2-2 in a hack-fest; El Mural says we played a 4-3-3 but doesn't list any players apart from the ones below. Convey 13' Abreu 15' Pen (foul on Whitbread) Abreu 52' (between Warren's legs) Beasley 58' (assist from Convey) Donovan and a Mexican defender were sent off for a tussle. And in case anyone's wondering, Abreu is "El Loco" Abreu, the well-known Uruguayan international.
UAG = University Autonoma de Guadalajara everyone calls them "Tecos," they play in the Mexican top flight, a team always in the bottom of the rankings but in the last season they made a comeback and now are doing very good.
I sure hope that donovan gets sharper. If he got thrown out that means he is in his f"rustration stage." It seemed like all last year if he didnt get things going his way without him making the effort he would fight with players, take dives etc. He hasn't produce much since joining the under 23's in the jan camp or now..
Yep, he is. He couldn't start the champioship. http://www.esto.com.mx/040118/futbol/13futbol.asp (Spanish)
Did Buddle get hurt playing this game? Men, things are starting to look a bit too shaky ....No Clark, Buddle, no great experience on defense.....
i think we're screwed. say goodbye to athens folks. by the way, is there any way we can get kenny cooper?
good to see we are giving up before the games even start... sure as hell glad you're not around the team. we'll be fine...
A couple more reviews are in ... El Sol de Puebla says we have a "solid" team, but La Opinion says we're "excessively structured and ... rely, above all, on the excellent physical condition of our players."
defense? Lots of talk about attacking players but we scored two goals. Any concerns about the defense and GK that gave up two goals apparently set up by a foul and a ball through the GK's legs? I don't care who we a playing or who's in the line up, this team should be much sharper at this point with qualifing upon us. Mooch what's up?
Re: defense? I remember when the Men's team lost to an A-league team just before going to Kore. The point? Don't panic.
Re: Re: defense? That was a tie, I believe, 1-1 v. the Richmond Kickers. But still, a good point. The result of a scrimmage like this doesn't mean jack.
Re: Re: Re: defense? Okay I get it, they will just turn it on when it matters. I think that was Brazil's plan last week with Paraguay now they can watch the Olympics on TV. I'm just saying this isn't a good sign.
Wouldn't it be nice if there were a little English-language coverage of the game? Anyway, a couple of relatively interesting bits from Ovaciones ... The Tecos coach said, "It was a very hard game, with a lot of rhythm. It's the kind of game that I like, very similar to an official one." Donovan said, "Right now we're physically ready. We need to get more strikes on goal, but if we play the way we've been playing, we'll have a chance to get to the Olympics." Donovan also indicated that he's willing to play for América in Copa Libertadores.
This kind of match looks like VERY good preparation for the qualifying tournament. Well done to whomever scheduled it. Is there another friendly or two scheduled?
Myernick said they had two friendlies scheduled, but I haven't seen any info about the other one. News report today said Beasley and Convey sat out practice, but that it was nothing serious. Donovan talked about how the team's finishing is rusty from the off-season, so that's been a focal point in training.
I believe that the next game is set for Thursday but I do not know who they will be playing. Gives them one last chance go hard before the game on the 3rd.
Re: Re: Re: Re: defense? I think you watch too much college soccer. Our boys are gonna pound whoever we play in the opening game. Arena is the master of preparation, and this will have filtered down to Myernick.