Gold Cup 2011 thread

[symple19]

The attack is primarily channeled into the center of the pitch... Where are the streaking runs down the wings to open the middle up? Why don't the defenders on the wings make more supporting runs?

Coaching coaching coaching coaching....terrible

[symple19]

ugh, I feel like taking a shower.

Probably good that I didn't see the first half

[MannyIsGod]

The first half was much better tbh. We missed a lot of sitters again but it was much cleaner and rythmic than that 2nd.

[symple19]

The first half was much better tbh. We missed a lot of sitters again but it was much cleaner and rythmic than that 2nd.

That's good to hear, but when are these guys going to string together 90 full minutes?

[MannyIsGod]

No clue. I just hope if we lose before the final Bradley gets the axe. Its not working. AT ALL.

[Sense]

I have to see the Clint epic fail, I stopped watching...

I can't believe it stayed at 1-0 :lol

[Libri]

Quarter Finals

Costa Rica vs Honduras
Mexico vs Guatemala

Jamaica vs US
Panama vs El Salvador

[IronMaxipad]

I have to see the Clint epic fail, I stopped watching...

I can't believe it stayed at 1-0 :lol

Only vid that i could find. Wait till you see multiple angles its even worse.
vIFL7nNFHyY

:lmao:lmao

[IronMaxipad]

lWTcKTqoJ9w

[Libri]

lWTcKTqoJ9w

:spless:

[MannyIsGod]

:(

[Sense]

Wow that was HORRIBLE.. hahahahahahaha

[FkLA]

USA simply arent that talented, I dont think Bradley is the problem. The USA is at their best when theyre playing a team that takes the iniative because that leaves them with more room...and theyre pretty solid at counterattacking. Thats how theyve always beat Mexico, thats how they beat Spain in the Confederations Cup, and how they nearly pulled off the upset against Brasil. When they play inferior teams that play defensive though they struggle because they dont have the talent and offensive explosiveness that the better teams do. Mexico used to have the same problem, they too had a very solid Confederations Cup in 06' (?) against elite teams but then would struggle to score against inferior teams that would play really defensive. Theyre alot more explosive offensively now though with this golden generation on the rise.

I dont think the USA has regressed they were just overrated to begin with. The talent needed to make the jump and become an elite team still isnt there.

[MannyIsGod]

Its just stupid to say they aren't talented. That ignores what the players are doing outside of the national team with their clubs. The fact that they play the same stupid defensive strat against bad teams pretty much proves its a coaching problem.

[Spurstro]

This game could have been 0-0, if not for the Guadeloupe goalkeeper thinking Jozy's shot was off frame....pathetic.

[Spurstro]

The fact that they play the same stupid defensive strat against bad teams pretty much proves its a coaching problem.

I agree that we shouldn't necessarily use the same defensive team against weaker CONCACAF teams that we use against world powers, but I can't say there was a coaching problem with this particular game.

The coach can't put the ball in the back of the net....that's on the players. This game should have easily been 2 or 3 nil at the half. That's not on the coach, but for the players for not taking advantage of quite a few chances.

[MannyIsGod]

I agree except that this coach decided to start with fucking Wondoloski. Bedoya came in and started tearing shit up. And Bedoya is only on this roster because Benny got hurt otherwise we'd be dealing with Robbie fucking Rogers.

Yeah, Clint missed a few sitters and had that atrocious play but there are definitely huge problems with the way Bradley is running this team evident in every game. The fact that he's let the moral get so low is a big indicator of that as well.

[Spurstro]

I agree except that this coach decided to start with fucking Wondoloski. Bedoya came in and started tearing shit up. And Bedoya is only on this roster because Benny got hurt otherwise we'd be dealing with Robbie fucking Rogers.

Yeah, Clint missed a few sitters and had that atrocious play but there are definitely huge problems with the way Bradley is running this team evident in every game. The fact that he's let the moral get so low is a big indicator of that as well.

Rogers (and Adu) hasn't even made the bench this Gold Cup. He was never going to play a meaningful game (although with sweat pants coach, who knows). They were just extra bodies to have in camp.

The Wondo selection has baffled me. When was the last time a hot scoring forward in MLS transitioned well to the USMNT? EJ, Cooper, your boy Buddle, and now Wondo have all stumbled after coming off solid stretches of MLS games.

The thing that bothers me, is this feels like the World Cup all over again. Our players are going to be gassed/spent this Sunday and the next game (if we win).

[MannyIsGod]

Pretty sure Adu was on the bench last night but I could be wrong. Even if the guys don't make the bench its a worthwhile opportunity to practice with a main core and bringing in players that aren't going to be a factor is a complete waste of an opportunity.

I still maintain Buddle was never given a chance. :lol

We'll see how things go this Saturday. The biggest thing about the Panama loss may end up being the inability to rest our players last night and the fatigue that's resulted.

[scott]

Buddle sucks Wondo cock

[MannyIsGod]

Buddle > Wondo > Findley

[Adrian]

Hi SAtown,
Thanks for starting Gold Cup 2011 thread and letting us express our emotions.
Glad to watch Mexico team playing really well and wish to see them in finals.

[Sense]

So who do you think is advancing?

any upsets?

[IronMaxipad]

Quarterfinal picks:

Costa Rica
Mexico
USA
El Salvador

[Sense]

Dare I say Jamaica will beat the US?!

[IronMaxipad]

The U.S. team might need to play at smaller venues in smaller competitions to avoid further embarrassment

While Mexico sells out some of the largest stadiums in the United States, the U.S. men's team may want to stick with the smaller Major League Soccer venues.

WASHINGTON - It’s too bad the United States men’s national team is not playing in the Mexico-Guatemala undercard this weekend at the Meadowlands. Maybe an NFL stadium would actually be sold out to watch the Americans during this year's Gold Cup – even if all the fans are decked out in green.

The United States, the host nation, had dreadful attendance numbers during its three games in the opening round and has not yet sold out its quarterfinal match against Jamaica at RFK Stadium this Sunday. Mexico, meanwhile, has been packing venues throughout the nation.

"There are soccer fans in America, but it just depends which team they want to watch," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "But it is a very interesting dynamic and I don't think that would happen anywhere else in the world. I can't picture it."

While Mexico has drawn an average of 62,708 fans to its games, the U.S. has only managed 25,350 per match. El Tri has a slight advantage because it played all three of its games at larger football stadiums while the U.S. played one at a Major League Soccer stadium. But the numbers wouldn’t have increased much for the Americans no matter where they played.

n the days leading to the United States’ final group game against Guadeloupe, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park employees in Kansas City were unsure if the game would even sell out just over 19,000 seats. Considering it was only the second soccer game ever played at the brand-new stadium and the first time the U.S. played in the Midwest in two years, there shouldn’t have been any question about whether fans would come.

Luckily for the U.S. team and CONCACAF, the fans did show up and provided a great atmosphere that wasn’t seen during its earlier games in Detroit and Tampa. That leaves the question of whether the U.S. team should even attempt to play at NFL stadiums for smaller tournaments in the future. It might be best to stick to MLS venues designed for soccer.

“It had a European atmosphere,” U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey said of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, the home of Sporting KC of MLS. “The fans were close to things.”

Maybe fans should no longer put the United States and Mexico on the same level when it comes to games being played in the regional competition. If Mexico is Manchester United, then the U.S. is Dempsey’s Fulham. The reality is no one is going to care about the U.S. if the team isn’t winning in a tournament that features a team -Guadeloupe - that isn't even recognized by FIFA.


U.S. midfielder Sacha Kljestan pretty much summed up his team’s expectations of fan turnout in the Gold Cup when asked about playing at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and responded, “Maybe it will become the new national team stadium.” He was talking about a stadium that holds just over 19,000 people, just to remind you.

Die-hard American fans are quick to snap at anyone who says they don't show up to games. But if you look at the matches that draw the most fans, you'll see at least half are there rooting for the other nation or a visiting star player. Look at Spain for example. When David Villa and his top-ranked squad played the U.S. at Gillette Stadium in a friendly earlier this month, you could see just as much red and yellow in the stands as red, white and blue.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2011/06/16/2535379/the-us-team-might-need-to-play-at-smaller-venues-in-smaller

[Libri]

My predictions:

Costa Rica
Mexico

USA
Panama

[MannyIsGod]

I won't pick against the US because I'm a fan and that just feels like quitting, but I think thee's a good chance they lose.

[FkLA]

Its just stupid to say they aren't talented. That ignores what the players are doing outside of the national team with their clubs. The fact that they play the same stupid defensive strat against bad teams pretty much proves its a coaching problem.

Im a Mexico fan, but Im honestly not hating. Their offensive players are solid but theyre not close to the level of elite teams like say Brasil or Argentina...theyre not even that close to the level of Mexico's offensive players. Especially when it come's to pace and just simply being physically faster and quicker than their opponents. Like I said Mexico used to have the exact same problem when they were fielding players like Franco, Fonseca, Sabah, Bravo, Borgetti, etc that had no pace. These types of players struggle when a team plays them defensive and leave them with no space because they lack that speed and quickness...but excel when the opposing teams takes the initiative and leaves spaces for them to capitalize on, because they do posses some skill.

Thats why the USA is stuck right now and not making any progress. They need a new golden generation like what Mexico has now.

[Spurstro]

They need a new golden generation like what Mexico has now.

Am I the only one who has seen Mexican fans talk about this 'generation' being so great for some time now?

[scott]

The U.S. team might need to play at smaller venues in smaller competitions to avoid further embarrassment


I've been saying this for some time. USSF has been horrible at scheduling matches, especially the big friendlies. I know the appeal of playing in New York against a team like Brazil (you get a bunch of Brazilians to attend) but it puts $$$ ahead of the development of our team.

Big matches that will draw big crowds should be played in Seattle. When we host Mexico, that is where we should play. For matches of less prominence, we should play in Portland, KC, Columbus, and even the Home Depot center. Soccer specific stadiums where we can generate a good crowd - not a half empty Ford Field.

[scott]

Im a Mexico fan, but Im honestly not hating. Their offensive players are solid but theyre not close to the level of elite teams like say Brasil or Argentina...theyre not even that close to the level of Mexico's offensive players. Especially when it come's to pace and just simply being physically faster and quicker than their opponents. Like I said Mexico used to have the exact same problem when they were fielding players like Franco, Fonseca, Sabah, Bravo, Borgetti, etc that had no pace. These types of players struggle when a team plays them defensive and leave them with no space because they lack that speed and quickness...but excel when the opposing teams takes the initiative and leaves spaces for them to capitalize on, because they do posses some skill.

Thats why the USA is stuck right now and not making any progress. They need a new golden generation like what Mexico has now.

Definitely agree with all this. Right now I think our most promising player is Holden, who was rated at the top of the EPL for midfielders before his injury (note, I'm not saying he is one of the best MF in EPL, there are certainly a number you'd take ahead of him - but he was rated at the top at the midway point and was included in one of the more respected Midseason Best XI squads).

I'm excited about our prospects with Lichaj and Chandler as wingbacks, and the combination of Holden and Bradley should be there in the CM for a long time - but outside of those positions (and our traditional strength at goalie) we don't have a lot of promising youngsters - especially not ones with world class pace. I fear Jamaica's speed in the match Sunday.

[Spurstro]

I've been saying this for some time. USSF has been horrible at scheduling matches, especially the big friendlies. I know the appeal of playing in New York against a team like Brazil (you get a bunch of Brazilians to attend) but it puts $$$ ahead of the development of our team.

Big matches that will draw big crowds should be played in Seattle. When we host Mexico, that is where we should play. For matches of less prominence, we should play in Portland, KC, Columbus, and even the Home Depot center. Soccer specific stadiums where we can generate a good crowd - not a half empty Ford Field.

Got to disagree a little on this....I'm not in favor of having our European players have an even longer flight to the west coast for a friendly.

[IronMaxipad]

Am I the only one who has seen Mexican fans talk about this 'generation' being so great for some time now?

We didn't make up that name the media did. and they're known as the Golden Generation because they won the Under 17 World Cup.

[scott]

Mexico allowed to replace suspended players.

I wish our players would get suspended so we could replace them.

[scott]

Got to disagree a little on this....I'm not in favor of having our European players have an even longer flight to the west coast for a friendly.

Fair point.

[MannyIsGod]

Mexico allowed to replace suspended players.

I wish our players would get suspended so we could replace them.

:lmao

NO shit.

[IronMaxipad]

Mexico allowed to replace suspended players.



Allowed by FIFA. CONCACAF hasn't approved of it yet.

[IronMaxipad]

Costa Rica v Honduras has been a good game so far.

1-1 2nd half

[Libri]

Costa Rica fails to go up.

[Libri]

That Honduran player fakes getting hit. I hate that trash. I wish he would get expelled.

[Libri]

Another player from Honduras faking a hit.

[MannyIsGod]

I just turned on the game. WTF happend?

[Libri]

Guate 1
Mex 0

Goal by the fish.

[IronMaxipad]

I missed it wtf happened? :lol

[Libri]

Long pass to Ruiz, who was in the middle of two defenders. Talavera came out and Ruiz kicked it over him.

[IronMaxipad]

Yeah just saw the replay. Moreno fucked that up.

[IronMaxipad]

They're going to bunker down the entire second half. this should be fun :lol

[MannyIsGod]

TBH they bunkered most of that first half and still had better chances than Mexico on the counter.

[IronMaxipad]

Yea and we're only playing one striker. Need to put de nigris in for castro

[Libri]

Second half is going to be good.

[Libri]

Nigris in for Castro.

[IronMaxipad]

goooooooooll

De nigris

[IronMaxipad]

called it sons

[MannyIsGod]

Third time is the charm

[Libri]

ping pong

[IronMaxipad]

crofl wtf was the cheech

[IronMaxipad]

They show too many damn replays on Univision

[IronMaxipad]

oh shit

[Libri]

:ihit

[MannyIsGod]

This game is chippy as shit now. Nasty tackle.

[IronMaxipad]

god damn that should be a red

[Libri]

Hugo Sanchez is now a commentator? He must charge a fortune to say little. lol

[IronMaxipad]

It didn't look that bad real time but dat replay :wow

[MannyIsGod]

LOL @ Pappa's shit flop. Com'on Marco.

[IronMaxipad]

Torrado sucks :lmao

Nigga needs to retire already get Gio's brother to replace him already

[IronMaxipad]

CMON son

[Libri]

Nigris had it.

[IronMaxipad]

omgojgodjg

[MannyIsGod]

and mexico advances. :lol

[Libri]

Chicharo with another unorthodox goal.

[MannyIsGod]

Game is about to be open open open

[MannyIsGod]

Wondo would have blown that TBH

[Libri]

The area where Barrera plays is Guatemalas' weak side.

[IronMaxipad]

Barrera makes every teams left side look weak, tbh.

[Libri]

This game could end in a brawl.

[Libri]

68,800+ in attendance

[IronMaxipad]

de queen de queen

stfu :lmao

[Libri]

:wow

[IronMaxipad]

dat was close

[IronMaxipad]

Cheech can score goals but he can't pass for shit. :lol

[Libri]

Good win but too close for comfort.

[scott]

Cheech can score goals but he can't pass for shit. :lol

The kid is an uncanny finisher, but I did notice his passing skills are shaky at best.

I've never seen him shoot from distance, how are his skills there?

With that said... damn he's a killer finisher, and playing on a talented squad you can be great while being somewhat one-dimensional (see: Beckham, David). Mexico's attack gives me nightmares.

[scott]

Goddamn if there was a match we really need Timmy Chandler, it's this one vs. Jamaica. Their speed is going to really test us. Unless Bob is a COMPLETE moron, we should exect to see Lichaj starting at LB again with Boca inside. That's our best backline option.

Sasha has actually played decently in this cup and brought good energy, so I'm going to drop my continual suggestion of replacing him on the bench with Freddy - though it is disappointing we shit the bed against Panama and didn't have a chance to see how Freddy has progressed.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm sure he'll start Wondo again but Bedoya should be starting. Bedoya has been great in every game he's played in so far and Bradley left him off the roster for Robbie Rogers. That alone should get Bob fired.

[scott]

My only concern with that is Bedoya provides a great spark off the bench, so you risk messing with that... can he play at that level for 90'?

If Bedoya starts, I think the plan has to bring Agudelo in for him around 70' and slide Deuce back to the wing. I'm undecided if I like that better or worse than bringing Bedoya in for Jozy and Agudelo in for Wando at 70'.

[MannyIsGod]

Wondo is just fucking terrible.

[Sense]

I have a U.S. Soccer shirt that I bought randomly from a thrift store...


I don't even own a Mexico shirt, but I'm wearing the U.S. one today... with hopes that we meet them in the final :)

[Sense]

wait... naaaaaah nevermind :)

[MannyIsGod]

LOL no Landon in starting lineup. Oh woooooooooooow. Bedoya inserted for Wondo.

[IronMaxipad]

He's tired from the wedding son. :lol

US U17 is playing today as well

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah there's a theory that its because of the wedding but I don't know.

[MannyIsGod]

Same ref from Panama match. :lmao

[scott]

Well... that is an interesting lineup...

[scott]

From Grant Wahl on Twitter:

USA will be in a 4-2-3-1, with Kljestan as the attacking central midfielder and Bedoya on one flank. (Altidore up top alone.)

____________

Great time to start experimenting, Bradley

[scott]

Bornstein and Adu both on the bench

[Vici]

How the fuck does the U.S. keep getting stuck with Mexican refs. Not only are they shit but extremely fucking biased.

Fuck Kljestan. It's going to be a long afternoon.

[IronMaxipad]

Son all concacaf refs are shit

[IronMaxipad]

From Twitter:
Dempsey arrived DC at 2 am, Donovan at 7 am.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah - thats pretty damn late. Hopefully we shine early and he just gets rest. The truth is we shouldn't need need Donovan to beat anyone in this tourney not named Mexico.

[Libri]

Dempsey looks a little sleepy. lol

[Libri]

Marco Rodriguez, aka chicidracula, is Mexico's best ref. :lmao

[Libri]

Oh crap!

[MannyIsGod]

Bradley nearly cost us huge there. And this ref hates Jones. HATES.

[Libri]

Altidore hurt.

[MannyIsGod]

Jozy coming out. FIgures he's be playing the best soccer in over a year and this would happen. Better be Agudelo and not Wondo.

[MannyIsGod]

Sure glad Teal Bunbury and Gomez are on the bench instead of Robbie Rogers. OH WAIT.

[Libri]

close

[Libri]

uh oh, Cherundolo down

[Libri]

Jamaica with a missed opportunity.

[MannyIsGod]

Its like watching a comedy sometimes.

[Libri]

Jones' attempt is laughable but USA is getting close.

[scott]

Ricketts is putting up a hell of an effort.

Dominant 1st half by us... but - stop me if you've heard this before - we need to finish.

[MannyIsGod]

USA dominated but its 0-0 still. Sacha, Bedoya, Agudelo and Lichaj have all looked pretty damn good at times. Bradley has been dissapointing and Jones... man I have love hate with Jones. May have just gotten him a few years late.

If its still zero zero 15 minutes into the 2nd I fully expect Landon to come on for Jones.

[MannyIsGod]

And yeah, I was worried about Rickets playing like this. He's great. He usually makes a few mistakes a game though so hopefully the US can capitalize.

Jamica is playing with like 8 people in their box though.

[Libri]

Jamaica already missed their opportunity with that wide open miss early in the game. I really don't see them scoring unless the US makes an egregious error.

[MannyIsGod]

You say that as if its unheard of.

[MannyIsGod]

I'll take it

[GinobiliForTres]

Goal!

[GinobiliForTres]

Woah! What a save by Ricketts!

[Libri]

That Jones is a piece of shit for faking.

[IronMaxipad]

#stayonyourfeet

smh

[MannyIsGod]

LOL awesome dive

[IronMaxipad]

http://reflectionsonleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dancing-with-the-stars-judges-holding-tens.jpg

[MannyIsGod]

LOL I wonder if Dracula saw the replays and thats why he didn't call that last foul.

[GinobiliForTres]

2-0!

[MannyIsGod]

Great play by Agudelo there. Best game of the cup by the US so far.

[IronMaxipad]

handball..

[Libri]

US playing better because Jamaica is one man down :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Well yeah but they were outplayed Jamica the entire game. Its not like the game flipped when they got the red.

[Sense]

lol best game by US?! That's a bit sad to be honest, I watched this game and Jamaica has been the worst passing team of the cup thus far... Jermaine Jones should've been taken out with, first... the kick... and that piece of shit dive he pulled...

Not to mention the first goal was an own goal... and after the dive it was just easier to get to the goalie with one less man.

I'm not impressed at all, if anything that game make me dislike the US more.

[IronMaxipad]

What's up with all these teams missing Penalties :lmao

[MannyIsGod]

Nice save

[SAtown]

Holy shit 1-1

[IronMaxipad]

:wow panama ties it up

[IronMaxipad]

After the replay it doesn't like it went in

[IronMaxipad]

There are way more El Salvador fans at the game then USA fans :lmao

[MannyIsGod]

I hope Panama wins this.

[MannyIsGod]

All in Panama's hands now.

[MannyIsGod]

The whole thumb sucking thing is so fucking weird to me.

[symple19]

missed the game, hopefully FSC will replay it. Glad the US won

[IronMaxipad]

CONCACAF Authorizes Mexico to replace 5 players.

http://www.concacaf.com/page/GoldCup/NewsDetail/0,,12813~2378800,00.html

Jona please

[robino2001]

Anyone have a link to who's available/who's not for the semis due to cards? I don't think the US has to sit anyone for Wednesday but I know there was a red card or two in the other games - just wondering. Too lazy to add up yellows, etc.

***edit - typo

[scott]

I know that Blas Pérez is out for Panama because of a Red (according to Grant Wahl's twitter).

[MannyIsGod]

missed the game, hopefully FSC will replay it. Glad the US won

DVR man. Concacaf steams the game online so you might be able to see if they have it.

[scott]

So, anyone going to the games Wednesday? I'll be there, tailgating with AO at Coach's Pub beforehand, since Reliant went and banned tailgating at the stadium for fear of a US v. Mexico riot

[robino2001]

I'll be there... section 128 row G (I think... might be H, I forget). Just read the email they sent out tonight with details - definitely made me more excited for the games.

[Sense]

So, anyone going to the games Wednesday? I'll be there, tailgating with AO at Coach's Pub beforehand, since Reliant went and banned tailgating at the stadium for fear of a US v. Mexico riot

I didn't get tickets :/ .. I'm in Beaumont now though, if my friends invite me for celebrating or drinking beforehand I might be go to Houston.

[MannyIsGod]

Jealous. I really wanted to get tickets for this game but work and school didn't agree with my idea.

[Libri]

I'm not going. :bang

[robino2001]

Anyone know when tickets ended up selling out? I didn't keep up with it. We bought ours the minute they went on sale months ago assuming/hoping for US and Mexico being here and I know as of a month ago or so, tickets were abundant. Were tickets available this weekend until the teams were known or has it been sold out for a little while?


Jealous. I really wanted to get tickets for this game but work and school didn't agree with my idea.

School definitely is taking a back seat for a day or two and work will still be there when I get home...

[scott]

Before the US game was set, I thought I read there was only a couple thousand left, then they sold out right away after that. There was probably a huge push right when the Mexico game got set.

Plenty of tickets on Stubhub around face value - I was looking to see about upgrading. I'm on the 300 level. I also have a parking pass I don't think I need anymore because they banned tailgating so I'll be at the AO party then taking the light rail to the game.

I looked into flights from Houston to LA for the final... Continental (who I even have an AO discount code for) wants $1100 and Southwest isn't much cheaper... so looks like I'll be watching it from the brewery.

[sonic21]

why is the GC only held in the US?

Seems unfair. Are there not enough stadium in other countries?

[SAtown]

Goin up to Houston with some buddies bright and early tomorrow!

[robino2001]

Before the US game was set, I thought I read there was only a couple thousand left, then they sold out right away after that. There was probably a huge push right when the Mexico game got set.

Plenty of tickets on Stubhub around face value - I was looking to see about upgrading. I'm on the 300 level. I also have a parking pass I don't think I need anymore because they banned tailgating so I'll be at the AO party then taking the light rail to the game.

I looked into flights from Houston to LA for the final... Continental (who I even have an AO discount code for) wants $1100 and Southwest isn't much cheaper... so looks like I'll be watching it from the brewery.

Shame I'm not in SA, I'd buy the parking pass for you as we'll be doing the lot. Coworker of mine booked flights/tickets for Pasadena a couple of months ago - no idea what he paid for them though. Dude's not a big soccer fan or anything though, more of a get together w/ him and some old friends, one of them figured it may be a good place to do it. I figured Houston and the semis was good enough. A US/Mexico matchup would have been awesome but I thought two hopefully competitive matchups may be just as good.

[MannyIsGod]

why is the GC only held in the US?

Seems unfair. Are there not enough stadium in other countries?

It would pretty much have to be Canada, Mexico or the US to host it. Everytime Mexico has hosted it in recent memory the US has cohosted it. I don't think they're capable of pulling it off alone anymore.

[MannyIsGod]

Before the US game was set, I thought I read there was only a couple thousand left, then they sold out right away after that. There was probably a huge push right when the Mexico game got set.

Plenty of tickets on Stubhub around face value - I was looking to see about upgrading. I'm on the 300 level. I also have a parking pass I don't think I need anymore because they banned tailgating so I'll be at the AO party then taking the light rail to the game.

I looked into flights from Houston to LA for the final... Continental (who I even have an AO discount code for) wants $1100 and Southwest isn't much cheaper... so looks like I'll be watching it from the brewery.

Drive and pick me up on the way IMO.

[scott]

why is the GC only held in the US?

Seems unfair. Are there not enough stadium in other countries?

$$$$$$$

No other country would generate the same kind of revenue for CONCACAF, plain and simple.

[IronMaxipad]

why is the GC only held in the US?

Seems unfair. Are there not enough stadium in other countries?

Because if it were always in Mexico the US would have 0 gold cups.

[IronMaxipad]

Both games are going to be played at the same stadium? And it's in Houston? Gonna be like a Mexico home game. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

You think? There's a reason they put it in Houston and the Final in LA and its not for the benefit of the US.

[Sense]

Both games are going to be played at the same stadium? And it's in Houston? Gonna be like a Mexico home game. :lol

Oh you better believe it...

I keep wondering why the USA game is first... is it because if they play after, people will leave?

Or is it because the Mexico game is the better game? :P

How are those things considered when scheduling..?

[cheguevara]

well mexicans are literally everywhere. they could host the game in Tibet and 10,000 mexicans would show up

[MannyIsGod]

Oh you better believe it...

I keep wondering why the USA game is first... is it because if they play after, people will leave?

Or is it because the Mexico game is the better game? :P

How are those things considered when scheduling..?

Its because of the seeding. Had the US won the group they would have been the later game.

[MannyIsGod]

But :lol @ Mexico fans trying to give the US shit because they don't have the same number of people showing up. If they had the game in Seattle there would be no issues filling that stadium with US fans.

[IronMaxipad]

Son it doesn't matter where the game is played Mexican fans will be there :king

Speaking of Seattle..:
La Raza's edge
The best fans in America don't root for an American team
ESPN The Magazine
Archive
This story appears in the June 27, 2011 issue of ESPN The Magazine.

They're doing the wave in Seattle, and whether you think the classic exercise in fanimation originated here, as every Washington native does, or in Mexico, as most of the rest of the world believes, this one really is a Mexican Wave. Fifty thousand supporters of Mexico's national soccer team -- in sombreros, Aztec headdresses, wrestling masks and insect costumes -- have brought their unique shade of green to the Emerald City. The Pacific Northwest isn't typically a Mexican tour stop, so for many who have gathered at Qwest Field for the team's Gold Cup warmup with Ecuador, it's the first chance to see their beloved "El Tricolor" in person. The team struggles to an uninspired 1-1 draw, but the El Tri crowd is in form. Then again, it always is.

Joyous, spontaneous, disorganized yet perfectly in unison -- the Mexican Wave is the perfect metaphor for the millions of north-of-the-border followers of El Tri. "Soccer is our main sport, and the Mexican team is our team," says Oscar Quiroz of Vancouver, Wash., as he marches outside the stadium before the match alongside a mélange of fans similarly draped in Mexican flags. "We support it 100 percent."

Likewise, we will take this opportunity to champion Mexico's displaced faithful as the best fans in America. If the scenes in Seattle are any indication, there's no such thing as a casual Mexico fan. All across the country, El Tri devotees like Quiroz flock to U.S. football stadiums at least five times a year to support an annual tour of friendlies managed by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the marketing arm of Major League Soccer. These exhibitions generate the sports-festival atmosphere of a Final Four, the prideful party vibe of a big-city ethnic parade and the celeb idolatry of a Justin Bieber concert. Where else in the world could you find a national team's fans selling out stadiums in the country of its No. 1 rival?

Yet no matter how many hotel rooms it fills or cities it marches through, the massive Mexican-American fan base is almost always invisible to the U.S. public. Other than stadium owners, that is. Whom did Jerry Jones book to headline the inaugural sporting event at Cowboys Stadium? Mexico, which set a soccer attendance record in Texas in its 2009 Gold Cup quarterfinal against Haiti. And guess who kicked off the first full event at New Meadowlands Stadium the following year? Mexico again, in a friendly against Ecuador that was attended by 77,705 fans.

If you book El Tricolor, they will come.

http://insider.espn.go.com/sports/soccer/insider/news/story?id=6651930&_slug_=mexico-soccer-fans-best-fans-united-states&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fspo rts%2fsoccer%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d66519 30%26_slug_%3dmexico-soccer-fans-best-fans-united-states

Great fucking article :cry:cry

anyone have insider so i can read the rest of it?

:lmao:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

Son it doesn't matter where the game is played Mexican fans will be there :king

Speaking of Seattle..:

Great fucking article :cry:cry

anyone have insider so i can read the rest of it?

:lmao:lmao


well mexicans are literally everywhere. they could host the game in Tibet and 10,000 mexicans would show up

TBH Only place I ever went and felt like I didn't have my brothers with me was New Orleans.

[Sense]

But :lol @ Mexico fans trying to give the US shit because they don't have the same number of people showing up. If they had the game in Seattle there would be no issues filling that stadium with US fans.

lol@ the above article completely obliterating your sentence above..

You do realize what you just said though right?

Whether the US can fill up the stadium in Seattle or not, it still doesn't make up for the rest of the US... in fact it's kind of sad that you even had to point out one city.. as if it makes it better.

[Sense]

TBH Only place I ever went and felt like I didn't have my brothers with me was New Orleans.

lol Manny you're whiter than Scott!

[MannyIsGod]

Only on the internet bro. My family is FROM Mexico and the moment you get me around them I lose all my coconut qualities. Even when I talk to my mom on the phone its like a switch is flipped. Some of my neighbors from Cuba asked me if I was from Mexico because my accent when I speak Spanish. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

lol@ the above article completely obliterating your sentence above..

You do realize what you just said though right?

Whether the US can fill up the stadium in Seattle or not, it still doesn't make up for the rest of the US... in fact it's kind of sad that you even had to point out one city.. as if it makes it better.

Eh, I don't know if its sad. The US crowds are growing. The Spain match set a new record for attendance. The uS had the largest traveling contingent to the World Cup. That should count for something.

Definitely not as big as it is to Mexico's fans but that's always been the case.

[Libri]

USA's starting lineup and subs.

Starting: 1-Tim Howard; 6-Steve Cherundolo, 21-Clarence Goodson, 3-Carlos Bocanegra (capt.), 14-Eric Lichaj; 4-Michael Bradley, 13-Jermaine Jones; 22-Alejandro Bedoya, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 8-Clint Dempsey; 9-Juan Agudelo

Subs: 7-Maurice Edu, 10-Landon Donovan, 11-Chris Wondolowski, 12-Jonathan Bornstein, 15-Tim Ream, 20-Freddy Adu, 23-Marcus Hahnemann

[MannyIsGod]

Also I don't think the article destroys my point at all. That Mexicans show up to a match in Seattle doesn't mean that USA fans wouldn't show up to a match there.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm not totally shocked that Landon is on the bench again but what I'm shocked is that Bradley had the balls to do this. If anything, they need to win early so we can sub out Dempsey early so that he's not toast by the final.

[Landon Donofag]

I'm not totally shocked that Landon is on the bench again but what I'm shocked is that Bradley had the balls to do this. If anything, they need to win early so we can sub out Dempsey early so that he's not toast by the final.

agreed.

[symple19]

revenge!

[MannyIsGod]

Just got done watching it since I was watching on DVR "tape delay". Props to Freddy adu. Came in and played a wonderful ball that allowed Landon to make that cross. Also, as valuable as Bedoya was in this game I still can't get it through my fucking head that Bradley didn't include him. I knew he was going to have a breakout tourney and once given the chance he has.

[MannyIsGod]

I want Mexico to win but I hope its a close tight game.

[IronMexican]

Barrera playing okay. Lots of missed opportunities.

[Sense]

I need a link asap

[Sense]

nevermind found one!

[MannyIsGod]

Dude I thought Concacaf.com was streaming? ALso where the fuck are you that you can't get univision?

[Sense]

Dude I thought Concacaf.com was streaming? ALso where the fuck are you that you can't get univision?

I'm in Beaumont, my dad lives by himself and doesn't want to get cable.. yet...

[Libri]

Se la perdioooooooooooooo!

[Sense]

Mexico can't seem to capitalize... this has always been their problem in previous years, I'm worried... they seem unsure.

If they don't score in Extra Time, I just don't see them winning penalty kicks... we've always been horrible at them.

[Libri]

It's been a lot more even than what I thought.

[Sense]

fuuuuuuuck yeeeeeah

[MannyIsGod]

Great game so far..

[MannyIsGod]

I'm in Beaumont, my dad lives by himself and doesn't want to get cable.. yet...

Oh - I thought Univision you could get with an antenna eveywhere though.

[Libri]

Chicharo!

[Sense]

Phew... Honduras has been playing great... I'm glad we're up 2-0 now.. We got this in the bag.

[Sense]

Talavera has been outstanding this game... I like what I see.

[Spurologist]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos

[Sense]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos

:rolleyes

[IronMaxipad]

Sons how does Chicharito always get man of the match?! :lmao

Thank you Based Talavera dude was great

[IronMaxipad]

I think they were impressed by him scoring with his right nut.

[easy7]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos

:rolleyes

[IronMaxipad]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos
:rolleyes

[Libri]

Giovani had a terrible game.

[MannyIsGod]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos


:rolleyes


:rolleyes


:rolleyes

:lmao

[symple19]

USA - MEHICO - final de copa oro!

Dos a cero Estados unidos

:tu

[symple19]

While I don't think the US will win (2-1 mex, imo), I really hope they do for a lot of reasons, including watching the epic meltdown that will go on in here afterwards

[Sense]

While I don't think the US will win (2-1 mex, imo), I really hope they do for a lot of reasons, including watching the epic meltdown that will go on in here afterwards

:lol

you're kidding right?

[scott]

Dos a cero otra vez esta sabado pendejos!

[symple19]

:lol

you're kidding right?

about what? The score or the meltdown?

[symple19]

let me guess, you're thinking 8-0 mexico, right?

[Girasuck]

lol@ the above article completely obliterating your sentence above..

You do realize what you just said though right?

Whether the US can fill up the stadium in Seattle or not, it still doesn't make up for the rest of the US... in fact it's kind of sad that you even had to point out one city.. as if it makes it better.

I guarantee you if the game were held in Salt Lake City there would be 3-4x the Americans to Mexicans, mainly because all the Mexicans around here can't get a better job than a janitor so they can't afford tickets.

[Sense]

let me guess, you're thinking 8-0 mexico, right?

I was talking about the meltdown, it's easy to see who gets upset quite fast in these forums... and if you had to compare between the Mexican fans in these boards and the USA fans, it's no contest.


I don't think it will be 8-0 .. in fact I too think it will be 2-1 Mexico.

[Sense]

I guarantee you if the game were held in Salt Lake City there would be 3-4x the Americans to Mexicans, mainly because all the Mexicans around here can't get a better job than a janitor so they can't afford tickets.

really now...

[IronMaxipad]

Guardado sprained left ankle..

Congrats USA*

:depressed

[IronMaxipad]

I guarantee you if the game were held in Salt Lake City there would be 3-4x the Americans to Mexicans, mainly because all the Mexicans around here can't get a better job than a janitor so they can't afford tickets.

Well that didn't take long. :lmao

[easy7]

I guarantee you if the game were held in Salt Lake City there would be 3-4x the Americans to Mexicans, mainly because all the Mexicans around here can't get a better job than a janitor so they can't afford tickets.

Yep, first they take your job, then they will take your daughter..

[symple19]

I was talking about the meltdown, it's easy to see who gets upset quite fast in these forums... and if you had to compare between the Mexican fans in these boards and the USA fans, it's no contest.


I don't think it will be 8-0 .. in fact I too think it will be 2-1 Mexico.

Well, either way, a meltdown will ensue :toast

[symple19]

I guarantee you if the game were held in Salt Lake City there would be 3-4x the Americans to Mexicans, mainly because all the Mexicans around here can't get a better job than a janitor so they can't afford tickets.

that's a pretty fuckin' stupid post. And a cheap shot to boot.

I saw Mexico/Italy play in Birmingham at Legion Field during the 96' Olympics, and they had around 30,000 show up (IIRC) to legion field. It was such an awesome atmosphere, we sat on the mexican side and had a fuckin blast. We also got fuckin blasted since nobody carded me, all the mexican vendors had kegs lined up and were more than happy to share. I love passion for the game, whoever they cheer for, it doesn't matter. It makes for a great atmosphere, and in the end that's what it's all about.

Some dude gave me a sombrero which I wore throughout the day (and still have) It has since earned the title "Tequila Helmet" :lol

[scott]

Bob Bradley has already announced our starting XI for Saturday:

----------Adu------------
---Adu---Adu---Adu---
-------Adu---Adu-------
--Adu-Adu-Adu-Adu--
--------Howard---------

[scott]

On a serious note, I don't know if this showed up on TV but we were very slow to switch the point of attack. Panama was leaving the wings very exposed but it appeared we lacked the vision to get that switch over.

The bad part about this formation is it really relies on the wings to come inside in th final third and requires our wing backs to provide all the width, which leaves us exposed to a counter attack on the flanks - which Panama did repeatedly but Boca, Goodson and Bradley all did well to close down. Mexico brings much more to the table than Panama, however, and Chicharito can score with any part of his body it appears.

[MannyIsGod]

It was pretty intentional they wren't pushing up as much to avoid leaving open the panama counter. It really was a good strat by Bradley considering we got some very good quality chances (I mean Juan is inches from putting us up in the 1h). I thought the subs were good too. Sacha wasn't as good today so the quick sub for Landon was great and then I was pretty amazed he put Adu in and it worked well.

Jermaine Jones is really growing on me but he needs to stop fouling so much in our defensive half because those set pieces will hurt eventually.

[scott]

I don't think it was intentional as I could see Lichaj and Dolo consistently calling for the ball, but it never made it over. I know Dolo wasn't pushing forward too much on runs, but I'm talking more about getting the ball to him at midfield when there wasn't a Panamanian within miles.

[MannyIsGod]

Oh I see. I misunderstood. I do think our distribution was worse yest than against Jamiaca. Its the area I really wish Bradley was better at.

[ALVAREZ6]

Anyone know if the final is gonna be on ESPN or any other national broadcast???

[resistanze]

This thread should be fun come Saturday.

[Spurologist]

Anyone know if the final is gonna be on ESPN or any other national broadcast???

telefutura/FSC

[Libri]

Costa Rica defender Marshall killed in car crash

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/23/2282043/costa-rica-defender-marshall-killed.html#ixzz1QAMtVkzg

[ALVAREZ6]

WTF...fucking in the final and it won't even be televised on national TV? Way to go faggots. I hope some more important spelling bee is on ESPN this saturday.

Just because of this I'm rooting for Mexico.

[MannyIsGod]

You were just given two national networks. I'm confused why you don't think its going to be on national TV. ESPN can't broadcast it because they don't own the rights.

[IronMaxipad]

telefutura/FSC

Univision not Telefutura

[Trainwreck2100]

me:lolico=f:lolcked

[Sense]

I don't understand... a team that goes 18-2 in goal scored to allowed ratio, and doesn't lose a game throughout the cup is the underdog? News to me.

[scott]

How long does everyone think it will take Rafa Marquez to get sent off this time?

[MannyIsGod]

I think Mexico is the favorite but they've been the favorite so many times and lost so many times so I don't really think it matters who's the favorite.

[hater]

You were just given two national networks. I'm confused why you don't think its going to be on national TV. ESPN can't broadcast it because they don't own the rights.

Fox Sports is a premium channel in many TV providers. I don't consider national network.

I have telefutura thankfully but not sure its all over the place either.

[ALVAREZ6]

You were just given two national networks. I'm confused why you don't think its going to be on national TV. ESPN can't broadcast it because they don't own the rights.

Fox Sports Channel/Fox Sports Net are subscription based, you have to pay more for and don't consider national. And I don't get telefutura in my area. Not sure about univision.

[MannyIsGod]

National channels are channels available nationally even if they are on a premium tier. I agree however, that I would rather have it on ESPN and hopefully next time the rights come up they bid for it. In any case, I watch either Telefutura or Univision because I usually hate the English game commentary.

[Sense]

Spot on, IMHO

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/columnist/carlisle_jeff/id/6698248/us-vs-mexico-tale-tape-jeff-carlisle-soccer

[IronMaxipad]

Salcido not playing tomorrow. And Guardado will play, not sure if he'll start or not

[Sense]

Salcido not playing tomorrow. And Guardado will play, not sure if he'll start or not

Why isn't he playing? I guess Torres-Nilo will do, but that's bad news...


nvm saw he didn't recover in time..

[scott]

I'm actually quite surprised Fox didn't move the game to regular Fox. The Champions League final was up huge numbers and the Wednesday Night US-Panama game was the highest watched telecast in Fox Soccer Channel's History (though the Univision telecast still did 10x more households than FSC - and the Mex-Hon game got more viewers on Univision than the US match).

Given the success of last year's US telecasts on ABC (the US-England game got higher ratings than every single NBA Finals game between the Lakers and Celtics), the Champs League Final and the action so far - it seems like Fox is really missing the boat here.

[scott]

Digging deeper into the ratings, the US-Panama game was also the highest watched non-Mexico game in Univision's history (and second highest US game, behind US-Mex friendly in Feb 2007)

[scott]

More good anecdotal evidence:

Jeff Carlisle's "tale of the tape" article that Sense posted above has over 2500 comments, perhaps the most ever for an ESPN.com article.

On ESPN's frontpage, there is a poll asking what folks are most interested in, and the US-Mex game leads with 38% of the vote. Interleague baseball is second with 25%.

Soccer is slowly gaining more and more popularity here.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah its definitely blowing up. The MLS is doing way better and this has to be the most interest in a non WC year ever. Its nice.

[scott]

9aaMNmzubcM

Highlights from US-Pan from the Univision broadcast. Nice. Would prefer to get some Cantor action in there though.

[Sense]

Digging deeper into the ratings, the US-Panama game was also the highest watched non-Mexico game in Univision's history (and second highest US game, behind US-Mex friendly in Feb 2007)

Mostly because Mexican fans were waiting for the game.. whether you like to admit it or not... also, they were hoping the US would fail.

[IronMaxipad]

Mostly because Mexican fans were waiting for the game.. whether you like to admit it or not...

Pretty much.

[Sense]

More good anecdotal evidence:

Jeff Carlisle's "tale of the tape" article that Sense posted above has over 2500 comments, perhaps the most ever for an ESPN.com article.

On ESPN's frontpage, there is a poll asking what folks are most interested in, and the US-Mex game leads with 38% of the vote. Interleague baseball is second with 25%.

Soccer is slowly gaining more and more popularity here.

I agree, most of the US soccer fans that post there, are kind of cautious with what they say though.. of course if the US were to beat Mexico in this cup, they would become legit.. and yeah just like the world cup it would become relevant to most Americans, but this is why they're cautious..

They can only hope the US wins.. but of course you had your.. "THIS WRITERS AN IDIOT" responses.

[IronMaxipad]

Wish the game was an hour earlier, gonna miss boxing tonight. :depressed

[SAtown]

US 2-1 over Mexico in the final. Write it down.

Stickin with this prediction?

Neither team impressed me at all in the semis, but I'll go with 3-1 Mexico

[scott]

Mostly because Mexican fans were waiting for the game.. whether you like to admit it or not... also, they were hoping the US would fail.

From my seat at the game - most Mexico fans were rooting for the US. Probably because most of them were Americans.

Edited for more info: 95% of the Mexico fans around me and that I encountered around the stadium were also very respectful (as were 95% of US fans) of each other. I don't think tailgating would have been a problem like Reliant Stadium thought.

Before the game, I was at the American Outlaws party at an area bar - a guy in a Mexico jersey walked in and immediately got "cuuuuleeeeeeeeeerooooooo" chants but it was all in good fun.

Only one Mexico fan tried to talk shit to me, going the opposite way on the escalator as I was leaving after the US game... my only reply was "DOS A CERO PENDEJO!" and he chuckled.

Great crowd, which was definetely pro-Mexico, but like I saw most were rooting for the US because 1) they are Americans or people living in America and 2) they want to see US-Mexico (same reason I was rooting for Mexico over Honduras).

Of course, I'm annoyed by fools who've never been to Mexico but wear their green jerseys and root against the US because their last name is Garcia (I'm half Mexican and half German - you'd never see me root for either squad over the US - because I'm an American). But it was cool to see Mexico fans still respectful of the country they live in and (for most) are the place they are ACTUALLY from. Yes, I'm talking to you IronMexican.

[scott]

Stickin with this prediction?

Neither team impressed me at all in the semis, but I'll go with 3-1 Mexico

No... I'm updating to DOS A CERO!!!!!!!

[Libri]

Alexi Lalas also predicted dos a cero, Mexico.

[Spurologist]

Lineups?