For the first 53 minutes, the US appeared to have the better of the play, stifling Mexico’s attacks and developing some threatening counters and possessions of their own. This all changed when Courtney Campbell chose to have a massive impact on the game by awarding an extremely questionable penalty to Mexico in the 54th minute. The game was never the same after Gerardo Torrado converted from the spot to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.
This moment really seemed to take a lot of gas out of the US, who looked flat defensively following the goal. Though there were some good buildups immediately after, the US became very stretched out and appeared noticeably fatigued. The center backs looked completely drained, getting caught on several poorly executed offsides traps.
Troy Perkins was able to bail out his backline on several occasions, but he could not hold down the fort by himself for long. In the 61st minute, Giovanni Dos Santos put away a rebound following a flurry of short range shots on the break. With all of the momentum now tilted towards Mexico, it was only a matter of time before they were able to break through once again. Carlos Vela was able to seal the victory with a cool finish over an oncoming Troy Perkins. In the 79th minute, Jose Castro just added to the misery, easily slotting in the fourth goal of the match. Guillermo Franco then joined in on the fun with a goal in the 90th minute to cap off a five goal second half.
There were several US players who turned in good performances before the pivotal moment that changed the entire complexion of the match. Kyle Beckerman and Stuart Holden continued their solid play, and both will be pleased with their effort in this tournament. Robbie Rogers looked a little better than his past couple games, but squandered a golden opportunity to open the scoring early in the second half.
Regardless of what Christopher Sullivan and Max Bretos claim, this game really does not have much impact on the August 12th qualifier in Mexico City. While some will say that this gives Mexico confidence in their ability to beat the US, it’s hard to believe that Javier Aguirre and this Mexican team think a win against this reserve squad is the same as beating the likes of Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, and Tim Howard. And if they do, it might just show the fragile mindset of El Tri, that they need this win against Bob Bradley’s reserves to make them feel like they can compete with the US.
Much like the Confederations Cup, the US looked exhausted by the end of this tournament. Bob Bradley, however, can take solace in the fact that this game has opened his eyes to some players who can add to the depth of the national team. Stuart Holden should be an option off the bench to spell Clint Dempsey or fill his spot when Dempsey slides up top. Clarence Goodson and Chad Marshall also have shown well and could earn backup roles. And though it is not a pressing need, the depth at center midfield is augmented by the presence of Kyle Beckerman, who did well in his opportunity to show his ability.
Bob Bradley and his staff will look to move on from this defeat, focusing on the critical qualifier that lies just a few weeks ahead.
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15 comments:
Realize the both teams were not the "A" for each side....all the stars for both now are drooling for August 12th!
I couldn't believe how Sullivan and Bretos kept going on and on about how this may affect Aug 12. I'll never be able to match their football knowledge, but I was amazed at how they viewed this result. The US team AVERAGED 8 caps per player-they were completely inexeperienced, and I don't blame BB for resting his "A" team players, coming off the long int'l season and a month in S. Africa.
Just accept your soccer level, remember:
"Mexico use a reserve squad"
I knew Campbell would give us the shaft as soon as I saw him in the beginning. He didn't do us any favors against Honduras either. However, no excuse for the total collapse after the 1st gimme goal.
Dragging a player by his jersey down in the box is a penalty. Good call by the referee.
Prior to the penalty the US was not keeping possesion and starting to look tired.
Dos Santos backed into Heaps and threw an elbow...and any tug that was there was EXTREMELY slight. To make that call at that crucial juncture in the game, you gotta really have something there, and you're lying if you think there was.
How they can say extremely questionable penalty, it´s looks like you didn´t see the game, and it´s full truly both played with reserve squads, US Loser
First of all, learn how to spell Mexican player Guillermo Franco not France. I understand, you are just hurt that Mexico beat the U.S. 5-0 and to add more to your dissapointment it was in U.S. territory. Stop with your white mentality that the U.S. should win every game. They really suck balls=]] Accept it.....5-0!!!!!!!!!!
wow i cant believe how many cry babies are here
every one saying that it was the players this and that well i cant believe no one cann accept
that mexico owned usa today
just accept it hahah !
No one is denying that, and there's nothin in the article that says that. US fans are just mad that about the penalty call because it changed the game. It wasn't a good call, and Mexican fans would be just as mad (if not, more so) if that call went against them.
It's ok, enjoy the win. August 12 is the one that really matters
White mentality that the US should win every game?
What's it like being such a bigot? Good win for Mexico's "B" Team (with the exception of about 5 players). The US learned that they can almost hold down CONCACAF with a group of "C" level players, but still have some work to do.
The US really needs to play better. It's a little sad to see these matches in the US with mostly mexico fan crowds
Mexico's B team 5 - 0 U.S's B team... let's also remember that no one told bob whatever the fnck to call those players... no one said hey here are the rules, do nottt we repeattt do nottt call these people... no siry bobbb it did not happen like that...
That 5-0 beatdown really hurt.
The USA dominates Basketball, Football (American), and Woman Soccer....thats it, thats ALL!! You want to believe the USA can dominate Futbol, but they have a long way to go, a long, long way. Futbol is not just about physical strength, you also need great skill and a mindset that won't unnerve you when you play in places that cause others to shake in their boots. Mexicans are used to playing in big crowd games, it helps the minset, the USA is not and never will unless they continously play against South American teams away from home...but tournaments are still held in USA. This is bad for USA.
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