I watched the game last night, and was pretty well entertained. It was one of those games that you wish would have kept going for another 20 minutes if possible. I know Mexico controlled a lot of the ball, but I thought the defense was excellent and that the US had the more dangerous of the chances in the game. McBride played very well, and just a little finishing would have seen him win it. I thought he had scored with that one shot that hit the side netting. I was celebrating for like 3 seconds when I realized it wasn't a goal, damn! Also the DMB cross was so close. He got half a touch on it, enough to direct it out of bounds, but just not positioned to put a full touch on frame. Frankie left everything out there. He played some tremendous defense, really standing up some of the Mexicans even if he did get totally shown up at the end line by that double cut move. He had some decent crosses as well. I think our boys played quite well. As for the rest of the team, Donovan really stood out to me. I think he probably was the most impressive performer out there for the US, Beasley being right behind him. I think that duo is going to be leathal in the future on the world stage. They're both so young, that you know they'll have a ton of games together over the years. All in all 0-0 was definately the kissing sister last night. So many good chances, just no goals.
Califf played his best game in a US kit also. I wish they woulda taken out BMB and Hejduk earlier. I would rather have them go full 90's for Crew than in a meaningless friendly.
I don't know if I'd charterize Hejduk's play as that. However, it wasn't his best performance. He played ok defense, but not so much going forward. He's much better coming from the back. Klien would have been a better decision at RWM in a 3-5-2. IMO, I really thought Klien deserved a start if they were going to the 3-5-2 like they did because he's been playing really well this year and his performance against the Crew was steller last week. The one thing I kept thinking throughout the whole game, as Mexico controlled the midfield, was what would have happened had Martino been out there. He would have added a lot of creativity out there for the NATs that wasn't out there, IMO and would have helped in the midfield. I'd really like to see him and Convey together in the middle with Mastoreni to back them up. Hopefully, The Bruce puts him on the roster for the next game. I know at least one thing about Martino, he would have added a lot more then Earnie Stewart did in that game. Stewart should really retire from International matches. It's clear he doesn't have it anymore.
Stewart added nothing last night but against Venezuela (yeah, I know) he was one of our best guys out there in the second half. I think we'll see Earnie and Cobi contribute a bit more than we expect in qualifying...
I'm sure you've seen them, but plenty of match shots are at http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/2003/0508_usa_mex_ajm.php (Andy Mead/YCJ)