04/25/24
June 02, 2005
England 2, The Colonies 1: Decked in his 1950 commemorative U.S.A. jersey, SportsFilter member Texan_lost_in_NY attended the friendly between the U.S. and England held in Chicago. Things got a bit unfriendly with the favorite chants of the official U.S. supporters group, which included the cringe-inducing "it's called saw-ker!"
Great account from Texan, thanks for linking to it, rcade. The guy is definitely a true fan, which is really nice to see. While I am an American (though one that lived abroad for 4 years in the past), I am an avid follower of the EPL, and hardly ever tune into MLS (what I had seen a couple of years ago was painful to watch, but maybe its improved). If England ever played the US in the World Cup, I would unhesitatingly (though quietly) support England. I follow the US team occasionally, but I know the English players well, and have lived with closely their heartaches on the international level since I watched Gareth Southgate miss that penalty vs. Germany in Euro96. That said, I do have some sympathies for the American team. Their showing in the last WC was impressive and even a little inspiring after and utterly dismal showing in France98. Clint Mathis's strike against South Korea is one of the classiest plays I have ever seen from an American player. Up to then, I had developed a view that the all American goals were either OGs or comprised of Brian McBride taking a cross from the wing and heading it in. A perception that the USians were plodders; hard athletic runners, but lacking in creativity offensively and too focused on the negative game. Doesn't do too much for me. I look forward to more inventivenss from these guys in the years to come. Maybe by the time the US Team can actually compete at the very highest level (in 10-15 years, I potentially), I'll have come around. Anyone have an alternate view? Am I selling the US Team short? Anyone predictions with regard to whether the will improve upon their Korea/Japan showing in Germany next year?
posted by psmealey at 07:56 AM on June 03, 2005
Good stuff, Texan. Thanks for the article! Let's see more.
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:25 AM on June 03, 2005
Well there is some bright stars coming up for the americans. I'm drawing a blank on the name but there is a 17 year old kid that is tearing it up recently. Johnson maybe? They say he needs a bit more time before he can get his work visa to play in Britain but the EPL tams are watching him closely.
posted by scottypup at 09:16 AM on June 04, 2005
Scotty, this is the roster for the US U-20 team, do any of these names fill in the blank for you? The only Johnson tearing things up for the US is named Eddie, who plays for FC Dallas and attracted a $5M offer from a team in either Spain or Portugal during the January transfer window but just passed his 21st birthday.
posted by billsaysthis at 12:31 PM on June 04, 2005
Scotty, i think you might be thinking of Danny Szetela?
posted by StarFucker at 05:43 PM on June 04, 2005
Freddy Adu? Is he 16 or 17 by now?
posted by psmealey at 11:17 AM on June 05, 2005
You call that a "bit unfriendly"? Sounds very civilized to me, for England abroad anyway. Nice errrrrr, column Texan.