Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/ISIPhotos.com
With an experimental, young team in the first U.S. Men’s National Team match since the World Cup, new ground was forged — the U.S. beat the Czech Republic for the first time. Alejandro Bedoya’s goal was the difference, but the match’s highlight was a stellar performance from second-half substitute goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Widely seen as the USMNT’s third-string goalkeeper, Rimando made a batch of key saves to preserve the win.
Meanwhile, the New England Revolution continue their winning streak as Lee Nguyen’s great form continues as well. The Revs are chasing Sporting Kansas City up the Eastern Conference table with a big come-from-behind win over Sporting KC.
And whether it was a World Cup final rematch in name only or not, Angel Di Maria led Argentina to a surge of early goals to top Germany on a busy international friendly day. Other results include confidence-building wins for England and Ireland ahead of their Euro 2015 qualifying campaigns.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI Wednesday:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Bedoya’s goal, Rimando’s saves, lead USMNT past Czechs
USMNT 1, Czech Republic 0: Match Highlights
SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Nick Rimando
SBI MLS Player of the Month (August): Fabian Castillo
USMNT vs. Czech Republic: SBI Live Commentary
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Nguyen brace lifts Revolution past Sporting KC for third straight win
Sounders roll past Chivas USA to extend conference lead
MLS Ticker: Olsen reportedly close to D.C. extension; Earthquakes linked to right back; and more
Key Eastern Conference fixtures highlight midweek MLS action
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
International Rewind: Argentina tops Germany in World Cup rematch; England tops Norway; and more
Wednesday Kickoff: Khedira to miss six weeks; Di Maria questions Germany friendly; and more
World Cup final rematch headlines busy international fixture day