Sacha’s big day
Sacha Kljestan
Sacha Kljestan scored 3 goals in a 3-2 U.S. win over Sweden. Both teams rostered players that were basically B-squads. The U.S. team was full of MLS players and none of the team’s regular European based players were called back for this friendly. With that said, the U.S. put in a good effort and came away with a rather convincing win. The game was not as close as the final score reflected as numerous subs were made in the second half. The victory started our Mens National team out on the right foot as they ready themselves for the 2009 World Cup qualifiers.
Kljestan had pulled out of the U.S. training camp several weeks ago to go on trial with Celtic of the Scottish Premier League. However, the Chivas USA midfielder was released to play in the Saturday evening friendly against Sweden. Kljestan played like a man who wanted to impress his potential new bosses at Celtic. Sasha has always had the technical skills but had never really impressed me until this past year when the tactical part of his game seem to come together. Kljestan is now a player who makes very few mistakes on the field, even under pressure. He can feed a good ball, but now knows when to hold up and play back if needed and can also go one on one with a shot that he seems to be perfecting as he matures. Kljestan is fast becoming a free-kick specialist, which is how he scored his first of 3 goals on Saturday evening.
Overall, it was a very good performance for the U.S. and an even better one for Kljestan.
Thanks to the 30 plus who turned up at the Sweetwater in such frigid temperatures for our U.S. Soccer watch party. It was nice to meet some new people there as well as old friends. Also, thanks to Mazamba who made sure that everyone went home with either a t-shirt or a hat. Good soccer, good food and drink and good friends – it was a good night.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_H-ddMDAsA&eurl
FSC game highlights
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