Halftime Report: USA-Italy
by Brayton
Jun 17, 03:55 PM
My first impression is that the ref is intent on leaving his mark on this game. There is no “letting them play” going on at all out there, and we’re up to two straight red cards. One deserved, one certainly not.
The US looks a lot better than they did against Czech. They’re actually playing, and even though Donavan’s not getting involved enough, he’s had a few good touches. They’re doing a much better job going wide. Eddie Lewis’s replacement doesn’t seem to know what to do on the offensive end of the field, but okay…
My only complaint with the US is the defense. Offsides trap on a free kick, WTF? Actually, Eddie Pope, WTF? I think that’s how you spell “liability” for the defense right now. Isn’t there anyone faster we can put back there? I mean, wasn’t Pope the future of US Soccer back around 1992?
10 v 10 for the second half, should be some space out there.
Jun 17, 04:56 PM
Ref: 3, Italy: 1, USA: 1
What was Beasley doing out there in the last 30 minutes. It looked like he was more concerned with not fucking up than he was with actually doing anything. His non-goal notwithstanding.