Bob Bradley’s Temporary Vindication

By Bagga Wilks

The United States soccer team has moved into the semi-final of the CONCACAF tournament by beating Jamaica 2-0 at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The U.S. will play Panama in a replay as Panama beat El Salvador on penalty kicks.

The RFK Stadium in D.C. has imbedded great memories of the U.S.-Jamaica soccer rivalry. In the elimination of the 1998 World Cup, the tiny island of Jamaica held the U.S. of A. to a 1-1 draw. In that match, Jamaica outplayed the U.S. for the first 40 minutes until Linval Dixon, Jamaica’s right-full back, got hurt and the game changed. The U.S. was given an unwarranted penalty by the referee and went ahead 1-0 but Jamaica rallied and procured a goal from a defensive error. The game ended in 1-1 tie.

Fast forward to 2011, Jamaica started the CONCACAF tournament easily beating third and second tier teams. The test for the newly comprised Jamaica team would be how they would look playing against a top tier team like the U.S. Unlike the preliminary matches, Jamaica lacked poise. The United States had played shaky in the preliminary rounds but against Jamaica, the team came together.

Unfortunately for Jamaica, they gave up an own goal and their central defender, Jermaine Taylor, was given a red card in the 66th minute. Once again, Jamaica showed that they are not yet in the class of a top tier team. There is the nucleus of capable players but Jamaica needs to play a number of international friendlies to move to another level if the team is going to seriously compete for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

USA 2 - 0 Canada

Closing the last group opening games of the Gold Cup was a marquee match up between border nations USA & Canada. The hype of a disallowed equalizer from their last meeting in 2007 Gold Cup Semi-final match didn't live up to the billing with a 2-0 concise win for the USA. It looked like a tale of two goalkeepers and the northerners could not match the quality. Goals were marked by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, who almost had a scorpion kick to add to the highlight reel. Next up in Group C, USA vs. Panama & Canada v. Guadeloupe in Tampa, FL on June 11th.

Paraguay 1-0 USA Highlights

Paraguay snuck away a 1-0 victory over USA with a soft goal off a corner kick early in the 1st half. It appears RBNY Tim Ream was pulled down in the box which allowed the free Paraguay player to blast home the winning goal. Even though Tim Ream was tugged down, the future center back of USA has to be stronger in the box. USA played with a 4-4-2 formation starting Agudelo and Altidore upfront. USA was able to hold possession in midfield and get alot of space out wide. But USA had very limited chances on net and that is due to no real creative midfielder who is able to break down defenses. Bright spots for USA at this friendly was the young gunner Juan Agudelo, Jermaine Jones & Michael Bradley.

Maurice Edu talks to Futbolr TV about USA camp & more

We talk to Glasgow Rangers FC central midfielder Maurice Edu as he discusses his love for USA national team, what position on the field he like & much more.
www.futbolr.com

U.S. vs Argentina: Showing True Grit

By Bagga Wilks

The United States is the sole superpower in the world but it is not yet a super-power in the world of football. Nonetheless, in the 2010 World Cup, the United States demonstrated that they can compete on the world stage. Before 78,000 soccer fans at the Meadowlands, for the first half, the United States were bedazzled by the Argentinians led by Lionel Messi who is recognized as the best offensive player in the world.

The first half revealed the limitations of the United States coaching staff and raised the question, can the United States team rise to the level of finesse that the Brazilians and Argentinians are capable of displaying?

Down 1-0 at the end of the first half, the U.S. in the second half made a technical change and resorted to a more attacking formation by bringing in 18 year old Agudelo as a second striker. The results were telling as it made the U.S. not just absorbing the relentless Argentinian movement off the ball but it placed them in a position to threaten in their last third. It is one of those threatening forays that Donovan played a free kick outside of the box that ended with Agudelo equalizing against the Argentinian giants and bringing them down to a manageable size. Triumphantly for the United States, the game ended in a draw.

Edson Buddle sits down w/ Futbolr TV

USMNT Edson Buddle sits down w/ Futbolr TV to talk new team in Bundesliga & Argentina game

Seedorf speaks on Oguchi Onyewu at AC Milan

Click link below to read good article on Dutch & AC Milan veteran the great Clarence Seedorf who speaks with writer Michael Lewis on what it takes to make an impact at the highest levels of European soccer as a 34-year-old, what he sees in the American game, and his thoughts on fellow Milan player Oguchi Onyewu.

"He's training hard. He's always disciplined. He's always a good teammate and a great professional," Seedorf said in an interview last week. "So from that point of view, you really can't ask any more from him. So it's a really a matter of will he get a chance to show himself? A lot of times, it's a matter of timing in careers. You come maybe at the right moment or the wrong moment in a club where you have more or less chances to play."

Click Here to read full article

USMNT Oguchi Onyewu on Futbolr Radio part 1

USMNT & AC Milan defender discusses w/ Futbolr Radio his recent goal vs Poland, Maurice Edu and new players to the USA National Team...For full interview go to www.futbolr.com

PICS: USA VS. TURKEY PHILLY

pics by jenner

Damarcus Beasley on PSV TV (Holland)

In 2004 PSV manager Guus Hiddink brought Beasley in as the successor to Arjen Robben (who went to Chelsea), and because of that, Beasley was granted the number 11 jersey. In his first season in the Eredivisie, Beasley played 29 games, scored 6 goals in 34 domestic games of the Dutch season and had a role in helping PSV win their 18th league title. On May 28, 2005, PSV advanced to the final of the Dutch Amstel Cup by beating Feyenoord in a penalty shootout after Beasley's goal in the final minute of regulation tied the match.

In addition to making an impact on the domestic level, Beasley became the first American to play in the semifinal stages of the UEFA Champions League against Milan.

Weekend Recap & USA vs Holland Preview w/ guest MLS Cory Gibbs

Adu scores 1st goal for Aris FC

US National team players and World cup hopefuls Freddy Adu and Eddie Johnson both started today for Aris FC. Both had solid performances with Adu game winner giving Aris FC with the victory.

Damarcus Beasley Vegas-themed evening at the Alea Casino to raise cash for Haitian School

Rangers star DaMarcus Beasley has launched a charity night to raise cash for a school in Haiti.

The footballer is backing a Vegas-themed evening at the Alea Casino at Springfield Quay later this month in aid of the devastated Good Samaritan School in the Cite Soleil slum on the earthquake-hit island.

US-born winger DaMarcus, 27, said: “What has happened in Haiti tragic.

“We should try to do our utmost to help the Haitian people as much as we can.”

Money made at the event on Thursday, February 18 will go to Glasgow The Caring City.

The charity has already raised £15,000 for the relief effort but the night aims to raise another £10,000 to rebuild the school which was destroyed in the January 12 earthquake which killed around 200,000 people. The school has 150 pupils but feeds 2,000 and was a hub for the community.

And the charity has been awarded a £17,000 grant which will speed vital aid to the victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster.

Medical supplies, clothing, and essentials items will now be shipped to Port-au-Prince within days after Glasgow the Caring City benefited from the Scottish Govern­ment’s emergency funding project.

The charity casino night is being organised by Summera Shaheen from The Diamond Studio, with the help of Satty Singh from Mr Singh’s Indian Restaurant on Elderslie Street and Paul Rety from Alea.

The night will be hosted by Clyde 1’s Suzie Maguire and will featuring show girls, an Elvis impersonator as well as a buffet.

Raffle and Auction prizes will include a ­diamond, concert tickets and Rangers and Celtic signed tops and tickets.

Tickets are £30. To book, e-mail info@thediamondstudio.co.uk or call 07801 375775.
www.eveningtimes.co.uk

D.Beasley's car set on fire outside his Glasgow home

RANGERS ace DaMarcus Beasley's £65,000 BMW has been PETROL BOMBED outside his home.

The American winger, 27, was at the house in Glasgow's plush west end as the attack took place.

It is the second time in 13 months that one of his motors has been targeted.

Last night a source said: "There is no evidence to suggest it was a sectarian attack, but it was the only car on the street that was targeted."

The horrifying attack, described as "disturbing" by Ibrox chiefs, happened late on Monday night.

Beasley heard screeching tyres outside his home - then looked out his window to see the blue 6-series BMW in flames.

It is thought the attackers pulled up beside the vehicle and threw the bomb before speeding off.

It comes after the Rangers ace's £50,000 BMW 650i was broken into and ransacked outside his home in December 2008.

Fellow Gers Allan McGregor, Kevin Thomson and Kenny Miller have all had their cars targeted in the past.

And a string of Celtic stars, including goalie Artur Boruc, have also been hit by yobs.

Beasley, who joined Gers in 2007, has played in two World Cups for the USA - 2002 and 2006.

Strathclyde Police said it was treating the attack "as wilfull fire-raising" and a probe was ongoing.

A Rangers spokesman added: "This is a disturbing, deplorable incident. The club will do everything we can to assist police."

HE'S BACKKKKKKKKKK!

MO EDU reckons he's returning to the Rangers team at the perfect moment after he made his first appearance since May against Hibs.

The midfielder took the latest step on the comeback trail with a 17 minute outing in the 4-1 win over John Hughes' side.

And after seeing his side earn their fifth straight league win and take their tally of goals in those matches to 19, Edu believes his reintroduction couldn't have come at a better time.

He said: "I'm obviously delighted to be back in the team and it was nice to get a run out today but what's most important is that we got the win and continued the success we've had in the past couple of weeks.

"It's always a hard thing when the team is doing well to break in but hopefully I just get some time here and there and gradually work my way back in.

"The form we've been in over the last few weeks with the goals we've been scoring and the number of chances we've created has been a good thing to watch.

"For me coming back it's a good thing too because the training will be at a high level and there will be good competition and that will force me to be in a good position if I do get called in to play in the first team.

BRADLEY PICKS 30 FOR FIRST 2010 USA CAMP

The U.S. Men's National Team is set to face Honduras on January 23rd at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Head coach Bob Bradley has selected his 30 players to participate in the pre-match camp.

The largely domestic-based player pool will travel to Los Angeles for the start of camp on January 4th. Major League Soccer has 13 of 16 clubs sending players to the camp.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Kevin Hartman (Kansas City), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

DEFENDERS (8): Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (12): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jeff Larentowicz (New England Revolution), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS (6): Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Brandon McDonald (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)



BIG CONGRATS TO BRANDON MCDONALD 1ST CALL UP

American's finding new homes in January!

Landon Donovan, Damarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnston are looking like they will be living in new cities come January. Eddie Johnson has been named to a transfer list for his current squad Fulham FC in English Premier League. Johnson has been at Fulham for 2 years but has only appeared in 1 league game this year. Rumors are spreading he would either end up in Championship or MLS.

Everton are hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign United States star Landon Donovan on loan.

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said: "Landon is a player David Moyes has identified as someone he would like to bring to the Club. We are working to make that happen and hope we can reach agreement soon with all the appropriate parties”.

If negotiations are successfully completed, the forward would join the Blues on January 2.

Still only 27, Donovan is his country's leading international goal-scorer and is also their most capped player with 120 appearances.

He can operate in a withdrawn striker's role, on the wing or as a more conventional attacking midfielder.

Along with David Beckham, he fired LA Galaxy to last month's final of the MLS Cup - the trophy contested by the top-placed league teams in the American competition.

Regarded as his nation's best ever player, Donovan won the MLS Most Valuable player and the Goal of the Year awards for the 2009 campaign, which concluded last month.

Donovan has previously played in Europe for Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen and would remain at Goodison Park until mid-March, joining fellow USA international Tim Howard.

According to the Daily Mirror, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson looking to spring Rangers midfielder DaMarcus Beasley from Ibrox. Damarcus Beasley, the American left-winger, has previously expressed his wish to leave the Scottish club in pursuit of the regular game time he believes he needs to get into the USA's World Cup squad.
Beasley 27, played in the Premier League before with Manchester City, on loan from PSV Eindhoven. He has not featured for the U.S. national team since the summer, when a passing error in the Confederations Cup consigned him to the bench for the remainder of the tournament. Fulham features American Clint Dempsey, and previously also included Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride and Kasey Keller on the roster.

U.S. U-15 boys National Team calls in 32 Players for winter camp

U.S. Under-15 Boys' National Team head coach Jim Barlow has called in 32 players, all born in 1995, for a domestic training camp from Dec. 12-19, 2009, in Bradenton, Fla.
Of the 32 players chosen from across the country two players are from NY and play out of the club Alberston SC, Dylan Greenberg and Nicholas Gaitan. This is the first training camp for the 95's and under head coach Jim Barlow. Future looks bright for US national team. Congrats to all players.

Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Santiago Castano (NY Red Bulls; Union City, N.J.), Arthur Eggers (CESA; Moore, S.C.), Zackary Steffen (FC DELCO; Downington, Pa.)
DEFENDERS (8): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Russell Canouse (NY Red Bulls; Lancaster, Pa.), Dylan Greenberg (Albertson SC; Dix Hills, N.Y.), Trevor Haberkorn (Solar SC; Roanoke, Texas), Matthew Habrowski (Derby County Wolves; Berkley, Mich.), Jose Ocampo (Crossfire Premier; Bothell, Wash.), David Raizes (Concorde Fire; John’s Creek, Ga.), Zachary Reed (NY Red Bulls; Teaneck, N.J.)
MIDFIELDERS (16): Jordan Allen (Empire United SA; Rochester, N.Y.), Michael Chang (Sockers FC; Highland Park, Ill.), Osvaldo Chavez Jr. (Mexicas FC; El Paso, Texas), Christian DeLuna (Mustangs; Bay Point, Calif.), Nicholas Gaitan (Albertson SC; Oceanside, N.Y.), Emerson Hyndman (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Anthony Jeffries (Chicago Fire; Downers Grove, Ill.), Keegan McHugh (Scott Gallagher; St Charles, MO), Antonio Murillo (Brazil FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Adam Najem (NY Red Bulls; Clifton, N.J.), Zachary Pfeffer (FC DELCO; Dresher, Penn.), Miguel Polley (Derby County Wolves; West Bloomfield, Mich.), Christian Rodriguez (LMVS Hawks; Alexandria, Va.), Kristian Scott (Bristol City FC; Winterbourne; Bristol, England), John Toher (NY Red Bulls; Blauvelt, N.Y.), Henry Wingo (Crossfire SC; Lake Forest Park, Wash.)
FORWARDS (5): Martin Arrieta (LAFC Chelsea; Pasadena, Calif.), Paul Arriola (Chula Vista Rangers; Chula Vista, Calif.), Kainoa Bailey (DC United; Henderson, Nev.), Nicholas Corriveau (Bethesda SC; Potomac, Md.), Keith Grieshaber (Scott Gallagher; Chesterfield, Mo.)

Checkout video below of Greenberg showing off his Juggling skills from 2 years ago.

TRAIN ON YOUR OWN -message from US soccer

Great video from USSOCCER.COM about individual training . The more time you spend on the ball the more comfortable you will be. Cool personal statements from US National players and staff like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Conor Casey etc

2010 World Cup Draw

Group A South Africa Mexico Uruguay France	Group B Argentina Nigeria South Korea Greece	Group C England United States Algeria Slovenia	Group D Germany Australia Serbia Ghana
Group E Netherlands Denmark Japan Cameroon	Group F Italy Paraguay New Zealand Slovakia	Group G Brazil North Korea Ivory Coast Portugal	Group H Spain Switzerland Honduras Chile