      Aron Johannsson is legitimate stud in the making, very excited to see more of him. His movement, vision, and finishing is only going to get better.

      CONCACAF has too many WC spots. Reduce them from 3 Automatic to 2 Automatic and 1 playoff.

      Reply
    • I have been watching this kid as much as I can over the past 6-8 months and I can vouch for that move. You watch him with his mechanics at that distance, it’s like when you’re playing street fighter against that guy who once he hit you with that first dragon punch you knew the fight was over, combo combo combo spinning round kicks fireballs boom your KO’d. Iceman starts shuffling out there around the edge of the box, the windup comes and boom, goal. Pretty effen sweet and a type of talent I’ve never seen in a US kit.

      Reply
    • @Joamiq, when our National Soccer Team takes the pitch, they take the pitch to WIN, period. That is sports. And among sports, soccer is the cruelest game. GET OVER IT. There are winners and losers. Panama LOST, and it was THEIR OWN FAULT. They could have bunkered to preserve the tie. They didn’t. They stupidly kept pressing forward. Those boneheads lost. We didn’t lose it for them, and the US WILL NEVER LIE DOWN FOR ANYBODY.

      Reply
    • You play to win. Any level you don’t play to the whistle and that can happen. They thought they won it at 85′ ish and the celebration reflected it.

      The one thing that interests me is what they look like agewise, ie, can they build off this or was it a peak performance from players who will be too old next cycle. Because if the team is young enough they can learn from this.

      Reply
    • Oh my God, can you guys relax? I didn’t say the boys should have laid down and died. I feel proud that they stepped up and kept competing. I just felt really bad for Panama, since I am, you know, a human being who doesn’t enjoy seeing other human beings’ hopes and dreams crushed. It was an emotional reaction. I thought I made it clear that I was not being objective.

      I agree 100% that Panama did this to themselves. In addition to not picking up enough points in other games, they didn’t know how to close this one out. It’s on them. That doesn’t make me feel less sympathy for them.

      Reply
  16. Mexico now can get a $600MM windfall from World Cup revenues. That means less EBT cards from American citizens. Everybody wins!

    Reply
  17. The pure hatred expressed toward Mexico disgusts me. No player who suits up for the U.S, should ever be fixated on any other team except the one he’s presently playing, in this case Panama. The U.S. players upheld the integrity of the game, when they could have easily just let the clock run out in Panama’s favor. Players should play the game and let the chips fall where they may.

    Reply
      • Lol Judging Amy with the pwnage.
        Okokok seriously. This is what sports rivalry is about. Sox and Yankees. Trojans and bruins. Lakers and celtics. Real and barca. Giants and Dodgers. Chivas and America. Countless others.
        Some of us have to walk the line. I root for Mexico if they are not playing the US, but only because i need my wife to be happy. But I totally understand the sentiment of wanting rivals to lose. As long as no one is being racist about the rivalry, it’s all good.

      • do you not understand what he’s saying? We shouldn’t give a **** about Mexico or Panama. We wanna win every match. We do things the right way because we’re the United States of America and that’s how we roll.

      • oh i agree completely about that part. glad we won. classy by klinsmann and the team.

        but he doesn’t get the rivalry aspect of sports and that a fan’s venom isn’t the same thing as actual hatred for a country. part of the element of competition is wanting to see your opponent and rivals hurting– a killer instinct great teams and players have. that’s why rivalries in sports are great. it has nothing to do with real hatred.

        “The pure hatred expressed towards Mexico disgusts me”

        What a princess.

        in other words, he’s a tremendous nerd.

      • I was born a die hard Bears fan. I hated the Packers before I could crawl. But I want them to beat the snot out of every other team they face before they come get their butts whoopd by the Bears because I would always rather beat the best. Every other sentiment beyond that is pure cowardice to me.

        For instance, when I read that Switzerland would likely earn a seed tonight instead of Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy et al, a part of me sighed in mild disgust.

        I mean c’mon, isn’t what you’re like saying, “Gosh wouldn’t it be great if not only are those traditional European powerhouses denied seeds… But what if they failed to qualify altogether! Then we’d REALLY have a shot at winning the World Cup!!” What a bunch of yellaw horse manure that is!

        To be the best, you have to beat the BEST. Anything less is just masquerading in mediocrity.

        But speaking of mediocre, that Mexico football team… wow

      • mean c’mon, isn’t what you’re like saying, “Gosh wouldn’t it be great if not only are those traditional European powerhouses denied seeds… But what if they failed to qualify altogether! Then we’d REALLY have a shot at winning the World Cup!!”

        No. You extrapolated incorrectly. I mostly agree with your redundant and pointless rant. My comment is strictly about this prissy bit of self-righteousness, “The pure hatred expressed towards Mexico disgusts me…”

  18. BE CLEAR THAT USMNT RUN CONCACAF – BE CLEAR THAT WE FATHER MEXICO. WE LET THEM STAY OUT WITH THE CAR PAST CURFEW. THEY BETTER TAKE ADVANTAGE. THEY BETTER BRING THE CAR BACK WITH A FULL TANK.

    Reply
  19. Both Castillo and Orozco suck, they can’t a Drogba or current Torres, in the World Cup.

    Kljestan was great, kept calm and controlled the tempo playing half-ass.

    Reply
  20. Frankly, I’m proud of the USA. They treated this like a real game and played hard despite the circumstances. After Panama took the lead twice, the US just kept plugging away and was rewarded.

    I feel bad for Panama, because it’s tough seeing dreams get smashed. However, they should not blame the US for playing hard in a competitive match. To my eye they relaxed on defense after equalizing in Azteca on Friday and after taking the lead late tonight. In my opinion their marking was not good late in either game and tactically they never appeared to decide to play most men behind the ball. Panama has some very good players and offers an exciting game, but mistakes have costed them.

    For those thinking we should have let off the gas to bring Mexico agony, I think it resonates even more that Mexico not only witnessed us clinch an automatic berth but then was left to hope for us to carry them through to a playoff.

    Reply
    • “I think it resonates even more that Mexico not only witnessed us clinch an automatic berth but then was left to hope for us to carry them through to a playoff”

      It would have resonated more if they had to think about it for four years. This way, by tomorrow morning they will have moved on to thinking about New Zealand.

      Reply
    • not only that, didnt the Mexicans walk off the field thinking they were out of the WC, only later to realize their greatest rival had thrown them a lifeline? thats funny…

      wouldn’t mine being Fiscal for the next 72 hrs…

      Reply
      • actually, they knew the score when we did. If you noticed there was an assistant that went to the touch line each and every time our game scored changed.

  21. My knee jerk reactions

    -Overall the midfield and forwards played well I think it was really the inability of the back line to build from the back in the first 30 mins of the game is what caused that stretch of poor play. Once we got our passing game going we did alright all things considered

    -Sacha had a really solid game in the middle. Controlled the tempo well, had some really clever plays and touches. Should be considered MB’s back up

    -Orzoco is crap and while castillo had a much better second half I don’t know if I would trust him against better competition. Zusi had a poor game for most of the night, no one has really established themselves as a sure started on RW

    Reply
    • no knocks on Evans? He is very poor going forward and gets burned by speedy wingers consistently. Every time he got the ball on an overlap or lay off near the box his service was absolutely awful. Not even close to good. It looks like a Clint Dempsey penalty, you just know he has no idea what to do and then he proves it. On D he saved himself once or twice with perfect sliding tackles (which could have easily turned into botched tackles warranting a yellow) but saw his man blow by him several times. Castillo wasn’t any worse on D and if we are going to have a shaky fullback on the field might as well make it one that can help us claw some goals back.

      Reply
      • That was my 1st comment. Evans looked average at best last week, and downright poor tonight… And I’ve been a supporter of his play at RB until these last 2 games.

      • What was I supposed to do write a synopsis on every player 🙂 I completely agree with you though Evans looked really bad tonight

      • I was just surprised Evans seemed to get off scott free without a mention. His play really stood out to me as you could guess.

  22. OK, I’m coming around. I like Panama a lot, I’d have loved to see them in the World Cup. But they had a game against Mexico, lost it at the death. Had a lead against the US, lost it at the death.

    Let’s move on. Now, who knows anything about New Zealand? I watched all their games at the World Cup, they seemed to have a good defensive unit. Are they capable of putting this listless side down?

    Reply
    • I agree, I really respected Panama for knowing they were down in the Hex and bringing together a strong team to the Gold Cup to get time together. They nearly did it and really had back to back heart breakers. Mexico doesn’t deserve to be in the World Cup and I’d rather they go out to New Zealand now than embarace Concacaf any further next summer.

      Reply
      • It’s about closing out games. They gave up a goal w/ 5 minutes to go against Mexico and two in about a minute last night. They’ve made some progress and maybe a better team four years from now, but they blew their chance because of their inability to finish off opponents.

    • Well, I can’t blame Panama for losing on that unbelievable bike. They could have done more tonight though. I was absolutely shocked that they didn’t have more numbers behind the ball and didn’t take it straight to the corner every time they had the ball after they took the lead. I hate to say it because I greatly admire Dely Valdes, but I think that was a coaching fail.

      As for New Zealand, I will be surprised if they don’t collectively faint the moment they walk into Azteca.

      Reply
      • “As for New Zealand, I will be surprised if they don’t collectively faint the moment they walk into Azteca.”

        lol, brilliant. seriously though, i hope they don’t.

      • Apparently you have never seen New Zealand’s rugby team.:-) They just need to walk into the Azteca, do an All-Blacks-style Haka, and they will be fine.

  23. Brad Davis came in and did a great job, as did Johannson. Mix and Sasha had very uneven matches and didn’t really help themselves in getting to Brazil. Beckerman was truly awful, contributing to both Panama goals. His supporters say that he doesn’t have to contribute anything offensively because “that isn’t his role”. So what are we supposed to make of him when he is also terrible defensively?

    Reply
  24. Did anyone notice that after the equalizer one of Panamanian players seems to walk over to Brad Davis with his arms spread wide and says something to him? Probably something like, “What the hell did you do that for? Everything was going great for both of us!”

    Reply
  25. That was a win by hook or by crook. Klinsmann’s choice of substitutes, other than Johannsson, irked me. The way the US played was not worthy of a win. However, I am glad we won. To me it doesn’t matter whether we helped Mexico. The other CONCACAF countries should not be dismissed as second-rate, as this evening showed.

    Reply
    • Tbh Boyd was the only head scratcher for me because Jozy was doing so well. I thought the Davis for Evans sub was almost dictated to JK. Zusi and Bedoya weren’t working out on the left and Davis is a lefty. Evans was playing piss poor and we were loosing so rotating Bedoya to the right allowed a more offensive player to stay on and get back to his preferred side.

      Reply
      • Castillo is terrible as an outside back, but serviceable as an outside midfielder. That might not be enough for him to make it to Brazil.

  26. We were minutes away from eliminating Mexico. Why couldn’t we be as corrupt as the rest of the cocacaf and fifa scum! I love you USA, but why do break my heart this way. Damn you for being so great and honest!

    Reply
  27. On a more serious note ( amidst all the drama )…
    Who on the usmnt helped or hurt their cause?

    1. First that stood out to me was Evans, last 2 games he may have taken a big step back
    2. Neither Mix, Zusi or Bedoya looked strong, but probably still in the 23
    3. I don’t know what to make of Sasha….
    4. Aron J looked very comfortable on the ball, and a nice finish. I think he’s in the 23
    5. Orozco, Castillo probably out

    Will be interesting to see what happens when the friendlies roll around

    Reply
    • 1. Not unless we find a decent RB between now and then Evans is in. Probably still in as back-up anyways.

      2. I agree with.

      3. Sasha is always going to have a hard time because there are so many people on the squad that does what he does better or on par (but come with additional pluses that he lacks). Though if he does make the friendlies to come he best play like a man possessed.

      4. Agree in a BIG way.

      5. Agree in an even BIGGER way.

      Reply
    • Sasha seems to have had two very solid games. Not sure what to make of him? How about make him a center mid that goes to Brazil.

      Why would you drop Castillo after the last two matches?

      Reply
      • King,
        Sasha showed well as a sub last week, and someone else commented that he may have looked invisible at times tonite because the backline was terrible at building out of the back.. so maybe still an “incomplete”?
        And I don’t think I’d personally drop Castillo, I like his skill overlapping…but clearly Beasley & Fabian are ahead of him, and he’s gotta be a consistent two way player to make the 23… Ultimately I think Fabian may get moved to LB, leaving Edgar out. If not… then the Brek factor comes into play… I think Edgar makes it over Davis if it comes down to those two

      • Castillo over Davis, absolutely.

        FabJo over DMB, certainly—which requires a better LW option. Will it be Brek? Bedoya? Landycakes?

        As for Sasha: agreed. It’s not that he’s bad, it’s that he still hasn’t clearly staked a claim for a CM spot.

      • Read Sacha was 58-64 with 96 touches, he seemed to link up well, switched the field when space opened up. I thought he played pretty damn well. Good tempo. Had a few shaky giveaways, he’s no il Generale, but after the last two games I’ve seen a lot more positive from him.

      • I didn’t know his stats, thanx.
        That’s better than I would have thought, and since our back line was atrocious , and his wings played pretty awful, he’s probably helped himself

    • Thanks for the focus!

      1. I have been happy for Evans, but you are right, his last games have me hoping all the more for Cherundolo’s recovery.

      2. All three had good moments, but we need 90 minutes of good, not moments.

      3. I agree

      4. Bacon scores!

      5. Castillo I think makes the squad, but not as a LB, his speed and ability to go forward late in games is like the Beasley of old. I would rather have him as a late LM addition and not a LB again. Orozco just isn’t better than our other CBs.

      In addition,
      a. Beckerman, I have nothing against him and cheer for RSL, but his lack of pace I think is too
      great a liability at the WC. He probably still makes the squad though, for chemistry, etc.

      b. Goodson continues to put in honest hard work and is making it hard to keep him off the 23

      Reply
      • Yea Chris you’re probably right about Beckerman and Goodson. With Beckerman u know what you’re getting, and I think JK likes his work, attitude, chemistry etc, and he’s the pure 6 option on the bench so he probably makes it for that reason.( all the other CM’s in the debate are 2 way guy’s.. and Edu & Williams seem out)
        I’ve never liked him but he played well in the Gold Cup and against Mexico, and has been better than the haters would portray him.

        I think Goodsons spot comes down to the one real wild card possibility, Brooks. It will be very interesting to see what happens when the friendlies are here.

  28. There’s a difference between me as a fan hoping the US loses and a player intentionally not trying as hard as he can. I was upset when Zusi scored, but you can’t blame him. At all.

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  29. I have enjoyed a few soccer calls but when Zusi tied it up I went over to the CR/Mex game and to hear the jubilation in the announcers voices when the news hit there…man, that was super sweet.

    Mexican fans may never acknowledge or recognize publicly what happened tonight but it’s like thing that happened at the party – they know that we know what happened, and for all the posturing or whatever is to come in the near future between us…they know that we know what happened.

    The team itself has to be loving what just happened to night.

    This was the BEST way tonight could have played out for me.

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  30. What have we seen any time recently that makes people think Mexico is for sure going to beat New Zealand? This could still work out yet.

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    • Having seen New Zealand play Mexico within the last year or so and seeing Mexico win something like 6-0, I’m pretty confident Mexico will win

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    • Isn’t like half of the NZ squad still made up of non-professionals. Even current form Mexico should be able to handle that.

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      • 1/3 to 1/2 but they may be able to dig up reinforcements with this kind of opportunity. I think it’s uphill for them but I also think the amateurs may be able to do nothing but train for Mexico for weeks, something the pros don’t have the luxury of. It’s also a question of whether Mexico sorts its tactics or shows up still playing like a MLS/Scottish crossing team.

  31. All those who were talking for the last two years about the gap between Mexico and USA were clearly right. An eleven point gap, as it turns out.

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  32. I’ve never been more conflicted about a USA win… I did not root against them per se and it was tough to see them scored upon, but I’m glad it was a W and not a tie… that said, the prospect of Mexico staying home after all the nonsense about being a “dark horse” contender, golden generations, youth titles, Olympics, 2009 and 2011 Gold Cups-that was going to be so sweet!

    Now 11 sheep farmers stand between Mexico and World Cup and they should make it, unfortunately

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  33. It was a wild finish and this is why I love this sport so much. How does Panama lose a lead with so much on the line? Congrats to Johannson for opening up his account. I’m looking forward to many more. #youarewelcommexico

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  34. What in earth were we thinking?????? Tap the ball around for a few minutes and humiliate our most hated enemy!!! Man oh man. I can see it already, we drawn Mexico in Brazil and get knocked out. Unbelievable.

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    • When did you start watching football? One of the GREATES things that could happen to the US in this world cup (assuming the US advances) and that Mexico even qualifies and advance (two BIG if’s right there) would be to wind up facing Mexico in the qtrs again. (whispers) They only can beat us at AZTECA (shhh…) and that’s not even completely true anymore!! They know this, we know this… IFF that occurs this WC (it won’t, we will face Ghana in qtrs as per usual) we will have a HUGE psychological advantage.

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      • Mexico should be thanking their stars that the US doesn’t pull the crap that Mexico (or FIFA) would have if the rolls were reversed.
        Like Honduras did last cycle….Mexico should have a Zusi day for helping them (if they can somehow bead NZ).

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