Guatemala v USMNT

[DCHeather]

Torres might be available and F. Johnson might, also, be available if he just suffered a mild strained calf and he was running around on Thursday. Fingers crossed.

From reports Guatemala didn't really show well against Jamaica, let's hope their poor form continues.

[SoCalJoe]

You know these won't be ideal conditions. Hope the boys bring their headphones because the hotel will be bombarded with noise tonight. Don't care how it's done, as long as it gets done. 3 points and get on the plane.

[DCHeather]

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-Natio ... oints.aspx

“There’s no such thing as an easy game in World Cup qualifying.”

It’s a mantra that is often repeated by those on the inside of teams and federations throughout the region. While history proves the statement an accurate portrait of the process, expectations can often exceed reality at the start of every qualifying cycle.

Exhibit #1 of the rigors and pitfalls of qualifying came on the first matchday of the CONCACAF Semifinal Round. The top two teams in the region hosted seemingly inferior opponents, and both slogged out satisfactory results. While the U.S. beat Antigua & Barbuda 3-1 in Tampa, the mighty fortress of Estadio Azteca saw Mexico grind out a matching result against a determined Guyana side. With only six games total and two teams from each group advancing, maximum points at home are vital but never guaranteed.

A further review of the box scores provided similar examples. Honduras, usually reliable victors at home, was dealt a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Panama. The Catrachos, whose qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was built off an almost unblemished home record (blotted only, of course, by the USA’s famous victory), now face an uphill climb when they travel to Canada on June 12 for MatchDay 2 and could be staring at zero points from two matches.
Costa Rica squandered a two-goal advantage at the newly minted Estadio Nacional in San Jose, scoring twice in the first 16 minutes before El Salvador rallied to earn a 2-2 draw.

Guatemala, who lost 2-1 to Jamaica in Kingston, will be feeling the heat when they host the United States on Tuesday at Estadio Mateo Flores, and the entire nation will try to do their part to give the Chapines all the home field advantage they can muster. The Guatemalans will surely remember 2008, when the U.S. picked up a 1-0 victory in Guatemala City in the semifinal round. It was the USA’s first win in Guatemala in 20 years, and the first ever in qualifying.

No easy games, indeed.

I doubt I'll stay awake for this one. 10pm start and then try and find a decent stream of this hack and whack a US player? No thanks.

Reminder this game is on PPV for a steal at $29.95.

[jumpkutz]

I say we just unleash the red card waiting to happen that is Jermaine Jones and nick them before they nick us. If we win, hey, that's a bonus.

[DCHeather]

A video featuring Dempsey, via his twitter feed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ-NB6S2dq4

[Clevelandmo]

I doubt I'll stay awake for this one. 10pm start and then try and find a decent stream of this hack and whack a US player? No thanks.

ESPN showed highlights from the last WCQ in Guatemala during their Euro coverage. It was even worse than I remembered in terms of hack and whack.

[nevzter]

This is from poster Sarasota on Soccer By Ives = may be good for a chuckle.

Breaking News: Look Alike Arrested for Abducting and Impersonating Jurgen Klinsmann.
AP: INTERPOL security officials announced today they had uncovered a plot to kidnap and replace USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann with an imposter.
The lead investigator in the case, Sgt. Hans Schultz, said his agency began having suspicions of “foul play” when the goal scoring legend began fielding three defensive midfielders, only one of whom has skill and purpose on the ball. Klinsmann had promised to bring a more possession and attack oriented style of play when named head coach.
Said Shultz, “We noticed the team has looked very un-Klinsmann like lately. “The three defensive midfielders’ inability to possess, pass and create quality chances has stifled the US attack. “As a midfield threesome, they have been clumsy and awkward in their interplay and have given the ball away more than they have generated chances. “Another significant clue that helped us break the case was the imposter’s use of a lone forward who has been frequently stranded on an island. “We knew the real Klinsmann would be more aggressive and use two well-matched forwards to play off of one another in front of goal.”
The Klinsmann look alike, identified by INTERPOL as Jay Göppingen of California, was said to be cooperating with authorities regarding the whereabouts of the real Jurgen Klinsmann. Interpol spokesperson, Gertrude Oberholtzer, said Klinsmann was believed to be safe and would hopefully be located and returned to the team in time for their next qualifying game in Guatemala. Ms. Oberholtzer declined to comment on rampant speculation that the Mexican Futbol Federation was involved in the kidnapping and subsequent charade by the double

[DCHeather]

FJ is back in the line-up and Gomez gets the nod again up top. Fingers Crossed for the guys tonight.

[jumpkutz]

DEMPSEY!!!

[AggieMatt]

Watching the stream here http://atdhe.tw/watch.php?id=320067

I'm gonna hang out in the chat room for a bit if anyone wants to join me.

[nevzter]

Damn, wish I'd have seen this earlier, AG. I couldn't find a decent feed and couldn't remember the atd site that I use to watch Fulham. What happened with the Guatemala free kick that scored? By all intents and purposes, I deduce the refs were shit, but that's to be expected at this point. Was it that bad? Please let me know b/c a draw isn't the worst of results at the end of the day. I'm waiting for EF Hutton...

[Clevelandmo]

Damn, wish I'd have seen this earlier, AG. I couldn't find a decent feed and couldn't remember the atd site that I use to watch Fulham. What happened with the Guatemala free kick that scored? By all intents and purposes, I deduce the refs were shit, but that's to be expected at this point. Was it that bad? Please let me know b/c a draw isn't the worst of results at the end of the day. I'm waiting for EF Hutton...

Refs were fine, it's not easy when both sides are constantly fouling. And while it was physical it wasnt the anything like last time. Free kick was a good call and an excellent shot. Draw was more than deserved. USA didnt get the job done, simple as that. First time Guatemala has score on us in 14 yrs. Woo hoo we are sooooo much better now.

[LaxAttack]

Yeah, the free kick came off an obvious yellow card by Johnson. He lunged at him and had his arm/elbow high.

I really had no problem with the ref aside from not playing advantage on the ball that Altidore would have scored.

A pretty sloppy game by both teams.

I understand why they took Goodson off with the yellow card and he was playing pretty aggressive to point where I could have seen him pick up a second in the second half, but Cameron did not look good at all.

Awesome footwork by Dempsey on that goal.

Not the end of the world that we only got a point at Guatemala (especially since they lost to Jamaica in their first game), but I would have liked to have three points considering we were 15 minutes away from it.

[Clevelandmo]

I really had no problem with the ref aside from not playing advantage on the ball that Altidore would have scored.

True, I forgot aboout that one. Shocking call.

[jumpkutz]

I think we've got serious defensive issues. They had too many chances in the 2nd half, and if we can't hold a 1-nil lead against these guys, even on the road, that does not bode well for the immediate future.

It's time to take a serious look at some younger, fleeter defenders during the next cycle, in my opinion. I'd have been tempted to leave Goodson in and take my chances. We should still be able to hold out a man down against this side. Sweet move by our man Demps. Damn, he's good.