The Morning After Dos a Cero

Okay, so some thoughts on last night:

- Great atmosphere. I love how a city like Columbus, which is by no means a major metropolitan area or even a Houston or Phoenix (sites of the previous two USA-Mexico matches), can really throw down and make it an event. My dad walked in just after kickoff, and upon hearing the crowd, asked, "I thought we were watching soccer?" We are. "Wow. It sounds like a Duke-North Carolina game."

- I'm starting to feel a man-crush coming on for Giovani Dos Santos, the 19-year-old wunderkid who nearly made it cero a uno in the first ten minutes. It's rare to see a player so comfortable with the ball, even while plowing through defenders. Even though his early shot on Tim Howard yearned for a better finish, you can't help but wonder how much better this kid's going to get once he's old enough to date.

- Where the heck was Sacha Kljestan? I was expecting a solid performance after he wowed us with his hat trick last month. You tease us, Sacha. Or Gordon. Whoever you really you were last night. I couldn't tell, especially with that new close-cropped haircut.

- Speaking of fine performances, yes, I heart Michael Bradley. What a performance, on both ends. His goals speak for themselves - especially that fearless rocket from outside the 18 during injury time. Do I want to name him to the World Cup roster right now? You bet I do.

- I have to shout out Heath Pearce, whom I did not know until last night, had actually played the most minutes (945) for the MNT in 2008. He's quietly put together an impressive resume over the past two years.

- I don't think Rafa Marquez's collision with Tim Howard in the waning minutes was as malicious as it appeared to be. If you watch the replay closely, he actually leads into Howard with his shoulder, bracing for impact. The reason his studs show up appears to be a reflex of not wanting to fall awkwardly rather than causing injury. I know any player, even one of Marquez's world-class pedigree can lose his cool, but I think a red card, in that circumstance, was unjustified.

- The idea that the U.S. is closing the gap on Mexico in relation to claiming the title of top country in CONCACAF won't be validated until the Yanks win at Azteca. It's easier to beat Mexico on home soil, even if the Mexican contingency outnumbers the Americans more often than not. If the Yanks find themselves on the winning end of USA-Mexico in Mexico, THEN we can start talking about USA being the better team.*

(*Among other factors. Mexico is still superior technically. They're much more confident with the ball. Once they get a decent manager, look out.)

- Mexico had no business pressing the issue between the 78th and 88th minutes. The U.S. needs to learn how to start closing out matches if they hope to make any kind of impact in South Africa next summer. It was anyone's match until Bradley's second goal.

- The camera work and production of the broadcast still leaves alot to be desired. There were at least three occasions where a live ball was out of picture. This almost never happens during other ESPN international broadcasts, like Champions League. And don't get me wrong, I think Pedro Gomez is an excellent reporter, but less is more when it comes to sideline reports.

- Lastly, I love Alexi Lalas doing studio work. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious. His personality is perfect for the public eye rather than behind the scenes. I hope he sticks with TV for awhile.*

(*How cool would a weekly half-hour MLS show featuring Lalas and Eric Wynalda be? Two of American soccer's most opinionated and colorful voices together in the same studio? C'mon, who WOULDN'T want to see that?)

Isn't there a soccer game on tonight?

As of 12:23pm today, here are the top headlines on espn.com.

Gone for good? Favre tells Jets he's retiring
Tejada pleads guilty to lying to Congress
J.J. won't wear finger brace in Daytona qualifier *
Sharks close gap on NHL-best B's LeBrun
Margarito, his trainer have licenses revoked
Jeter will wait to talk A-Rod No interest in D.C.
Thumb surgery knocks Vonn out of giant slalom **
Miller rips steroid 'witch hunt' More leaks?
Williams replaces Bosh as All-Star Cavs fall
Rumors: Haynesworth to Tampa Bay?

(*Is this a joke? Is this supposed to be funny? I think I have a decent sense of humor. But really? Does the status of a NASCAR driver's finger seriously outweigh the newsworthiness of a celebrated soccer rivalry that will commence in less than 12 hours? Holy. Crap.)

(**Two - TWO - finger injuries are apparently more significant than USA-Mexico. I think I may just boycott espn.com for the next 48 hours.)

What. Gives.

The morning of USA-Mexico

Here we are.

After weeks of media coverage that only a recluse could appreciate, the American soccer's annual showcase event has arrived. USA-Mexico.

Never-ending series' of press conferences? None here. Drawn out ten hour pre-game shows? No, because God is a soccer fan, and He'd never abandon us like that. A four hour barrage of multi-million dollar commercials? No, thankfully, because commercials are only shown at halftime.*

(*I've already come to the point where any commercial break during a college or pro football game - especially right after a kick or punt return - will cause me to chuck my foam stress ball at the screen. What can I say? I've been spoiled by soccer.)

USA-Mexico is missing all that because, quite frankly (and almost refreshingly), this really just about the game. This is about true, unbridled passion for the world's game. It doesn't need any artifical sweeteners.

This is a game that involves a pair of national teams that don't play especially well with each other. This is a raw, bitter rivalry that calls into question the sanity of its supporters. This is Red Sox-Yankees, Dodgers-Giants, and Michigan-Ohio State all rolled up into one. On acid.* This is dos a cero. This is something that the actual Super Bowl itself could only wish it was.

(*Have you ever seen flying bags of blood and/or urine, razors or nails at Celtics-Lakers game? Or banners featuring the el Diablo dressed in the opponent's attire at a Michigan-Ohio State game? Did you ever see Derek Jeter hawk a loogie on Dustin Pedroia after a take out slide? Didn't think so.)

Because this is our Super Bowl, and because the mainstream media has largely ignored it, I'm making it a point to showcase USA-Mexico the best way I can. This includes:

1. Wearing my white U.S. jersey to work. I've been too lazy to get it numbered - which is perfect, because my employer won't bitch about it.

2. Going to the drive-thru at Taco Bell, ordering a 10-taco plus Mexican pizza feast, parking my car in the lot, then proceeding to wildly stomp on it like it was on fire or something. I know what you're thinking: I just blew $13 on that little exercise. To that I say: it's still cheaper than therapy.

3. Wearing my Don't Tread on Me jersey during the match. I'm also ordering pizza, wings, cheesy breadsticks, and those really tasty Cinnastix. I'll be consulting my cardiologist the following morning.

4. In true big event tradition, I have placed a wager on this with a friend...of a friend - I won't name him here (it's Joe!) - who's rooting for El Tri. In the same vein as past Super Bowl bets, the loser has to wear the jersey of the winner's team in public. In this instance, this public display of loserdom will be the first match of Providence's Mexican Soccer League season in May. Here's hoping that Joe - who, you may have guessed, has Mexican blood - will be mocked by his peers while sporting my Brian McBride jersey along the East Side when the weather finally turns warm.

5. I have a prediction. Before said I announce said predication, I've consulted with my mother, who's despised Mexico since the Brazil-Mexico match we caught at Gillette Stadium a couple of years ago.*

(*It stems from a sequence in which we were stuck in traffic along Route 1 on our way to the match. We're chatting about the Brazilians, and how cool it'll be to see Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho and h - - BEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!

That was the sound of a 150-decibel truck horn blared by an F-350 draped in Mexican flags. My mom, ever the cool customer, proceeded to hurl a few choice words at the driver, who looked like Deebo from Friday. I was scurred. She was not. The guy thankfully ignored her. Ever since then, my mom cannot hear mention of the El Tri without scowling something along the lines of "those jerks.")

So yeah, I asked her for a prediction. Six to zero, USA. Seis a cero. That's extreme. So I'll half it, and give Mexico a goal. An own goal.

Therefore, my prediction: tres a uno. USA, of course.

(EDIT: Ooops, I actually meant to give some sort of pre-match analysis. It's clear I got sidetracked. If I have any time in between work and class - which ends ten minutes before the 7:00pm start time* - I'll see if I can horde together a few intelligible thoughts and spill them here.)

Where's the HYPE? Part 1 of an ongoing series

I just checked my alarm clock. Yep, we’re less than 24 hours from USA-Mexico, and the only mainstream promotion I’ve seen for this match so far is a slick, 15-second spot in between SportsCenters while jogging at the gym Saturday morning.

Really?

I thought this was a serious rivalry. Wait, it is. Especially this time around, because it’s a World Cup Qualifier and not just an obligatory friendly.

Apparently, no one at U.S. Soccer or ESPN got the memo. Either that, or they misplaced it.* I work in an office. It happens.

(* Just like I misplaced the "not" before "just" in the fourth paragraph. I've since edited it. To anyone who caught it the first time around: leave a comment, and I'll give you big ups in a future post. Honest.)

But this is a big memo. If there’s a bone I’ll pick all the way to the grave, it’s that the people in charge of American soccer – from the head honchos at U.S. Soccer all the way down – have total ineptitude when it comes to promoting the beautiful game. It’s soccer, guys (and gals), not soapbox derbies or ostrich racing. Sheesh.

And I could’ve sworn myself wrong when I received a tidy little Myspace message encouraging supporters to wear red at the match. What’s this? Maybe the Yanks would break out those awesome “Don’t Tread on Me” jerseys they found themselves kitted out in – of all matches – a friendly against Latvia* prior to the 2006 World Cup.

(*I actually went to this match – my very first US MNT match – and my mom purchased the limited edition red jersey for my birthday. God, I love that jersey. If it were possible to have a crush on a piece of sports apparel, I’d ask that thing out on a date for Saturday night. Gorgeous. The kind of beauty you'd show off in front of friends and jealous enemies alike.)

But, there appears to be little evidence to support the use of the red DTOM jersey, which is another clear indication that suits at U.S. Soccer don’t get it.

For American soccer fans, there are three certainties in life. Death. Taxes. USA-Mexico. God bless the Spanish-American War, NAFTA, and that Taco Bell chihuahua. So why doesn’t the federation go out of its way to promote the heck out of it?

Here’s some free advice: keep that glossy 15-second commercial. I like that. But make more of them. My pulse raced and adrenaline spiked every time I saw it while running on the treadmill.*

(*I’ve discovered through three years of treadmill hopping and the seven occasions in which I’ve watched the US Men’s National Team while on said machine that the two go together like Doritos and soda. Starburst and Sprite. Popcorn and chili powder.)

However, let’s take it a step further. Actually, few steps further.

The idea of the red Don't Tread on Me jersey for USA-Mexico matches would be a great way to ante up the rivalry, no? Why the heck not? It’s an event - an event that we American soccer fans are rarely afforded in a culture dominated by American football, the NFL, and American football. So, please, to the powers that be, USA-Mexico would be the perfect opportunity to break out the “Don’t Tread On Me” jerseys. Reinforce the idea that this is a big deal. It sends a clear message to the Mexicans that you don’t know who you’re messing with. Attitude. I like it. Now run with it.

Another idea: I say the Sam’s Army section at every USA-Mexico match has discounted admission. Like, a paper Lincoln per seat. I want to see hordes of American soccer get buck in there. I want bedlam. I want to see a tidal wave of red in that section. I want chicks in red bras to…oh wait, sorry.

Speaking of bras – I want Brandi Chastain there. She’s a great sideline reporter. I love her insights. Okay, I admit, this is probably due to the fact that my mom loves her. But almost every American knows/remembers who she is. A little star power wouldn’t hurt.

Lastly – although I’ve got many more suggestions – shouldn’t we get some live reports from each camp in the 72 hours leading up to this? Isn’t that what major events like the U.S. Open, major BCS bowls, and rivalry matches across the spectrum receive?

I know that’s the media’s job. But really, if ESPN is so intent on increasing its coverage of soccer – see the Spanish, English and Mexican league scores now featured on the ESPN Bottom Line – why doesn’t U.S. Soccer push for live updates to be featured on the 6pm SportsCenters? It would be foolish to say that there isn’t an audience for this – a 90-minute sellout seems to support the idea that a lot of people are a lot more interested in this than say, I don’t know, the endless blabber that gets broadcast on the station between 4:30 and 6:00pm. Somebody give me a Vicodin.

Okay, it’s obvious I’m getting emotional here. But I can’t help it. I’ve had the date circled on my 2009 MLS calendar since January 1. My red “Don’t Tread On Me” jersey awaits on my door knob, ready for action come Wednesday.

USA-Mexico. This is a big deal. So why won’t U.S. Soccer treat it that way?