The Soccer Thread (IV)

Got too defensive after going up. Mexico deserved the win.

If El Salvador and Honduras win tonight, it's going to get mighty interesting in September.

 

FIFA would have to, because CONCACAF wouldn't have the stones.

But it has to happen. Imagine the outrage is similar shit happened here, in any sport. It simply wouldn't be tolerated.

 

Bitterness aside, Mexico deserved the match. Congrats, dirty sphincters.

 

It's not just Mexico. You see that shit all the time in Costa Rica, El Salvador, etc.

 

SOB!
that place is a fortress

 

Had a chance to bury them today and couldn't do it.

Did Jozy actually touch the ball?

 

1,600 + comments on the ESPN commentary. None of them too pleasant at this point.

 

All I'll say is, that's two games in a row that Aguirre coached Bradley's jock off. I know one was a B game, but still.

 

USA is still in good shape even if Honduras and El Salvador win tonight. But the next two are must-wins regardless.

 

Twoback: it happens. Losses to Mexico don't break my heart. Getting slapped around by Costa Rica, that was a problem.

Mexico's not the only soccer nation whose fans can be . . . unruly. They're just the only one we're playing today.

Anyway, while the U.S. had trouble stringing passes together offensively, I never thought they sagged and looked beaten by the crowd/stadium/smog/altitude. Mexico did spend a lot of time in the U.S. half, but the defense and Howard played their butts off.

(Seems to be a theme these days)

2-1 is not a result I like, but considering the effort level and the fact that, yes, the Mexico fans engaged in anti-player behavior that should be outlawed at any and all sporting events, no complaints. The U.S. defense did a good job of frustrating Mexico until the end, and a tie would have been amazing considering the nothing offense.

And yes, soccer fans: Mexico is all the way back from the dead. And the U.S.? Meh, win the qualifiers at home, no problem.

I guess CONCACAF won't get a seed next year?

 

Piotr - good analysis, but let's not say Mexico is back yet. They could still be in fourth place after tonight and their next game is in San Jose.

 

The only place I could find this game was in a Mexican restaurant. Needless to say, I was outnumbered.

I don't get to watch much soccer, but it didn't look like USA had much interest in offense most of the game. That disappointed me.