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US Men Face Costa Rica in Gold Cup Tuesday

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With the task of qualifying for the knockout stage complete, the U.S. Men’s National Team now looks to lock up the top spot in Group C when they face Costa Rica in the final match of the group phase. Kickoff at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX Soccer and UniMas.

Costa Rica sits in second place, also with two wins but a lower goal differential. The United States needs only a draw to secure a first-place finish in the group, which would mean a match against the third-place team from either Group A or Group B in the quarterfinal. The second place team from Group C will meet the second place finisher from Group B.

The U.S. and Costa Rica are all square in the all-time series with a 12-12-6 overall in international play. [Read more…] about US Men Face Costa Rica in Gold Cup Tuesday

Gold Cup Preview: Prodigal Son Returns

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The last time Landon Donovan played for the United States was nearly 10 months ago, a dramatic victory over Mexico in a friendly at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.  Since that historic victory, Landon has suffered a few injuries and questioned his passion for the game, leading him to take a break from international soccer.  During Landon’s sabbatical from international play the United States have beaten the likes of Germany and Italy, but more importantly they find themselves at the top table for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying stage. 

The United States record is 10-3-4 while Donovan was away, leading many fans to believe it is wrong to call him up for the Gold Cup.  Donovan is currently the United States leader in goals (49) and assist (48). To leave him off the roster would have been detrimental to his, and the teams, World Cup chances.  Donovan is crucial if the Americans wish to make a run in the World Cup. [Read more…] about Gold Cup Preview: Prodigal Son Returns

USA Opens U20 World Cup Friday on ESPN2

luis gil, usa
The ESPN networks will present all 52 matches of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup from Turkey (June 21 – July 13) with 21 games on ESPNU including the quarterfinals and semifinals, and the final live from Istanbul on ESPN. The tournament will kick off Friday, June 21, with two matches beginning at 9:45 a.m. CT on ESPN3, and the U.S. National team will begin its campaign on ESPN and WatchESPN at 12:45 p.m. against perennial power Spain.

Head Coach Tab Ramos named the U20 Roster earlier this month which includes Sporting KC’s Mikey Lopez and Real Salt Lakes Luis Gil (pictured). Gil was named to the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship All-Tournament Team.

The 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup will feature the next crop of international stars from 24 countries, including defending champion Brazil, as well as Mexico and the United States. The U.S. team, coached by former U.S. Men’s National team star Tab Ramos, will make its seventh consecutive appearance in the tournament and is helmed by defender Caleb Stanko, who co-captained the team during the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Previous U.S. teams have fielded current USMNT stalwarts Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.

[table]
USA & Mexico U20 World Cup TV Schedule
date, time, match, network
Fri Jun 21, 12:45 p.m., United States vs. Spain, ESPN2
Sat Jun 22, 9:45 a.m., Mexico vs. Greece, ESPN
Mon Jun 24, 9:45 a.m., France vs. United States, ESPN2
Tue Jun 25, 9:45 a.m., Mexico vs. Paraguay, ESPN2
Thu Jun 27, 11:45 a.m., Ghana vs. United States, ESPNU
Fri Jun 28, 9:45 a.m., Mali vs. Mexico, ESPNU
[/table]

All games can be found on my Soccer on TV calendar page or in the footer of this website. All games will also be available live and on replay on computers, smartphones and tablets via WatchESPN.

WCQ: US MNT Host Honduras Tuesday

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ESPN’s coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s campaign to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will continue on Tuesday, June 18, with USA vs. Honduras, live from Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on ESPN and WatchESPN. Leave it to the Guardian to delve into the quality of our strikeforce against Panama. Soccer America expects 3 changes in the lineup.

The US Men’s National Team sits atop the standings in the Hexagonal (final) round of the qualifying series for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). There are six teams competing in this round and the top three earn automatic berths to Brazil 2014. The fourth team plays a two-legged playoff vs. New Zealand, representing the Oceania Football Confederation.

USA vs. Honduras – Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN

Ian Darke and Taylor Twellman will call the match. Bob Ley, Alexi Lalas and Kasey Keller will provide studio commentary.

Last weeks 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying contest between the United States and Panama delivered ESPN’s second most-watched and second highest-rated FIFA World Cup qualifying or international friendly match telecast.

US Men Face Panama Tuesday

Via SoccerSTL.net and his new contributor, Mark Dorsey looks at the upcoming US Matches…

Seattle_poster_ArtChantryHeading into Friday night’s match against Jamaica, only 1 point separated the top 4 teams in the CONCACAF standings. After coming off one of the most memorable friendly wins over Germany, United States were looking for their first qualifier victory in Kingston ever. Many fans will not look back on Friday night’s game as being the prettiest games played by the United States. However, Friday displayed the United States unwillingness to give up in times of adversity. After a sloppy 88 minutes the United States were looking to steal 3 points from Jamaica after an Altidore header from Zusi. Jamaica was able to pull even on a long range free kick header which looked to be the last goal of the game. In injury time an unlikely hero, Brad Evans, was able to capitalize off a Michael Bradley short corner to secure the United States first ever qualifier win in Kingston.
[Read more…] about US Men Face Panama Tuesday