------
Registration is required! Don't forget to Login or Register using the links in the upper right menu before starting to write your comment.
Next entry: ESPN + EPL + US = 0?
Previous entry: Reasons American sports fans might also like soccer
USA - Mexico: Preview Round-Up
Tim Howard should be in goal today, and he's playing as well as any keeper in the world. Landon Donovan said they aren't going down there for a draw. Jozy Altidore will be playing up front with the increased confidence (and jetlag) of a guy playing in the Premiership.
People make too much of the heat in Mexico, but the altitude will be trying. People make too much of the history, but I suppose 0-19-1 for the US in Mexico since 1937 has to mean something. People can't possibly make too much of the fans because 100,000 diehards will have a powerful, sustained impact on Mexico's team. Ultimately, I think the shots in the arm they will provide at key moments to Mexico will be the difference in the match.
Here's what others are saying about the game at 4pm ET on Telemundo and mun2:
Big Soccer
Potomac Soccer Wire
Goal.com
Toronto Star
Grant Wahl
Hooligan Talk
There’s tons of baggage, no doubt. My guess is if the US wins, Howard will be the man of the match.
Comment #2: Marc on 08/12 at 02:38 PM
Oh definitely - I have a feeling he’ll pull off some incredible saves tonight.
Damn, we do get lucky with our keepers in the US, don’t we? 
100,000 Mexican fans can be a terror for Mexico as well as for the U.S. They demand the best from their team and when they don’t get it they let the players on the field know loudly.
The other important factor you didn’t mention is that, history aside, all the pressure is on Mexico for this match. The U.S. doesn’t need the points for its qualifying campaign, although 1 or 3 would be big a boost. Mexico, on the other hand, desperately needs three here, especially since they still have to play in Saprissa.
My prediction: Mexico will push very hard for the first goal. If they get it, they win 2-0. If it’s scoreless at half time, you will see a 0-0 tie and at least one Mexican red card in the last 10 minutes.
Comment #4: Babieca on 08/12 at 02:58 PM
Makes sense to me. If they give the fans a lead in the first half, they’ll have their backs, and if they go too long 0-0 or fall behind early, it could get mighty ugly. Less than an hour til gametime!
Comment #5: Marc on 08/12 at 04:16 PM
Page 1 of 1 pages
I can’t say anything right now because I’m busy chewing off all my fingernails.
I think I need some Xanax.
But still….USA! USA! USA! This has the possibility to be the best damn thing this team has ever done, and yeah, I count beating Spain and making the quarterfinals in the WC in there - the history matters to me, and this game reigns supreme when it comes to baggage.