Narrow Win Over Jamaica in Columbus Earns U.S. Three Crucial Points
2012 September 12
The US Men’s National Team defeated Jamaica 1-0 on Tuesday night in what was a critical CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match for the Americans. A goal on a free kick taken by Herculez Gomez in the 55th minute was the difference in a match where the US hit the woodwork three times.
In Tuesday’s other Group A match, Guatemala defeated Antigua & Barbuda 1-0 on Carlos Ruiz’s 26th-minute goal. With the results the US is now in a three way tie with Guatemala and Jamaica, all with 7 points and all with two more matches left in this round. The US will play Antigua & Barbuda on October 12th followed by Guatemala on October 16th at Livestrong Park in Kansas City, Kan.
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Why do the US men seem to struggle against teams they should beat? While I did no see the match last week (or last night), the common excuse I heard was Donovan did not play. I guess I could care less, because one of these days, Donovan is going to be too old to keep up and no longer play for the USMNT. It almost seems like we have failed to develop the next generation of talent that can step in and fill big shoes.
Hey Soccer boy, Mexico defeated Costa Rica last night 1-0. Spain beat Georgia 1-0. It happens. Not saying that the US isn’t having some issues right now that do need to be addressed. But I grow tied of people squawking about results in US CONCACAF WC qualifiers when we don’t blow out an opponent.
Jamaica is a good solid team. At this point the main thing is, we won. However, I’m not brimming with confidence about the near future of this squad.
The first half was quality soccer even though our possession game needs to be played at a faster tempo IMO. Second half Jamaica had to come out of their bunker and press the US a bit more which did result in some sloppier and more anxious play on the US part
Didn’t get to watch the game from abroad. But from the highlights it looks as though Zusi played himself onto the regular squad last night. Was that actually the case?
@ bullsear -I would grade him out between a 7 or 8 last night. He certainly made a strong case for additional appearances.
@ Soccer Boy – Jamaica is a top notch team with players on most of the top European leagues, not to mention a handful in MLS. Not to mention that Jamaica packed 11 men in the 18-yard box; the US hit the posts 3 times in the first half, and Dwayne Miller saved some impossible shots. The US men played superbly in that first half. Second half was less polished, but still got the job done in fairly convincing fashion even if the score was only 1-0.
@ tomASS – I would agree Zusi played well, but I really didn’t feel that he was the absolute dominant player for our side. Some of the commentators apparently really felt so. I don’t know. Again, Zusi played well and he deserves to be considered for the National team on a regular basis, but I’m not so convinced that he’ll be our next superstar.
@fotbalist – agreed I don’t see a superstar (though I like Howard a lot on the team, but Zusi did put in a performance that is deserving of a lot more playing time. A superstar would have made more of the opportunities he was given.
well great win but I’m more concerned for the future and youth development and it looks bleak because around the world the best clubs with money have the best development and I don’t see american youth clamoring to play for a MLS team.
@WSW – why would they when the best leagues are in Europe? US player development should be focused on playing at that highest level. I think we Americans have to concede the fact that we will never have the highest level of professional soccer located in the US.
@tomASS
Good luck for those american youth developing in BEST Clubs they have a same chance as getting recruited to Seal Team six.
@ WSW – don’t know what I can say? This is a sport that America is not the world power. We are currently not on the road going in that direction. If we are on that road, it is under construction and we have just past the sign guy recommending we proceed slowly with caution.
Individual talent of superior quality will always rise to the top no matter where they might be and like Seal Team Six ….it will have to be earned