The Gold Cup at Rio Tinto: My Experience.

Kyle Beckerman provided another quality ball for a Wondo goal (SL Tribune)

First off, I'd like to thank everyone at Rio Tinto Stadium, Real Salt Lake, and US Soccer for working to bring the US Men's National Team to Utah not once, but twice this summer for World Cup Qualifying and the Gold Cup.  It really was a special opportunity for the soccer fans in Utah, and I am very glad that I took advantage.

The ride down to the RioT from Ogden was punctuated with good news.  It was announced that all three of our RSL men, Nick Rimando, Kyle Beckerman, and Tony Beltran would start for the national team against Cuba.  That was certainly a nice present for all of the RSL fans heading to the RioT.  Once we arrived we took our seats in the South end, front row, right at the bottom of the boom cam that was being used for the TV broadcast.  Our season tickets for RSL are in section 30, so it was interesting to get this view.  I hadn't sat in the south end since my first game at the RioT in 2010, after I moved back from Florida.

The start of the match was hammered by thunder and a pretty good sized cloud burst, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the American Outlaws, who were in the same section.  We joined the chants as the match got underway.  Overall I'd say the crowd and the "atmosphere" were better for this match than they were for the World Cup Qualifier.  There was definitely more chanting and YSA only reared it's head a couple of times.  After that, "USA" seemed to be the popular chant by most folks in the south end on goal kicks.

The first half wasn't what you would call glorious from the USA.  They had plenty of possession, but failed to make a connection in the final third.  Then the unthinkable happened. Late in the first half Cuba went on a counter attack, torched our left side, and managed to sneak a goal past Nick to give Cuba a 0-1 lead.  That seemed to wake the US up though.  Just a few minutes later they earned a PK, which Landon Donovan promptly converted to tie the match at 1-1.  The shouts of "USA, USA" became somewhat deafening from the Rio Tinto crowd, it was, just for a minute, one of the loudest chants I've heard in many games at the RioT.

The US took charge in the second half.  Brek Shea went out, and I'm sorry to say for him that it was a pretty dismal performance.  He didn't look great from where I sat in the south end, but when I got home and watched the broadcast, the scope of his failure was all to clear.  The Yanks earned several quality set piece chances early in the second half, but they weren't able to convert.  Finally Joe Corona hit a gorgeous goal in the 57th minute to give the USA the lead.  Corona looked great throughout the match.  Chris Wondolowski checked in and provided the USA with two more goals, including one off of a great pass from Kyle Beckerman, to make the final margin 4-1 and send the US folks home happy.

But wait, there's more.  In the second game of the double header, Alvaro Saborio started for Costa Rica against Belize.  I'd say about 2/3 of the crowd left after the USA match.  Many of the remaining folks filed over to the west side of the stadium to get out of the sun.  I should have done that, as I ended up with a second degree sunburn.  Oh well, I regret that I have but one epidermis to burn for my country.

The match wasn't great by any stretch and Costa Rica were obviously the better side, but still Belize managed to keep them out of the net into the second half.  The Ticos' lone goal came in the 49th minute in the form of an own goal from a Belize defender, and it was all Costa Rica would need.  Belize had a great chance to equalize in stoppage time from a corner kick, but the header just missed and Costa Rica sealed the 1-0 win.

The victories for both the USA and Costa Rica seal knockout round places for them heading into the last group match in Hartford, where they will face off.  That happens tonight, but I'm still caught up in the glow of watching my national team, and it's representatives from my club, shine in my stadium!  This summer of International soccer is something I'll never forget.

2013 Gold Cup Day 3: Costa Rica and USA Roll

Chris Wondolowski earned a hat-trick in a 6-1 mauling of Belize

Jeld-Wen Field, the home of the Portland Timbers, took center stage in Gold Cup action Tuesday night as Costa Rica took on Cuba and the USA took on Belize, who were playing in their first ever Gold Cup match.  The results of both of these matches were predictable, as the Group C favorites avoided the pitfalls that hit Mexico and Canada on Sunday.

The first match between Costa Rica and Cuba wasn't quite a sparkling affair, but Cuba certainly had a lot to play for as they came in winless in their last 11 Gold Cup matches.   Costa Rica controlled the match with 68% possession and did not allow a single corner kick for Cuba.  The Ticos left it late though, not scoring until Michael Barrantes netted in the 51st minute.  Jairo Arrieta of the Columbus Crew scored in the 71st, and Barrantes completed his brace in the 77th minute to make the full time score 3-0.  Of interest to RSL fans, Alvaro Saborio started for the Ticos and played 79 minutes, coming out after the final goal was scored.

The nightcap in Portland featured the opening match of the tournament for the United States as they took on Gold Cup newbies Belize.  The Stars and Stripes were riding high after blasting Guatemala 6-0 in a friendly before the tournament and looked to inflict more goals on Belize.  They did just that.  It was a Tahitiesque performance from Belize, even though they did manage to sneak in a goal off a blown coverage in the first half.  However Chris Wondolowski scored a first half hat-trick, including one off of a fine ball from Kyle Beckerman, to make the half time score 3-1.

The USA didn't look back in the second as Stu Holden came in for Beckerman and gave the team a more offensive minded approach.  He scored in the in the 58th minute, and Michael Orozco added another in the 72nd.  Landon Donovan added a PK goal in the 76th minute to complete the destruction and make the full time result 6-1.  It was a impressive performance from the USA, especially on offense.  The defense wasn't tested much, but to me they still looked a little less than solid, especially on the blown mark that led to the goal.

A shadow has been cast over this match though, and maybe over the tournament as a whole.  That shadow is the one cast by international betting and match fixing.  According to 7 News Belize, 3 players, including their goalkeeper, were approached by a man in Guatemala offering them money to throw the match.  The players have said that they did not accept the advances, but it does make one wonder about the result. 

Group C continues on Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium as the USA face Cuba and Costa Rica will take on the aforementioned Belize.  I'll be there, and you can be too!  Tickets are still available!

Costa Rica Protest Shot Down, USA Win Stands.

Geoff Cameron in the snow last week at the Dick. (Washington Post)

Last week's World Cup Qualifier at between the USA and Costa Rica will be forever etched in most of our memories.  The USA pulled out a hard fought 1-0 win on home soil in the midst of a huge snow storm, earning their first win of the 2013 Hexagonal. 

Well, as it turns out, Costa Rica were not quite as thrilled with the conditions under which the game was played in Commerce City, Colorado.  They filed a protest with FIFA, seeking to have the match replayed.  FIFA confirmed the receipt of the protest on Monday, but shot it down on technicalities rather quickly on Tuesday.  As it turns out, the captain of the team filing the protest needs to have a meeting on the field about the conditions and this must include the captain of the other team.  This never took place.  Also, according to FIFA regulations, the formal protest must be filed within two hours after the end of the match.  FIFA did not receive the protest until two days after the match.  This has resulted in the match, and the USA's win, being upheld.

The fact that none of this took place really underlines the fact that the only reason the Ticos bothered to file a protest was because they lost.  Early on in the second half, the referee stopped the match, ostensibly to allow for the clearing of the lines on the pitch.  ESPN reported that the FIFA match delegate had called for the match to be stopped.  However, from the appearance on TV, it seemed that players from both the USA and Costa Rica were anxious to continue.  After a few minutes the ref restarted the match.  It's worth noting that at the time the match was halted, Costa Rica totally had the run of play and was in the midst of their best spell of the night.  Surely had they managed to fight back for a draw, such a protest never would have been made.

So who knows what actually went on outside of the players and the match officials?  Many folks, including myself, lauded the fact that Costa Rica was willing to soldier on in the match.  They put out a valiant effort all match long and nearly equalized a couple of times.  It's also worth nothing that both squads have games today (Tuesday) that required a fair bit of international travel.  The forecast in Colorado didn't call for conditions to really improve until Sunday morning, so both teams probably wanted to get out of Dodge.

The protest doesn't really change my opinion of the Costa Rican players.  As I said, they gave it their all, probably more than many teams in CONCACAF would have.  I am disappointed that the squad, or likely the Costa Rican FA, decided to file the protest, but in the end I'm happy with the result.  Onwards and Upwards and good luck to the boys in the Azteca.  They're going to need it.

Victory Blog: Two Victory Players To Go On International Duty

The next FIFA International break will be upon us in a couple of weeks, and managers around the world are starting to announce their squads. As per Victory Blog: Melbourne Victory supporters will see two players called up.

Carlos Hernandez will head to Costa Rica for two friendlies. Harry Kewell will join Australia for two World Cup Qualifiers.

The Victory picked up their first win of the new season last weekend, beating Wellington Phoenix 2-1.

For more info, see Victory Blog's post HERE

Copa America: Colombia vs. Costa Rica

So, Colombia is playing a full national side, they should have no trouble against a youth squad from Costa Rica, right? Well, not so much.

Colombia came out of the gate and....kicked the ball around. When the Ticos got the ball, they too kicked the ball around. There's not much to really be said about this one in all honesty.

Costa Rica definitely showed a lack of discipline as you might expect from a youth side, but Colombia had a hard time fashioning chances against them. Then, in the 28th minute, Costa Rican Randall Brenes was sent off on a straight red. Surely the Colombians could take advantage now! Or not. Finally, right before half time, Adrian Ramos scored the match's loan goal for Colombia.

Costa Rica never really threatened, but again, you'd expect a senior side to dismantle a CONCACAF youth side that's down to ten men, but it didn't happen. One of Colombia's major names is forward Falcao Garcia, but he didn't do much except for striking the cross bar once in the second half. Still, at least Colombia got the win and the three points, which puts them in a better spot than anybody else. The Copa has to get better, right?

Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Day One.

Had to watch both of these matches after the fact since I was going to Rio Tinto to watch RSL battle the DC Divers. I'm a bit surprised by both results, in different ways.

I've really had Costa Rica pegged as a dark horse in this tourney since day 1. I was really hoping for a rematch between them and Mexico in the semis. Also, as an RSL fan, I wanted to see Sabo do well and come back with confidence.

Not sure that's gonna work out.

Anyway, the first half was kind of a physical beatdown. I thought Honduras porbably looked a little better though. There really weren't a lot of chances. Honduras striker Bengston got them ahead 1-0 with a goal in the 49th, but Costa Rica equalized just a few minutes later when Marshall headed in a corner to make it 1-1.

Then it all came crashing down. The Ticos earned a PK in about the 80th monute and Sabo stepped up to take it. As an RSL fan, I can tell you that Sabo is usually money in these situations. However, the keeper got in his head by bitching about the ball not being spotted right. Sabo had to wait, then hit a poor pen that was saved. It got worse for the RSL star, as he missed a PK in the shootout, which Honduras went on to win 4-2.


As far as Mexico vs. Guatemala goes, I'm not shocked Mexico won, but I thought they'd do better. Philadelphia Union star Ruiz put Guatemala ahead in just the 5th minute, and it seemed to shock at least the crowd. I thought it put El Tri on their heels a little as well. They came back strong in the second half with the addition of De Nigris (groan) who scored in the 48th. Then leave it you know who, Chicharito, to come through and give Mexico the winner on the 66th.

It certainly wasn't the best performance from Mexico, but they got the job done. They were tested really for the first time in the tournament and passed with flying colors, now knowing they can really win the come back game as well.

Mexico and Honduras will square off in Houston on Wednesday in the first Gold Cup semifinal match.

Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. El Salvador

Now this was an enjoyable match to watch. I mean, that's the thing about soccer. You can have a low scoring match and still have it be fun, like this one. You can also have a low scoring match that's just a total crap fest, like in KC tonight. At any rate, this one didn't keep the high scoring tradition of Group A as laid out on match day 1, but it was exciting to the final whistle.

If you were to watch the whole match, you'd have to say Costa Rica was the better team. Saborio got them started in the 3rd minute, putting a shot on target to force a save. The Ticos continued to assault the El Salvador goal, and Sabo himself had some real nice looks. They just couldn't quite find the back of the net in the first half.

El Salvador had their chances too. While they were holding on at the defensive end, they got some nice looks off of counters and set pieces. Zelaya was the biggest trouble men for them, and he pestered the Costa Rican defense all day. However, he himself couldn't really find the target until the 45th minute. After a foul, he set up a free kick just outside the 18. He put a nice bit of curl on it, and bent it in just past the keepers fingers to send El Salvador to the break up 0-1.

The trend kind of continued in the second half. Costa Rica would build the pressure, then El Salvador would get a chance or two. You could really tell that Costa Rica was going all out for the equalizer though.

The match got a little chippy, and that put Marrufo in a bad mood. As MLS fans know so well, you don't give Jair a reason to go to his pocket, he loves his pocket, and he started to dispense the yellows freely.

Despite all the pressure from the Ticos, El Salvador had a couple of chances to seal it. In the 76th, Romero had a shot at an empty net and missed it. Quintanilla had a couple of chances late, in the 89th and stoppage time, but he couldn't finish either.

Lightning struck for Costa Rica in the final minute of stoppage time. Randall Brenes had come on as a sub in the 80th minute. Deep into to stoppage time he got his chance and took it. He put a low shot in far post to equalize at 1-1, which was the full time result.

After the match, the El Salvador coach whined about the amount of stoppage time. I don't know why. There were subs and yellow cards galore. It seemed about right to me. Besides, they had chances to finish the match and didn't take them. Plus, you play to the whistle, period. The result has Costa Rica in the driver's seat for 2nd in group A, but El Salvador plays Cuba next, and the Ticos play Mexico. It's not over yet.

Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. Cuba

The disparity between these two teams seemed evident coming in via the FIFA Rankings. Costa Rica is 56th, Cuba 81st. By the end of the day, the disparity would show on the scoreboard as well at Cowboy Stadium.

Honestly it looked like Cuba might hold their own through the opening minutes. They had some possession, but while they weren't really putting any pressure on the Costa Rican defense, they weren't giving it up to Costa Rica either. The men in red did get a couple of chances on the break, but no goals early.

Then Costa Rica got possession and you could feel the goals coming. Cuba's defense must have stayed in Havana for this one. In the 7th minute, Urena knifed through the previously mentioned poor Cuban defense, and put it past a bewildered keeper to make it 1-0 to Costa Rica.

Things didn't get any better for the Cubans throughout the rest of the first half either. The match commentary reads as one Costa Rican shot after another. In the 23rd minute RSL's Alvaro Saborio came very close, but dinked it off the post. Sabo put one in the net in the 37th, minute only to have it called back for offside. Finally Sabo got the goal in the 41st to put Costa Rica up 2-0 at the break.

Cuba must not have fancied their chances in the 2nd half, but turns out they stayed in locker room. At least their defense did. Costa Rica doubled their lead, scoring two goals in the first 2 minutes. One by Urena again, and the other by Mora to make 4-0. The Cuban keeper looked like he was gonna cry. Can't blame him, he got no help from his defense.

The goal of the match came in the 71st. Campbell, who had previously missed for Costa Rica, found himself totally unmarked on the angle. He made a gorgeous strike and put it in the corner far post to seal the victory for Costa Rica, 5-0.

All in all, pretty easy match for Costa Rica. They got their stars a nice run out and some goals. That nice goal differential could come in handy later in the tournament. From a RSL fan's perspective, it was great to see Sabo play well and score. I don't really see Cuba giving anyone any trouble in the tournament. Sorry, just calling it like I see it.