Compelling Soccer

This kickoff comes as a sorry replacement for the Match Day recap, which had to be cancelled due to work related commitments. Or you know, me having a job on a weekday afternoon.

-A busy day yesterday kept be from watching Liverpool's 2-0 loss at Fiorentina (a coincidence that I couldn't follow a loss, I swear). It's too bad in a way, critiquing a team when it loses can be even more educating than a when a team wins. On the other hand, I figure I might have pulled my hair out if I had to watch the squandered chances. As it was, I did see Lucas put an unmarked header over the bar early in the second half that would have put a heap of pressure on the hosts to hold. Such misses will not endear him to the Anfield fateful.

I did notice that earlier reports that Liverpool would be without Yossi Benayoun proved wrong, but he failed to do anything of significance. Fernando Torres was even held in check, proving that he is, in fact human. And from what I saw, Steven Gerrard was a non factor. Those factors will lead to a road loss every time.

It certainly makes the road to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League much harder. However, it was a road loss, and those are forgivable if you can take all nine points at home. Liverpool must also take three at Debrecen and earn a draw at Lyon. If they can do that, then the second round is a guarantee. Easier said than done, but certainly within the realm the possibility for this side.

But first, they'll need to refocus on the Premiership. Their chance to truly get back in the title hunt comes Sunday at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. A win brings them level with the Blues. A loss leaves them six behind.

Apparently, Rafa is promising a very different side. How different and what changes get made, remain to be seen. My guess is Lucas gets the boot from the starting XI.

-Once again, I was unable to watch the US under 20 team play. This was unfortunate as I would have been treated to one of the more dominant displays a US team of any level has put on. A 4-1 win over a squad that is supposedly quite talented is a big step in the right direction. (though again, I question how much anyone truly knows about the talent level of players still in or just out of their teen years) It also gives the US team firm footing as they try to advance to the knockout stages. A win over South Korea definitely sends them through. A draw wouldn't as a Cameroon victory over Germany could still leave the Germans with a better goal differential. However since multiple third place teams make the knockout stages, the US would have a fair shot at going through if they just secured a point.

I'll hopefully be able to catch their game against South Korea. I wonder if we'll see any Koreans celebrating by "skating" this time around as they did when they scored against the US senior circuit in 2002?

-Tuesday night, the Columbus Crew showed why you need to finish your chances. After thoroughly dominating the Costa Rica side Saprissa, Columbus carried a 1-0 lead into stoppage time. They had been controlling the play and were given plenty of opportunities to do something with that advantage, but could not translate it to goals. The announcers were already talking as if the Crew had punched their ticket to the CONCACAF Champions League knockout stages. Well, a breakdown on defense a minute into stoppage time allowed Saprissa an unmarked header on the back post. And like that, it was 1-1. Two points, down the drain.

There will be no doubt some who complain about the fact that Saprissa's scorer, Alexander Robinson, may have shoved off. (The defender may have also just slipped) Others might make mention that the referee didn't extend stoppage time further. (The play by play guy did and I believe it was the always impartial Max Bretos, but I can't be 100% certain) But the bottom line is the Crew didn't press their advantage and seal the deal. Then they didn't have anyone on the backpost to challenge the header when their lone defender fell down. No matter how thoroughly you dominate a game, it just takes one chance to mess everything up. Finishing is key and since Columbus didn't do that, they have no one to blame for the draw but themselves.

-The US qualifier against Honduras will likely remain in the politically tumultuous country barring a turn for the worst. The situation has not turned violent and FIFA would prefer that Honduras not lose a home game. Doing so could derail their chances at qualifying for the final 32. As long as it's safe for the players, then this is the right decision. Losing the home date would be unfair. Besides, the US men's team should welcome the challenge. They've been very poor in their last few qualifying games. A win in Honduras would go a long way to silencing their critics.

Not all the way of course. Bob Bradley's not going to win us over by winning one game against a CONCACHAFF opponent, no matter where it is.

Well, maybe Azteca.