Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
After a stunning victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals, Lady USA faces their next test against France in today’s semi-final match. (12pmET ESPN, ESPN3.com, Galavision)
USA stands tall as the #1-ranked team in the world, while France are only a few steps behind at #7. It should prove to be another tight contest.
Do you think Lady USA will be worn out after the crazy Brazil finish? Or do you think they’ve been stoked to go all the way?
Check it out! Someone dubbed March Madness audio (famed Gus Johnson) over Wambach’s last-gasp goal against Brazil. It fits quite nicely!
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Coach Bradley announced the USA roster for this summer’s Gold Cup today. A few surprises may catch your eye…
GOALKEEPERS (3): Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Jonathan Bornstein (UANL Tigres), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Eric Lichaj (Leeds), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Freddy Adu (Rizespor), Michael Bradley (Aston Villa), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (New England Revolution), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS (3): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Thoughts???
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Another American has worked his way into the English Premier League. Michael Bradley has joined Aston Villa on a loan for the rest of the season. If we’re lucky, he’ll have a chance to make his debut this weekend against Clint “The Deuce” Dempsey and Fulham.
Congrats, Michael! May you earn a permanent spot in the EPL!
WATCH THE ASTON VILLA TV INTERVIEW
“With Abby Wambach back in the USA, four young forwards will take center stage at the Four Nations Tournament. All are 23 or younger, all played in the Pac-10 Conference — for one year at the same time — and all are looking to make a big impact on the U.S. team in this Women’s World Cup year.” (USsoccerdotcom)
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Any good US Soccer fan should be familiar with “Go USA Bid” video narrated by Morgan Freeman. There’s nothing terrible about it… There’s just nothing compelling or inspiring about it, either. All-in-all, the promo is a bit of a throw-away.
Having it pop up as the beginning of the USA’s final bid presentation to FIFA a week ago didn’t seem like a horrible idea at first, but once you watch Qatar’s bid presentation videos, you realize how flat our little piece really was.
Who the hell knows what the 2022 final vote was based upon, but if the voting members of FIFA were at all susceptible to cinematographic persuasion, it’s not shocking that they would lean towards the eency Middle Eastern nation from the future.
Watch the videos and decide for yourself. Chances are, you will finish them and feel the need to say:
“The Oscar goes to… Qatar!”
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
How Qatar won the 2022 vote:
Qatar beat USA 14-8 in the fourth round of voting, but almost claimed it in the first round.
First round: Australia 1, Japan 3, USA 3, Korea Republic 4, Qatar 11
Second round: Japan 2, Korea 5, USA 5, Qatar 10 votes
Third round: Korea 5, USA 6, Qatar 11
Fourth round: USA 8, Qatar 14
Qatar win
How Russia won the 2018 vote:
First round: England 2, Holland/Belgium 4, Spain/Portugal 7, Russia 9
Second round: Holland/Belgium 2, Spain/Portugal 7, Russia 13
Russia win
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Clutch your rabbit’s foot. Say a prayer. And then, hold your breath.
It’s Decision Day.
Sepp Blatter will announce the bid selections for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups at 10:00am ET. Watch it live. Click here.
Say another prayer, please.
And, in case you’re anxious and need to be distracted while you wait, watch the following videos for one last dose of US Soccer awesomeness.
The “Go USA Bid” trailer:
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Well, folks, Decision Day is upon us. The US Bid Committee has made it’s final appeal to FIFA’s voting board. The official campaigning has come to an end. And, the final hours of schmoozing and persuasion are currently being wrapped at the bar of Zurich’s Baur au Lac Hotel.
And, despite calls for a delay due to rumors of corruption, everything seems to be on schedule for Sepp Blatter’s 10:00amET announcement.
We are down to the final hours, Fans. And nervy ones they will be.
BBC‘s James Pearce provides an interesting glimpse into the last gasp moments of a World Cup bid decision. He was present for the 2006 World Cup decision, and he is in Zurich now. Though many look favorably upon the USA’s chances of winning the hosting responsibilities for the 2022 World Cup, Pearce’s experience shows that nothing is to be taken for granted.
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!
Thursday December 2nd is a monumental day in the history of US Soccer. It is the day that FIFA (the world’s soccer governing body) decides which nations are to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. The USA is in the running for the 2022 version.
For the ins-and-outs of what hosting another World Cup would do for the sport in our country, read this New York Times article.
But, you don’t really need the Times to tell you how big of a deal this is, do you? It’s obvious. Just look at the status of soccer before hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Back then, there was no Major League Soccer. Now, there are 16 thriving teams.
Back then, the US Women’s National Team had 1 marquee tournament championship to its name. Now, our nation’s women boast 12 major trophies.
Back then, the average American could only name 1 soccer player in the world (Pele). Now, that same Yankee can name 3 (Landon Donovan, David Beckham, AND Pele)!!!
Yes, my Yanks, this Thursday is truly one for the history books.
(The decision will be announced at 10:00amET on ESPN, Fox Soccer Channel, CNN, ESPN Deportes and FIFA.com!)
So, what should you do until then to prepare for Decision Day?
Here is the FFY Decision Day Eve “To-Do” List:
