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16 Jul
USA vs. Costa Rica: Live Commentary
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The Shin Guardian 
Posted by Carlos on 2013/07/16 at 3:27 PM
The Real Gold Cup start today. Looking forward to a strong performance & to see if Wondo, Holden & Mix show a well as they have done to date.
Posted by matthewsf on 2013/07/16 at 4:21 PM
#USMNT starters: Johnson; Parkhurst, Goodson, Orozco Fiscal, Beasley ©; Holden, Diskerud; Bedoya, Donovan, Torres; Wondolowski #USAvCRC
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 4:23 PM
I am really impressed at how well JK is rotating the roster for this tournament. Very promising for the World Cup. That was one of Bradley’s big weaknesses- players running into the ground in tournaments although sometimes he was dealt a short hand.
Hopefully we see Jack Mac in the 2nd half.
Posted by matthewsf on 2013/07/16 at 4:32 PM
Absolutely — Dolo / GC Final 2011 / Did him in. Dolo had played every minute up until that point. Unnatural to play 90mins with less than a week’s rest consecutively.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 4:31 PM
WOW, Belize collapsing at the end just made the USA’s road alot harder. Now the US has to play El Salvador (instead of Martinique) in the quarterfinals…. in Baltimore. Assuming they win the group of course. There were over 30,000 Salvadorian fans who were very loud at RFK for the 2011 quaterfinals so expect a home game for El Salvador almost. Then of course the US will have to play Costa Rica again or Honduras in the semis while Mexico has Trinidad and the Panama/Cuba winner. Granted, the USA with a B+ team should win and has no business claiming they are best in the region if they can’t beat these teams… just saying the road is harder than it looked 30 minutes ago.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 4:34 PM
If Honduras hadn’t tanked the Trinidad game, Mexico would be playing El Salvador- although it would be at the Georgia Dome instead of Baltimore negating the Salvadorian advantage.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 4:41 PM
Or if the USA could have had one more goal vs Cuba! I knew it would be costly wasting all of those chances. 🙂 …. I really need the game to start LOL
Excited about the Diskerud/Holden midfield
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/16 at 5:03 PM
I think Sean Johnson is going make a big mistake today that will lead to a goal. I concede is US sample size is very small, but he has not impressed me at all when playing for the National Team.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 5:09 PM
If it was Bill Hamid I would agree- I remember our disagreement after the team did not qualify for the olympics so I will only say I disagree with your assessment of Sean Johnson.
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/16 at 5:12 PM
Don’t get me started on Billy Big Nuts!!
Posted by giantleap4 on 2013/07/16 at 9:37 PM
well he did do something ‘big’ which ‘led to a goal’ – but it was that top class save which preceded the counter goal 😉 good, now when I think of sean johnson I won’t automatically think of el salvador celebrating a stoppage time goal.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:16 AM
Man, your prediction was wrong! Johnson had a great game. Nice to be proven incorrect occasionally, yeah? ; )
Posted by Ufficio on 2013/07/16 at 5:06 PM
Puffy!
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/16 at 5:15 PM
Surprised the referee allowed Johnson to wear (royal) blue considering the outfield players are wearing (navy) blue. Unnecessary considering how many colors they have.
Posted by giantleap4 on 2013/07/16 at 9:38 PM
agreed! and have to say costa rica has the worst kits in concacaf if not the world. looks like an L.A. rec league team out there.
Posted by Ufficio on 2013/07/16 at 5:54 PM
Not a Torres fan, but I have to admit he’s played very well over these last two games.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:06 PM
I agree- I’m not a fan either -anymore- but he has stuck out the most for me tonight (especially his defensive effort)
Posted by giantleap4 on 2013/07/16 at 9:42 PM
as a torres fan – i’m happy he’s beginning to change some opinions. my opinion is there’s no one in the US pool with his touch and vision on the ball. granted there’s more to the game than that but he brings something quite unique to the team.
Posted by mbw on 2013/07/16 at 5:54 PM
Juan Agudelo’s skill set is being missed in this one.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:10 PM
I can’t get over him not getting called in to this tournament. He seems to fit JK’s system so well and has been playing so well this year. Really opens up the game.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:07 PM
Those Costa Rican girls were attractive…. still deciding whether to go to the qualifer in September…. pendulum swings a little more in favor of going.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:17 AM
Ticas are hotties! unfortunately, many are in the habit of expecting cash the morning after a fun night . . . .
Posted by Dirk on 2013/07/17 at 10:28 PM
Do they take a traveler’s checks?
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:09 PM
I love the USA “Swag” JK has been wearing. I’m wondering if he has some sort of input as the recent casual ware certainly has more of a Euro feel.
Posted by mbw on 2013/07/16 at 6:13 PM
And of course he’s got Jermaine Jones’s number on it.
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/17 at 8:37 AM
He looks like a chav. It is very Hackett or Nickelson circa 2000. But if you’re into the UK Casuals look…
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:11 PM
I would like to see Jack Mac in the 60th and Corona not long after.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:16 PM
That was hilarious when Pemberton finally got up and Wondo just shook his head.
Pemberton “I need magic spray” reminded me of a crying toddler who starts to cry thinking they are hurt and then realizes they aren’t and starts laughing. He looked so pathetic lying there in a fetal position pointing to his back.
Posted by Ufficio on 2013/07/16 at 6:19 PM
WHAT THE FUCK, REF?
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:30 PM
Um… the goalie stopped the shot with his hands outside of the box- everyone else saw that too right? I guess except the ref.
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/16 at 6:42 PM
When the GK is outside his area, he I’d treated like any other player. Yellow card and direct free kick.
Unless it was a case of denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity. I believe the ref felt there was a covering player, so definition not met.
Cannot think of anything else. Read the text FIFA Law 12.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:53 PM
Yeah but he stuck his hand out to stop the ball- if a field player did that it would be a straight red.
Posted by Ufficio on 2013/07/16 at 6:58 PM
Yeah, I mean what was the other guy going to do? Stick his hand out and take the red himself?
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2013/07/17 at 8:40 AM
I personally think if a GK deliberately handles the balls outside the area it should be an automatic red card. But my opinion doesn’t count.
Read the text. FIFA Law 12.
Posted by Eric on 2013/07/16 at 7:05 PM
That was a clear goal scoring opportunity. That ball was going in. I highly doubt that covering player would have had any chance to dive through the air to save that.
Posted by Sean Tuxill (@thebostinian) on 2013/07/16 at 7:06 PM
The only reason I could see for that not being a red is that the ball was struck directly at Pemberton. I still think it’s a red then but it’s less egregious than throwing your arm out to the side for the block.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:19 AM
That’s a good point. I didn’t think of that last night. Even if he doesn’t use his hands, the ball’s going off his body, right? Thus it’s *not* a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Maybe that’s what the ref was thinking?
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:29 PM
Roy Miller… what a worthless soccer player
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:37 PM
No team will ever even approach Mexico in my level of disdain, but Costa Rica has clearly pulled away with 2nd place for the region. They are such a team of divers, whiners, sissies, it is incredible. I’m mainly talking about the games from this year, and am not even referring to their disgraceful behavior in the 2nd half of the October 2009 World Cup qualifier.
Maybe I haven’t met the right people but both in DC and this year in Denver I had Costa Rican fans curse me out in Spanish outside the stadium for being an American. I’ve never had any issues and in fact had a blast with Honduran, Salvadorian, Panamanian during the games I’ve attended. Now its not nearly on the level at some Mexican fans but it still surprises me.
At any rate, I will definitely be pulling for Honduras and Panama over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying.
Posted by Ufficio on 2013/07/16 at 7:06 PM
I really don’t get why they were doing so much time-wasting when it was tied? Didn’t they realize they were the ones who needed the goal?
Posted by Fellainisfro on 2013/07/16 at 11:06 PM
Did you catch when Holden got tangled up with the Tico player and the player started to bark at Holden and STU SA told him to stop being a “Fuc*ing Pus*y”?
Hilarious!!
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 11:50 PM
Yes! I laughed out loud and I was watching on my phone at work. It almost seemed shocking coming from Mr. Smiles-always positive Stu. He was a bit of a badass tonight showing Jermaine he could give him a run for his money.
Posted by tmuck on 2013/07/17 at 4:40 AM
Side note, Fox Soccer has that Stu moment in their highlight reel.
Posted by Spiritof76 on 2013/07/17 at 8:42 PM
Link: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=90890ff4-95a2-4c09-ac55-0e2181ab777a&from=foxsports/foxsoccer/copa_libertadores/generic-gallery
@ 1:25 or so.
LOVED this moment
Posted by Sean Tuxill (@thebostinian) on 2013/07/18 at 4:48 AM
I half expected a “boom goes the dynamite” reference during that clip. That was painful
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:21 AM
Ran into a Honduran last night on the streets of Nashville who was excited to see my USMNT Dempsey jersey. Funny how few *americans* recognize it!
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:39 PM
Why no substitutions?
Posted by Union on 2013/07/16 at 6:44 PM
So has everyone remembered that when Wondolowski scored his goals he did so against Cuba, Belize and Guatemala?
Posted by Sean Tuxill (@thebostinian) on 2013/07/16 at 7:06 PM
^This.
Posted by mbw on 2013/07/16 at 7:38 PM
IMO Wondo’s poor showing tonight had at least as much to do with the tactical matchup as it did with Wondo’s level. The way the game set up, the US #9 had to be either a hold-up guy or a speed threat, and Wondo is neither.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:22 AM
Jozy would have torn that game up.
Posted by Union on 2013/07/16 at 6:53 PM
I also hope that everyone remembers that as long as Landon Donovan can run, he makes the starting XI over Zusi every day of the week.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 7:34 PM
Just throwing this out there- who is/has been better than Donovan on the counter in world soccer? I’m not saying he is the best ever or among them because that is ridiculous, but I’d really like to know what some people think who have watched the game much longer than I have. He just seems to always have the angles, timing, runs, and passes down perfectly.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:23 AM
true. I’m not the biggest LD fan, but he does seem to make some fabulous plays on the break. The 2009 Confed Cup was a clinic on that account for him.
Posted by cpjuengel on 2013/07/17 at 5:53 AM
agrreed
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 6:56 PM
Even better than your bet of Arrieta on a counter Matt, a Brek Shea 1st international goal on a counter.
I’m really glad Shea scored for his confidence (his shot reminded me of Jozy’s vs Iker Casillas in 2009) but when did he forget how much of a terror he is when is taking guys on 1 v 1. He just sends in ‘crosses’ now, never seems to want to take on a guy.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 7:00 PM
And also… that’s why we love Sean Johnson George Cross 😉 He’s a shot stopper- pure and simple. Reminds me of Guzan- his awareness could improve and command of box but that will come.
His gaffe came at the absolute worst possible time but was not an easy shot to save.
Posted by Crow on 2013/07/16 at 7:01 PM
I’m a little worried with Landon playing every minute because he will need to play every minute the rest of the way in hot and humid venues. Maybe I shouldn’t be and this is JK’s initiation for him to get back to the Senior Team.
Posted by schmutzdeck on 2013/07/16 at 9:24 PM
Crow,
Landon has rested enough and needs to get in a groove.
Besides JK wants to win this thing and Donovan has been the US’ most reliable, most important and best player in every game so far.
He has been their go to guy and I would say he wants to keep that groove going.
He’ll let you know when he is burning out.
Posted by PedroVB13 on 2013/07/16 at 9:14 PM
I’d like to see JK call in Zusi & Besler, sending Casitllo & Orozco on their way.
An XI of
WWW LD
JFT Mix Stu Zusi
DMB Besler Goodson Parkhurst
Rimando
would be VERY interesting to watch.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:28 AM
I know everyone has mentioned the depth a hundred times, but it’s great to see that even our “B+” team is very solid. If the A team is in the world top 20, this team still makes the world top 35, easy.
Posted by Sean Tuxill (@thebostinian) on 2013/07/17 at 11:03 AM
Easy? Puh-leeze. We have a much deeper side than we did in 2010 but you can’t tell me with a straight face that this team can play with teams like Sweden, Japan, Hungary or Nigeria. Heck, I’m afraid of this team going against any of the British Isles teams, and that includes Wales post-Ryan Giggs. The defending of this squad is suspect at best and when you look at the attackers on some of those teams – Ibra, Kagawa, Bale, Keane, Kenny Miller…we would definitely be conceding more than one goal in three games.
Posted by Spiritof76 on 2013/07/17 at 8:58 PM
Well, a similar-ish USMNT (w/ Cameron,Bradley,Jones, but sans Dempsey, Donovan, Altidore, etc) kicked Scotland’s ass 5-1. I think this team is better than the British Isles team you mentioned. One Gareth Bale doesn’t make a team good. His own Welsh teammates couldn’t contain him either if they had to play him either. When he’s at the top of his game the same could be said for Spain or Germany as well. Dude is off the charts.
And Japan is unfairly represented in the mid-30s. They got hard-done by in the Confederations Cup and I think are a lot better team than that. Costa Rica is ranked 39th. Albania, Austrailia, New Zealand are right there. I think that this US B team is as good as those teams. And I think they would beat just about any other team below 40 a good percentage of the time.
1) However, FIFA rankings are pretty much completely irrelevant (Greece top 10, England was what, #4 earlier this year? Pls.)
2) I think the point Paul makes that this is a decent team that could probably still make it through WC Qualifying, and possibly not be *totally* embarrassing side to field in Brazil (I cringe as I say that.) We all know our our A team is better, but its nice to have some depth and for our B team to be picking up lots of goals against the minnows, and pulling out the Ws against the stronger teams in CONCACAF as well. Not to mention that even on our B team there are some very, very good players who start on the bench. Thats a pretty new concept for a USMNT B team.
Posted by Sean Tuxill (@thebostinian) on 2013/07/18 at 4:44 AM
Any team that lines up “Clearance Clarence” Goodson and MOF at centerback in intercontinental competition embarrasses me.
However, I was discussing my “Best XI” with a buddy this week and we came to the realization that there are some very good players on the bench for the A team – guys who would have started in 2010. Our team is significantly deeper than it was and that’s a very good thing. Bear in mind, though, that despite finishing in first we came pretty stinking close to not getting out of our group last fall, not qualifying until the last game. And that was with a team significantly better than the one on the field right now.
Posted by Eric on 2013/07/17 at 6:54 AM
? will JK make changes/ additions to roster:
Maybe:
Tally Hall for Hamid
Zusi/Pontius for Shea (may not be popular decision, but would it help Shea more?)
Besler for Gooch
? would Shea be better off in the long run (i.e. getting more min with Stoke City this year) by being in the Gold Cup to build back confidence OR going to start practice and integrate with Stoke? Pros and cons both ways.
Likely Zusi is not needed for USMNT to win GC. It might be better to allow him to stay at SKC with future WC qualifiers upcoming.
Posted by Spiritof76 on 2013/07/17 at 8:58 PM
I’d rather Shea get his club situation sorted out honestly. If he’s not playing this season then he’s not going to Brazil, and thats what really counts.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:30 AM
Besler seems more solid for sure, but I for one am very interested to see if Onyewu can really make it back. He was a serious force before the injury, and if he has his confidence back in that knee, he could be very useful in the WC.
Posted by Paul on 2013/07/17 at 8:33 AM
This is the second time in a row that TSG has promised match commentary, and then the article is blank. what gives?? The match commentaries are my favorite! hilarious and insightful!!
Posted by Jake on 2013/07/17 at 10:47 AM
I think the commentary is the comments, submitted by anyone watching…I think you are thinking of the diaries, which are written during the game but posted afterthefact.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2013/07/18 at 6:26 AM
Gooch sent home and Besler Gonzalez added. I’ve heard that Onyewu is injured. There has been some chatter here about his play on Tues but I still see a pretty slow, not very mobile or instinctive player. His ore-injury athleticism used to cover a lot of that up stuff. And his distribution is well below what Klinsi is trying to build on this squad. At 31 I just don’t see him as a viable option for next year.