USA BEACH TEAM FALLS SHORT: 09 CONCACAF QUALS.
Wednesday, June 17.
USA VS BAHAMAS (Group Stage)
The CONCACAF beach soccer championships started with the expected results,
but in a very unexpected manner. After an
uneventful opening kick-off by the US, the Bahamas struck from distance in
the first minute. There were some cursory looks amongst the US team but
they rebounded with an equalizer from Anthony Chimienti in the second minute and a
go-ahead goal from Brendon Taguinod at the end of the period. The US established control of the game and the scoreboard when Anthony netted
his second early in the 2nd period. After a goal by Yuri
Morales, the Bahamas scored another after a bit of sloppy defense by the
US. The remainder of the match was unremarkable in style even though
punctuated by Anthony's third and Yuri's second.
Final: Bahamas 2, US 6.
If the US has hopes to achieve their aspirations of going to the World
Cup in Dubai, they will have to show a more potent offense and be more
disciplined on defense when they face a more gifted and experienced Costa Rica side tomorrow at 5:00 PV time (3:00 PST).
Friday, June 19.
USA VS COSTA RICA (Group Stage)
As expected, the US were matched up with a Costa Rican team which has more experience and skill than it's previous opponent. The results, however, were essentially the same - from yielding an early goal to the final score. After yet another shaky start, the US team settled down and played an outstanding game resulting in a 6-1 victory. Their net was never seriously threatened after surrendering the goal.
All six goals were delivered by second team players. Yuri Morales was on fire today and scored three; Rafael Xexeo made his first appearance in the championship count for two goals; and the stellar Francis Farberoff delivered a sweet goal from distance. Final: Costa Rica 1, US 6.
The four remaining teams in the tournament - USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador - play for a berth in the World Cup tomorrow. The US plays El Salvador at 5:00 PV time and Mexico plays Costa Rica at 6:15.
Saturday, June 20:
USA VS EL SALVADOR (Semi-Final)
Once again the US team fell behind early and it was looking like de ja vu all over again. They rebounded well from surrendering a soft goal and were establishing control of the game when El Salvador scored against the run of play. This time the US really turned up the heat. They played at a ferocious pace and were rewarded with a goal from Raphael Xexeo. Xexeo hit the post just at the end of the first period and the score remained El Salvador 2, US 1.
The second period saw both sides squander opportunities to take control of the game but resulted in no scores.
As the third period started, the US picked up the pace yet again and had control of the field but not the score. Twice the US pulled to within 1 goal and twice El Salvador responded. For the last few minutes, the US players were desperately trying to get a goal but it was not to be. Final: El Salvador 5, US 3.
Sunday, June 21:
USA VS MEXICO (Constellation Match)
It was speculated before the tournament began, that the format chosen by CONCACAF presented the possibility of the favored two teams (US & Mexico) not advancing to the world cup. That possibility came to fruition yesterday with a loss by both Mexico and the US. Today, two very disheartened teams met in deplorable conditions to vie for third place in the confederation. After a day of clear blue skies and moderate temperatures, the skies started to darken about an hour before kickoff. Just as the teams were entering the stadium, it started to rain. During the pre-game introduction of players and playing of the anthems, the rain started to come down in earnest. No umbrellas, no overhead covers, but high spirits for the spectators and the players alike.
Surprisingly, the US and Mexico produced a thriller for the sodden crowd. The first period ended in a rare 0-0 tie but what it lacked in scoring, it more than made up for in a spirited end to end contest. Both teams threatened, both goalies came up big with saves, and the players adjusted their games to the terrible playing conditions. Balls either stuck in the puddles or skipped over a thin film of water, which compacted the sand. Dribbling was almost impossible. Balls played high in the air were lost in the rain and shots slid harmlessly off wet feet.
Once again the US yielded two soft goals and fell behind early in the second period. The US pulled one back and were threatening to tie before the buzzer. Instead, Mexico scored late in the period and led 3-1. The last period started ominously when Mexico scored early to take a commanding 4-1 lead. Once again, the experienced and talented US side turned up their game and started to eat away at the Tri-Colores lead. Ryan Futagaki scored the critical first goal in the comeback when he caught the keeper out of position and fired from distance. Brendon Taguinod continued the process by heading in a throw-in on the near post.
In an unusual occurrence for this tournament, the US caught a break when Mexico tied the score with an own goal with maybe 5 minutes left in the match. Both sides contested for every ball, every opportunity. Mexico then scored the winner off a nice turn and quick shot which, US keeper, Luis Montanez could not reach.
Final: Mexico 5, US 4.
The resounding theme of this tournament is having to play from behind - not only on the field of play created by yielding early goals, but also from the need to develop game sharpness 2 days before the start of the tournament. It is a precipitous fall from beating Brazil twice and being a contender at every tournament to struggling to qualify for the World Cup.
