September friendlies, USWNT, and more

This is a busy time in americanfutbol’s actual (non-soccer) life, so I apologize for the lack of posts.

A few items to satiate your American soccer fix over the next few days:

– US Soccer officially announced two USMNT September friendlies, the first against Costa Rica in Carson, CA (I’ll probably be there), and the second against Belgium in Brussels (won’t make it across the pond). Good competition for the USA – Costa Rica is a solid top-four CONCACAF team with no shortage of animosity towards American soccer (see my earlier post on the blossoming rivalry). And Belgium is a quality European side as well, finishing as high as fourth (1986) at the World Cup. Speculation on rosters is already beginning, but the general sentiment in the blogosphere seems to be that the Costa Rica match will feature USA players who ply their trade in North America (MLS/Mexico), while the Belgium fixture will see those playing in Europe. I agree with this speculation. I’m also expecting to see the USA use these friendlies as a place to start putting together the U-23 roster that will participate (assuming we qualify) in the 2012 Olympics, so my guess is we’ll be seeing an emphasis on youth rather than experience (ie, not too many regular first-teamers).

– USWNT: I’m currently watching the USA ladies do their best to erase a 2-0 deficit to Sweden in the final group-stage game of the Women’s World Cup. I’ve admittedly never watched women’s soccer before (for shame), and have to admit I’m liking it. These ladies can play. The USA is guaranteed to go through to the knockout round regardless of what happens here today, but the first-place finish in the group stage is on the line.

– Wondergoal: Darlington Nagbe’s incredible goal over the weekend is my frontrunner for goal of the year in the MLS. Born in Liberia, Nagbe has indicated his interest in playing for the USA, though he is still in the process of getting his green card. If he keeps scoring goals like this, he’ll certainly be garnering attention from the USA national team.