Well, the time for sweet revenge is upon us. This Saturday, we square off against our sworn enemy, the Tri-colores. They gave us a bruise last time in the towering altitude & deafening environment of el estadio Azteca. Time for retribution in Columbus on Saturday night.

Here is the Roster for the US team.

United States Roster

Goalkeepers

Hahnemann, Marcus Reading (England)
Kasey Keller Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany)
Reis, Matt New England Revolution (MLS)

Defenders

Albright, Chris Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Berhalter, Gregg Energie Cottbus (Germany)
Bocanegra, Carlos Fulham (England)
Conrad, Jimmy Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Hejduk, Frankie Columbus Crew (MLS)
Marshall, Chad Columbus Crew (MLS)
Onyewu, Oguchi Standard Liege (Belgium)
Vanney, Greg FC Dallas (MLS)

Midfielders

Armas, Chris Chicago Fire (MLS)
Beasley, DaMarcus PSV Eindhoven (Holland)
Convey, Bobby Reading (England)
Dempsey, Clint New England Revolution (MLS)
Lewis, Eddie Leeds United (England)
Mapp, Justin Chicago Fire (MLS)
Mastroeni, Pablo Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Quaranta, Santino D.C. United (MLS)
Ralston, Steve New England Revolution (MLS)
Reyna, Claudio Manchester City (England)

Forwards

Cunningham, Jeff Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Donovan, Landon Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Johnson, Eddie FC Dallas (MLS)
McBride, Brian Fulham (England)
Twellman, Taylor New England Revolution (MLS)


I'm really not sure about the starting line up. EJ is just back to match fitness so I wonder if he'll get a start.

Here is one possibility:

--------------------------------------Our Savior (Keller)-----------------------------

Albright or Hejduk-------Onyewu-----Berhalter and his walker----Bocanegra----

----------------------------------------Armas------------------------------------------

---------Ralston-----------------------Reyna-------------------------Beasley---------

--------------------------Donovan
-------------------------------------------------------McBride


Another possibility is:

--------------------------------------Our Savior (Keller)-----------------------------

Albright or Hejduk------Onyewu-----Berhalter and his walker-----Bocanegra----

----------------------------------------Reyna------------------------------------------

---------Ralston----------------------Donovan---------------------Beasley----------

--------------------------EJ------------------------McBride----------------------------



If it were up to me, here would be my starting lineup (normally I'd put Mastroeni ahead of Armas, but Mastroeni is still not match fit imo):

--------------------------------------Our Savior (Keller)-----------------------------

-----Albright--------------Onyewu---------Bocanegra--------------Vanney--------

----------------------------------------Armas------------------------------------------

---------Donovan--------------------Dempsey-------------------------Beasley-------

--------------------------Twellman-----------------EJ or McBride ----------------------
-----------------------------(I'm torn about EJ because he's just getting back into form)

EDIT: Just realized that Hejduk is in the roster. Arena will probably start his slow & sorry ass as Arena still seems to think Hejduk can play on the NT. Personally, I think Albright is a bit better because he is more physical and plays SMARTER. Hejduk is a bit faster, but I prefer Albright's brains as Hejduk is terrible positionally.

i wish the US would start that lineup...i dont Hejduk is all that bad personally and i would start him over Vanney any day

-------------------------Keller----------------------------

----Albright-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra---Vanney----

---Donovan----Dempsey----Armas----Beasley--------

-------------Twellman---------EJ----------------------

Is what I would play. Mexico's got strength in attack. We need defenders back to foil that out. The last thing we need is lack of numbers on defending a counter attack.Important thing is to mark up tight on crosses,corners, because of Borgetti and his deadly headers and tap ins.

I think we have alot of speed on our side of the pitch. We just need to put it to use. USA lost the last matchup, so I think we'll be out to win it this time around.

Prediction:

2-1 USA

Mexico scoring: Borgetti
USA scoring: Donovan,Beasley

twellman doesn't deserve to start yet. i would start cunningham over him, but overall i wouldn't start either of them when we have EJ, mcbride or can put donovan at foward since we have so many midfielders.

México 2 - 1 U.S.A.

Good joke man.I think u made a mistake probably u meant

USA 2-1 Mexico

Dont worry mistakes happen

BURN!

Anyway back to the game, I can't see Johnson starting but we will see how fit he really is. I think LD, Reyna, Onyewu, Bocanegra, and Keller are the only definite starters. Beasley hurt his hamstring and those recoverys are tough.
So I go with a modified verision of the first line up posted
----Our Savior (Keller)-----------------------------

Albright -------Onyewu-----Berhalter and his walker----Bocanegra----

---------------------------------------Mastroeni------------------------------------------

---------Ralston/Beasley-----------------------Reyna------------------------Lewis-------

--------------------------Donovan
-------------------------------------------------------McBride

I think US pulls this one off, and we can start booking our flights to Germany.

Indeed. My whole highschool soccer team is going to watch this at my house. All the white guys want to watch it in English, and all the latino's want to watch it in Spanish


Is this on ESPN guys? Or FSC?

I think it should be on ESPN2 if u have it.They usually play USA games

Yeap I got ESPN 2, ill check a guide to see if its playin.

Sois it going to be showed on ESPN2??I really want to know

last I checked, it was listed as espn classic.

check eee.soccertv.com. (click on the usa link at the bottom of the page)

Yeah I think I'm going to watch it on the spanish channel

LMAO. I just noticed my typo. I meant www....www.soccertv.com for any that didn't figure that out.

7:25EDT on ESPN Classic

Wow, Dempsey was sent back to NE today along with others sent back to their respective teams. He must have had a real falling out with Arena cause from all appearances I have seen, he hasn't ever been the worst player on the field. The others sent back include Vanney, Marshall, Mapp, and Reis. All these players can come back for the Guatemala match but obviously we won't see them in the Mexico game.
Link: http://3rddegree.matchnight.com/thirdindex...rticle&show=835
Our midfield isn't looking as deep anymore, Landy-Cakes may need to step back one and see Johnson/Cunningham step up top with McBride.

Another ESPN letdown...gah

yea, that is some major garbage right there....meaningless college football between South Carolina State and Alabama State over biggest US soccer game of the year?!?!

who controls what they show on ESPN2???? he needs to be punished severely

*applauds*

Just don't interrupt USC @ Hawai'i or UCLA @ San Diego State with USA soccer, that's all.

Go Mexico with all my heart.

usa is going to win 3-0

who was that who beat mexico 4-1? i forgot, its someplace thats not even worth knowing they are so terrible.

is this game even going to be televised?????

ESPN wants money, can you really blame them? USA vs Mexico is popular but Mexicans watch it in Spanish so half the audience from the USA is gone, so ESPN puts on the program that makes them money, I'm sure for all those that don't have ESPN news, your local bar will have the game if you call tomorrow and ask for it. I know for the those in San Diego it will be shown on the big screen in Seau's Restaurant. Is anyone here going to the game?
I really hope this is a lively crowd, and some true patriotism is out on displayed. As Bruce Arena said, if you really want soccer to grow in this country, get out and support the MLS and the US national team.
There is also a new video up at US Soccer about the rivalry.
to a good result this weekend and booking my flight to germany.

Striker10 i bet nike is really pissed off at your sig. haha. and jrlm8 why is donovan peeing oil?is it supposed to be like trowing money at someone? "we're so rich, we can piss $2/gallon gas prices on your country"???

It's on ESPN Classic? I really hope it doesn't cut into Cheap Seats...

MEXICO CITY - With a World Cup berth virtually assured, Mexico's national soccer team is relaxed for its qualifier against the United States.

Forward Jared Borgetti said he not only wants to win Saturday night's game in Columbus, Ohio, but to do so with flair.

"If we don't attack and play differently, people are going to say, 'Ugh, the team sure played ugly,'" Borgetti told the sports daily Record. "Winning's no fun that way, so we have to play like we always have."

Mexico needs only a tie in its final four games to guarantee a trip to Germany next year. It leads the CONCACAF qualifying region with a a 5-0-1 record, followed by the United States at 5-1-0.

The lone U.S. loss came at Mexico City on March 27. The United States hasn't lost to Mexico in a World Cup qualifier at home since 1972.

The luxury of an almost certain advance has allowed Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe to let his mind wander to the distant future — a land seldom visited by most national soccer coaches, who mostly dedicate themselves to surviving the next game.

Lavolpe suggested he will take a rest after Saturday's game and Wednesday's home game against Panama. He said that would give his aides, Jorge Campos and Francisco Ramirez, experience needed to succeed him after the 2006 World Cup.

Borgetti, the national team's all-time leading scorer, recently signed a contract with Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League. He has been playing alongside the rising Francisco Fonseca at forward for Mexico.

Longtime star Cuauhtemoc Blanco has made only sporadic appearances with the national team and has not scored in the World Cup qualifying round.

For the United States, coach Bruce Arena sent five MLS players back to their clubs Thursday.

New England midfielder Clint Dempsey and goalkeeper Matt Reis were sent back to the Revolution, who play Saturday night at Salt Lake City. Chicago midfielder Justin Mapp will be with the Fire for Sunday's game at Los Angeles. Dallas defender Greg Vanney heads back to play on Saturday at home against San Jose. Columbus defender Chad Marshall rejoins the Crew for a road game Saturday at Chivas USA.

Arena said he might recall some of them for Wednesday's qualifier in Guatemala.

Let's stay on topic ok?


Jrlm8,
Thanks for the heads up about Dempsey. All I have to say is WTF?! I agree with you, must be Arena not liking Dempsey's attitude because Dempsey has had decent performances for the NT of late.

The others being sent home is OK with me I guess. Though, I'm a bit curious about sending Vanney home. Seems that leaves us short at LB.

Mexico is going down.
ESPN In dumb.
Spanish channel owns

Landon was slide tackled earlier this weak and was having his ankle looked at wednesday by a trainer. I just can't understand sending Dempsey home. Even at his worst he still seems to be our third best option at attacking mid or even his speed and skill at the end of game seem to be good enough to warrant him a spot on the roster.

P.S. The sig is just landy-cakes peeing, no significance, the yellow doesnt show well.

i dont understand why espn classic has to televise this.

i wouldn't of known what channel the game was on if i hadn't read this thread so....thanks soo much!

GO USA!

Wow, I found out last night I have ESPN Classic. Didn't even know it

Cheers!

USA! USA! USA! To everyone who is within 500 miles of columbus, I hope you're there. I cannot wait for this game, USA Wins 2-0. I AM SO DAMN EXCITED FOR THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!

Theres a show on there called "cheap seats" watch it.

Oh and the USA is gonna get owned Fakey.

yeah ESPN Classic...first saturday of college football so its not gonna get a regular channel

5-1 USA Mcbride hat trick + 1 and Keller will run the pitch D.I.Y. and score in stoppage time

is there anyway where u could watch the game by the internet i know you could of seen them in copa Libertadores in terra.com and othere games live is there anysite where u could c this game help please the soanish channels arent showing it either

1-0 RALSTON!!!!!!!!
2-0 BEEEAAASLEY!!!!!!

TWO ZERO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!

TIME TO PARTY

YEAA BOOOIEE! WE WON!!!

take that you mexicans

/hates mexican national team with passion
//not racist

Could've fooled me. And FYI, I'm American as well. I'm disappointed that UCSB didn't beat Cal.

too bad this won't stop them from talking. at least it seems funnier now when they do. i like how onyewu layed the smack down on borgetti. gooch's stock probably went up after this game.

wow yeah ok, but just remember: hatred and racism are basically the same thing

Congrats guys, seriously time to celebrate. It looks like from now on itll be Usa wins in Usa, Mexico wins in Mexico (at least in qualifier play) lets see who breaks that little habit first.

Indeed I agree with Kid, it's going to be exactly like he says.

But for now.

VIVA LA USA!!!!


I was SOOOOOOOO pissed when Beasly missed that WIDE open chip!

Shoulda been 4-0.

4-1 maybe, Morales had a beautiful free kick but Keller denied it.


Celebrate boys, we're goin to Germany!

oh hell yea......omg.....i'm so gonna make fun of the 200 mexican kids at our school....and then get jumped after school

great great game. this put usa on the map for soccer.....BIG TIME......

mexico needs bofo.....

I am disappointed that UCSB looked like a bunch of hacks on the field against Cal.(20 fouls, 2 red cards) It was embarassing to say the least. They had two open nets that were either badly missed or saved by a defender running back. Terrible game, really. (And I don't think you want to get into hatred when you discuss a Cal-UCSB game, those teams aren't exactly friends, and the fans know it)

But back on topic, Mexico comes in playing for a tie...I think they realized that it would be too tough to push forward too much so they tried to play defensively, it worked for 45 minutes. USA just has too much talent now to try to shut down the offense for that long. McBride is a monster in the air. LD had an ok game, but when he had the ball on his foot he was effective and created a bit of havoc in the Mexican defense which led to the corner that led to DMB's goal. DMB, class finish. Butchered the second one but I like the idea, he just made it hard on himself from the distance. How about Onyewu, he absolutely destroyed Borgetti. It was some unbelievable defending to say the least, I was very pleased and there is no way he will not be starting in Germany now. Ralston had an ok game, he is not that effective of a right mid tho. I think the claims for Donovan to move back there are finally going to have to happen. When Johnson is ready, LD will have to step back and then find a spot at mid. But solid game overall, I was pleased as I always am with wins over Mexico. It feels good to be what the 8th team clinched for Germany.
Off to Guatemala on Wednesday, hopefully we see Cunningham, Dempsey, Twellman and the rest of the MLS stars.

Ooooh and an awesome idea to auction off the jerseys. Head over to ussoccer.com and check them out. I believe Donovan's is up to 1500 now, its all for a good cause. The hurricane relief fund.

GO USA

What time is Guatemala on wednesday?

Congratulations to the US for qualifying for the World Cup today. Well done boys prove all the doubters wrong. Hats off.

10 pm eastern
7 pacific
on ESPN2, i believe thats live

If anyones awake it's on right now

Congratulations to USA for qualifying.Not the best game we have played but good job to get the job done.I loved it man seeing the Mexican national team lose makes me happy.

Oh and did anyone hear wat the Mexicans said after the game.They were saying stuff like they were playing better USA was too scared to attack us.Thats one thing I hate about the Mexican team and thats that they think they r amongst the best in the world they feel like they r the best