You still awake? I’m not. In fact, I’m sleepwriting this as we speak.
This was supposed to be a critical friendly match for the U.S. – or, as critical as a ‘friendly’ match can be. It was the last chance for the youngsters and new faces to make an impression on Jurgen Klinsmann before World Cup Qualifying. The match was impressionless (second word I’ve made up).
Save for maybe Kyle Beckerman and a little spunk from Josh Gatt, I didn’t see anything that moved me. Which, maybe was a blessing in disguise – I hate being disturbed when I’m sleeping.
The USMNT takes on Canada tonight, a match they’ve been training for over the past couple of weeks. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been leading those sessions by flying himself via helicopter from his Orange County, CA home to the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.
Yup, you read that right. Funny thing is, it’s surprisingly unsurprising. For starters, Klinsmann makes enough money to remodel the Home Depot Center and turn it into a second home (the Home Klinsmann Center does have a ring to it). And beyond that, doesn’t Klinsmann just strike you as the kind of guy who would fly helicopters just because? Of course he does. Jurgen Klinsmann: coach, helicopter pilot, international man of mystery.
We’re well into the heart of the USMNT camp in Carson, CA, and the countdown has begun for the Jan. 29 matchup with Canada.
The U.S. camp roster has transitioned from fitness to tactical work as they put together the game plan. Omar Gonzalez and Chris Wondolowski can be seen here discussing the action while somewhere off in the distance the Canadians are ardently preparing.
We were able to get our hands on some exclusive footage of team Canada’s captain getting ready for the big match after the jump.
The USMNT is in Los Angeles for the first camp of the year, a gathering that will prepare the unit for a match against Canada on January 29.
But the camp is definitely about more than that. This is an opportunity for players to make early impressions that will set the tone for 2013. Jurgen Klinsmann and the guys share their thoughts on the camp and the upcoming year.
She’s the US Soccer queen of tattoos. She also has an interesting story that began in Canada and has taken her around the world.
In this intimate profile of Sydney Leroux, Fox Soccer examines the highs and lows of her journey.
Sydney Leroux was born in Canada, plays for the U.S. and has dual citizenship … get over it.
Apparently, some people haven’t. Leroux shares some of the backlash she’s gotten from the public about representing the U.S. during this recent appearance on Canada’s Breakfast Television.
I don’t see what the big deal is. Sydney’s not the first Canadian commodity we’ve stolen (Drake, Bieber, Steve Nash … Canadian Bacon) and she won’t be the last.
Don’t worry about it Syd, the 91st Minute has got your back. Haters gon’ hate.
This might be the most violent soccer act to go unnoticed during a match since … a few days earlier. Anyway, I’m starting to think the Olympic committee found these referees on Craiglist – they seem to see everything on the field except the stuff that’s like, actually going on. You know, people being punched and kicked in the head … that kind of thing.
Did Canada get the short end of the stick on a call or two? (Nodding secretly). But that’s no excuse to start jumping people into gangs during matches.
In honor of Carli’s bravery the 91st Minute orchestra will now play a selection titled “Carmelo Anthony’s Pain.”
By Erica Joe
I love Abby Wambach. Let’s just get that out there. Some (maybe many) will disagree with me, but I think she could be the greatest female soccer player EVER. I was young when Mia Hamm was in her heyday, so maybe I missed something there. Not that I don’t think Mia Hamm was awesome, I just think Abby is awesome-er.
Wambach leads her team on and off the field, she’s incredibly tough (she’s got a little gangsta in her – don’t think of crossing her on the street), her skill doesn’t even need mentioning, and she’s smart.
During the overwhelmingly stressful semifinal match against Canada (I couldn’t sit still throughout the match and might have kicked a trashcan or two), it was Wambach who counted off the seconds aloud each time Canada’s goalkeeper Erin McLeod held the ball – causing the referee to make the extremely rare call for delay of game. Goalkeepers are allowed six seconds to hold the ball, and this was at least the fifth time McLeod held onto it for over 10 seconds. Maybe not the most intricate of plans by Wambach, but her persistence may have pushed the referee to finally make the call.
After Wambach’s performance in the World Cup I wanted to make a bronze bust of her head because it was the U.S. team’s most powerful and dependable weapon. Now maybe it should be a gold bust…or, a silver depending on Thursday’s outcome. My fingers are crossed for gold!
My immediate thoughts from the USWNT’s dramatic 4-3 win over Canada:
1. ALEX MORGAN! With her game-winning header Abby Wambach style, she just went from American Sweetheart to American Hero. It’s officially time to address her nickname: ‘Baby Horse.’ Let me repeat that: Alex Morgan, THE Alex Morgan goes by ‘Baby Horse.’ Who signed off on this? Not the 91st Minute, that’s for sure. Couldn’t we have called her ‘Filly’ at the very least? Nicknames should never be that specific. LeBron is ‘King James,’ not ‘Man Who Sits on a Throne and Wears a Crown.’
2. Thank you, referee. That bogus call you made on Canada’s keeper (whatever it was) to set up Abby Wambach’s equalizer – yeah, we appreciate that. Check’s in the mail.
3. Those Canadians can play! It’s a good thing the team didn’t go with my goal celebration ideas – that might have really set the Canadians off! We struggled against Canada in preparation for the Olympics, and they proved it was no fluke in the rematch. Hats off to the team North of the Border. I see you (that means you Desiree Scott. If you ever need anything, like uhh, a Green Card … call me).
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