Lamar Hunt US Open Cup – 3rd ROUND

Portland Timbers

Seattle Sounders

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Just a few videos to relive and remember the great run the United States went on during the Confederations Cup this year. There were some great performances – Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Landon Donovan – hopefully just a preview of what’s to come in the World Cup next summer.

USA vs Egypt – The first bit of magic…

Highlights from the amazing USA VS Spain upset:

And finally, Brazil vs USA – Not the greatest result, but what a fun game to watch:

A few quick thoughts
The Timbers completely dominated the Montreal Impact tonight at Portland’s PGE Park, extending their league unbeaten streak to 12 matches. They’re simply playing some great soccer and seem to be getting better each match. When the season opened, the offense had some akward moments and struggled to score goals. However, it looks like the team just needed a little time to gel and build chemistry, something that should be expected when you bring in an influx of new talent. The team has just been on a scoring explosion the last few weeks – the first time in team history they’ve won back-to-back games by 4 goals or more, standing at 2nd in the league for Goal Scored with 20.

Keita is really starting to shine. With 3 header goals in the last few games, he’s been putting great pressure on the opposing team’s defense – just looking… Read the rest

A few quick thoughts
Tough loss for the U.S. today. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead only to see Brazil answer with 3 goals, winning the game and taking home the Confederation Cup trophy. It was truly a tale of two halves, Team USA came out with a ton of energy, especially on defense, breaking up balls and tightly marking Brazil’s stars with a lot of aggresion. Although Brazil took more shots, it was the U.S. that capitalized on the advantages – both goals scored on quick counter strikes with effecient passing. But ultimately Brazil’s offensive onslaught was too much, even with Keeper Howard protecting the goal valiantly. Brazil’s ability to control possesion and consistently threaten with precision crosses on the money just flat out wore the U.S. out by the end of the game. It’s tough to keep up that intesity level for a full 90 minutes.

The U.S.… Read the rest

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Team USA needs to be physical and tough. The defense will be forced to fight for their lives again. This will be a war.
Brazil has all the BIG STARS.

But the U.S. has the YOUNG GUNS.

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The city council voted today to separate the deals for renovating PGE Park for MLS Soccer, and finding a home for the AAA Beavers. This is a logical move, and is a strong step towards bringing the MLS to Portland.

The 4-1 vote will allow the city to work with Merritt Paulson, who owns the Beavers baseball and Timbers soccer teams, on separate public-private financing deals to renovate PGE Park for the Timbers’ 2011 Major League Soccer debut and find a location to build a new ballpark for the Beavers.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/06/major_league_soccer_plan_still.html

- The US looks really good right now, controlling possession and attacking effectively.
- Charlie Davies with a bicycle kick shot on goal – a good attempt (6m)
- Spain starting to get their composure back (10m)
- Spain creates opportunities so quickly with their great passing, a near goal – but diving save by USA keeper Howard (18m)
- Spain hasn’t lost a game since 2006 – Donovan with a quick blast! (20m)
- Jozy Altidore GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLL!!!!! USA leads Spain 1-0 (26m)
- That was a great goal by Altidore, accentuating his strength and speed, and he’s only 19 years old, a lot of potential there.
- Bocanegra with a close header off a Dempsey free kick (36m)
- Spain has had MANY dangerous attacks – the US defense has been good….and fortunate sometimes. (42m)
- Howard almost does the splits to save that shot from Fernando Torres… Read the rest

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- George Josten and team-captain David Hayes made the USL First Division Team of the Week, both being recognized for their great play in contributing to the Timber’s 5-1 slaughtering of the Thunder. Hayes, the 11-year veteran, has been a steady defender all year, but perhaps the one we should keep our eyes on is Josten. The 23-year old was drafted 20th overall in the 2008 MLS draft, but never even played a game for the Colombus Crew. He also finished his career at Gonzaga the school’s 3rd all-time leading scorer and 4th in assists – the kid has some potential. Here’s a link to check out the rest of this weeks First Teamers:

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/342082.html

- Be sure to check out “Timbers Talk” on 95.5 theGAME tonight, 7-8 pm on the FM dial. Host John Strong does a great job with the show, knows his stuff, and basically he’s… Read the rest