Guzan is dripping with red paint...
...because Perkens has just splashed a nice big target on Brad's back. Perkens looked so assured I might take to calling him Iceman. The DC United alum didn't make a single false blink.
Holden is a badass
Two more assists for the attacking midfielder. Put him on the left, on the right, in the center-- it doesn't matter, because he will get the job done. Although Holden's agility and intelligence is wonderful, you have to appreciate just how important his fitness is after seeing him generate that clinching assist after 90 minutes of solid football. Fitness doesn't just affect players ability to run all game; studies have shown that fatigue reduces passing accuracy. Fitness is one of the reasons that players like Donovan, Bradley, and Holden are so solid.
The entire defense looked very good.
Obviously Goodson was the most notable, for his game winning goal. But Marshall once again looked marvalous muzzling Costly, and Heaps has gone some way towards reearning my confidence. Finally, Pearce did well again. I've noticed that, rather than go down the sideline, Pearce has a strange tendency to make diagonal runs into the center from his position at left back. I'm not yet sure how I feel about this habit., but it is worth keeping an eye on.
Other points
- Luis Martinez is the sort of player who is fun to watch.
- Pause and Beckerman had unnotable games.
- Robbie Rogers gave the ball away too often early, but showed some good flashes.
- The second goal was really pretty. Great creative work from Ching especially.
- Will Cooper displace Arnaud in the starting line-up for the final?
***
Costa Rica vs Mexico
Costa Rica vs Mexico
The Costa Rica-Mexico game really burst into life in the last few minutes of regulation, although there were excitimg moments earlier. Extended highlights available here. It is funny how Mexico always seems to bring out the worst in opposition. Apparently there is ill-will between Mexico and the Central American teams because Mexico once insulted them all (I vaguely remember this from a podcast a while back, but I could be wrong.) On a different note: I wonder whether Gio Dos Santos might break into Tottenham's first team this season? I sure hope so.
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