Whoaa, That Was A Close One
The second round of CONCACAF qualifying has begun. Yesterday, The United States faced Jamaica in Kingston. It was an important match because; both teams sit one and two in the standings. The game was broadcast on ESPN2, and it was a thriller.
The game opened up with a furious wind. It favored the Jamaicans while it blew right to left. The stadium was packed for of supporters, and the pitch was in great condition. All of those not a suprise except the pitch. The last few times the US has traveled to the National Staduim, dubbed "The Office," the pitch has been less then desirable.
The Reggae Boyz came out gunning. Granted, the wind to their backs helped, but they look so much sharper then the US. They played an attacking style with some control. It left the US on their heels without much counter. They looked very sloppy with the ball. They had to be thankful for Keller, Hejduk, Pope, and Bocanegra consistent defense.
I was getting worried because; I knew the US defense could not hold a scoreless draw for long. A few miscues in the defense from crowd noise helped solidify my fears. In the 49th minute, Jamaica opened the scoring. Theodore Whitmore sent a cross from the near side to Ian Goodison at about the 10 yard line. He drove a header into the ground that bounced far post past a diving Kasey Keller. It was a pretty goal, and well deserved. The crowd went absolutely insane. Jamaica had never beaten the US, and this game looked to end in their favor. I was so mad, but there was fourty minutes left to play.
I was impressed with the US after the goal. They didn't let the momentum swing destroy their game. Maybe it had something to do with the wind dying down? Maybe they were mad by the score? Whatever it was, they collected themselves and began playing smarter soccer.
The first half ended, and Bruce Arena made some changes in the second half. He brought on the national team staple, Cobi Jones for Earnie Stewart, Eddie Lewis for Chris Armas, and Brian Ching for Brian McBride. The last substitute proved to be the most rewarding. Ching equalized in the 89th minute!!! He nailed a shot into the upper corner on a ball from Landon Donovan. It was a pretty finish and assist. Donovan settled a deflect cross from Cobi Jones with poise and confidence. The crowd in Kingston was stunned and silent. I was jumping around my living room. Not today, will the unbeaten streak end. Thanks to the first Hawaiian player on the US National Team!!!
courtsey of ussoccer.com
It was a solid tie for the US. Better to come away from a hostile road game with one point then none. Next up for the US is El Salvador on September 4th at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. This will be another important game for the US. They need to notch a win against El Salvador before traveling there for another very hostile road game. Of course, it is really important because; the US would be thoroughly dissappointed if they did not qualify for World Cup 2006. I don't think that will happen. Bruce Arena showed his depth on the squad with this win. Plus, they showed the tenacity and resilience a team needs to compete at the highest level.
