USA vs Columbia

BK's Sports

On Tuesday evening USA soccer hosted Colombia, it ended with a less than exciting game. After the 93rd minute the game was a tie with 0-0. Since it was just a friendly the game did not proceed into overtime. Overtime is set up with two 15 minute halves if you were not aware.

I think with these friendlies they should go right into PK's. I can agree that another 30 minutes of time is unnessacary because you dont want injuries but how exciting would PK's be after a scoreless 90 minute match? Average soccer fans turned off the TV last night and if they were aware of possible PK's at end they would be motivated to watch.

The Yanks had some good players with Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Stu Holden (Bolton Wanderers) , Eric Lichaj (Aston Villia) *later substituted in*, Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Maurice Edu (Rangers). Here is the starting lineup. They intended to play this more as a 4-3-3 and have Shea and Holden press up but in the start of the game the stayed back.




-------------------Altidore-----------------------

--------Shea--------------------Holden----------

---------Bradley-------------Jones--------------

-----------------------Edu--------------------------

Pearce------Onyewu-----Goodson------Spector

---------------------Guzan---------

Not much excitement went on with the game. I felt the midfield looked good with Bradley, Jones and Holden. Jones being the best player for the Yanks. I have high hopes for Stu Holden and think he will be the future of the midfield in the next World Cup. Its good to see the young guys out there because our vets wont be back. Eric Lichaj is only 21 years old, also dont forget Jozy is still very young even though he is not producing.

Our defense held there own against the Colombia counter attacks. If you watched the game Colombia was pushing the counters to try and sneak past our defense but with Pearce and Goodson back there nothing happened.

These guys subbed in after halftime Eric Lichaj, Michael Parkhurst, Eddie Johnson and Clint Dempsey and went in for Edu, Onyewu, Spector and Shea. Felihaber subbed in for Holden. I really wish he kept Stu in.

Im not sure what the deal is with Onyewu but he is still not in 90 minute shape. He still plays for AC Milan. Obviously he doesn't start but you would think since his injury he'd be in shape. He might just be overrated and hopefully Manager Bradely will see that.

Overall, the game was boring and there werent many fans in the stands. Soccer By Ives said maybe 10 to 15 thousand. I know the World Series are on but soccer fans are normally not baseball fans. Me being one and the roommates make fun of me all the time. O well

BK OUT