Compelling Soccer

These thoughts come courtesy of a man whose wallet is 88 dollars lighter thanks to Arizona's ineptitude...

-I didn't follow much of the US-Germany under 20 opener but the scoreline told me all I needed to know. Three unanswered goals later, things couldn't have started more poorly for the US squad. To make matters worse, this supposedly wasn't even the best and brightest the German youth had to offer. Such things will not do pleasant things to one's psyche. The task should be a little easier in their next two games against South Korea and Cameroon... actually I have no basis in saying that outside of the idea that generally the US senior circuit is better than them. It says nothing for the kids though, so we'll see what happens.

-After the Liverpool game, I watched Fulham come away with nothing against London rivals Arsenal. It was unfortunate for Fulham, they deserved a better fate and if not for spectacular goalkeeping by Vito Mannone, they would have gotten one. Clint Dempsey was strong in the midfield, creating chances and nicking the post once of a slightly deflected shot. He also would have had a earlier marvelous finish while falling down, but Mannone got over to make the save. Overall, he played far better than I've seen from him on the US team as of late; which is par the course from what I hear. (This is part of what leads me to think he represents the US team better than Landon Donovan, but I'll touch on that at a later time.) Also of interest, Bobby Zamora couldn't finish if his life depended on it. But he did set up a few chances with good passing and crosses. Of course when you get shut out and your team has had trouble scoring all season, the first problem is rightly focused on.

-It was interesting on Saturday to listen to the commentators talk about Portsmouth, who seem to be on the fast track to relegation. (And who are an absolute mess in the owner's box as well. These things tend to go hand and hand) For those keeping score, it's seven losses in seven games to open up the campaign. However, the prevailing theme seemed to be their efforts were good, the manager was doing all he could and they were unlucky not to have come away with more. Basically, it was an argument for process, even if the results are not there right now. I found it strange because it feels like most times we are in such a rush to pass judgment and blame, often times making the irrefutable statements "the coach has lost the team" or "the players have given up." In a situation that is fast becoming hopeless, it would be easy spout off such things. I credit the commentary for looking beyond the results for a moment. Whether or not that will matter in the long run remains to be seen.

-Trinidadian international Kenwyne Jones picked up a double Sunday in Sunderland's 5-2 win over Wolverhampton. Now if only he could find himself onto the score sheet in a World Cup qualifier.

-Liverpool gets to head to London to face Arsenal in the next round of the Carling Cup. I don't love the Reds' chances in that one; their biggest flaw is their depth. Against another top side's reserves, I have to favor the other top side.