Ahoy! We were gone for the weekend to Buckhorn State Park having a wonderfully relaxing time. I stayed up last night catching up on Saturday’s UFC matches and Sunday’s Gold Cup final between the US and Mexico. I’ll post some pics of the weekend frivolities a little later.

I’m beginning to love Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez. Why? Because I can’t possibly hate him any more than I already do, so the only way is up. The big bogey for the Mexican national team is beating the US outside Mexico. You see, they can’t seem to do it. The US holds a 9-2-1 record against Mexico since 2000, 8-0-1 on home soil. Yet when the US plays in places like Los Angeles, DC, New York, or Chicago, it’s hardly home field advantage since 90% of the roaring crowd cheers for Mexico. It was like that at Soldier Field on Sunday, where the US came from behind to win 2-1 on a wundergoal from Benny Feilhaber.

What is it with Mexico’s coaches? I have to give credit to the players this time around who bore the defeat with dignity. No flurry of cheap shots late in the game, and some handshakes and jersey-swapping which sadly they did not show on TV. Sanchez’s predecessor Ricardo Lavolpe could never manage to give the US any credit, blaming loss after loss on the referee, negative tactics, and my favorite, luck. But 9-2-1? Well, Sanchez and some players surrounded the referee after the match to scream about the penalty (which was the correct call) and then retreated behind the ol’ saw of “the best team doesn’t always win.” Apparently, they only win two out of eleven and then only at home.

The game? A cracker. Some are calling it the best ever but I won’t. Too many young players on both sides who are just learning the international game. The US played some great soccer but Mexico probably played slightly better. Technically, the Mexicans are better players. Tactically and physically, the US has the advantage. The US wasn’t stringing together pinpoint passes and players weren’t making mazey runs through crowds of players. The US looks good playing fast and strong. And I’m still not convinced by the Bocanegra/Onyewu pairing in the back. The defense often looks all over the place, and while those guys are good at hacking away dangerous chances, they always seem to be of the last-gasp variety. They say the best goalkeepers make saves look easy. I think the same goes for defending, and the US makes defending look anything but cool, calm, and collected.

I’m also disappointed in the US’ inability to finish. Ching, Twellman, Dempsey, and Beasley each missed multiple Very Good Chances or complete sitters over the course of the tournament. You can do that against the mighty opponents of Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, El Salvador, Panama and yes even Mexico and still win. But against Argentina or Germany? Forget it. If you get two chances, you need to take two chances.

And not to throw a wet blanket over the whole thing, but I don’t see how the Gold Cup will advance the US in the global game. I think it helps immeasurably for qualifying, but most South America, European, and African teams have little in common with the minnows of CONCACAF. You can play a tough Panama team ten times in a row and it will mean next to nothing when you play at team like Portugal.

But winning the Gold Cup is far better than losing it, especially when the US beats Mexico yet again and this time from behind.

I watched the Ultimate Fighter Finale and was disappointed even though there were some good fights. The Gray Maynard vs. Rob Emerson was downright weird with a no contest decision after Maynard knocked himself out slamming Emerson, who he had been dominating, to the mat. Injury marred what should have been a very good fight between Manny Gamburyan and Nate Diaz (who uses the words “understandable” and “respectable” when he means “understanding” and “respectful”). Manny’s shoulder popped out at the start of the second round when he was trying to take Diaz down.

And Jens Pulver got completely worked by BJ Penn, who I can’t stand. I thought it was tacky that after winning he stuffed Joe Rogan on the post-fight interview and said, “If you want to know how BJ Penn is feeling, go to BJPenn.com. right now.” Where he probably had written a pre-fight message that he had posted the minute he won. Great. A season-long rivalry comes to a head in shameless self-promotion.

Photos hopefully soon if I can get to them.

Current Mood: Tired |
Currently Listening To – Elliott Smith – “XO”