USMNT
The U.S. Men’s National Team lost 1-0 to Costa Rica last night on Rodney Wallace’s goal. Here are some roundups:
On the bright side: If you’re going to lose to a team you should beat, at least have the winning goal be scored by an up-and-coming MLS player like left back Rodney Wallace, whose Portland Timbers visit PPL Park next weekend. The game was Wallace’s first international cap.
Former Philadelphia Union defender Michael Orozco Fiscal started and played 90 minutes. He did all right, but he was partially at fault for the goal. ESPN.com graded him out rather poorly, but his night wasn’t that bad — well, aside from that game-winning goal thing.
The USMNT has added another friendly to the schedule, slotting in a match against Honduras in south Florida on Oct. 6.
Union
Philadelphia Union game tonight at 9 p.m.! If you missed it, check out our preview.
From the Not News (but about the Union on a Saturday) Department:
The Daily News/Inqy debunked a report by The Brotherly Game that FIFA had fined the USSF for the You Suck A—–e chants at the U.S.-Mexico game last month. The USSF says it’s not true. On the bright side, you know your blog has gained standing when the daily newspaper(s) decides to shoot you down, even if it is just on a blog and not in print. Congrats!
International
In other international soccer news, Germany became the first club to qualify for Euro 2012 by waxing Austria 6-2. England, Italy and the Netherlands also won.
Sepp Blatter wants beach soccer in the Olympics. Anyone who objects will immediately be accused of bribery and suspended by FIFA for life.
Speaking of money, spending on the summer transfer market reached nearly $2 billion this year.
It’s Saturday! Go watch soccer!
I’m a bit calmer about the US game than I was last night. It’s Klinsy’s second game and he is still trying guys out. But I think one thing we know is Castillo is probably not the answer… Just not really good enough. Torres on the other hand looks like the goods. Landy looked like he couldn’t be bothered for long stretches. I’m thinking the midweek game will see a different team.
So, how worried should I be that the Union may not make the playoffs?