Archive: U.S. men's national team
Morning Kickaround
*With two victories in two road matches, the USA is in fine shape to advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the next World Cup. The soccer has hardly been dazzling -- a pair of blue-collar, 1-0 victories -- but six points is six points. Said Carlos Bocanegra:...
By Steve Goff | September 7, 2008; 08:07 AM ET | Comments (43)
Matchnight: USA-Cuba
[UPDATED WITH USA LINEUP] Who do you think will be in Bob Bradley's starting lineup? Keep in mind that he not only has to replace the suspended Steve Cherundolo and the injured Pablo Mastroeni, but consider the physical demands on players ahead of Wednesday's match against Trinidad and Tobago at...
By Steve Goff | September 6, 2008; 03:42 PM ET | Comments (65)
Saturday in the Park
Buenos dias, amigos. *The scene in Havana. *D.C. United's West Coast challenge. *Maryland (2-1)wins its home opener, 3-0, over Hartford. Georgetown wins its third straight by shutout, 3-0, over Davidson. Virginia overcomes a two-goal deficit to defeat George Mason, 3-2, in overtime for its first victory after two losses. Anything...
By Steve Goff | September 6, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (21)
Havana Nights
The U.S. team arrived safely at its seaside hotel early this evening. The Commish Don Garber made the trip. So did USSF Prez Sunil Gulati, who taught a class at Columbia this morning. A few dozen foreign reporters based in Havana awaited the delegation in the hotel lobby and chased...
By Steve Goff | September 4, 2008; 10:18 PM ET | Comments (31)
Cuba Libre
That's white rum, Coke and a twist of lime. Keep 'em coming. Some observations from Havana: *A distinct Russian presence -- tourists, reporters, vehicles. I have also encountered Italians, Argentines, Brits and Canadians. *You think a U.S. 2-dollar bill is odd? How about a Cuban 3-peso bill? *The shop in...
By Steve Goff | September 4, 2008; 02:19 PM ET | Comments (55)
Morning Kickaround
Every step along Calle Obispo, a narrow, brick-covered, pedestrian street in the heart of the old section known as La Habana Vieja, offers a new contradiction: Street lights flicker, residents of crumbling apartment buildings lean from balconies to watch the foot traffic, a jazz band entertains a small gathering in...
By Steve Goff | September 4, 2008; 08:09 AM ET | Comments (121)
Greetings From La Habana
Just wanted to say hi. Or Hola. The 45-seat turbo-prop, operated by American Airlines, got us here from Miami in about at hour -- a 60-minute flight but a world away. The plane was two-thirds full and included bible teachers, families with Cuban roots and three morally suspect soccer journalists...
By Steve Goff | September 3, 2008; 04:56 PM ET | Comments (18)
What About Bob?
USA Coach Bob Bradley does not go into great detail about his roster decisions. He just doesn't. Few coaches do. Sorry. That said, I did get him to talk a little bit today here in Miami about the decision to add young players such as Marvell Wynne and Michael Orozco...
By Steve Goff | September 2, 2008; 08:57 PM ET | Comments (52)
Cuban Countdown
Greetings from Miami, which is almost like being in Havana. As we get closer to the USA's first visit to Cuba for a full international in 61 years -- Saturday night's World Cup qualifier at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Classic and Galavision -- some thoughts about the matchup from...
By Steve Goff | September 2, 2008; 02:58 PM ET | Comments (11)
Bradley to Moenchengladbach
USA midfielder Michael Bradley has been transferred from Dutch club Heerenveen to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany, his New York-based agent, Ron Waxman, confirmed to the Insider this morning. Terms of his new contract were not made available. Bradley, 21, is expected to join his new club following the USA World...
By Steve Goff | August 31, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (48)
Edu and Rangers, Zenit and Man U
For an update on Mo Edu's status this weekend with Rangers ahead of Sunday's clash with Celtic, click here. Zenit 2, Man U 1 in the UEFA Super Cup:...
By Steve Goff | August 30, 2008; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (7)
Examining the USA Roster
Now that we know the USA roster for the Cuba and T&T qualifiers, let's take a look at each player..... GOALKEEPERS Tim Howard: no arguments Brad Guzan: no arguments DEFENDERS Carlos Bocanegra: no arguments Oguchi Onyewu: no arguments Heath Pearce: no arguments Steve Cherundolo: suspended for Cuba, eligible for T&T...
By Steve Goff | August 28, 2008; 08:17 PM ET | Comments (77)
USA Roster Announced
Finally, here's the 20-man squad for the USA's World Cup qualifiers Sept. 6 at Cuba and Sept. 10 vs. T&T in Bridgeview, Ill.: GOALKEEPERS: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan. DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Frankie Hejduk, Danny Califf, Steve Cherundolo*, Michael Orozco, Marvell Wynne. MIDFIELDERS: DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley,...
By Steve Goff | August 28, 2008; 04:30 PM ET | Comments (71)
Morning Kickaround
You should know that..... *USA Coach Bob Bradley is tentatively scheduled to unveil his roster for the Cuba and T&T qualifiers around 1 p.m. ET today. Eighteen players will be in uniform for each match, but because it is an extended time together and injuries and suspensions come into play,...
By Steve Goff | August 28, 2008; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (45)
Behind the Scenes in Guatemala
What's it like to be part of the U.S. delegation for a qualifier in Central America? Here's a taste..... You'll love the fancy locker room, the Bob Marley lyrics on the chalkboard, the walk through the safety tunnel and the field-level highlights....
By Steve Goff | August 27, 2008; 04:50 PM ET | Comments (20)
La Habana Bound
Over the next couple days, you will probably start to hear names of players being invited to USA training camp for the upcoming Cuba and T&T qualifiers. Here's the deal: A very preliminary list of about three dozen players is floating around, but the real, streamlined roster will be not...
By Steve Goff | August 26, 2008; 12:03 PM ET | Comments (56)
Gooch, Ruiz Updates
The latest on Oguchi Onyewu's possible transfer..... As we've been reporting, Italian club Catania has been pursuing the big USA central defender and hoping to work out a deal with Standard Liege. This morning, though, I got word from sources on this side of the Atlantic that the move will...
By Steve Goff | August 23, 2008; 03:10 PM ET | Comments (23)
Howard vs. Ruiz
I am going to go out on a limb and say that USA goalkeeper Tim Howard will not be sending a Christmas card to Guatemalan pest Carlos Ruiz this year. Here is what Howard, who got hit by Ruiz in the second half and witnessed the MLS veteran take shots...
By Steve Goff | August 21, 2008; 01:40 AM ET | Comments (82)
In the Post.....
Lots of futbol in today's Washington Post. Click. Read. Enjoy. *Setting the scene in Guatemala City for tonight's World Cup qualifier (10 p.m. ET, ESPN2, Galavision). *D.C. United and its new Liberian-Swiss goalkeeper travel to Foxborough (7:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet). *Argentina blasts Brazil to reach the Olympic final against...
By Steve Goff | August 20, 2008; 08:47 AM ET | Comments (73)
Fielding a Problem
At around 5 p.m. this evening here in Guatemala City, the USA players boarded the team bus for a 15-minute drive up Avenida Reforma to Estadio Mateo Flores and one final practice session before Wednesday's qualifier against the Chapines. The convoy was ready to roll -- the media mini-bus with...
By Steve Goff | August 19, 2008; 10:50 PM ET | Comments (47)
USA-Guatemala Poll
poll by twiigs.com...
By Steve Goff | August 19, 2008; 04:10 PM ET | Comments (19)
USA Update
Greetings again from Ciudad de Guatemala. A few items to share before I dive into my story for Wednesday's print edition..... *Landon Donovan, on rising expectations over the years: "I see it two ways. The expectation should be now that winning the game is feasible and we should win....
By Steve Goff | August 19, 2008; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (26)
Good Morning, Guatemala
The Americans made the front page of Prensa Libre this morning -- a photo of Oguchi Onyewu and Brad Guzan exiting the team bus with a serious-looking security guard in the foreground -- and Page 2 as well with an outline of Guatemalan security measures at the team hotel and...
By Steve Goff | August 19, 2008; 10:22 AM ET | Comments (71)
Belgium-Nigeria, Brazil-Argentina and Chapines
Tuesday's Olympic semifinals: Belgium vs. Nigeria, 6 a.m. ET Brazil vs. Argentina, 9 a.m. ET (If he arrives in time, Dan Steinberg is planning to provide commentary on his blog.) I've seen conflicting information on TV coverage. I am guessing that the first game is on MSNBC, the second on...
By Steve Goff | August 18, 2008; 10:18 PM ET | Comments (77)
Stormy Start
U.S. national team players began gathering in Miami today for the start of a brief training camp leading to Wednesday's World Cup qualifier at Guatemala. Their stay there, however, will be shorter than expected. With Tropical Storm Fay bearing down on the Keys and South Florida, the team has decided...
By Steve Goff | August 17, 2008; 09:38 PM ET | Comments (21)
Cooper, Pros and Cons
Before we get started, you should know that veteran midfielder DaMarcus Beasley has been added to the U.S. roster for Wednesday's qualifier at Guatemala. Before yesterday's initial roster announcement, we had a pretty good idea who would be summoned: Howard, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Donovan, Dempsey, etc etc. The big question was...
By Steve Goff | August 15, 2008; 02:35 PM ET | Comments (38)
Morning Kickaround
*The USA women are headed to the semifinals for the ninth consecutive major international tournament since 1991 (World Cup and Olympics) after edging Canada, 2-1, on Natasha Kai's overtime goal. For the match report, statistics and photos, click here. On Monday in Beijing, the Americans will face Japan, a 2-0...
By Steve Goff | August 15, 2008; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (48)
Mo Edu on the Move?
Never mind that Bruce Arena was hangin' at Home Depot Center with Galaxy execs, that the Los Angeles derby ended in a tie and that T&T defeated El Salvador, 3-1, in a fiesty friendly at RFK, thanks to Cornell Glen's two goals. Here's the big news: Two sources tell me...
By Steve Goff | August 15, 2008; 12:40 AM ET | Comments (63)
USA Roster Announced
Here you go..... The 17-man initial roster, including four Olympians, for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier at Guatemala (10 p.m. ET, ESPN2, Galavision): [FYI, an 18th player will be added in the next few days.] GOALKEEPERS: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan. DEFENDERS: Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Heath Pearce, Frankie Hejduk,...
By Steve Goff | August 14, 2008; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (111)
Morning Kickaround
*As the Galaxy and Chivas USA prepare for their Home Depot Center derby tonight (11 p.m. ET, ESPN2), the L.A. Times's Grahame Jones looks at the Galaxy's coaching search and who might be considered. *A look back at the USA Olympic exit by The Post's Amy Shipley. *USA national team...
By Steve Goff | August 14, 2008; 09:21 AM ET | Comments (70)
Pursuing Feilhaber
Through e-mails, phone calls and text messages, I've been following USA midfielder Benny Feilhaber's situation closely the last few days -- not his status with the Olympic team in China, but his future employer. Now I can tell you what club is aggressively chasing him: AGF Aarhus of Denmark. Derby...
By Steve Goff | August 11, 2008; 03:30 PM ET | Comments (61)
Looking Ahead to Guatemala
Never mind the Olympics, the USA's first game in the semifinal round of World Cup qualifying is just two weeks away. Guatemala City awaits! Who's with me? (I'll meet ya in the nearby colonial village of Antigua.) On paper, the Americans should beat Guatemala regardless of the venue, but playing...
By Steve Goff | August 6, 2008; 05:00 PM ET | Comments (35)
Freddy to Monaco
Olympic-bound Freddy Adu has been loaned by Benfica to Monaco. Read about it here. His mother, Emelia, confirmed the move to the Insider and said Freddy might hold a news conference from Olympic training camp in California later this week to discuss it. Reached by phone today, Freddy said he...
By Steve Goff | July 21, 2008; 06:23 PM ET | Comments (47)
Morning Kickaround
*Chase Hilgenbrinck's retirement from the Revs to enter a seminary at Mount St. Mary's in Maryland has reminded us of some other noteworthy departures from MLS over the years: -- Galaxy defender Ty Harden, to pursue charitable endeavors -- Dallas defender Brandon Pollard, to work at a health food bakery...
By Steve Goff | July 15, 2008; 09:11 AM ET | Comments (0)
Matchday DCU, USA, Europe
Welcome to the Sunday mega-thread: *San Jose at DCU, 3 ET (CSN, Telefutura) *USA at Barbados, 3 (ESPN Classic, Galavision) *Italy vs. Spain, 2:30 (ESPN) *Other World Cup qualifiers, including El Salvador and Bermuda looking to upset Panama and T&T, respectively. Just for the fun of it, discussions on all...
By Steve Goff | June 22, 2008; 01:07 PM ET | Comments (42)
USA Roster Unveiled
Here's the 18-man list for Sunday's qualifier at Barbados. Don't read too much into the choices: The game doesn't mean much, most MLS players have club commitments this weekend, Tim Howard is rehabbing a bad back, Eddie Johnson is sick, other Euro-based players need a summer break..... GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi,...
By Steve Goff | June 20, 2008; 01:54 PM ET | Comments (48)
Morning Kickaround
*Bob Bradley might want to rescind Chad Barrett's invitation to Sunday's World Cup qualifier at Barbados after watching his two first-half misses druing last night's 2-0 loss at Chivas USA. (Video match highlights are available by clicking here.) MLS's best team through the first third of the season, the Fire...
By Steve Goff | June 20, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (53)
Barbados, Bakary, Books and Back-to-Back
A variety of afternoon topics to discuss: *Sticking with the alliteration, Bob Bradley is in the process of finalizing his roster for the almost meaningless World Cup qualifier at Barbados on Sunday. The following players have been dropped from consideration: Ching, Dempsey, Cherundolo, Donovan, Guzan, Hejduk, Edu, Kljestan, Mastroeni and...
By Steve Goff | June 19, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (47)
Morning Kickaround
*The Euro quarterfinals get underway today with Portugal facing Germany in Basel (2:45 ET, ESPN). *New England's unbeaten streak reaches seven with a 1-1 tie against visiting New York. Credit to the Revs' Shalrie Joseph, who played for Grenada over the weekend, returned to Foxborough to play all 90 in...
By Steve Goff | June 19, 2008; 08:39 AM ET | Comments (0)
48 Hours
I am off the grid for a couple days in order to attend a family function in a foreign land (okay, it's Ohio) and will not rejoin you until Tuesday morning. Lots of activity on Planet Futbol while I am away: SUNDAY *USA vs. Barbados, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Galavision)...
By Steve Goff | June 15, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (95)
USA Roster
Sorry for the late thread. I am working on an important project and was tied up all afternoon. Anyway, here is Bob Bradley's roster for Sunday's qualifying opener against Barbados: GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi, Brad Guzan, Tim Howard. DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra, Dan Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu,...
By Steve Goff | June 10, 2008; 05:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*The USA roster for this Sunday's World Cup qualifying opener against Barbados at Home Depot Center will be unveiled today on ESPN2 after the Spain-Russia Euro match and before the Sweden-Greece game. So sometime between 2 and 2:30 ET. *A final update on the VIP list at Giants Stadium for...
By Steve Goff | June 10, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)
They Said It
A few bonus quotes from the USA-Argentina postgame festivities..... USA Coach Bob Bradley, on DaMarcus Beasley's return from a serious knee injury: "I thought tonight for DaMarcus was very important. When you are coming back from an injury, sometimes it starts at high and then there's a little bit of...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2008; 04:27 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA Player Ratings
Howard 9 Cherundolo 5 Onyewu 6 Califf 5 Pearce 8 Bradley 6 Mastroeni 5 Dempsey 6 Donovan 6 Beasley 7 Johnson 4 Subs: DeMerit 5, Lewis 5, Edu 5, Adu 6, Kljestan 5, Hejduk NR....
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2008; 12:36 AM ET | Comments (0)
Matchnight: USA-Argentina
Greetings from the Stadium of Giants. The temporary grass layout looks, um, strange -- wavy strips running from sideline to sideline. ... It's as hot as Hades. ... The sports complex grounds are a mess with orange barrels, construction areas and cranes. If you have tickets, get here soon. USA...
By Steve Goff | June 8, 2008; 03:23 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA Roster for Argentina Match
Coach Bob Bradley's 19 choices are..... GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi, Brad Guzan, Tim Howard. DEFENDERS: Dan Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce. MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Eddie Lewis, Pablo Mastroeni. FORWARDS: Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson. Who would...
By Steve Goff | June 6, 2008; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (59)
Morning Kickaround
*The second round of World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF began last night with Honduras crushing visiting Puerto Rico, 4-0. *Greenbelt United? Read this. *In a U.S. Open Cup qualifier, Kansas City defeated Colorado on penalty kicks following a 2-2 tie to reach the round of 16 starting July 1. Ivan...
By Steve Goff | June 5, 2008; 09:36 AM ET | Comments (41)
Jozy and the Nats
[UPDATED with more information on the transfer fee.] The deal we told you was on the brink of being finalized is all but done: Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore to Spanish club Villarreal. New York made the official announcement moments ago. He still must reach a contract agreement with Villarreal,...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (98)
Morning Kickaround
Off to DCU training soon, so this will be brief..... *The MISL has shut down with plans to reorganize and restart. Do we care? Perhaps Preki, an indoor legend. Do fans of MLS, the national team and other traditional outdoor soccer pursuits follow the indoor game or care about its...
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2008; 09:29 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
Before I head to the airport for a flight to Boston and tonight's DCU-Revs match..... *The entertaining video highlight package from the 2-2 tie between Dallas and Houston is available by clicking here. *As you will read in my print-edition story, Franco Niell has been left off DCU's game-day roster...
By Steve Goff | May 29, 2008; 08:10 AM ET | Comments (114)
Matchday: USA-England
USA: Howard; Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Pearce; Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Beasley; Wolff, Johnson. England: James, Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, A. Cole; Beckham, Hargreaves, Lampard, Gerrard; Defoe, Rooney. In case you have not heard, former USA international Brian McBride has decided to leave Fulham and return to an MLS club to be determined....
By Steve Goff | May 28, 2008; 02:43 PM ET | Comments (83)
Lots of Soccer
[Updated with link to U.S. national team preview package] Where to begin in today's soccer-happy Washington Post? *The prospects of a 27,000-seat D.C. United stadium at Poplar Point are improving, or so it seems. *Franco Niell could be nearing the end of his stay in Washington. You'll find an interesting...
By Steve Goff | May 28, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (75)
Holiday Kickaround
Hope you are enjoying the long weekend. While you are lounging at the beach and minding the grill, please remember the reason most of us do not have to work today. Our weekly MLS "Good, Bad and Coyote Ugly" feature will return Tuesday morning. In the meantime, a few things...
By Steve Goff | May 26, 2008; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beas, Wolff and Terps
U.S. winger DaMarcus Beasley celebrated his 26th birthday -- he is only 26?? -- with a goal and an assist in Glasgow Rangers' 3-2 victory over Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final. (Queen of the South? Sounds like a Lifetime special.) Beasley was playing in only his...
By Steve Goff | May 24, 2008; 03:17 PM ET | Comments (0)
Friday Night Lights
Kaka is sidelined, Carlos Bocanegra is out at Fulham and perhaps on the way to the Netherlands or Spain, and Sir Alex is mighty steamed about Real Madrid's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo. "Real think they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't do it with us. They have no...
By Steve Goff | May 23, 2008; 02:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA Roster for England Friendly
Here it is: GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton). DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Dan Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham). MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (Benfica), DaMarcus...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2008; 05:19 PM ET | Comments (73)
Morning Kickaround
A quick rundown before I sit in rain-slowed traffic to monitor D.C.'s shattered MLS club..... *Perhaps an announcement from the USSF today concerning the national team roster for next week's friendly against England at Wembly. Perhaps. The core of the squad will be Euro-based players, and Coach Bob Bradley will...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2008; 07:58 AM ET | Comments (36)
Ramblin' Man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can Off to Los Angeles soon for DCU's match at Chivas USA tomorrow night. Before I depart, a few offerings..... *The USA player pool has been announced for the three upcoming friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina. The game-day roster...
By Steve Goff | May 16, 2008; 07:36 AM ET | Comments (80)
USA Qualifying Sites Announced
Insider loyalists have known for some time that RFK Stadium would be the site for the USA-Cuba qualifier in October (assuming both advance next month). Today, the USSF officially announced that game, as well as Toyota Park in suburban Chicago for the USA-Trinidad match in September and Dick's Sporting Goods...
By Steve Goff | May 14, 2008; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
Keller, Kai and CONCACAF
*From the Kasey Keller podcast on the USSF Web site, this great line about the reaction from Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed when the club avoided relegation last weekend: "He was saying the whole time, 'Keep believing, if you believe you can do it, you can do it.' He was very...
By Steve Goff | May 14, 2008; 02:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Briefing
*An Insider contact with strong European ties tells me that one German club recently inquired with MLS about Jozy Altidore's transfer availability. The response: Give us $7 million. That club passed, but would others in Europe be willing to fork over serious cash for a young American? *England Coach Fabio...
By Steve Goff | May 13, 2008; 07:42 AM ET | Comments (129)
Morning Kickaround
On a day that D.C. United will join forces with a German automaker, let's start the morning with an American theme. *Clint Dempsey commits to Fulham, regardless of whether the clubs stays in the Premiership or drops to the Championship division. *Michael Bradley had an incredible season in the Netherlands,...
By Steve Goff | May 6, 2008; 07:38 AM ET | Comments (44)
Bradley Speaks, Part II
As promised, here is more from The Post's conversation with USA Coach Bob Bradley on Friday. On the massive task of creating a youth development system that adequately feeds the national teams..... "What we are trying to do is to make sure that the things we see with the senior...
By Steve Goff | April 28, 2008; 01:58 PM ET | Comments (25)
Matchday Primer
For the weather forecast between 7:30 and 9:30 at Estadio RFK, click here. For a look at Luciano Emilio's problems, click here. For a look at RSL's approach, click here and here. For RFK qualifier news, click here. For George Vecsey's wonderful column on the closure of a New York...
By Steve Goff | April 26, 2008; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (29)
Bradley Speaks
In addition to what will appear in the Saturday print edition story (available on washingtonpost.com late tonight), USA national team boss Bob Bradley addressed several issues during an hour-long discussion with Wash Post editors and reporters today. Some excerpts: On Pachuca midfielder Jose Torres, who grew up in Texas but...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 08:21 PM ET | Comments (22)
USA-Cuba at RFK
Assuming both sides advance this summer, the United States and Cuba will meet in a 2010 World Cup semifinal-round qualifier at RFK Stadium on Sat., Oct. 11, USA Coach Bob Bradley told Washington Post editors and reporters this afternoon. The other home venues -- in September and November -- have...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 05:43 PM ET | Comments (17)
Morning Kickaround
Let's play "Name That Team." Here are your clues: Chase Hilgenbrinck, Amaechi Igwe, Gary Flood, Kheli Dube, Rob Valentino, Spencer Wadsworth, Brandon Tyler and Sam Brill. The first three mysterious characters were starters on the road against unbeaten Dallas last night. The other no-names were available on the bench. That's...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 08:26 AM ET | Comments (53)
Beas Is Back
After suffering a serious knee injury last fall, USA winger DaMarcus Beasley has returned to training with Glasgow Rangers and has set his sights on this summer's World Cup qualifiers. Click here for more details and a podcast....
By Steve Goff | April 23, 2008; 11:39 PM ET | Comments (0)
Changes for Adu
[updated with quote] Freddy Adu, who has been with L.A.-based super-agent Richard Motzkin since signing with MLS at age 14, is in the market for new representation. Adu, who turns 19 in June, has decided to end his relationship with Wasserman Media Group and is in the process of interviewing...
By Steve Goff | April 14, 2008; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (38)
Nowak at RFK
What was old friend Peter Nowak doing back at Estadio RFK last night for the D.C. United-Pachuca Champions' Cup match? "Scouting, in general terms. I look at many players, not just for my [under-23] team, but the whole program with Bob Bradley and the USSF." Anyone specific, maybe, um, a...
By Steve Goff | April 10, 2008; 04:38 PM ET | Comments (45)
That's the Ticket
USA-England tickets will go on sale to U.S. supporters starting Friday morning at 11 a.m. ET on the U.S. Soccer Federation's Web site. As we told you yesterday, seats for the May 28 friendly at Wembley are on the lower-level endline, will cost $115 each, are limited to eight per...
By Steve Goff | April 3, 2008; 05:27 PM ET | Comments (9)
USA-Argentina!
It's a done deal: USA-Argentina June 8, 7:30 p.m. Giants Stadium ESPN Classic, Galavision So in the weeks leading up to the Americans' World Cup qualifying opener vs. Barbados on June 15 at Home Depot Center, they will play: *England, May 28 at Wembley *Spain, June 4 in Santander *Argentina,...
By Steve Goff | March 27, 2008; 05:29 PM ET | Comments (40)
Matchday: USA-Poland
This is your place for pregame, in-game and postgame banter. Kickoff is around 3:30 p.m. ET. You can watch live on Fox Soccer Channel, follow MatchTracker on the USSF Web site or just read the comments here by your fellow Insider loyalists. (I will be watching and working at the...
By Steve Goff | March 26, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (112)
USA World Cup Qualifier to RFK?
Lots of news to share with you today. I'm going to try something different and put everything into separate threads instead of spending extended time piling all of it into one discussion. So we begin with..... Sources tell me that RFK Stadium is in serious negotiations about hosting one of...
By Steve Goff | March 25, 2008; 02:34 PM ET | Comments (29)
USA Roster in Poland
The 18-man USA roster for Wednesday's friendly against Poland in Krakow (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel) is set. The match falls on an international fixture date, so technically everyone is available, but because the MLS season starts this week and some clubs wanted their U.S. u-23s back after a...
By Steve Goff | March 23, 2008; 09:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Final Thoughts From Music City
*With an Olympic berth secure, Coach Peter Nowak said some players from his under-23 squad will not play in Sunday's meaningless final against Honduras in order to prepare for the senior national team's friendly at Poland. Probably Freddy Adu, Jonathan Spector and Sal Zizzo, maybe Charlie Davies, but probably not...
By Steve Goff | March 21, 2008; 12:16 AM ET | Comments (0)
Oly Matchday: USA-Canada
Greetings from Nashville. Share your pregame, in-game and postgame thoughts on the Olympic qualifying semifinals here. Honduras-Guatemala, 6 p.m. ET (Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN Deportes) USA-Canada, 9 p.m. ET (FSC, ESPND) Winners go to China. There has been a lot of buzz on the silly Internet machine the last few...
By Steve Goff | March 20, 2008; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA-England Done Deal
When: May 28. Time: 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. in London). Where: Wembley (maybe you've heard of it) TV: ESPN Classic and Univision. Tickets: According to the USSF, information will be announced shortly....
By Steve Goff | March 19, 2008; 09:12 PM ET | Comments (66)
The USA's Dilemma
With Mexico's 2-1 loss to Guatemala in Olympic qualifying last night, the Americans face a strategic quandry in their group finale tonight (7 p.m. ET Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN Deportes) against Honduras. Mexico cannot finish better than second in its group and, if it advances, would face the first-place team...
By Steve Goff | March 15, 2008; 07:56 AM ET | Comments (185)
Olympic Qualifying Continues
As short-handed Cuba prepares to play Honduras tonight (5:30 p.m., ESPN Deportes), Fab Freddy and the Americans will vie for their first victory later against Panama (8 p.m. Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN Deportes). Pregame, in-game and postgame thoughts are encouraged. Giddyup. Cuba starts its match with 10 players. Honduras wins,...
By Steve Goff | March 13, 2008; 05:31 PM ET | Comments (104)
Oly Qualifying Roster Set
Peter Nowak has set his 20-man Olympic qualifying roster. As expected, Jonathan Spector was added and Michael Bradley was not. Five players from the training camp in Bradenton were cut, most notably Benny Feilhaber (not injured). The others were Robbie Rogers, Tally Hall, Arturo Alvarez and Mike Randolph. GOALKEEPERS: Dominic...
By Steve Goff | March 9, 2008; 04:47 PM ET | Comments (44)
Olympic Preparation
U-23 coach Peter Nowak will name his 20-man Olympic qualifying roster on Sunday, two days before the opener against Cuba in Tampa, the USSF announced today. You've seen the list of 24 players in camp, but there is also the strong likelihood that defender Jonathan Spector, who has remained with...
By Steve Goff | March 6, 2008; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (25)
Olympic Elderly Options
Take a look at the U.S. Olympic training camp roster in the previous thread. Assume the Americans qualify for the Summer Games. Figure Michael Bradley and Jonathan Spector are in the mix after missing much, if not all, of the qualifying tournament because of club commitments. Which three positions do...
By Steve Goff | February 26, 2008; 06:18 PM ET | Comments (63)
Olympic Outlook [updated]
[updated at bottom with training camp roster] U.S. under-23 coach Peter Nowak has finalized a 24-man roster for Olympic qualifying training camp, which opens this weekend in Bradenton, Fla. Expect an announcement later today. From what I understand, seven non-MLS players have been invited to camp, including Mexican league defender...
By Steve Goff | February 26, 2008; 03:08 PM ET | Comments (45)
Friday Updates
*I hear that the Revs have finalized the purchase of Costa Rican forward Argenis Fernandez from Santos and a formal announcement is likely early next week. He was on the Ticos' squad at the Under-20 World Cup last summer. Earlier reports said the transfer fee would be $200,000, but I've...
By Steve Goff | February 22, 2008; 02:46 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA News
From USSF Prez Sunil Gulati..... *The March 26 friendly at Poland is set. The June 4 match at Spain is set. There is a good chance the USA will play a "top five team" on or around June 8 in the northeast U.S. The current top five in the FIFA...
By Steve Goff | February 6, 2008; 07:49 PM ET | Comments (103)
Matchday Houston: USA-Mexico
Greetings from Estadio Reliant. Make no mistake: This match and the crowd will definitely have a Spanish accent. A few things you should know: *The retractable roof is closed. It is a gorgeous day, but apparently the cool weather that blew in overnight and will stay with us this evening...
By Steve Goff | February 6, 2008; 05:47 PM ET | Comments (168)
Predictions, Anyone?
USA-Mexico 9 p.m. ET ESPN2, Univision About 70,000 at Reliant Stadium Just a friendly, but..... So what do you think will transpire? I'm going with a 1-1 tie. Michael Bradley scores off a corner kick, Giovani Dos Santos equalizes....
By Steve Goff | February 6, 2008; 01:25 PM ET | Comments (102)
The Players Speak
A few of 'em, anyway. Before we get to the comments, the only injury we know of is midfielder Brad Davis, who tweaked his groin muscle yesterday and tested it today. Our guess is that he will be among the four scratches, which will not be made public until tomorrow....
By Steve Goff | February 5, 2008; 08:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Live From Houston
Some highlights from Bob Bradley's news conference at Reliant Stadium before today's closed training session..... *On a future friendly between the teams in Mexico: "I know there have been discussions about playing a friendly match in Mexico. I would assume that, as we go forward, those discussions will continue and...
By Steve Goff | February 5, 2008; 05:34 PM ET | Comments (17)
USA at HDC
Insider loyalists knew about it weeks ago. Today it was made official. The U.S. national team will play its 2010 World Cup qualifying opener at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The opponent will be Barbados or Dominica. As we reported, kickoff is 2 p.m. Pacific time, with TV coverage...
By Steve Goff | February 4, 2008; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (79)
Guardado Is Out
Mexico has had to scratch star midfielder Andres Guardado from the roster for Wednesday's friendly against the USA because of injury. Cruz Azul's Cesar Villaluz, 19, has been called up....
By Steve Goff | February 4, 2008; 11:37 AM ET | Comments (15)
USA Roster Announced
ROSTER BY POSITION FOR MEXICO MATCH GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC). DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Ramiro Corrales (SK Brann), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo). MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (SL...
By Steve Goff | February 2, 2008; 05:58 PM ET | Comments (54)
Awaiting the USA Roster
Four days until the USA-Mexico showdown and still no official roster. Maybe today. After poking around a bit, I have heard that Pat Noonan, Ramiro Corrales, Michael Parkhurst and Ricardo Clark have been retained from the mostly MLS group that's been training together in L.A. for the past week. A...
By Steve Goff | February 2, 2008; 10:36 AM ET | Comments (23)
Qualifier at HDC?
A West Coast source tells the Insider that Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., is close to finalizing a deal to stage the U.S. national team's first World Cup qualifier -- Sun., June 15 at 2 p.m. (Pacific) against Barbados or Dominica. The date of the away leg has yet...
By Steve Goff | January 30, 2008; 05:26 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA Roster Update
As expected, Bob Bradley has recalled 21 players from the previous training camp to begin preparations for the USA-Mexico friendly Feb. 6 in Houston. Because of club commitments, the prominent European-based players will not arrive until a few days before the match. Click here for details....
By Steve Goff | January 24, 2008; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (24)
USA Updates
As we reported here first the other day, Chivas USA and U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan is, indeed, in Glasgow this week for workouts with Celtic and a possible transfer. I also hear that Derby and U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber's reps continue to shop him around Europe in hopes of getting...
By Steve Goff | January 21, 2008; 01:21 PM ET | Comments (0)
On the USA Front.....
Before I open the forum for USA-Sweden (8:30 ET, Fox Soccer Channel) pregame, in-game and postgame thoughts, a few items to share: *A source tells me that Eric Wynalda, who has been bumped from ESPN's MLS coverage in favor of John Harkes, has been moved to the network's European Champions...
By Steve Goff | January 19, 2008; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)
USA Training Camp Roster(s)
I'm not really back. Not until Wednesday. But couldn't resist sharing the USA national team training camp roster for this month's workouts and Jan. 19 friendly against Sweden at Home Depot Center. As astute followers of the team, you know only MLS players and a handful of very northern European...
By Steve Goff | December 31, 2007; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (33)
They're All Winners
The USSF has named..... MF-F Clint Dempsey male athlete of the year. F Abby Wambach female athlete of the year. MF Michael Bradley young male athlete of the year. F Lauren Cheney young female athlete of the year. (Online voting accounted for 50 percent of the tally, with media and...
By Steve Goff | December 20, 2007; 05:36 PM ET | Comments (0)
Qualifying Dates Set
Okay, so I was a little off with the USA World Cup semifinal-round qualifying schedule last night. (Speculation is always troublesome when it involves FIFA and CONCACAF.) Here is how it will play out for the Americans, assuming all the favorites advance: *At Guatemala on or about August 20 *At...
By Steve Goff | December 18, 2007; 01:25 PM ET | Comments (27)
USA Qualifying Sked Taking Shape
We know the Americans will play their opening qualifying series for the 2010 World Cup in June against Barbados or Dominica. Let's go out on a limb and say they advance. A stretch, I know. Next up is a four-team, semifinal-round group between August and November with the top two...
By Steve Goff | December 17, 2007; 05:43 PM ET | Comments (10)
2018 Cup and Other U.S. Notes
USSF President Sunil Gulati plans to meet with FIFA leadership in Toyko this weekend to discuss parameters for bidding to host the 2018 World Cup. Upon his return, "we will review the issues internally" and determine by the end of March whether to go forward with a formal bid, Gulati...
By Steve Goff | December 10, 2007; 03:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
Nowak Gets Started
Peter Nowak, new coach of the U.S. under-23 national team, has invited 22 players to his first training camp. Because of conflicts with European seasons, all but two are domestic based. The group will gather Saturday at Home Depot Center and head to China next week for a pair of...
By Steve Goff | November 28, 2007; 01:39 PM ET | Comments (39)
Pick a Stadium
Thanks to Sepp and his friends, we now know that the U.S. national team will play its first World Cup qualifier in June, probably against Barbados -- which might not have the most imposing team, but does have one of the planet's great flags. (Gotta love a trident!) We also...
By Steve Goff | November 27, 2007; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (79)
USA's Road to '10 Begins.....
.....in June against Barbados or Dominica. It's a home-and-home, second-round series, with the winner advancing to a CONCACAF semifinal-round group starting in August. You may recall the Americans faced Barbados, a cricketing nation, in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup, and after winning 7-0 in a semifinal-round match at...
By Steve Goff | November 25, 2007; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (24)
Matchday: USA at South Africa
I provide the forum, you provide the commentary. USA vs. Bafana Bafana at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, 9 a.m. Live coverage on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision. If you are in Chicago, New York or Washington, official viewing parties have been organized. As usual, your pregame, in-game and postgame thoughts...
By Steve Goff | November 17, 2007; 12:56 AM ET | Comments (0)
It's Official
Men's and women's news, plus MLS..... As we first reported here last night, Pia Sundhage (pronounced Soond-hahg-Eh) is the new U.S. women's national team coach. Meantime, the USSF has also announced that the men's team will renew their rivalry with Mexico on Feb. 6 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. In...
By Steve Goff | November 13, 2007; 02:17 PM ET | Comments (83)
USA Roster Announced
Here are your first 17 players for the South Africa friendly next Saturday in Johannesburg. Up to four more will be added over the weekend. GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC) DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg...
By Steve Goff | November 9, 2007; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (0)
South Africa Awaits
The U.S. Soccer Federation is in the process of finalizing the national team roster for the Nov. 17 friendly at South Africa. An announcement is expected in the next couple days. As many as 21 players will make the trip, with between 13 and 15 from European-based clubs (from what...
By Steve Goff | November 8, 2007; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Road to Beijing Begins In.....
Carson, Tampa and Nashville. CONCACAF has announced the dates and locations for the under-23 men's tournament, which will send two teams to next year's Summer Olympics in China. Group play will take place at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The U.S. team will...
By Steve Goff | November 6, 2007; 12:16 PM ET | Comments (37)
USSF Coaching Done Deal(s)
Former Colombian international Wilmer Cabrera, whose name first surfaced on the Insider last night, has been hired by the USSF to oversee the under-17 boys' program in Bradenton. This is a significant development, for the fed has turned to a Latin player/coach to run a prominent youth team. Prez Sunil...
By Steve Goff | October 25, 2007; 02:40 PM ET | Comments (50)
Just a Quick Update
The latest name to surface as a candidate to run the U.S. under-17 program in Bradenton is Wilmer Cabrera, the former Colombian international who has been coaching in the New York area and was hired by MLS earlier this year to a developmental role....
By Steve Goff | October 24, 2007; 05:14 PM ET | Comments (8)
Not-So-Sweet Seventeen
Those of you who have been closely following the U.S. under-17 coaching saga here on the Insider the past week will be interested to know that, in addition to his role in the new academy system, dismissed u-17 head coach John Hackworth has been named a senior national team assistant....
By Steve Goff | October 24, 2007; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (19)
U-17 Shake-Up (continued)
Here's the latest on the U.S. under-17 boys' program: John Hackworth is out as coach and will have an administrative role with the youth development programs, I assume related to the new nationwide club system. Assistants Raul Diaz Arce and Keith Fulk have been dismissed, Tim Mulqueen will move to...
By Steve Goff | October 23, 2007; 02:29 PM ET | Comments (20)
U-17 Changes
Word is beginning to get around soccer circles that John Hackworth is out after three years in charge of the U.S. under-17 boys' program in Bradenton. The Americans struggled to advance out of group play at the World Cup in South Korea in August and was eliminated by Germany in...
By Steve Goff | October 19, 2007; 05:32 PM ET | Comments (0)
Matchday: USA-Switzerland
If you are watching the match, please contribute your in-game observations. If you are not watching and are taping at home, go away. Immediately. Thoughts on the other matches today (er, England) are also welcome. USA lineup: Hahnemann Cherundolo Onyewu Bocanegra Lewis Feilhaber Bradley Edu Beasley Dempsey Twellman Subs: Guzan,...
By Steve Goff | October 17, 2007; 02:26 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA Training Roster Named
U.S. Coach Bob Bradley has invited 21 players to training camp prior to the Switzerland friendly next Wednesday in Basel. The final game-day roster will be unveiled early next week. Some intriguing selections, indeed. Nice to see Robbie Findley and Maurice Edu, as well as several U-20 lads, get a...
By Steve Goff | October 9, 2007; 04:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Convey Goal
Bobby Convey's superb strike against Liverpool in League Cup play:...
By Steve Goff | September 26, 2007; 06:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
U.S. Men's Thread
Optimistic Jonah Freedman column. Chicago Tribune story, with the U.S. suggesting they perhaps deserved a bit better. KC Star story, mentioning the "12 glorious minutes" in which the U.S. led. Straightforward AP account. Your thoughts go here....
By Dan Steinberg | September 10, 2007; 10:17 AM ET | Comments (31)
USA Roster for Brazil
Nineteen players -- 14 from Europe, five from MLS -- have been chosen for Sunday's friendly against the Brazilians at Soldier Field in Chicago. Training began today and the full squad is expected for Tuesday's session. Goalkeepers - Tim Howard (Everton FC), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake). Defenders - Carlos...
By Steve Goff | September 3, 2007; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
U.S. Roster Update
Just got word that the U.S. national team roster for the Brazil friendly on Sept. 9 will not be unveiled until after the coaching staff is able to assess the player pool following this weekend's club matches in Europe and MLS. This gives you time to speculate. And I know...
By Steve Goff | August 30, 2007; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (82)
USA Out of U-17s
The U.S. team's disappointing run in the U-17 World Cup came to an end today with a 2-1 loss to Germany in the round of 16 in Cheonan, South Korea. Richard Sukuta-Pasu scored in the 66th and 89th minutes before Mykell Bates halved the deficit in added time and the...
By Steve Goff | August 30, 2007; 08:50 AM ET | Comments (24)
U.S. Euro Update
*Clint Dempsey scores in the sixth minute, putting away a deflection, and compatriots Kasey Keller and Carlos Bocanegra play 90 in Fulham's 2-1 loss at Aston Villa. *DaMarcus Beasley scores for Rangers, a 52nd-minute strike from short distance during a 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock. *Keepers Tim Howard and Brad Friedel...
By Steve Goff | August 25, 2007; 03:05 PM ET | Comments (12)
Hello, Capello [updated]
Amid speculation that Tottenham was trying to land former Milan/Juventus/Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello, these gems are appearing in the London papers this morning: From the Times: "Capello was in London with his lawyer son, Pier Filippo, to meet representatives of the United States Soccer Federation..." And in the Sun,...
By Steve Goff | August 24, 2007; 01:02 AM ET | Comments (0)
Brazil Roster for USA Friendly
Here's who Brazil will have available for the Sept. 9 friendly vs. the USA at Soldier Field in Chicago. So much for fears of them sending a C squad. GOALKEEPERS: Doni (Roma), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan). DEFENDERS: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Alex Silva (São Paulo), Lúcio (Bayern Munich),...
By Steve Goff | August 23, 2007; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Matchday: USA-Sweden
For those of you at work, I hope you remembered to program your DVR/TiVo for Fox Soccer Channel or Galavision. For those of you with access to video, please join us for in-game commentary. If all goes well at the Chinese Embassy and my visa is ready (for Women's World...
By Steve Goff | August 22, 2007; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (0)
McBride Injured
American striker Brian McBride scored for Fulham in the 16th minute today, then crumpled to the turf clutching his left knee. The initial reports say he suffered a dislocated kneecap, another devastating injury to a player who has been plagued by setbacks during his club career in MLS and England....
By Steve Goff | August 18, 2007; 02:42 PM ET | Comments (10)
USA Roster Unveiled Tuesday
The USSF will announce tomorrow the national team roster for the Aug. 22 friendly at Sweden. Considering the location and quality of opponent (not to mention the fact that there are three mid-week MLS games and travel demands for domestic players), expect a heavily Euro-based squad. It is an official...
By Steve Goff | August 13, 2007; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (46)
USA-Brazil Is Set
Insider loyalists knew about it yesterday. Everyone else is finding out today. In what is being promoted as the "Clash of Champions," USA-Brazil at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 9 is set. It replaces the USA-Mexico match scheduled for Estadio Azteca, which was cancelled due to "contractual and financial...
By Steve Goff | August 13, 2007; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (26)
Mexico Out, Brazil In
Greetings again from Aeropuerto O'Hare..... Here's the latest buzz from the windiest of cities: USA-Mexico at Azteca on Sept. 9, rumored to be in trouble, has been cancelled. USA-Brazil at Soldier Field on the same day has been agreed upon. Not a bad replacement match, huh? No reason given for...
By Steve Goff | August 12, 2007; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (21)
Hope for RFK
With baseball abandoning RFK Stadium this fall, the U.S. Soccer Federation has renewed its interest in utilizing the facility in the future for national team matches. The last official international match there was nearly three years ago, which is a shame because RFK was one of the top destinations for...
By Steve Goff | August 12, 2007; 02:49 PM ET | Comments (29)
Nowak Is Official
As we reported here a few days ago, Peter Nowak is now the U.S. under-23 national team coach and will begin preparing the squad for Olympic qualifying early next year. The official announcement was made today. It's a good choice, in my opinion. Already a national team assistant, he will...
By Steve Goff | August 8, 2007; 05:11 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Gets the Final Word
U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, in his second start with new club Glasgow Rangers, scored in the 81st minute for a 1-0 victory over Zeta in Montenegro, capping a 3-0 aggregate triumph and sending the Scottish club to the third round of Champions League qualifying. Beasley, however, had to endure what...
By Steve Goff | August 7, 2007; 06:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Nowak to Guide Olympic Squad?
I am hearing that Peter Nowak, former MLS star, former United coach and current national team assistant, will indeed oversee the U.S. under-23 (Olympic) team and prepare a squad to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Speculation has been out there for months, so it would not come as...
By Steve Goff | August 6, 2007; 01:35 PM ET | Comments (42)
Freddy Getting Ready
I've got a ton of quotes to share with you from my visit with Freddy Adu at his home in Rockville this afternoon, but first a few anecdotes: *Freddy said that, besides Benfica, Ajax, as well as other clubs in the Netherlands and in France, were most interested in his...
By Steve Goff | August 2, 2007; 07:54 PM ET | Comments (87)
USA-MEX...Again
We know the Americans can beat El Tri in Chicago and Columbus and Phoenix and almost everywhere else they've faced each other on U.S. soil the last 10 years. Estadio Azteca in Mexico D.F.? (Or anywhere else in Mexico, for that matter?)That's another issue. The Americans are 0-22-1 all-time in...
By Steve Goff | August 1, 2007; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (39)
USA, Year After
Quiet day so far -- other than the expected Wanchope signing with Chicago -- perhaps more news later. In the meantime, I drew up a comparison of the U.S. national team schedule in the year immediately following a World Cup, beginning with 1999. I don't know if we can draw...
By Steve Goff | July 26, 2007; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (47)
U-20s and You
Freddy and the U.S. under-20s are on the verge of a place in the World Cup semifinals, but they will need to beat Austria this afternoon in Toronto. Will recent injuries to two of their stars, keeper Chris Seitz and forward Jozy Altidore, affect the outcome? (I assume they will...
By Steve Goff | July 14, 2007; 08:04 AM ET | Comments (100)
USA-BRZ Aftermath
Where do we begin after this one? Altidore's brace? Adu's brilliance at the end? Seitz's reflex saves? Brazil's wasted opportunities? Zizzo and Rogers' work on the flanks? Wow. I am not going to compare this to the USA-MEX match in the Gold Cup final, but there was an energy and...
By Steve Goff | July 6, 2007; 11:49 PM ET | Comments (80)
Matchday: USA-Brazil U-20s
Greetings from Ottawa, where the weather is noticeably cooler than much of the States this week. Very nice..... Sellout crowd this evening for the doubleheader at Frank Clair Stadium: Argentina-North Korea at 5 p.m., USA-Brazil at 7:45. In a surprise, ESPN has decided to show the U.S. match live instead...
By Steve Goff | July 6, 2007; 11:04 AM ET | Comments (120)
What We Learned.....
After a month of invaluable international competition in a usually quiet post-World Cup year, after a championship victory over a bitter rival and a disappointing performance in Latin America, after a sensational goal to win the Gold Cup and a couple of soft ones allowed in Venezuela, and after...
By Steve Goff | July 5, 2007; 09:07 PM ET | Comments (0)
Matchday: USA-Colombia
I am hearing that Bob Bradley has, indeed, decided to field a lineup of players who have either not appeared yet in Copa or have seen limited playing time. That means probably Guzan, Boswell, Califf, Pearce, Nguyen, Beckerman, Gaven, Davies and Gomez, plus two others (Klejstan? Clark?), in a match...
By Steve Goff | July 5, 2007; 04:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
As I Was Saying.....
Sorry for the delay. Having issues with that Internet machine thing. U.S. game? Look on the bright side: All those players will be coming home soon to miss scoring opportunities for their MLS clubs (bitter sarcasm). One of the few to look good and show some heart during Copa has...
By Steve Goff | July 3, 2007; 12:22 PM ET | Comments (50)
Matchday: USA-Paraguay
USA falls hard in their opener. Paraguay, usually defensive and dull, drops five goals on Colombia. Bleak outlook for the Americans this evening? Nah. Although a victory by an inexperienced U.S. squad is a stretch, we should see a competitive match. Okay, all you Bob Bradleys out there, what's your...
By Steve Goff | July 2, 2007; 04:31 PM ET | Comments (0)
Matchnight: USA-Argentina
United plays at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. The match will end at 8:50 or so. USA-Argentina kicks off at at 8:50 on Gol TV and Telefutura. Perfect! Well, for y'all watching at home. I'll be at Estadio RFK all evening, which means I am counting on you guys to run...
By Steve Goff | June 28, 2007; 04:55 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA-MEX: The Aftermath
There have been a lot of memorable USA-Mexico matches the last 15 years. From a quality standpoint, safe to say this one topped them all. Pulsating two-way soccer. Outstanding saves. Excruciating misses. Exciting atmosphere. PK controversy. Nastiness. A key substitution by Bob Bradley. A pink polo shirt for Hugo Sanchez....
By Steve Goff | June 24, 2007; 10:25 PM ET | Comments (59)
Matchday: USA-MEX
What a morning: Half-hour delay getting out of Salt Lake, a packed Orange Line train from Midway Airport to Roosevelt stop, a 30-minute breathless walk with luggage among tens of thousands of Mexican supporters to Estadio Soldier. Gametime. USA lineup: Howard; Bornstein, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Spector; Feilhaber, Mastroeni, Beasley, Dempsey; Donovan,...
By Steve Goff | June 24, 2007; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (82)
Benny and the Nats
United's training session in Salt Lake City was wrapping up this evening when Ben Olsen wandered over to talk about his selection to the national team for Copa America. "I am honored. It's another great opportunity for a great soccer experience in my career...." That's when the wily Fred, the...
By Steve Goff | June 22, 2007; 08:38 PM ET | Comments (12)
Copa Roster Unveiled
Okay, after much delay, here is YOUR U.S. national team for Copa America..... GKs: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach). Ds: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Dan Califf (Aalborg), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Drew Moor (Dallas), Heath Pearce (Nordsjælland), Marvell Wynne (Toronto). MFs:...
By Steve Goff | June 22, 2007; 04:43 PM ET | Comments (70)
Great Salt Lake
Greetings from sizzlin-hot Utah -- yes, it's going to be 99 degrees today and 99 degrees tomorrow. The footballers are going to love playing on the cool, refreshing artificial turf this weekend. Ahhhhh..... Made my way from Chicago very early this morning to Salt Lake City via Denver. Unfortunately, no...
By Steve Goff | June 22, 2007; 01:17 PM ET | Comments (67)
Matchday: USA-Canada
Greetings from Soldier Field....... Beautiful day on the banks of Lake Michigan. Well, other than the parking fee ($30 -- are you kidding me??). As you have known for hours by reading the Insider, Kasey Keller will start tonight and earn his 100th cap. The rest of the lineup: Keller...
By Steve Goff | June 21, 2007; 05:52 PM ET | Comments (131)
Keller to Start vs. Canada
Veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller will make his 100th U.S. national team appearance tonight when the United States faces Canada in the Gold Cup semifinals at Soldier Field, sources close to the selection process said today. Keller was chosen over Tim Howard and will join Tony Meola as the only U.S....
By Steve Goff | June 21, 2007; 12:42 PM ET | Comments (0)
Chicago Bound
I am on my way to Chicago for the Gold Cup semifinals and will have plenty of news and USA pregame talking points upon arrival. Meantime, talk among yourselves on any topic. Soooo, who starts for the Americans tonight?...
By Steve Goff | June 21, 2007; 09:13 AM ET | Comments (51)
Busy Day, Eh?
1 p.m.: Canada vs. Guatemala, Gold Cup quarters at Foxborough (Telefutura) 4 p.m.: USA-Panama, Gold Cup quarters at Foxborough (Fox Soccer Channel, Univision) 7 p.m.: USA-China, women's friendly at Cleveland (ussoccer.com) 7:30 p.m.: United-Fire at RFK (HDNet) I will create my usual DCU thread an hour or two before kickoff...
By Steve Goff | June 16, 2007; 07:57 AM ET | Comments (81)
Golden Quarters
The Gold Cup quarterfinals are now set: SATURDAY *Canada-Guatemala 1 p.m., Foxborough, Telefutura Outlook: Not pretty. Canada's patience will be tested by the disruptive Chapines. Prediction: 0-0 (Canada advances on PKs, 4-2). *USA-Panama 4 p.m. Foxborough, Univision, Fox Soccer Channel Outlook: USA in good form, Panama very dangerous (as witnessed...
By Steve Goff | June 14, 2007; 09:08 AM ET | Comments (0)
USA, Looking Ahead
We watched the Americans win all three first-round matches. We saw them score seven goals -- by six different players -- and allow none. We saw Bob Bradley use a variety of lineups and combinations in order to manage minutes and keep his players fresh for the elimination rounds. Next...
By Steve Goff | June 13, 2007; 08:53 AM ET | Comments (0)
USA Matchday
Sorry for the late start on this thread. (Insider Nation expects better, I know!) I've been running around all day and, frankly, with the USA already on the way to the quarterfinals, this match does not carry the same weight as the previous two. Anyway, please share your in-game and...
By Steve Goff | June 12, 2007; 07:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
U-20s on the U
The ESPN family, which holds the English-language U.S. TV rights to all FIFA events, has decided to show the entire Under-20 World Cup in Canada this summer -- but you might have to work a bit to find it. Expect an official announcement this week. Every U.S. first-round match --...
By Steve Goff | June 11, 2007; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (0)
USA-T&T Aftermath
A match that was never really in doubt against a very weak, undermanned T&T squad. 2-0 final. Faulty finishing kept it scoreless until Mapp combined with Ching for an awkward finish. Flank play out of the back and in midfield was very good for the Americans. Nonetheless, the Soca Warriors...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2007; 07:01 PM ET | Comments (0)
Gameday: USA-T&T
Will the Americans fail to adapt to the rhythm of the match, like they did against Guatemala on Thursday? Or will they bury a Soca Warriors squad missing its Euro-based stars because of a financial squabble with the federation? Pregame, in-game and postgame thoughts are welcome here. I will be...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2007; 03:29 PM ET |