Mapfre Stadium in Columbus will host the next USMNT World Cup Qualifier Match on March 29, 2016:  http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/11/23/18/25/151123-mnt-to-play-fifa-world-cup-qualifier-in-columbus-against-guatemala-in-march?sf15774509=1

 

That's good news, but I'm a tad annoyed that Cleveland was not chosen to host any Copa America 2016 matches.

That's good news, but I'm a tad annoyed that Cleveland was not chosen to host any Copa America 2016 matches.

 

There's already going to be a lot of prep work going on for RNC then.

Thew USMNT had their World Cup qualifying match in Columbus yesterday and won 4-0:  http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/3/29/11327434/usa-vs-guatemala-world-cup-2018-qualifying-final-score-result-recap

 

After losing at Guatemala on Friday, yesterday's match was a "must-win" for the USMNT to advance into the final six-team round for 2018 World Cup Qualifying (aka The Hexagonal or The Hex).  Going into last night's match, it was estimated that a win gave the US a 92% chance to advance, a tie a 59% chance, and a loss only a 10% chance.  The US still has two more games against Trinidad and St. Vincent.  But if the US wins their next game at St. Vincent in September they'll clinch their spot in the Hex.

Columbus is always good medicine.  I was at the game against Jamaica in 2012 where if they lost they would not have advanced.  Won 1-0 on September 11th...it was a crazy patriotic game and atmosphere.  That being said, whats with the stigma that people have of Columbus and Ohio in general.  Michael Bradley quoted after the game saying how great Columbus is, but probably because they don't have a lot of other stuff going on. Like what?  Sitting in traffic?  going to the beach?  I know I certainly didn't have time to watch the game last night.

Columbus is always good medicine.  I was at the game against Jamaica in 2012 where if they lost they would not have advanced.  Won 1-0 on September 11th...it was a crazy patriotic game and atmosphere.  That being said, whats with the stigma that people have of Columbus and Ohio in general.  Michael Bradley quoted after the game saying how great Columbus is, but probably because they don't have a lot of other stuff going on. Like what?  Sitting in traffic?  going to the beach?  I know I certainly didn't have time to watch the game last night.

 

A lot of that is Cleveland's influence on the national culture, which is stronger with respect to negatives than people realize.  Even those who think Cleveland is boring subconsciously buy into the NE Ohio perception of Cow-lumbus.

Always a good scene when the USMNT rolls into town:  http://www.massivereport.com/2016/3/30/11329570/the-u-s-mens-national-team-coasts-to-4-0-win-over-guatemala

 

PHOTOS — USA vs Guatemala (World Cup Qualifier)

 

The USMNT won their final two group games against St. Vincent and Trinidad, advancing as one of the six regional teams for the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying (aka: The Hex).  The first game scheduled in the Hex is our home game against Mexico on November 11.  And, as has been a long USMNT tradition, it will be played at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus.

 

Full Hex schedule:  http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/usmnt-schedule-hex-2018-world-cup-qualifying-fixtures-090616

Recap of the not-good, very-bad, terrible start to the USMNT World Cup final qualifying round:

 

-- Friday's 2-1 loss to Mexico in Columbus:  http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/11/11/13606148/usa-vs-mexico-2018-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-recap

 

-- Last night's 4-0 loss at Costa Rica:  http://www.espnfc.us/blog/the-match/60/post/2996216/defensive-lapses-doom-us-in-costa-rica-as-klinsmann-future-left-in-doubt

Sheesh.  They might not make it.  That would suck and put a damper on the momentum the sport has been building in this country. 

Fire JK.

Jurgen Klinsmann fired by U.S. Soccer

 

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2016/11/21/13677648/jurgen-klinsmann-fired-usa-soccer-usmnt

I'd like to see them go with former Akron coach Caleb Porter, but it seems like it might not quite yet be his time.

It's a shame because the 2014 team in the WC was the most tactically skilled and competitive group I've ever seen, including 2002, which was Lightening in a bottle combined with some goofy Clint Mathis and Brian McBride goals. 2002 was fun, but beating Ghana, tying Portugal and playing Germany and Belgium tough was the highest level I've seen them play. It was a product of klinsmans philosophy of controlling the center of the field with quick passes and possession guys like beckerman, Bradley and zusi with fast and skilled guys on wings and up top.  I wanted to see the next step with yedlin, green and the young guys.  Bradley is way to old and they haven't controlled the center of the field in two years.  Klinsman hung onto to some of those guys too long.  He also had a nice pipeline of Europe guys that has ties to the Us and could play for our national team...I don't know if that will stay.  All in all, not sure they can get anyone better.  I will always look at klinsman as what could've been and not what was

BRUCE ARENA NAMED HEAD COACH OF U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

 

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11/22/17/42/161121-mnt-bruce-arena-named-head-coach-of-us-mens-national-team

CONCACAF announce 2017 Gold Cup venues, USA and Mexico group schedule

 

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 13 cities that will host the 2017 Gold Cup next July 7-26 and revealed the sites and dates of group stage matches for the US and Mexico national teams.The USMNT and Mexico will be seeded in next summer’s tournament and will headline Group B and C, respectively. The US will begin their tournament at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on July 8, play their second group game at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on July 12 and conclude Group B action on July 15 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/concacaf-announce-2017-gold-cup-venues-usa-and-mexico-group-schedule

CONCACAF announce 2017 Gold Cup venues, USA and Mexico group schedule

 

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 13 cities that will host the 2017 Gold Cup next July 7-26 and revealed the sites and dates of group stage matches for the US and Mexico national teams.The USMNT and Mexico will be seeded in next summers tournament and will headline Group B and C, respectively. The US will begin their tournament at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on July 8, play their second group game at Tampas Raymond James Stadium on July 12 and conclude Group B action on July 15 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/concacaf-announce-2017-gold-cup-venues-usa-and-mexico-group-schedule

 

Surprised Columbus didn't score this!?! I guess Mr. Haslam is already looking at getting another franchise now that his Browns are in full meltdown mode. Assuming Cbus gets a World Cup qualifier at the 'Shoe?

thats great news.  Great work by our GC sports commission.  we have wanted big time soccer here for a while.

CONCACAF announce 2017 Gold Cup venues, USA and Mexico group schedule

 

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 13 cities that will host the 2017 Gold Cup next July 7-26 and revealed the sites and dates of group stage matches for the US and Mexico national teams.The USMNT and Mexico will be seeded in next summers tournament and will headline Group B and C, respectively. The US will begin their tournament at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on July 8, play their second group game at Tampas Raymond James Stadium on July 12 and conclude Group B action on July 15 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/concacaf-announce-2017-gold-cup-venues-usa-and-mexico-group-schedule

 

Surprised Columbus didn't score this!?! I guess Mr. Haslam is already looking at getting another franchise now that his Browns are in full meltdown mode. Assuming Cbus gets a World Cup qualifier at the 'Shoe?

 

Columbus gets world cup qualifiers every single go around.  Im wondering if they dont believe Columbus can host a major international tournament due to hotels, etc.  I mean, that was their downfall for not getting a political convention, right?

CONCACAF announce 2017 Gold Cup venues, USA and Mexico group schedule

 

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 13 cities that will host the 2017 Gold Cup next July 7-26 and revealed the sites and dates of group stage matches for the US and Mexico national teams.The USMNT and Mexico will be seeded in next summers tournament and will headline Group B and C, respectively. The US will begin their tournament at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on July 8, play their second group game at Tampas Raymond James Stadium on July 12 and conclude Group B action on July 15 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/concacaf-announce-2017-gold-cup-venues-usa-and-mexico-group-schedule

 

Surprised Columbus didn't score this!?! I guess Mr. Haslam is already looking at getting another franchise now that his Browns are in full meltdown mode. Assuming Cbus gets a World Cup qualifier at the 'Shoe?

 

Columbus gets world cup qualifiers every single go around.  Im wondering if they dont believe Columbus can host a major international tournament due to hotels, etc.  I mean, that was their downfall for not getting a political convention, right?

 

Columbus hosts international events such as the Arnold Classic just fine.  The region has nearly 27,000 hotel rooms (http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-bottom-line/2015/03/how-many-hotels-rooms-are-there-in-columbus.html).  That is likely not the reason.

CONCACAF announce 2017 Gold Cup venues, USA and Mexico group schedule

 

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 13 cities that will host the 2017 Gold Cup next July 7-26 and revealed the sites and dates of group stage matches for the US and Mexico national teams.The USMNT and Mexico will be seeded in next summer’s tournament and will headline Group B and C, respectively. The US will begin their tournament at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on July 8, play their second group game at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on July 12 and conclude Group B action on July 15 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/concacaf-announce-2017-gold-cup-venues-usa-and-mexico-group-schedule

 

Surprised Columbus didn't score this!?! I guess Mr. Haslam is already looking at getting another franchise now that his Browns are in full meltdown mode. Assuming Cbus gets a World Cup qualifier at the 'Shoe?

 

Columbus gets world cup qualifiers every single go around.  Im wondering if they dont believe Columbus can host a major international tournament due to hotels, etc.  I mean, that was their downfall for not getting a political convention, right?

 

Columbus hosts international events such as the Arnold Classic just fine.  The region has nearly 27,000 hotel rooms (http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-bottom-line/2015/03/how-many-hotels-rooms-are-there-in-columbus.html).  That is likely not the reason.

 

Would also point out that Columbus hosted an International Champions Cup match this summer between Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid.  It had an attendance of 86,641 in Ohio Stadium:  http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,30606.msg812584.html#msg812584

The USMNT is back on the pitch with their first World Cup Qualifying game since firing Jurgen Klinsmann and hiring Bruce Arena.  After losing their first two games in this final qualifying round back in November, the U.S. sits dead last in the six-team standings:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round

 

The USMNT hosts Honduras tonight in San Jose, then travels to Panama for a road match next Tuesday.

Do they have to win out to qualify?

Slump-busting 6-0 blowout win last night for America's Pitch Patriots:

 

http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-03-24-us-mens-national-team-vs-honduras/recap

Do they have to win out to qualify?

 

There's still 7 games remaining (incl. Tuesday's game at Panama), so its not as dire as that.  But they probably can't afford to lose any more home games.  Which is why last night's game felt like a "must-win".  That and they needed to show some life in this qualifying round with a win.

 

If you look at the updated standings at the below link, the 6-0 win alone bumped the U.S. from 6th to 4th.  If the USMNT can win their 3 remaining home games, plus get a road win over T&T and/or a couple of road draws in their remaining 4 road games, that should be enough.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round

Switching topics...Gold Cup fixtures are set.  Team USA playing in Cleveland on July 15 against the winner of the final qualifying spot (Haiti vs Nicaragua).  Also that day Panama will play martinique.  Should be an energetic day FES with four nations represented!

1-1 draw at Panama last night keeps the USMNT in 4th-place.  If the U.S. could've kept their initial 1-0 lead, they would've vaulted Panama in the standings to 3rd.  But considering where the two opening losses left the team, this home win and road draw leaves the U.S. in good shape moving forward.

USMNT got a 2-0 home win over T&T, then stole a road point with a 1-1 draw at Mexico last night.

 

This home win/road draw combo puts the U.S. in third place (pending the outcome of Panama's match tomorrow):

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round

That US v Mex game was pretty intense. One of the more physical games I've seen in several years (not that I watch all of them)

Calling all fans of soccer or  general fans of rare sports events to witness in person: Saturday evening, July 15th at 7:00 pm, US vs Nicaragua in the final leg of group play in the Gold Cup. US tied Panama last night, the toughest opponent in the group.  It would be shocking to not advance but still the US MNT only comes through every 5-10 years to Cleveland. A few notes:

 

-US has some of the familiar names but largely a younger group.  Arena is trying to find who is ready for the final stages of World Cup qualifying and eventually the World Cup.  No Bradley, Dempsey, altidore, yedlin.  But still a lot of talent to enjoy and they are competing for something.

 

-Cleveland needs a good showing here.  We got ripped a few years back when we played Belgium in a friendly for half selling out the stadium and not having a ton Of energy (forget that Belgium took the US out of the game almost immediately and there was very little to cheer about).  But Nashville was lit last night and we need to bring it.  There will be people in the audience that have a say if Cleveland can be a player for a future World Cup city when it returns in 8 years.  So if you aren't doing anything, bring the kids, or just get a group and go treat it like a browns game. In a lot of ways they are similar in terms of a good party and fun experience.  Even if soccer is not on your favorite sports list, cleveland needs a good showing for future major events.

Agreed on all counts.

On a side note, does anyone know how many tickets have been sold for the game?

USMNT advances from group play to the Gold Cup knockout round by winning their group (including a 3-0 win over Nicaragua in Cleveland on Saturday).  On Wednesday, they face El Salvador in a quarterfinal match.

 

And Coach Arena is adding some firepower for the knockouts.  Dempsey, Altidore, Bradley, Nagbe, and Howard are being added to the roster:

 

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/07/16/arena-united-states-make-six-gold-cup-roster-changes-ahead-quarters

Attendance at the USMNT games during the group stage of the Gold Cup:

Nashville: 47,622

Tampa: 23,368

Cleveland: 27,934

 

I think it was a solid 28K, however, good energy in the crowd.  Lower bowl was packed.  Wouldve liked to seen more than 30K.  For whatever reason, Nashville showed really well.  I suspect alot of people werent from nashville, but used this game as a vehicle to get to Nashville for a weekend.  Cleveland couldbve benefitted from the Crew really  marketing the game better.  I didnt see much advertisement at all until maybe the last month.  Regardless, i dont suspect Cleveland will land a world cup game in 9 years, but hopefully we can grow as a soccer community

The U.S. will face Jamaica in the Gold Cup final Wednesday night.

 

Jamaica stunned heavily favored Mexico 1-0 in last night's semifinal.  Mexico dominated for much of the game.  But Jamaica's goalkeeper (MLS-Philadelphia GK Andre Blake) stepped up with several stellar saves to keep the game scoreless.  In the 88th minute, Jamaica got a free-kick in a dangerous spot and converted a beautiful shot that went over the defensive wall and dipped just below the crossbar for the game-winner:  https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-07-23-mexico-vs-jamaica/recap

 

The U.S. had a similar type game against Costa Rica on Saturday.  But the U.S. broke through with two second-half goals to win 2-0.  Jozy Altidore got the first goal in the 72nd minute off a beautifully led pass from Clint Dempsey.  Then Dempsey struck again with a free-kick goal in the 82nd minute.  That goal tied Dempsey for the all-time USMNT scoring record with Landon Donovan:  https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-07-22-costa-rica-vs-us-mens-national-team/recap

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching Mexico lose last night, especially in such a stunning manner. Now the United States just has to make sure they don't have a let down and take care of business against Jamaica Wednesday night.

I think it was a solid 28K, however, good energy in the crowd.  Lower bowl was packed.  Wouldve liked to seen more than 30K.  For whatever reason, Nashville showed really well.  I suspect alot of people werent from nashville, but used this game as a vehicle to get to Nashville for a weekend.  Cleveland couldbve benefitted from the Crew really  marketing the game better.  I didnt see much advertisement at all until maybe the last month.  Regardless, i dont suspect Cleveland will land a world cup game in 9 years, but hopefully we can grow as a soccer community

 

Also what may have hindered attendance was the fact that Billy Joel and Luke Bryan were in town that weekend...and while I'm not sure how many soccer fans chose the LB concert over the game, both shows probably made it difficult to get an affordable room downtown (or any room)...as that happened when U2 was in CLE.

The U.S. won a highly entertaining Gold Cup final last night:

 

https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-07-26-us-mens-national-team-vs-jamaica/recap

 

---

Jamaica lost their talented goalkeeper, Andre Blake, to a hand injury in the 19th minute.  With the goalkeeper-of-the-tournament on the bench, it didn't look good for the Reggae Boyz.  And it looked even worse for them after Jozy Altidore blasted a 30-yard free kick into the net at 45' to give the U.S. a 1-0 halftime lead.

 

But Jamaica fought back with an equalizing goal in the 50th minute off a corner kick.  For the rest of the second half, the U.S. attacked, while Jamaica defended and tried to preserve the tie.  The U.S. got multiple good scoring chances, but Jamaica's backup keeper made multiple quality saves - including a 75th minute Dempsey header saved by the fingertips onto the post.

 

The USMNT's game-winner didn't come until the 88th minute.  The U.S. banged a cross into the box that deflected to the feet of Jordan Morris, who blasted it home to give us the 2-1 win.

The U.S. won a highly entertaining Gold Cup final last night:

 

https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-07-26-us-mens-national-team-vs-jamaica/recap

 

---

Jamaica lost their talented goalkeeper, Andre Blake, to a hand injury in the 19th minute.  With the goalkeeper-of-the-tournament on the bench, it didn't look good for the Reggae Boyz.  And it looked even worse for them after Jozy Altidore blasted a 30-yard free kick into the net at 45' to give the U.S. a 1-0 halftime lead.

 

But Jamaica fought back with an equalizing goal in the 50th minute off a corner kick.  For the rest of the second half, the U.S. attacked, while Jamaica defended and tried to preserve the tie.  The U.S. got multiple good scoring chances, but Jamaica's backup keeper made multiple quality saves - including a 75th minute Dempsey header saved by the fingertips onto the post.

 

The USMNT's game-winner didn't come until the 88th minute.  The U.S. banged a cross into the box that deflected to the feet of Jordan Morris, who blasted it home to give us the 2-1 win.

 

Nice to see a big win for USA. Also nice to see two Akron Zips, Darlington Nagbe (US) and Darren Mattocks (JAM) playing key roles for their side.

congrats 2 yedilin.

For what?

congrats 2 yedilin.

For what?

 

For being an Akron Zip, obviously!

 

Or for being injured lol.

Costa Rica is the USMNT's kryptonite in this Hex qualifying round!  Almost a year ago, the U.S. lost 4-0 at Costa Rica and got Klinsmann fired.  Last night at Red Bull Arena, the U.S. suffered a stunning 2-0 home loss.

 

And once again put their World Cup Qualifying in jeopardy.  Here are the current standings:  https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-schedule-and-standings

 

The U.S. is tied at 8 points with Honduras, but holds a tie-break to remain in third-place, which is an automatically qualifying spot.  On Tuesday, the U.S. plays at Honduras.  Given the standings and the dwindling number of remaining games (two; a home game against Panama and then at T&T) this Honduras road match is a can't-lose game for the USMNT.

The arena honeymoon was going to end eventually. He is less skilled as a coach than klinsman.  There is a ceiling with arena...they will only be so great. I felt with klinsman they actually had a legit shot against anyone in the world. Yes, they quit on him last year...but that should be more an indictment on the players than klinsman.  Representing your country is an absolute honor. You should not be quitting,ever. 

USMNT staved off disaster yesterday with an 85th minute goal to give them a 1-1 draw in Honduras.  The draw keeps them ahead of Honduras in the Hex standings:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round

 

The U.S. team dropped to fourth in the standings - Panama beat T&T to go ahead by one point.  But because of the draw, the U.S. team stayed out of fifth-place (which is a non-qualifying position).  The last two USMNT matches are a home game against Panama (currently third) and then a road game at T&T (currently in last place).

 

These last two games are must-wins.  But if they do win, they will qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

http://www.espnfc.com/world-cup-qualifying-concacaf/64/blog/post/3210022/concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-how-united-states-can-make-russia-2018

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round#Standings

 

---

Must-win home game for the USMNT against Panama tonight!

http://www.espnfc.com/world-cup-qualifying-concacaf/64/blog/post/3210022/concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-how-united-states-can-make-russia-2018

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_CONCACAF_Fifth_Round#Standings

 

---

Must-win home game for the USMNT against Panama tonight!

 

USMNT got it done with a dominating 4-0 win:  https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-10-06-us-mens-national-team-vs-panama/recap

 

One more win at T&T next Tuesday and they're into the 2018 World Cup!

A draw on Tuesday and they are almost certainly going to the World Cup. But a win and it's certain.

U.S. loses to Trinidad, fails to qualify for 2018 World Cup

 

For the first time in 32 years, the United States men’s national team has failed to qualify for a World Cup.

 

On one of the worst nights in American soccer history, if not the worst, the U.S. slumped to an ugly 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago. In simultaneous games, Honduras beat Mexico 3-2 and Panama beat Costa Rica 2-1. Those results sent the U.S. crashing toward elimination

https://sports.yahoo.com/u-s-loses-trinidad-fails-qualify-2018-world-cup-015400543.html

 

This was embarrassing, but it exposes the us players and coaches as the frauds they are.  I always said they should've never fired klinnsman, as they played the best soccer I have ever seen under him.  The PLAYERS quit under him early in the hex and he got fired.  If you quit while playing for your country, that's an issue with the player.  Arenas is a do nothing slob who can't inspire much at all.  There was zero chance of anything special next summer anyway, so we get to use this opportunity to clean house.  stop Filtering all the talent through the MLS, which is a joke...and get some strategy and inspiration in the program.  What I liked about klinnsman was he pulled Americans that played in Europe even if they barely met criteria of being an American.  itbwas just a much better brand of soccer, possession and control.  Klinnsman won a World Cup, so he knows what it took.  Arena has no such experience

Taylor Twellman's reaction to this was nuts! I was dying laughing. He is absolutely right though.