Compelling Soccer

Yesterday, I couldn't help but get the feeling that things had come full circle.

As the US got a stunning point in a meaningless game, so much of the talk and criticism of the summer seemed to reverse itself last night. After blowing leads to multiple teams, but most famously Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, the US pulled one on Costa Rica last night. They went on attack, dominated possession and even overcame the blow of losing Oguchi Onewyu with about ten minutes left (and likely for much longer). Their dominance of possession was unheard of for a US team. It was an inspiring effort and to score the equalizer with seconds to go, with just ten men, made it even sweeter.

As you've no doubt heard by now, Clint Dempsey sustained a shoulder injury in last week's Fulham 2-2 draw with West Ham. Yesterday it was announced Deuce is out for the Honduras v. US qualifier Saturday night in Honduras, meaning the US will have to do without one if it's midfield mainstays of the past few years.

Despite his poor form nationally as of late, this is a crippling blow to the US team. I've been critical of him lately, but talent wise, it's arguable that Dempsey is the best player in the US midfield and the most irreplaceable. Conventional wisdom says Landon Donovan is both, but something has to be said for Deuce being the only player in the US midfield/forward position to hold down a starting job at in a top level league in some time.

I caught two thirds of the Houston v. Pachuca battle yesterday. It might have been the best effort I've seen from an MLS side thus far, ranking up there with the Sounders' game against Chivas USA. And wouldn't you know it, like the Sounders game, Houston failed to register a goal. This was an even worse result for the Dynamo though, as they fell 1-0 to Pachuca, putting them in a dangerous spot heading into their final game of the CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage. They can still advance, but the road becomes more difficult.