U.S. National Team

[Barney111]

I know that the big soccer(football) news right now is Euro 2000, but did anyone catch the U.S./Mexico match today?

Is it just me, or is this U.S. squad alot better than last year? I know Mexico didn't send their best team, but,still, the U.S. stomped them 3-0.

Touch passing, good long game, relentless attack, excellent defense - they showed it all. Cobi Jones, Brian Macbride, and Claudio Reyna are all playing on a whole new level. Could it be that all we've been lacking is a good coach? Bruce Arena is one of the best IMHO.

Any comments?

[Lawmill]

I'm not too surprised at the result. Beating what was basically U.N.A.M. Pumas isn't a major feat. I think Mexico's decision not to send their big guns is insulting to US Soccer, as well as Ireland and S.A..

That said, I think that the USMNT had a great game. We won most of the 50/50 balls and had quite a few nice combinations. Regis had some dangerous long balls and Jones also shined. When Joe Max Moore is healed the team will be even stronger.

[Zion]

I caught the game, and the U.S. did play well. But, like you said, the Mexicans were playing without their best athletes. And don't forget that two of the goals came after Mexico was shorthanded because of a red card.

Bottom line: Yes, I was impressed by our team today. They showed an agressiveness that they lacked before. This will come in handy in the World cup qualifying matches to come.

[ricepad]

Great result, but I'm reserving judgment until they play a game that really means something. The US Men's Nat'l team has a frustrating history of playing really well, then going into the toilet. I hope that Arena is the catalyst to raise them to the next level for good.

[Al Phosgene]

The US really needs better farm teams, and they should have them spen time training in Canada part of the time, so they can get real competition earlier. We think the teams should fight for local titles first, but that's wrong. We would have better teams if they were structured more like the NHL.

[Lawmill]

The US really needs better farm teams,

We already have AYSO, club teams, ODP, P-40, A League, and MLS. Other than improving facilities, emcouraging people to play soccer, expanding P-40 and ODP, and hiring better staff, there isn't much to be done. In other sports, college and team supported farm clubs work just fine for young athletes.

they should have them spen time training in Canada part of the time, so they can get real competition earlier. We think the teams should fight for local titles first, but that's wrong.

Despite their Gold Cup win, Canada isn't exactly a global powerhouse. Mexico is just as close, and a much tougher opponent. Besides, FIFA won't acknowledge leagues based in multiple nations.

We would have better teams if they were structured more like the NHL.

Care to elaborate?