I feel for the Canadian football fans. Not those who support the CFL, but those who are soccer fans up north. Armando Archundia took a goal away from them in stoppage time, denying extra time, and the game, and a berth in the final, and the USA defeated Canada 2-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Those fans up north are going to rue that call, and label Archundia as a villain. The BigSoccer forums are going to be busy with the wrath of the Canadians, and some sympathy but tons of relief from the USA supporters. And don't forget, mixed reactions from the Mexican supporter, too.
Two people I have to feel for in his match:
First, Michael Bradley of the USA. There is not a worse feeling in the world for Bob Bradley than to see his son sent off. He had to make that tackle, though, so it was a proper sacrifice.
Second, (and this is to be fair to both sides), Atiba Hutchinson of Canada. Things could have been interesting had the game gone to extra time. I, personally, thought it went in. But it is said that the team that has the most breaks will win it. The offside was the biggest break for the Nats.
I give my kudos to:
Frankie Hejduk. What a was to break your Gold Cup du(c)k, Frankie. His first-ever goal in this competition, and his first goal in over seven years. Incredible. Welcome back, Frankie. Relax like that guy going to Hollywood after seeing some movie-worthy drama in th dying moments of the game, and get ready for a curtain call on Sunday.
Landon Donovan. A goal, an assist, and a card. Had it been a red instead of yellow, that would be a Gordie Howe-like hat trick. (I know Gordie plays a different sport, but the form is similar) A brace on Sunday, and he will kill to records with two volleys past the keeper, over the line, inside the posts, and into the nylon.
I personally hope it's the USA vs. Guadeloupe, but I have a gut feeling, the inevitable classic is coming up Sunday.
They're going to rue that call for a while, those Canucks will...
Life goes on at Chicago.
While Sammy Sosa is hitting his 600th home run of his career, and the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals are getting underway, there is an eerie quiet amongst the Chicago Fire organization. Dave Sarachan was sacked as the manager of the Fire yesterday.
The players disapproved of such a move, saying that the blame should be on themselves for not doing well. They should know the business side of things, the cruelness of reality. You won't be able to manage a team for a few decades if you don't get results. As a player, you want to welcome the move, and adjust to the new manager's style of coaching. You never want to blame yourself and the team for the sacking of your coach because it will set the tone for the rest of the season.
I should point out that while it feels like a funeral for the players, for the fans it feels like the end of World War II all over again...
And I still think that our USA 2016 Olympic bid is doomed.