U.S. vs. Mexico: Review and a Look Ahead

Well, that sucks. After all the momentum, all the build up, it ends like that. In all honesty, despite the lack of the possession through long stretches of the game, this was probably the best we have ever seen the U.S. play in Azteca. I don't think we have ever led in Azteca in the history we have played there, or at least in recent history.

The first goal by Davies was something that I did not expect so early in the game. It is was a beautiful play made possible by Donovan, and Davies just made a great finish to put the U.S. up 1-0. After that Donovan disappeared, and I rolled my eyes thinking it was another instance of  Landon dissappearing in big matches. That was until this news broke. It makes the assist all the more impressive, and gives an excuse for his lethargic defending on the second Mexico goal.

The first Mexico goal was a cracker, but it doesn't excuse the fact that there was no pressure at all on the shot. This is equivalent to the DeRossi goal in Confederations Cup game against Italy. No one steps up to block the view or get a body in front of shot and the player has a wide open look on goal. This has to improve if we are to even consider competing on the international level. The main culprit on that goal was Carlos Bocanegra, who failed to step and cover the left side on the second goal. Can someone please explain to me why he gets continued starts or why he is the captain of the team?

Oh. Well in either case, Carlos may be the weakest defender on our team. Yes, I know he plays in Europe, but Michael Owen got a fat contract at Manchester United. Does that mean he will suddenly a better player? No. Yes, Europe is better quality of play, but there are plenty of bad players that play in Europe. Some maybe worse than those here in America. Why not give the captaincy to player like Gooch or Landon Donovan. Either of them are better candidates for captain than Carlos Bocanegra

Howard was great as usual, and there wasn't a whole lot he could do about either goals. He has proven time and time again that he is quality keeper in the world. That is no shock for sure.

The referee was bad, but was he bad enough to effect the game? No. We need to stop just assuming, no matter how awful the referee's are in CONCACAF that they make the difference in the result of the game. If we don't play well for ninety minutes we will lose against top teams.

Overall it was a dissapointing day in U.S. soccer. American soccer fans are probably used to it, and our probably more focused on the road ahead then dwelling too long on this game. I haven't really looked into how the main stream sports guys (PTI, Around the Horn, etc.) have said. Frankly, I don't want to.

Player Ratings


Howard- 8

Bocanegra- 4

Bradley- 5

Onyewu- 7

Cherundolo- 5

Dempsey- 5

Davies- 7.5

Donovan- 6

Ching- 4

Clark- 6.5

DeMerit- 6

Subs- N/A They all didn't see much of the ball, and didn't really leave an impact

As we exit Azteca, the standings in The Hex sure have gotten tighter. 3 points separate 1st and 4th place. That is unbelievably tight, but it doesn't really put the U.S. qualification in serious jeopardy. The U.S. have four reaming matches, home against El Salvador, away against Trinidad and Tobago, away against Honduras, and finally home against Costa Rica. We should beat El Salvador at home and then comes the best chance for us to get a win on the road against Trinidad and Tobago. This our chance to separate ourselves from the pack and secure a spot in qualification. 8 points over the final four matches (2 wins at home and 2 ties on the road) should be enough to qualify, but a win on the road against Trinidad would make the process much quicker.