US Mens Soccer Team Advances

[cross blues]

With a convincing 6-0 win over Panama tonight in Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium, the US mens soccer team has earned a spot in the final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Landon Donovan scored the first two goals, then after coming in off the bench, Eddie Johnson netted a hat trick to put the US up 5-0. An own goal in the closing minutes raised the tally to 6.

Every player on the field for the US looked great tonight. The team is more talented and has more depth than ever. Except for a defense that could use a little improvement, I don't see any weakness in the team. The chemistry between the mids and forwards makes them a formidable opponent for ANY defense. I think the US will be a serious threat at the World Cup in Germany. they will certainly not be overlooked by other teams any more (:p Portugal) and with lots of young talent (Donovan, Beasley, Johnson, Howard, Convey, Bocanegra) the future of US soccer is bright. any thoughts?

[AnimatedSnow47]

As someone who's interest in both Men's and Women's soccer (and about 25 other sports) surged thanks to the 2004 Athens Summer Games, I had to say I throughly enjoyed this game tonight on ESPN2. The US was totally dominaint, especially in the second half. A substitute making a hat trick? Incredible! And, I have to say, the crowd at RFK stadium looked quite sizable. Oh, yeah, one more thing: USA! USA! USA! :D

[EightOh]

That was an absolute joy to watch. Landon should take the free kicks and corners that Reyna would have taken from now on, even (especially) when Claudio's on the field. They were much more dangerous than Reyna's, and while I like Claudio, it's clear that we'll be fine once he's gone. Landon makes a great captain, and Zavagnin performed more than capably (I like Mastro in that role, too).

Great seeing EJ explode (though I hope the Quakes keep him in check Saturday), and it was also nice to see Gooch take the field with the Nats for the first time. Some of the most fun 90 minutes of soccer I've ever seen.

Should be neat seeing the youngsters take on a very good Jamaican side who'll be fighting for their lives in Columbus.

This would be a great lineup for 11/17:

-------------Cannon
Albright---Gibbs--Gooch--Mastroeni
-------Zavagnin---Dempsey
--------Donovan---Gaven
--------Ching------Johnson
Subs: Spector, Martino, Buddle

The only guys I'd call from Europe, if I were Bruce, would be Gooch and Spector. Oguchi's doing well at Standard Liege, from what I've read, but he really needs to get the chance to go a full 90 with his countrymen, and since Spector's been bumped back to reserve status at Man U due to the starters' recoveries from injury and Hienze's success, he's worth calling in, too.

A little experience, a lot of potential, and several guys who need a chance to show/test their mettle. Jamaica absolutely needs a win to make the Hex, so it would be a great time to see who's got it and who doesn't.