06/04/2011 Gold Cup first-round referees announced
DALLAS - Panama's Roberto Moreno and Enrico Wijngaarde of Suriname will officiate the opening games of the Gold Cup, CONCACAF announced Friday.
Moreno, a veteran of the 2008 Olympics and 2010 Club World Cup who also refereed the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final in April between Real Salt Lake and Monterrey, will be in charge of the Gold Cup opener Sunday in Arlington, Texas, between Costa Rica and Cuba.
Winjngaarde, who will be participating in his third Gold Cup, will be the man in the middle for the nightcap of the doubleheader between defending champion Mexico and El Salvador.
First Round Times U.S. Eastern (local times in parentheses) Sunday, June 5 At Arlington, Texas Costa Rica vs. Cuba, 6 p.m. (5 p.m.) Referee: Roberto Moreno (PAN) AR1: Daniel Williamson (PAN) AR2: Oscar Velasquez (HON) Fourth: Jose Molina (HON) Fifth: Ricardo Louisville (SUR)
Mexico vs. El Salvador, 8 p.m. (7 p.m.) Referee: Enrico Wijngaarde (SUR) AR1: Ricardo Morgan (JAM)h AR2: Charles Morgante (USA) Fourth: Courtney Campbell (JAM) Fifth: Ricardo Louisville (SUR)
Monday, June 6 At Carson, California Jamaica vs. Grenada, 9 p.m. (6 p.m.) Referee: Baldomero Toledo (USA) AR1: Joe Fletcher (CAN) AR2: Hector Vergara (CAN) Fourth: David Gantar (CAN) Fifth: William Torres (SLV)
Honduras vs. Guatemala, 11 p.m. (8 p.m.) Referee: Francisco Chacon (MEX) AR1: Marvin Torrentera (MEX) AR2: Leonel Leal (CRC) Fourth: Walter Quesada (CRC) Fifth: William Torres (SLV)
Tuesday, June 7 At Detroit Panama vs. Guadeloupe, 6 p.m. (6 p.m.) Referee: Trevor Taylor (BRB) AR1: Adrian Goddard (BRB) AR2: Jose Luis Carmago (MEX) Fourth: Neal Brizan (SUR) Fifth: Ainsley Rochard (TRI)
United States vs. Canada, 8 p.m. (8 p.m.) Referee: Walter Lopez (GUA) AR1: Hermenerito Leal (GUA) AR2: Gerson Lopez (GUA) Fourth: Marlon Mejia (SLV) Fifth: Ainsley Rochard (TRI)
Thursday, June 9 At Charlotte, North Carolina Costa Rica vs. El Salvador, 7 p.m. (7 p.m.) Referee: Walter Lopez (GUA) AR1: Hermenerito Leal (GUA) AR2: Gerson Lopez (GUA) Fourth: Marlon Mejia (SLV) Fifth: Ainsley Rochard (TRI)
Cuba vs. Mexico, 9 p.m. (9 p.m.) Referee: Courtney Campbell (JAM) AR1: Ricardo Morgan (JAM) AR2: Daniel Williamson (PAN) Fourth: Roberto Moreno (PAN) Fifth: Oscar Velasquez (HON)
Friday, June 10 At Miami Jamaica vs. Guatemala, 7 p.m. (7 p.m.) Referee: Walter Quesada (CRC) AR1: Leonel Leal (CRC) AR2: William Torres (SLV) Fourth: Joel Aguilar (SLV) Fifth: Marvin Torrentera (MEX)
Grenada vs. Honduras, 9 p.m. (9 p.m.) Referee: David Gantar (CAN) AR1: Hector Vergara (CAN) AR2: Joe Fletcher (CAN) Fourth: Francisco Chacon (MEX) Fifth: Marvin Torrentera (MEX)
Saturday, June 11 At Tampa, Florida Canada vs. Guadeloupe, 6 p.m. (6 p.m.) Referee: Neal Brizan (TRI) AR1: Ainsley Rochard (TRI) AR2: Adrian Goddard (BRB) Fourth: Trevor Taylor (BRB) Fifth: Gerson Lopez (GUA)
United States vs. Panama, 8 p.m. (8 p.m.) Referee: Marco Rodriguez (MEX) AR1: Jose Luis Carmago (MEX) AR2: Hermenerito Leal (GUA) Fourth: Marlon Mejia (SLV) Fifth: Gerson Lopez (GUA)
Sunday, June 12 At Chicago El Salvador vs. Cuba, 6 p.m. (5 p.m.) Referee: Jose Molina (HON) AR1: Oscar Velasquez (HON) AR2: Ricardo Louisville (SUR) Fourth: Enrico Wijngaarde (SUR) Fifth: Charles Morgante (USA)
Mexico vs. Costa Rica, 8 p.m. (7 p.m.) Referee: Roberto Moreno (PAN) AR1: Daniel Williamson (PAN) AR2: Ricardo Morgan (JAM) Fourth: Jair Marrufo (USA) Fifth: Charles Morgante (USA)
Monday, June 13 At Harrison, New Jersey Guatemala vs. Grenada, 7 p.m. (7 p.m.) Referee: Baldomero Toledo (USA) AR1: Hector Vergara (CAN) AR2: Marvin Torrentera (MEX) Fourth: David Gantar (CAN) Fifth: Joe Fletcher (CAN)
Honduras vs. Jamaica, 9 p.m. (9 p.m.) Referee: Joel Aguilar (SLV) AR1: William Torres (SLV) AR2: Leonel Leal (CRC) Fourth: Walter Quesada (CRC) Fifth: Joe Fletcher (CAN)
Tuesday, June 14 At Kansas City, Kansas Canada vs. Panama, 7 p.m. (6 p.m.) Referee: Walter Lopez (GUA) AR1: Hermenerito Leal (GUA) AR2: Gerson Lopez (GUA) Fourth: Neal Brizan (TRI) Fifth: Adrian Goddard (BRB)
Guadeloupe vs. United States, 9 p.m. (8 p.m.) Referee: Marlon Mejia (SLV) AR1: Jose Luis Carmago (MEX) AR2: Ainsley Rochard (TRI) Fourth: Marco Rodriguez (MEX) Fifth: Adrian Goddard (BRB)
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
Registered: 10/21/99
Posts: 1172
Loc: spring valley ny 10977
Offline
Brethren unnu low Cummings man. The man hasn't played in a while and still not feeling a 100. Why should he rush back inna this tournament and maybe damage himself for another 2 months or so?
You nuh think a the man talk with his doctor? Tappa knew from early on that Omar was a risk. We just have to go soldier with what we have.
06/04/2011 Sinha joins Mexico after father's funeral
By Ivan Orozco
DALLAS - Antonio Neaelson, better known as "Sinha", joined Mexico in Dallas Saturday after making a trip to Brazil to attend to his father's funeral.
Sinha, who was born in Brazil but is a naturalized Mexican, was expected to join the rest of El Tri for Saturday' training session at Cowboys Stadium. Itwas not certain if Sinha would be in Mexico's starting lineup Sunday when it makes its 2011 Gold Cup debut against El Salvador.
Sinha is a veteran of the Mexican national team and, at 35, one of the oldest players on coach Jose Manuel de la Torre's squad. Some say he could be an integral part of the team as the handful of veterans help mentor younger players in some capacity.
Sinha was not with the team during Monday's practice session before El Tri's friendly match against New Zealand on Wednesday. He left for Sao Paulo to be with his family.
It will most likely be up to Sinha and de la Torre if the midfielder will be emotionally ready to play.
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
The 2011 Gold Cup is an interesting tournament, one almost designed specifically for the most hard core soccer fan. The winner advances to the Confederations Cup, which is a very scaled down version of the World Cup, and you have to really be into soccer to buy tickets for Panama versus Guadeloupe (Tuesday in Detroit). But there are some incredible plot lines for this tournament, and if you don't think the pressure is on Bob Bradley's team to hoist the trophy in LA at the end of the month, you aren't paying attention to soccer at all.
However, the U.S.'s success is not the only thing riding on this tournament. Mexico is the other CONCACAF side that believes it can rise to the elite of international soccer, while Canada, Honduras, and Costa Rica are engaging building projects aimed at breaking up the CONCACAF duopoly that currently exists. Below is your guide to the teams in the Gold Cup as well as the games not to miss. Teams are listed in four categories: favorites, dark horse contenders (those teams that could surprise and win the Gold Cup), dangerous teams (those that can grab an unexpected game or two), and happy to be here. Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Check out the entire schedule here and TV schedule here.
Guide to the Gold Cup Teams
Favorites
The United States [C]: The team we all know so well has a few injury concerns. Landon Donovan should be over his illness by Tuesday, but anytime #10 is out the U.S. should be worried. Keep in mind, two years ago the U.S. brought a third string team to this tournament and made the finals, so anything less than the finals will be a disappointing tournament.
Mexico (A): El Tri has not lost this year internationally, and the emergence this year of "Chicarito" for Manchester United should have U.S. fans concerned about facing this team. Two possible weaknesses for Mexico to note: this is head coach José Manuel de la Torre's first Gold Cup as manager, and Monterrey keeper/Mexico starter Jonathan Orozco has been a starter only twice, both times in friendlies.
Dark horse contenders
Canada [C]: American fans may be quick to dismiss our northern neighbors, but that would be a dangerous decision. The names known to MLS fans are Julian de Guzman, Will Johnson and Dwayne de Rosario, but the team has veteran European club players like MF Atiba Hutchinson (Eindhoven), D Kevin McKenna (Germany's Koln), and F Simeon Jackson (England's Norwich City).
Costa Rica (A): Remember, Costa Rica was a winner-take-all game away from qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Alvaro Saborio is the "name" player for U.S. fans but their most important player is Bryan Ruiz, who was a major contributor for FC Twente this season (and scored both goals in the 2-2 draw with the U.S. in the most recent World Cup qualifying).
Jamaica (B): Don't laugh, but the Reggae Boyz are a legitimately good team. Eight players come from MLS, the most important being Dane Richards, but this team will badly miss an injured Omar Cummings. Besides Tim Howard, they may have the best keeper in CONCACAF in Donovan Ricketts.
Dangerous Teams
Guadeloupe [C]: The only CONCACAF country to win a World Cup, Guadeloupe is a territory of France, so CONCACAF tournaments are the only prize the island itself can play for (FIFA considers them part of France). Stephane Auvray will lead this team of Ligue 1 and smaller European club veterans. Guadeloupe made a run to the 2007 Gold Cup semifinals, so they know how to win important matches in this tournament.
Guatemala (B): This team's chances begin and end with the Fire's Marco Poppa and the Union's Carlos Ruiz. They barely qualified for this tournament, but with Poppa and Ruiz have the ability to grab an upset or two in the tournament.
Honduras (B): No Andy Najar leaves this team with a hole in midfield. The star of the team is Celtic left back Emilio Izaguirre, who was named Scottish Premier League player of the year this season. Eleven players on this roster started at least once in the 2010 World Cup, but with the team on its third manager in the past year and undergoing a youth movement, this will be a wildly unpredictable team.
Happy To Be Here
Cuba (A): Their only recent win in a friendly was against Nicaragua, who is currently ranked below Curacao. Their players all play in Cuba, which is a poor league. The only intrigue in their matches is if anyone will defect afterwards.
El Salvador (A): This is the team to cheer for if you are an ex-pat - their two most famous players are MLS players who came up in the US system in Alturo Alvarez and Steve Purdy. The Portland defender only got his passport about a month ago, so los Cuscatlecos are vulnerable in the back.
Grenada (B): No Shalrie Joseph, no chance. They were outscored 10-0 in the group stage of the 2009 tournament, so they will be looking for a goal this time as a team goal.
Panama [C]: Panama is ahead of Scotland in the FIFA rankings, so they have that going for them. Their squad has players from clubs all over the world, including León (Blas Perez), Lech Poznan (Luis Henríquez), and River Plate (Harold Cummings).
Matches to Watch
US v. Canada (June 7, Detroit): This is a good early test for the Yanks. If they can shake off the Spain loss and bring their A game, they should beat the Canucks. However, anything less and Canada can steal a point or three from this match.
Mexico v. Costa Rica (June 12, Chicago): Mexico should win group A, but this will be their stiffest test before the one-and-done rounds.
Honduras v. Jamaica (June 13, Red Bull Arena): While I think Jamaica is the favorite in this group, this match may be for the first spot in the group. Honduras can grab a statement win and a face off in the quarterfinals against Group B #2 [Canada/the U.S./Guadeloupe] at RFK Stadium.
Gold Cup Championship (Los Angeles, June 25): If this is the United States and Mexico, expect an epic contest. This would be their first meeting since 2009 and is certainly anticipated.
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 16612
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
No room for complacency, says Boyz Skipper
IAN BURNETT @ THE CONCACAF GOLD CUP in the USA
Monday, June 06, 2011
Print this page Email A Friend!
TORRANCE, California — Reggae Boyz captain Shavar Thomas has made it clear that his players are so focused on today's opening 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament game against Grenada that complacency will not be allowed to creep in.
Jamaica will face Caribbean rivals for the first time in their eighth attempts at the Gold Cup, and having had the better of the Eastern Caribbean country in recent times, the question of complacency is often hard to avoid.
[Hide Description] THOMAS... we are taking this game very seriously [Restore Description] 1/1
"No, definitely not, because in modern football the gap between teams is narrow, and when other Caribbean teams play against Jamaica, it is like they are playing their final, so we have to be prepared for the challenge all the time, we can't be complacent and we are not," responded Thomas, the 30-year-old captain, who currently plays professionally for the Sporting Kansas City.
"We are taking this game very seriously and not taking Grenada like the underdogs, it is not that situation, we are looking at it as the first game of the tournament and we want to start on a winning note," he added.
Thomas, the former Jamaica Under-20 captain at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2001, advised that it has been a long-time aim of the players to gradually build an environment conducive to a winning mentality.
"It is a work in progress and for the past two years we have been trying to build that kind of environment where each player whenever he comes to the national team he feels at home, being given the best possible environment to perform in.
"We resumed in Brazil and are continuing to build it here at the tournament, and so far so good," he said.
The big defender added that being Digicel Caribbean Cup champions has set the foundation and a benchmark to build on. "So coming into this tournament we are not coming to compete, but moreso to be contenders for the Cup," Thomas noted.
He explained that in the past Jamaica have had the talent and the squads to have given a decent account of themselves, but failed to deliver, so this time around they are looking to deliver on their promise.
"Since the camp in Brazil there has been tremendous and continuous improvement and we are just building from there," he concluded.
Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong - will go wrong."
Quote:
06/07/2011 Osorio leaves Gold Cup, returns to Mexico
By Ivan Orozco
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio did not make the trip from Dallas to Charlotte.
The veteran defender was sent directly from Dallas, where Mexico defeated El Salvador 5-0 in their Gold Cup opener on Sunday, to Monterrey on Monday due to an illness.
Mexico's Director of National Teams Hector Gonzalez Iñarritu confirmed Osorio's departure.
Iñarritu said Osorio will undergo further medical tests in Monterrey after the player suffered from pain in his urinary tract. The team's medical staff and team doctor Jose Luis Serrano monitored and treated Osorio's symptoms in Dallas but they felt he needed further attention. "Our policy has always been to give our players all the support from a health and family point of view," Iñarritu said. "That's the primary concern. The sporting side is also important but we have been consistent in giving players our backing and that's what is important."
Iñarritu said Serrano explained that Osorio complained of pain and the veteran placer said that his family's medical history includes illnesses related to the prostate. He didn't elaborate.
"Right now what we want is for him to get better so he can return and join us once again," Iñarritu said.
There is no timeframe for Osorio's recovery.
Osorio will not return to the Gold Cup. Tournament rules state that a team can replace a player up to 24 hours prior to its first match.
Osorio did not dress for Sunday's game against El Salvador.
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
Grenada's team spirit continues to sink following its 4-0 loss to Jamaica on Monday.
Two teammates, who could not be identified, scuffled at the end of the team's Wednesday training session with one of the players storming off the field.
The arose from a tackle early during a scrimmage when a younger player accused the other of deliberately slapping him. According to coach Michael Adams, the younger player lost control then goaded and waited for the older player to come off the pitch before the situation exploded.
"The last 20 minutes we finished ok, but then we had an incident between two players who got at each other and I have never seen anything like it. It was very ugly," said coach Michael Adams, who declined to name the players.
On Thursday, Adams said he would deal the matter internally.
"The situation with the two players will be dealt with in house," he said in a statement. "I'll obviously deal with the players concerned. I haven't had a chance to do that as yet. I will deal with that situation a bit later. Obviously I'd like things to calm down first. The players did eat together last night and all the players were present. It didn't carry on, so let's see what happens."
It was the second such incident in less than a week. On Saturday, England-based Delroy Facey had harsh words with a younger teammate about a sideline tackle.
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 16612
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
The most accurate analysis of the team so far from ova so:
Ok. You've all waited long enough for my expert analysis of tonight's game. I will keep you in suspense no more. Let me start by saying that we HAVE turned a corner, and Tappa, and his crew, must be complimented and encouraged. There were more positives to take from this game than negatives. I deliberately waited until after watching this match before I threw my hat into the "feel good ring". Here are some of my observations:
The team has no PrimaDonnas. I see the players playing for each other and trusting each other. There is a sense of unity within the team. Finally, the team's tactics matches our strengths. God blessed Jamaicans with an abundance of speed and athletism. I always thought that Luton Shelton was the fastest (across ground ) on the team, but Demar Phillips, Eric Vernan and not to mention the real speed demon Dane Richards, are just as fast. Opposing defense will have some serious problems trying to handle our speed. The utilisation of the wings, is devasting. One of the biggest improvement within the team, is the level of discipline that the players are showing. They are disciplined in maintaining their shape; they are disciplined in attacking in numbers; they are disciplined in running back and pressuring the player on the ball in numbers; and most of all, they are disciplined in keeping their emotions in check. Most noticeably, is Eric Vernan, who has been on the end of several fouls in the two matches. In tonight's match, the Guatemalean keeper, cheekily swung his hand and struck Vernan in his face. The youngster kept his cool and walked away. The Jamaica of old would have been down to 10 men by now. The patient buildup, shows that we are advancing in our play. We are now playing a controlled, well-managed game like the big international teams. Guatemala is a half step up from Grenada. Honduras will offer us more of a challenge. However, since we have already qualified for the next round, Tappa will be resting our main players, so our team MAY not be as strong. He has to be careful not to lose the number one spot. Individually, a number of players are standing out - Eric Vernan, Dane Richards, Luton Shelton (has shown improvement and maturity), Demar Phillips (sweet left foot and he should be taking our freekicks), Morrison (steady and solid), Taylor (marshalling his defense well) and Keamar Daley (certainly one to groom).
Our weaknesses:
We lost some of our somposure tonight when we came under a little pressure. Our defense was resorting to the one-time clearances and thus, giving back the ball to the opponent. Donovan Ricketts was slinking back to his usual silliness because we were up. We need to move the ball faster against tougher opponents. Certain players need to work on their game: Austin (passing), Ryan Johnson (finishing), Omar Daley (selflessness), Donovan Ricketts (his concentration even when he is inactive for long periods)
Overall, the team is on the right track. Bring on Honduras.
but hopefully the team don't get overconfident or complacent because we lead the group; we need to win the group, so as not to face tougher opponents in the quarters...
CANADA, PANAMA, in the quarters and we're good to go...
I have great interest in this evening's games. I think that the Gwada boys can beat Canada or, at least, draw with them. While I respect Canada, I feel that Guadeloupe might just be able to exploit some of their weaknesses.
Gold Cup: Auvray, Guadeloupe confident of beating Canada (again)
Facing do-or-die situation, Gwada Boys ready to repeat 2007 upset special
June 11, 2011
Simon Borg
MLSsoccer.com
TAMPA, Fla. – Believe it or not, Guadeloupe have never faced a do-or-die scenario in the group stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In 2007 and 2009, they were the surprise team of the continental tournament, collecting points from their first two group matches in both editions. But when they face Canada at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night, a positive result is a must to stay alive after an opening match loss to Panama.
“We know that now we have to win against Canada,” Guadeloupe and Sporting Kansas City midfielder Stephane Auvray told MLSsoccer.com. “We think we can win the game. We always step on the field and think that we can win the game against anybody.
“From what we know about Canada, we have the potential to get the three points even if it’s going to be hard. We can do it. We can do it.”
History is on Guadeloupe’s side. They defeated Canada 2-1 in the second match of the group stage in 2007 in a match played at the Orange Bowl in Miami.
“We had quality players back then, including Jocelyn Angloma, and they were a better group than this one,” Guadeloupe manager Roger Salnot told MLSsoccer.com through an interpreter. “But for this second game I expect the team to be better physically and tactically and that’s going to allow us to play better and be positioned better overall.”
Salnot was disappointed in the defensive performance of his team, conceding two goals in a two-minute span of the first half against Panama that proved too steep an obstacle to overcome.
Auvray says his team “lost on the details” against Panama but he was encouraged by the second-half display in which they came within a goal of a tie after going down 3-0. He felt that the two-forward set-up they played after the break allowed them to impact the match even though they were playing down a man.
Salnot is keeping his options open on whether to start with two forwards against Canada. He also has a decision to make on who will play at right back with Mickael Tacalfred serving a suspension for his red card against Panama. Salnot did concede that it won’t be Loic Loval, an attacking player who slotted in at right back to fill the void in the match played at Ford Field.
Auvray indicated that fans can expect an improved Guadeloupe side simply for the reason that they have 90 minutes under their belt. The national team barely gets together for camps because clubs are not required to release their players to a national association that is not yet recognized by FIFA given it forms part of France.
David Fleurival, who plays for FC Metz in France, was Auvray’s partner in central midfield against Panama. But the last time they played together was back in 2009 against Nicaragua. The Sporting KC midfielder last played in a match with compatriot and forward Richard Socrier back in 2007.
Regardless of Guadeloupe’s unique reality, they still want to maintain their perfect record of advancing to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive Gold Cup tournament.
“The aspiration is still to go to the second round because we know we can still do it -- nothing really changes,” Auvray said. “People know us, they know our qualities and they know we can really do well in this competition.
“It’s not really about the opponent but about us and how fast we can get together. The first game is going to help us a lot and I hope in the second one [vs. Canada] we’ll start playing from the first minute and we act and not react.”
I also feel that Panama will make things tougher for the Americans tonight, so long as they keep the back tight:
Gold Cup: Panama say beatable US "are men just like us"
Dely Valdés' squad points to tough games in previous Gold Cups
June 10, 2011
Simon Borg
MLSsoccer.com
TAMPA, Fla. — Panama have brushed aside the comments made by US national team players that they consider themselves favorites against the Central Americans ahead of their Gold Cup Group C matchup at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night.
“Who cares who’s the favorite?” Panamanian forward Luis “El Matador” Tejada said on Thursday. “That they’re favorites doesn’t interest us. It’s 11-vs.-11 and they are men just like us. They’re not invincible, but we know that if we play well and we’re positioned well on the field, we can beat them.”
Both Panama and the USA enter their weekend battle with three points after victories in their respective Gold Cup openers. The Panamanians know, however, that they must improve on their performance in a 3-2 win against Guadeloupe in which they saw a 3-0 lead nearly vanish.
“We need to be concentrated,” forward Blas Pérez said after Panama’s Thursday training at the University of South Florida. “In the first game, we committed errors that cost us. We can’t commit those same errors and less so against the USA.”
Pérez, who has been rumored to be a target of MLS clubs after finishing as top scorer in the Mexican second division with León, took a dig at the USA when asked to give his opinion of what he saw from the US team against Canada and he called them “a regular team.”
“These games were complicated for them and we gave them something to speak about,” Pérez said of the US-Panama matches played between the two sides in Gold Cup history, three of which finished 2-1. “It was always difficult to beat us.”
Panamanian manager Julio Dely Valdés said he believes that in addition to the US side’s qualities, among which he cites their consistency and an ability to capitalize on errors, they also have some weak spots that Panama can exploit although he wouldn’t detail them.
For his part, Dely Valdés, a former Italian Serie A player and brother of ex-MLSer Jorge Dely Valdés, says to expect a very organized Panama side. Together with a strong back line and dangerous forwards — “in practically every game we score goals,” he said — the manager said it’s the organization and work rate of the highly skilled Panamanian players that will ultimately prove the difference.
And then there are the intangibles. Dely Valdés says his team is eager to break the stretch of Gold Cup setbacks against the USA. Although he admits it will take a near-perfect game by his squad to knock off the US national team, he said he believes his players will be more than up for the challenge.
“The reason we have good games against the USA is the extra motivation that the players have to go up against a big team,” Dely Valdés told MLSsoccer.com. “We [coaches] don’t have to do much because the motivation is already there among the players.”
That much is true. Central defender Román Torres, who is expected to take Eduardo Dasent’s spot in the back line alongside Felipe Baloy, reflected the team’s belief that they’ll finally feel they’re capable of the upset on Saturday.
“We have the tools to beat them,” Torres said. “We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing — running, tackling, staying concentrated and staying organized— and we can beat the United States.”
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to attend family weddings, won’t rejoin U.S. national soccer team for CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica until this weekend
By Steven Goff
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will attend family weddings this weekend and miss preparations for the U.S. national soccer team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal Sunday against Jamaica at RFK Stadium, the U.S. Soccer Federation said. Both are scheduled to travel Saturday night and play in the 3 p.m. match.
While the U.S. squad flew to Washington from Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Donovan and Dempsey, the team’s most influential attacking players, were headed to California and Texas, respectively. Coach Bob Bradley granted their requests for time-off well before the tournament, USSF spokesman Michael Kammarman told the Insider.
Each player’s sister is getting married Saturday.
“Family means a lot to them and it was important to attend,” Kammarman said.
Had the Americans finished third in Group C and, consequently, forced to play Mexico on Saturday at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, the players would’ve skipped the weddings, Kammarman said.
Dempsey is from a tight-knit family, a bond strengthened after another sister, Jennifer, died of a brain aneurysm in 1995. Donovan and his sister, Tristan, are twins.
The United States, which struggled in the group stage of the tournament and finished second behind Panama, will face undefeated Jamaica, the Group B winner, Sunday afternoon in Washington.
Both players participated in regeneration activities Wednesday in the Kansas City area, the day after a 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe in the group finale.
With a light workout scheduled for Thursday and Saturday’s session primarily dedicated to tactics and stadium acclimation, Donovan and Dempsey will miss only one intensive practice (Friday).
Both are scheduled to travel to Washington on Saturday evening. Though they are accustomed to traveling long distances for matches, their late arrival won’t afford them much time to rest and prepare. Had the United States won the group, it wouldn’t have played until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to attend family weddings, won’t rejoin U.S. national soccer team for CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica until this weekend
By Steven Goff
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will attend family weddings this weekend and miss preparations for the U.S. national soccer team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal Sunday against Jamaica at RFK Stadium, the U.S. Soccer Federation said. Both are scheduled to travel Saturday night and play in the 3 p.m. match.
While the U.S. squad flew to Washington from Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Donovan and Dempsey, the team’s most influential attacking players, were headed to California and Texas, respectively. Coach Bob Bradley granted their requests for time-off well before the tournament, USSF spokesman Michael Kammarman told the Insider.
Each player’s sister is getting married Saturday.
“Family means a lot to them and it was important to attend,” Kammarman said.
Had the Americans finished third in Group C and, consequently, forced to play Mexico on Saturday at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, the players would’ve skipped the weddings, Kammarman said.
Dempsey is from a tight-knit family, a bond strengthened after another sister, Jennifer, died of a brain aneurysm in 1995. Donovan and his sister, Tristan, are twins.
The United States, which struggled in the group stage of the tournament and finished second behind Panama, will face undefeated Jamaica, the Group B winner, Sunday afternoon in Washington.
Both players participated in regeneration activities Wednesday in the Kansas City area, the day after a 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe in the group finale.
With a light workout scheduled for Thursday and Saturday’s session primarily dedicated to tactics and stadium acclimation, Donovan and Dempsey will miss only one intensive practice (Friday).
Both are scheduled to travel to Washington on Saturday evening. Though they are accustomed to traveling long distances for matches, their late arrival won’t afford them much time to rest and prepare. Had the United States won the group, it wouldn’t have played until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Did you hear dat DISTRIB, "if it was MEX we would cancel attending wedding," but for JAM we don't really have to worry, we can come the same day and play ball.
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to attend family weddings, won’t rejoin U.S. national soccer team for CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica until this weekend
By Steven Goff
Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will attend family weddings this weekend and miss preparations for the U.S. national soccer team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal Sunday against Jamaica at RFK Stadium, the U.S. Soccer Federation said. Both are scheduled to travel Saturday night and play in the 3 p.m. match.
While the U.S. squad flew to Washington from Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Donovan and Dempsey, the team’s most influential attacking players, were headed to California and Texas, respectively. Coach Bob Bradley granted their requests for time-off well before the tournament, USSF spokesman Michael Kammarman told the Insider.
Each player’s sister is getting married Saturday.
“Family means a lot to them and it was important to attend,” Kammarman said.
Had the Americans finished third in Group C and, consequently, forced to play Mexico on Saturday at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, the players would’ve skipped the weddings, Kammarman said.
Dempsey is from a tight-knit family, a bond strengthened after another sister, Jennifer, died of a brain aneurysm in 1995. Donovan and his sister, Tristan, are twins.
The United States, which struggled in the group stage of the tournament and finished second behind Panama, will face undefeated Jamaica, the Group B winner, Sunday afternoon in Washington.
Both players participated in regeneration activities Wednesday in the Kansas City area, the day after a 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe in the group finale.
With a light workout scheduled for Thursday and Saturday’s session primarily dedicated to tactics and stadium acclimation, Donovan and Dempsey will miss only one intensive practice (Friday).
Both are scheduled to travel to Washington on Saturday evening. Though they are accustomed to traveling long distances for matches, their late arrival won’t afford them much time to rest and prepare. Had the United States won the group, it wouldn’t have played until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Did you hear dat DISTRIB, "if it was MEX we would cancel attending wedding," but for JAM we don't really have to worry, we can come the same day and play ball.
In other words JAM don't worry we...
Kind of a disrespect right?
Common Hamilton, I did not read that in the article. Please do not misconstrue what was said. If they had to play on Saturday they would have foregone the wedding to play with their team. However, since their game is scheduled for Sunday they will attend the wedding, then return in time to play with their team. I would like them to be present when our Boyz take them down on their own turf. I can't wait for Sunday.
Reggae Boyz all the way!! We are going straight to the finals.
Tappa just play the Boyz, the way people play chess. Make sure the right pieces (players) are in the right place at the right time. You are doing an excellent job so far. Keep it up!!
_________________________
The path to greatness is along with others. Baltasar Gracion
H.I., I noticed that as well. Yes, they would have been playing on Saturday otherwise, but this does sound like it is disrespecting JA. I think that if our players know about this they should use it as part of their psychological preparation. Trust me, Bradley would not have let them leave if Mexico was the opponent on Sunday.
Even though the American media have been bigging us up, there is a sense of paternalism going on. We are seen as "surprise" qualifiers, and punching above our weight. But let them talk and go on with that stuff. Those who have seen some of our past encounters with the U.S. know that they have sometimes only luckily beaten us, and that a solid and organized JA squad, which we are becoming, will be a very dangerous team.
H.I., I noticed that as well. Yes, they would have been playing on Saturday otherwise, but this does sound like it is disrespecting JA. I think that if our players know about this they should use it as part of their psychological preparation. Trust me, Bradley would not have let them leave if Mexico was the opponent on Sunday.
Even though the American media have been bigging us up, there is a sense of paternalism going on. We are seen as "surprise" qualifiers, and punching above our weight. But let them talk and go on with that stuff. Those who have seen some of our past encounters with the U.S. know that they have sometimes only luckily beaten us, and that a solid and organized JA squad, which we are becoming, will be a very dangerous team.
H.I., I noticed that as well. Yes, they would have been playing on Saturday otherwise, but this does sound like it is disrespecting JA. I think that if our players know about this they should use it as part of their psychological preparation. Trust me, Bradley would not have let them leave if Mexico was the opponent on Sunday.
Even though the American media have been bigging us up, there is a sense of paternalism going on. We are seen as "surprise" qualifiers, and punching above our weight. But let them talk and go on with that stuff. Those who have seen some of our past encounters with the U.S. know that they have sometimes only luckily beaten us, and that a solid and organized JA squad, which we are becoming, will be a very dangerous team.
For sure Distrib, for sure. Some of those encounters they barely escape....
