U.S. MNT-Guatamala

First half in the books and the U.S. looked good. They created a lot of very good chances and Kenny Cooper put one off the crossbar on a beautiful service from Rico Clark.

Starting line up was a good one

--------Altidore---Cooper-----

Adu--Clark---Mastroeni---Kljestan

Bornstein--Parkhurst--Goodson--Thorrington

----------Guzan------------

Defensively, the U.S. has been putting a lot of pressure on the Guatamalans in midfield and up top. Kenny Cooper has been working hard, putting pressure

53 Mintue--Jozy and Cooper just connected for Cooper to score. Jozy from the left side cut inside across the grain of the defense and sent a cross across the defense to Cooper on the back post.

Update 57th Mintue: Cooper is really making the case for himself. He is creating chances for himself and for others. He is working hard on both sides of the ball, tkaing on players and tackling defenders.

Referee sucks, he has missed at least one penalty on a rough tackle on John Thorrington.

59th Minute: Interesting stat on Micheal Parkhurst. Two years in MLS only 14 fouls total. Mind boggling.

62nd minute: Adu and Cooper creating a wonderful chance. The attacking quad of Adu, Altidore, Cooper and Kljestan is looking good and creative. I like the flair and unpredictability.

63rd Mintue: What a cracking shot by Mastroeni and Clarence Goodson almost got that rebound and was unlucky to have put the rebound shot on frame but instead into the keeper's hands.

65th: U.S. picking apart the Guatamalan defense. cooper cross from the right, missed Altidore, Klejestan was robbed by the Guatamalan goalkeeper on the back post.

68th: Jozy held on a goal scoring opportunity. Should have gotten a red for that for the denying of an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Blown call and arguabley in the box, but called just outside.

69th GOALLLLLLL by Freddy Adu on a brialliant bending free kick. First goal for the full national team!!!!

That has broken the back of teh Guatamalans.

75th: Conor Casey and Brian Ching are set to come in. Looks like Altidore and Cooper are heading to the bench. Ching in for Altidore. Can't say i agree with this sub right now. Altidore had a solid game, great first touch. Casey in for Cooper.

Ching has no pace and it is obvious.

78th: Mastroneni gets yellow card. He will be suspended for the next qualifier on February 11th. Kind of a soft yellow card thanks to acting.

Adu is getting back on defense, which has to make Bob Bradley happy.

Goodson is also making a good case for himself.

82nd: Davy Arnaud is set to come in. Adu is coming off. What the hell is Bob Bradly thinking. He has subbed out his three most creative players. i don't get it at all. Adu did get a goal and he was creative and was getting back on defense. Adu did look like he was slowing down and really needs to get lots of consistent minutes with AS Monaco.

86th. Brilliant save by Guzan. His apprenticeship with Brad Freidel is paying dividends. Excellent save. Looks like he might keep another clean sheet.

89th: Another solid save from Guzan. He is doing exactly what he is paid for, making the saves in the last few minutes after not being active for 88 minutes.

90th+: Three minutes of stoppage time. The U.S. has managed their lead well, holding possession and not giving up stupid mistakes.


FINAL: U.S.A. 2:0 Guatamala.

Solid job by the squad. Lots of players made a case for inclusion in January camp. U.S. finishes 5-1 in qualifying.

The draw for the hexagonal is on Friday. Mexico and Honduras look to go through so the hexagonal will be

U.S.
Trinidad & Tobago
Mexico
Honduras
Costa Rica
El Salvador

More thoughts after the game percolates a little.