efe translation "The Urugayan Selection, trained by Gustavo Ferrín, classified for the L'Alcudia final when they beat the United States in a competitive and exciting encounter. Individual efforts of the "charrúa" selection proved to be the deciding factor in an equal match that saw the US impose its better physical condition at the end of the game and in many occasions almost secure the tie. The Uruguayan Goal Keeper ruined clear chances from Alvarez and Dempsey. The best play from the Uruguayans was seen at the end of the first half and beginning of the second half, most notably led by the goal scorer Guerrerro and (his teammate) Fernandez, who left at the half and who authored the assist that led to the only goal of the game."
Thank you. Between the shingles, a Liverpool player suddenly joining the team and playing his position and his coach tragically dying, it wasn't the best of weeks for Pearce.
I'll find out in a few days and write about it - but I wouldn't be surprised if Whitbred and Simek went back to their clubs after the third match. That gave Rongen time to look at them without taking them away from their teams for too long. Winning the tournament was never the point of this anyway.
If this tournament allows Rongen to bring Whitbred to UAE and perhaps Karbassiyoon too then this tournament was a rousing success.
I noticed that Whitbread was listed for the Reserve team at Liverpool to play against New Castle today. He probably did leave early.
US takes third place by beating Russia on penalties. (That's all the Efe report said.) Capano was suspended for this one (multiple yellows), but the Cotif website says that he was our best player against Uruguay ... it's always nice to see a US playmaker win praise.
He was on the bench and didn't get in the game as they lost 1-0. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N141622030829-0052.htm
A bit more on the third place game is available at the Cotif site. It was only a forty-minute encounter, and they describe it as the "most decaffeinated" match of the tourney. 0-0 in regulation, 5-3 on penalties to the US. Simek did appear as a second-half sub... 2. Videira 4. Marshall (min. 26 - 3. Simek) 9. Alvarez 11. Saavedra 12. Moor 13. Colon 15. Johnson (min. 21 - 7. Lanni) 17. Burch (min. 21 - 20. Karbassilyoon) 18. Schuerman 22. Phelan 23. Dempsey
The good news is that a makeshift D only gave up 2 goals in five games. The bad news is that an even more makeshift O only scored 1. Of course, if this weren't makeshift, than we could be concerned. As I said earlier, if all that comes out of this tournament is Whitbread is now in the fold, it should be considered a success.
Clint Dempsey is being played way out of position at right mid. He's not terribly fast. He's about 6'3". He normally plays attacking mid or forward. He can dribble incredibly but usually passes. He can win any arial battle and can score with his head or feet. My opinion is that he should not be put in a position where he doesn't get a look at goal much. He created an awesome opportunity from right mid against Uraguay. I beleive he could have put one in if he were able play in a position that allows him to play around or in front of the oppositions goal more. He definately should make the cut for the World Championships in my opinion. Just a few comments on my favorite player.
Reading the archives looking for someone else, wanted to highlight this post from a poster I can't seem to tag.
If him, Karbassiyoon and Dimi Colon had panned out, who knows what the last decade might've looked like!
If we'd ranked the defenders on the team at the time, I wonder how much credit any of us would have given to Drew Moor. I talk a lot about players from Texas. I probably don't talk enough about Dallas born-and-raised Drew Moor. Don't give him enough credit. Has had one helluva career. I mean he's come close to the domestic soccer quintuple. In his locker he's already got the NCAA title, MLS Cup (twice; Colorado/TFC), Supporter's Shield, and Canadian Championship. All he's missed out on is the US Open Cup. He made the final twice with FC Dallas...…………...losing both in heartbreaking fashion. Still can't believe we lost in 2007 AT HOME on that frickin' Wells Thompson goal. Blech. How about the trophy cabinet of the Dallas-born centerback combo of Drew Moor and Omar Gonzalez? At this point I'd start Reggie Cannon at right back over Moor