Mexico 2 - USA 1

August 12, 2009

Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.

A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.

The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."

The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."

Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.


Published by Goal.com


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm