USA Can Make a Statement Today

The USA Mens Soccer National Team will take the field (yes, I say field, not pitch) today against England in a soccer "friendly" (exhibition) at the New Wembley in England. This is a match that the US can use to see where it currently stands with the rest of the world. England, as I would hope you know, is one of the best countries in the world, so if the US can get some goals and more importantly keep this game close - possibly have a chance at winning - it would instill the confidence in me that I believe we can do something in the 2010 World Cup, similar to the 2002 World Cup.

Many times in friendlies either one of the teams or neither of the teams will bring their "A-squads", but that's not the case here. The US is packing a very good team as is England. The US is bringing over Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson, and DaMarcus Beasley among others. England is bringing John Terry, David Beckham, Peter Crouch, Joe Cole, and my favorite player in the world, Steven Gerrard, among others. Seriously folks, this is going to be a great game and one in which both teams have brought their "A-squads".

If the US gets pummeled here it will be tough moving forward, but win or lose that is exactly what the US will have to do because as stated before, this is merely a friendly. Don't get me wrong though, both teams definitely want to win this game. There's no way that England would ever be okay with losing to the Americans, and a win here by the Americans would prove that we're well on our way to making that next step and becoming an elite country in soccer.

The game will be televised at 3 on ESPN Classic and there are a few players that I would suggest watching. For the US keep an eye on some of our younger players because they really are something special and they'll be the key to our 2010 World Cup roster. While I don't know who will start and who will get significant playing time, keep an eye out for Michael Bradley (midfielder), Jonathan Spector (defender), Eddie Johnson (forward), and of course Freddy Adu (midfielder). (For those of you frustrated with Adu and are on the "overrated" bandwagon, keep in mind that he is still only 18 years old and is playing against 25-30 year olds.) On the England side, look out for the man, Steven Gerrard (midfielder), he can kick the ball so hard you'll wet your pants and be very embarrassed. Also look out for Theo Walcott (midfielder, only 19 years old) and the angry man - Wayne Rooney (forward).


Predictions: Ahh yes, the never know if it's going to be anywhere close predictions of PLBT. I'll say that US defender Oguchi Onyewu will get at least one yellow card and will probably get in a fight with Rooney. That's not going too far out on a limb though. I think that England will win this match 3-1, but that the US will show signs of progress and will play well enough that we can all be confident in the next coming years of the future of US soccer. Again, the game will be at 3 on ESPN Classic, I hope you'll watch.