Wednesday Wrap: U.S.-Mexico Tie, England Wins, Croatia Loses & More
Super (International) Wednesday
Highlights of a busy international soccer Wednesday included the U.S. and Mexico battling to a unresolved, but enthralling 2-2 stalemate, (although defender Drew Moor, culpable on both Mexican goals, may not agree).The undefeated streak against Mexico has hit 10 games despite their speed threatening to overpower the U.S. at times, Josi Altidore keeps justifying the hype and Coach Bob Bradley gave promising youngsters valuable experience in a hostile environment that will serve the U.S. well in the World Cup qualifying games to come.
Video highlights are here.
Speaking of ... the U.S. was no closer to discovering which opening World Cup qualifying match opponent it will face in Carson after Barbados and Dominica tied.
And former Galaxy defender Tyrone Marshall popped up at the last moment to save Jamaica against Costa Rica. (Reuters got his club wrong you'll note; Marshall was traded to Toronto).
MLS Training Camp Update
Chivas USA confirmed this morning Paraguayan veteran Jose Cardozo is in camp and former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman is a well-honed goal-stopping machine in Kansas City. Wonder if he ditched the black nail polish, too?College Notes
UCLA announced the hiring today of former MLS player Kenny Arena (Bruce's son) as an assistant coach.From the (edited) press release:
Arena was an assistant coach at George Mason last season and a volunteer coach for the University of Virginia in 2006.Arena was responsible for player development, recruiting and scheduling at George Mason in 2007. At Virginia in 2006, he helped the Cavaliers advance to the NCAA Semifinals, where they lost to UCLA.
Arena played three seasons in MLS, spending the 2003 and 2004 seasons with the MetroStars and the 2005 season with DC United. In 2002, Arena was a member of the U.S. Under-23 National Team and was also a member of the U.S. Under-20 National Team from 2000-2001.
At the University of Virginia, Arena started in 65 of 78 games played at midfield from 1999-2002, totaling 24 career points off seven goals (including three game-winners) and 10 assists.
“Kenny Arena arrives with a great deal of experience both as a player and as a young coach who comes from a great soccer pedigree,” said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. “Our players are looking forward to learning from the great experiences he has had in Major League Soccer with New York and DC United.”
In addition, UCLA goalkeeper Val Henderson and USC captain Ashley Nick were selected for the U.S. Under-23 team that will play three games in Spain Feb. 11-16 against England, Norway and Germany.
Finally, UCLA defender Lauren Barnes and USC’s Kasey Johnson and goalkeeper Kristin Olsen received call-ups to the U.S. Under-20 National Team that will play three games in Chile, site of the 2008 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Nov. 20-Dec. 7. The U.S. takes on England Monday, Norway Feb. 13 and Chile Feb. 15.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook.
Nick, what do you know about teams putting Discoveries in on players?
Nick replies: What am i Wikepedia? (Kidding)
From the 2007 MLS Rule Book: (E.) DISCOVERY SIGNINGS
Each team has the opportunity to make six (6) discovery signings per season. The last day for discovery player signings is September 14, 2007 - coinciding with the roster freeze date and trade deadline. The six Discovery signings can be used to fill senior roster spots only. If multiple teams claim the same player using a Discovery, the team that filed the claim first will have first rights to the player. Discovery claims expire following each season. If a player was unable to come to terms during the season, the team that first filed the discovery retains the right of first refusal in the event the player is signed.
I think that Mexico game was very intense. Howard did a great job and I think Mexico did awesome they domintated the field.