The US wrapped up first round play in the Gold Cup this past weekend splitting with Haiti (2-2). Not a blowout, non even a win, but more than the US needed to advance to the second round. The first half was a bit of a push with the scrappy Haitians carrying long sections. The US still looked the more dangerous at points, but the Haitian kept them at bay. In the second half the US had the better of the play but lacked the commitment to the game to push it over the edge in their own favor. In fact, it took extra time to get to the draw. Not terribly unexpected given the almost certainty of advancement, regardless of the result. So, in a game of this non-pressure, I like to take time and see who shows up anyways. The one player who has stood out to me during this game and the whole Gold Cup tournament is Stuart Holden. I wish we could get this kid in New England. He plays quick at all time. He was the one constant I noticed in the games that I have seen. This past weekend he figured in both of the US goals, one of which was a beautiful bomb off his own foot with time running down. There has been some noise for him to get some action with the world cup “A” squad and I would like to add my voice to that noise. He seems to be able to avoid the mental mind trap that Clint Dempsey, Freddie Adu and Marcus Beasley fall into when competing on the national team- I need to impress everyone. While Dempsey and cohorts are trying to show off their dribbling skills, Stuart is barreling down the line adding pressure and being threatening. Less flash and more function. I am becoming a big fan of this kid and hope to see him with the team next year in South Africa.
DR