August 10th, 2010 -- USA v. Brazil

Only 1,401 more days until the world will turn their eyes towards the kickoff of World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

This is my first blog post, and I would like to make it clear that I am not doing this to get attention.  I am using this blog for simply one reason; I am creating it to provide a place for American fans, like myself, to discuss anything and everything involving the beautiful game.  Though the popularity of soccer has recently grown to it's highest point ever in the United States, it is still not nearly as respected and represented in the way it should.  There is no other sport in the world that has players who are more dedicated, fans who are more passionate, and a game that is more exciting than soccer.  This blog will keep American fans of all types informed about not only the United States Men's National Team or the MLS, but it will also cover scores, news, and rumors from leagues all throughout the world.  If you agree with what I say, feel free to let me know.  If you completely disagree with what I say, feel free to let me know.  This blog is an outlet for us "yanks" to discuss and argue about the sport that we love most.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The USA v. Brazil friendly this evening ended with a result that seemingly everyone expected.  Going into the game, I am sure that if FIFA asked both teams whether or not they would have liked to play this game, both federations would have replied, "No."  There were simply far to many off-the-field distractions for both nations heading into this game, that it was seemingly impossible to fully put a fans heart and interest in this game.

Brazil had an almost completely remodeled squad for tonight's game, partly because they wanted to give some of their younger players some international experience against a strong side, but mainly because the rest of their first-team squad is training with their club teams in preparation of the European seasons which are about to start or have already started.  Their were plenty of bright spots for the Brazilians:

- Neymar.  An 18-year old phenom who needed only 28 minutes to notch his first international goal.

- Robinho.  The Manchester City owned star looked great on the ball, and would have scored if not for the post.  He definitely looked as if his uncertain future of where he will play his club football had no effect on his on the field performances.

- David Luiz.  The Benfica defender looked as solid as anyone on the field, even though this was his first international "cap".  He drew comparisons to Spanish defender Carles Puyol, and made it clear why European powerhouses like Chelsea FC and Manchester City are lining up transfer bids for the 23-year old.

The Red, White and Blue played a dull and uninspired 90 minutes as a whole, and it seemed to be a fitting result with the timing of this game.  The few bright spots for the USMNT were:

-Omar Gonzalez.  Barring injury, Omar Gonzalez is going to be the Center Back for the USMNT of the future.  He was solid in the back, especially defending set-pieces.  Though he had a few shaky moments early on, he was not responsible for either goals, and put in a great effort for his first of many "caps" to come.
-Sacha Kljestan.  Though he only played the 2nd half, he seemed like he was finally returning back to his form of old.  He looked strong on the ball, put in a solid effort, and put a number of quality balls into the box.  Believe it or not, he is still only 24-years old.  Hopefully his recent move to Anderlecht was what he needed to further progress.

There were also some obvious negatives:

- Jonathan Bornstein.  Can anyone please tell me why this guy continues to get called up to the USMNT?  He completely gave away the first goal to the Brazilians, as he completely left Neymar unmarked for a free header.  He was caught ball watching again, and had only one quality push on the flank throughout the entire game.

- Robbie Findley.  I think that this might possibly have been his last experience with the first team.  I completely understand that Bob Bradley likes his speed, but he fails to show up and provide every time his name is called upon.  Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle both looked much, much better than Findley.

- Alejandro Bedoya.  This was one of my only experiences watching him play, as I am unable to watch much Swedish League football.  For this being his first international "cap" this was a perfect stage for him to display his talents.  He didn't do much with the ball at his feet, and was eventually subbed out in the 60th minute for simply being exhausted.  If he is going to try and become a regular with this club, he needs to do more with his opportunities.

Whether the final result ended with the USA winning 5-0, or Brazil winning 5-0, it would have had little impact on the future of American soccer.  The future of American soccer is entirely up in the air, as several players and manager Bob Bradley don't know where their next destination lies.  No one knows whether Bob Bradley will renew his contract with the USMNT and be their coach during Brazil 2014, or whether the rumors of him being linked to European club manager positions like Aston Villa are true.  Several players also have to figure out which club kit they will be wearing in the next few years as well. 

Jozy Altidore needs to find a club where he will be playing against strong competion and playing time, as Villarreal has openly said that he his excess to their current needs.  Michael Bradley needs to figure out if he is staying with Moenchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, a team which is destined to be fighting another relegation battle.  Though Landon Donovan is more than likely going to finish the rest of the season with MLS League Leader's LA Galaxy, his future is up in the air as several Premier League teams have been vying for his talents.  Defender Jay Demerit missed tonight's game due to him currently being in Europe trying to make his decision on where he will sign.  DaMarcus Beasley is available on a free transfer after Rangers declined to renew his contract.  Freddy Adu is without a club, as his loan spell with Greek side Aris recently ended.  It is simply ridiculous how many players could be unsigned at the start of the major European club leagues.  Players with uncertain club futures is definitely a problem, but there are hundreds of other question marks that surround this club as well. 

Will Charlie Davies be fully fit and return to his form after his car crash?  Will Onyewu get fully fit and recieve playing time with AC Milan?  Who will be able to solidify the central midfield position next to Michael Bradley?  Is Jermaine Jones a viable solution?  Will Jozy Altidore grow and blossom into the player we know he can be?  Will Tim Howard fully commit to the next four year international cycle, when he is already 31 years old?  The list of questions go on and on, and a majority of them could be more easily solved if Sunil Gulati and the rest of the United States Soccer Federation put an end to the speculation and either hire a new manager or renew Bob Bradley's contract.  I am completely fine with either result, but the future will not get bright for this team anytime soon until we have a gaffer in place to lead this country from now until Brazil 2014.

Check the blog back on Thursday, August 12th, as I preview the 20 Premier League clubs and give my predictions on the final table standings as well.