Soccer Fans. USMNT v. Mexico!

College Confidential Community
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<p>Are there any soccer fans here on CC?</p>

<p>Are any of you looking forward to today's match-up between the USMNT and Mexico today?</p>

<p>Personally, I'm a fan of the US Team, and I'm hoping we get our first win at Azteca today. </p>

<p>The last time the men's team played in Azteca I wasn't as into international soccer as I am today, so I'm VERY excited about watching today's game. I hear the atmosphere in Azteca is crazy.</p>

<p>I think the US has a good chance to leave with at least a point today. Reyna is back from his injury and Eddie Johnson has been on fire lately!</p>

<p>So, are there any fans for either team out there who will be watching today's game? (Live on ESPN2 1-3pm Eastern Time) It should be a great game!</p>

<p>Go USA,
Amy</p>

<p>P.S. USA 2-Mexico 0 2002 World Cup round of 16!</p>

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<p>I'm not really into soccer but I saw the Outside the Lines show on ESPN this morning. Man those Mexicans are VERY passionate about their soccer team and they HATE the American team, throwing coins and batteries at them. No disrespect here, but man I hope our US team beats the hell out of the Mexican team in Mexico City - yeah in your house baby!! USA!!! USA!!!</p>

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<p>The Outside the Lines piece was great! I especially loved when they showed one of The Bruce's (USMNT coach Bruce Arena) team talks. </p>

<p>I especiall like this little quote:
"And they're talking s<strong>t aleady. I'm telling you guys, its going to be a </strong><strong><em>ing war. *</em></strong>***** them! They've already started a war. I still remember the lack of respect they showed us after the World Cup, and there would be nothing better for us to ******<strong><em>ing win Sunday in Azteca and walk of the field and *</em></strong>***** them.</p>

<p>Bruce really knows how to get people worked up for a game.</p>

<p>The Mexican fans are VERY passionate, but fortunately so are the die hard US fans. I know a few brave souls (via a soccer message board) who are making the trip to Azteca. </p>

<p>Like I said, the US has a great chance of at least taking a point today. Our depth is incredible.</p>

<p>Our starting eleven should look something like this (but, you never know with Bruce)</p>

<p>-----------------------Johnson----------------McBride-----------------</p>

<p>-------------------------------------Donovan----------------------------</p>

<p>------Beasley-----------------------------------------------Reyna-------</p>

<p>------------------------------------Mastroeni----------------------------</p>

<p>------Bocanegra------------Gibbs--------------Berhalter------Cherundolo--</p>

<p>-------------------------------------Keller------</p>

<p>Ed Johnson is a young player, with limited experience with the full team, but I believe that he has 7 goals in his first 5 international games. That's an amazing strike rate.</p>

<p>Beasley is one to watch. His speed is amazing, and his crossing has really improved since he went to Holland, where he has been on fire coming off the bench.</p>

<p>Keller has been a monster in goal in Germany and I believe that we have an advantage in the net.</p>

<p>Go USA,
Amy</p>

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<p>Wow, the line-up (according to those watching the early pre-game on Mexica TV) is a bit of a shocker.</p>

<p>Playing a 4-5-1 (4 defenders, 5 midfielders, 1 striker). </p>

<p>-------------------------------Johnson--------------------------------</p>

<p>--------------Donovan--------Beasley---------Lewis-----------------</p>

<p>---------------Mastroeni-----------------Reyna---------------------</p>

<p>------Bocanegra------------Gooch--------------Berhalter------Cherundolo--</p>

<p>-------------------------------------Keller------</p>

<p>Gooch over Gibbs is a bit of a shock. He must have shown well in practice.</p>

<p>Bench of: Busch, Dempsey, Gibbs, McBride, Noonan, Ralston, and Wolff.</p>

<p>Hope Dempsey sees action tonight. He's a newbie with the nats, and he's going to have a great future with the team.</p>

<p>The atmosphere looks crazy!</p>

<p>Go USA,
Amy</p>

5

<p>Yeah, that is a weird field setup. I guess the focus is that Defense Wins Champsionships, so with 4 defenders and 5 midfield we will have a lot of defense. I guess the US is hoping that Mexico goes for a big attack and it gets screwed up, so we can run up some midfielders for a good breakaway shot. GO USA!!</p>

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<p>CRAP!!! USA down 2-0 already... but mexico just got a red card!!! 11 vs. 10 the rest of the game!! let's capitalize!!!!</p>

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<p>2-0 Mexico after some SLOPPY defending. We're really missing Eddie Pope's experience in the back. AND a yellow for Beasley, he will miss Wednesday's game. He needs to run his a** off for the rest of the game. </p>

<p>Mexico's coach just got sent off, how embarassing, especially with your team up 2-0.</p>

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<p>I think the US needs to make a few changes at the half. Johnson has been playing well, winning balls, but we may see McBride based on his experience.</p>

<p>Reyna has been invisible so far. I think he's just not ready to play at altitude coming back from his injury. He's only played in 2 games for his club side (Manchester City) since his injury. Maybe put Dempsey in?</p>

<p>The only defender on the bench is Gibbs. I think there have been some major problems in the center of defense. I say take Berhalter out. Gooch has played well (other than his mistake leading to the goal). Gibbs has been getting the job done in Holland. I say let him show his stuff. Gibbs has also played on the outside of the defense in the past. Perhaps he and Bocanegra could switch, allowing Carlos to play his best position.</p>

<p>Go USA!
Amy</p>

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<p>GOOOOALLLLLL USA!!!! Eddie Lewis scores!</p>

<p>Nice set up by Johnson and great vision by Donovan. Lewis with a smart finish. Great teamwork!</p>

<p>The US is starting to calm down and pull things together. </p>

<p>I would like to see Reyna get more involved.</p>

<p>GO USA!
Amy</p>

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<p>Mexico making all of their subs within a few minutes of eachother, bringing on lots of fresh legs. </p>

<p>Medina for Borgetti
Morales for Blanco
Luis Perez for Lozano</p>

<p>US making their first sub, and it's an offensive move.
Ralston for Mastroeni</p>

<p>I would have prefered Ralston for Reyna. I thin Pablo has been much more effective defensively. </p>

<p>Mexico will need to be cautious around Ralston. He is an EXCELLENT crosser.</p>

<p>GO USA!
Amy</p>

11

<p>Another offensive sub for the US. </p>

<p>Noonan for Bocanegra</p>

<p>Noonan is a forward and a midfielder. I'm assuming he'll be joining Eddie Johnson on top as a forward. He's been playing well lately. </p>

<p>Keller has had a GREAT game today. He's made at least 2 amazing saves today.</p>

<p>GO USA,
Amy</p>

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<p>The game is almost over. Have to leave for the relatives as soon as it's over.</p>

<p>Go USA!
Amy</p>

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<p>as usual we won...</p>

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<p>uh no we didn't</p>

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<p>Maybe bern is of Mexican heritage?</p>

<p>Mexico was clearly the better team today, but we picked things up during the second half. Too little to late.</p>

<p>Reyna was winded after 20 minutes and should have been pulled. I hope we see Dempsey in Wednesday's game.</p>

<p>Keller made some amazing saves. He's the clear number one.</p>

<p>Congrats to the Mexican team. They were better today, and their fans rocked Azteca.</p>

<p>-Amy</p>

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<p>yeah man born and raised in mexico...im an international student in the states.</p>

<p>by chance did u play for nomads in SD? I lived in AZ for the last 4 years and played for Sereno.</p>

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<p>what a debacle...this is why i cannot watch any sort of american soccer. true we have come a long way...but damn where is the finesse and skill?? (europeans have spoiled me)
nice win bern. :)</p>