September 18, 2009
A year after the financial collapse of 2008, the housing market is very different than it was before the foreclosure crisis. Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:
Old-fashioned basics are more important than ever. The safest way to purchase a home is to put down 20 percent on a fixed-rate, 30-year (or less) mortgage.
Don’t become overconfident about income growth. Even though buyers in their 20s and 30s will likely see their incomes grow more quickly than previous generations, it is important to act sensibly when borrowing.
Anyone contemplating adding children to the family should calculate whether they could live on one income because having both halves of a couple work may turn out to be impractical.
Include a maintenance budget. Even new homes need upkeep and repairs.
Buyers who can't afford their dream home now should opt for a starter home where they can save money each month for what they really want.
Consider a property that can be expanded and improved down the road when money is available.
No two buyers are the same, but they should all feel confident with the loan they enter into, no matter the size of the mortgage.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
This is what Senator Feinstein wrote to me.
September 17, 2009
Dear Mr. Sanchez:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
In July 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289) provided first-time homebuyers with a tax credit, equivalent to an interest-free loan, worth up to $7,500. The tax credit applied to homes purchased between April 9, 2009 and July 1, 2009. As the housing situation worsened in the fall of 2008, additional action was taken to prevent further declines in home values. Congress included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), a more robust first-time homebuyer tax credit. Specifically, the tax credit was increased to $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 and will not have to be repaid.
I understand your belief that the first-time homebuyer tax credit should be increased and expanded further. As you know, on June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009" (S. 1230), which would increase the credit to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your support for this legislation in mind should it come before the full Senate.
Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Dear Mr. Sanchez:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
In July 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289) provided first-time homebuyers with a tax credit, equivalent to an interest-free loan, worth up to $7,500. The tax credit applied to homes purchased between April 9, 2009 and July 1, 2009. As the housing situation worsened in the fall of 2008, additional action was taken to prevent further declines in home values. Congress included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), a more robust first-time homebuyer tax credit. Specifically, the tax credit was increased to $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 and will not have to be repaid.
I understand your belief that the first-time homebuyer tax credit should be increased and expanded further. As you know, on June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009" (S. 1230), which would increase the credit to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your support for this legislation in mind should it come before the full Senate.
Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tax credit for home buyers
September 16, 2009
This is a copy of a letter asking for more time for a tax credit to purchase a home.
Congress of United States of America
Dear [ Decision Maker ],
As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership. That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think.
Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009.
That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day.
In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing. The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand.
The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW. We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.
Sincerely,
Hector Sanchez
This is a copy of a letter asking for more time for a tax credit to purchase a home.
Congress of United States of America
Dear [ Decision Maker ],
As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership. That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think.
Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009.
That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day.
In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing. The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand.
The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW. We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.
Sincerely,
Hector Sanchez
Don't cry for me Argentina....
September 16, 2009
One of Argentina's most senior and respected players - midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron - acknowledged the South Americans may miss their first World Cup since 1970.
"It could happen," Veron said on Tuesday in an interview on La Red radio. "Anything could happen. The situation is not the best. It all depends on us."
Argentina has lost three straight World Cup qualifying games, leaving the Gauchos in fifth place in South America. The top four teams advance automatically to the World Cup in South Africa. No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Veron is the first player to openly acknowledge the shortcomings of coach Diego Maradona and top Europe-based players like Lionel Messi.
"There are great players, but the coach has not gotten us to play like a team," Veron said.
Veron explained why Messi, ranked by many as the top player in the world, excels with his club Barcelona but has done little with Argentina.
"Barcelona plays its style," he said. "It has players that pass quickly, that move quickly. On the national team, we wait for Lio (Messi) to beat five players by himself and score a goal."
Argentina wraps up regional qualifying next month - at home against Peru on Oct. 10 and at Uruguay on Oct. 13.
"The important thing today is to look critically at our ourselves, which includes players as much as the coaching staff. I hold hope we will still make it."
CONMEBOL WC Qualifying.,
Sep. 5
Argentina 1-3 Brazil Recap Colombia 2-0 Ecuador Recap Paraguay 1-0 Bolivia Recap Peru 1-0 Uruguay Recap Chile 2-2 Venezuela Recap
Wed., Sep. 9
Paraguay 1-0 Argentina Recap Brazil 4-2 Chile Recap Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador Recap Uruguay 3-1 Colombia Recap Venezuela 3-1 Peru Recap
Note from Yahoo
One of Argentina's most senior and respected players - midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron - acknowledged the South Americans may miss their first World Cup since 1970.
"It could happen," Veron said on Tuesday in an interview on La Red radio. "Anything could happen. The situation is not the best. It all depends on us."
Argentina has lost three straight World Cup qualifying games, leaving the Gauchos in fifth place in South America. The top four teams advance automatically to the World Cup in South Africa. No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Veron is the first player to openly acknowledge the shortcomings of coach Diego Maradona and top Europe-based players like Lionel Messi.
"There are great players, but the coach has not gotten us to play like a team," Veron said.
Veron explained why Messi, ranked by many as the top player in the world, excels with his club Barcelona but has done little with Argentina.
"Barcelona plays its style," he said. "It has players that pass quickly, that move quickly. On the national team, we wait for Lio (Messi) to beat five players by himself and score a goal."
Argentina wraps up regional qualifying next month - at home against Peru on Oct. 10 and at Uruguay on Oct. 13.
"The important thing today is to look critically at our ourselves, which includes players as much as the coaching staff. I hold hope we will still make it."
CONMEBOL WC Qualifying.,
Sep. 5
Argentina 1-3 Brazil Recap Colombia 2-0 Ecuador Recap Paraguay 1-0 Bolivia Recap Peru 1-0 Uruguay Recap Chile 2-2 Venezuela Recap
Wed., Sep. 9
Paraguay 1-0 Argentina Recap Brazil 4-2 Chile Recap Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador Recap Uruguay 3-1 Colombia Recap Venezuela 3-1 Peru Recap
Note from Yahoo
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
US soccer U-20 world cup games
September 15, 2009
“It’s a culmination of two years of investing and looking at players through a good training environment and playing high level games and trying to figure out which 21 eventually would represent the United States well in Egypt.,” said Rongen, who will be at the helm of his third U-20 World Cup squad. “It’s a long process and the coaches take great pride in making sure we select the right players, and we have come to the conclusion that the 21 players we have selected are the guys that will do a great job for our team.” The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
Every game of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be shown live on the ESPN family of networks with Galavision also broadcasting all three U.S. group games. The first U.S. game will be shown live on ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com at 9:55 a.m. ET, while Galavision will also broadcast the game at 9:55 a.m. ET/PT. The remaining two group games for Rongen’s team will be shown live on ESPN2 and on tape delay on Galavision. For a complete television schedule (subject to change), click here. Fans can also follow every U.S. game live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The defensive corps will be led by team captain Kyle Davies, who has become a regular in the FC Dallas starting lineup since a mid-season transfer from English club Southampton. He will be joined by club teammate Wallace and three others who return from the team’s successful qualifying campaign in March, in Gale Agbossoumonde, Aaron Maund and Sheanon Williams. That group, which posted four shutouts during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, will be bolstered by Wake Forest’s Ike Opara.
The midfield represents an even mix of college and professional players, including two who will join the team from European clubs with Jared Jeffrey, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, and Norwegian-based Mikkel Diskerud, who plays for Stabek. The Houston Dynamo’s Danny Cruz and Chivas USA’s Jorge Flores round out the pro players in midfield. Rutgers University’s Dilly Duka, who had a standout performance in Trinidad & Tobago during qualifying, leads a collegiate contingent that includes Virginia’s Brian Ownby, Michael Stephens from UCLA and Notre Dame freshman Dillon Powers, who will be looking to continue a breakout year that saw him earn both the U-17/18 Development Academy and Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year Awards.
A pair of forwards, Peri Marosevic and Brek Shea, complete the group of five players who will represent FC Dallas in Egypt. The duo also tops the roster in career goals, with Marosevic netting five in 14 caps and Shea tallying four goals in 10 U-20 internationals. Sam Garza, who in 2008 helped lead the University of Denver to its first NCAA Tournament since 1970, and Jacksonville University’s Tony Taylor are also expected to be key members of the U.S. attack.
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “Group of Death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (4): Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.)
National Team Staff Head Coach: Thomas Rongen (Stuart, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Dave Dir (Dallas) Assistant Coach: Juan Carlos Michia (Miami) Goalkeeper Coach: Tim Mulqueen (Lakewood Ranch,Fla.) Strength Coach: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle, England) Team Doctor: Mel Hayashi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Team Coordinator: Jon Fleishman (Long Beach, Calif.) Athletic Trainer: John Dunham (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Massage Therapist: Mark Higgins (Tinley Park, Ill.) Equipment Coordinator: Beto Cuevas (Redondo Beach, Calif.) Security Officer: Craig Conger (Raleigh, N.C.) Videographer: Scott Riddell (Pasadena, Calif.) Press Officer: Kate McMaster (Chicago)
Note published by ussoccer
“It’s a culmination of two years of investing and looking at players through a good training environment and playing high level games and trying to figure out which 21 eventually would represent the United States well in Egypt.,” said Rongen, who will be at the helm of his third U-20 World Cup squad. “It’s a long process and the coaches take great pride in making sure we select the right players, and we have come to the conclusion that the 21 players we have selected are the guys that will do a great job for our team.” The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
Every game of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be shown live on the ESPN family of networks with Galavision also broadcasting all three U.S. group games. The first U.S. game will be shown live on ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com at 9:55 a.m. ET, while Galavision will also broadcast the game at 9:55 a.m. ET/PT. The remaining two group games for Rongen’s team will be shown live on ESPN2 and on tape delay on Galavision. For a complete television schedule (subject to change), click here. Fans can also follow every U.S. game live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The defensive corps will be led by team captain Kyle Davies, who has become a regular in the FC Dallas starting lineup since a mid-season transfer from English club Southampton. He will be joined by club teammate Wallace and three others who return from the team’s successful qualifying campaign in March, in Gale Agbossoumonde, Aaron Maund and Sheanon Williams. That group, which posted four shutouts during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, will be bolstered by Wake Forest’s Ike Opara.
The midfield represents an even mix of college and professional players, including two who will join the team from European clubs with Jared Jeffrey, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, and Norwegian-based Mikkel Diskerud, who plays for Stabek. The Houston Dynamo’s Danny Cruz and Chivas USA’s Jorge Flores round out the pro players in midfield. Rutgers University’s Dilly Duka, who had a standout performance in Trinidad & Tobago during qualifying, leads a collegiate contingent that includes Virginia’s Brian Ownby, Michael Stephens from UCLA and Notre Dame freshman Dillon Powers, who will be looking to continue a breakout year that saw him earn both the U-17/18 Development Academy and Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year Awards.
A pair of forwards, Peri Marosevic and Brek Shea, complete the group of five players who will represent FC Dallas in Egypt. The duo also tops the roster in career goals, with Marosevic netting five in 14 caps and Shea tallying four goals in 10 U-20 internationals. Sam Garza, who in 2008 helped lead the University of Denver to its first NCAA Tournament since 1970, and Jacksonville University’s Tony Taylor are also expected to be key members of the U.S. attack.
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “Group of Death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (4): Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.)
National Team Staff Head Coach: Thomas Rongen (Stuart, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Dave Dir (Dallas) Assistant Coach: Juan Carlos Michia (Miami) Goalkeeper Coach: Tim Mulqueen (Lakewood Ranch,Fla.) Strength Coach: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle, England) Team Doctor: Mel Hayashi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Team Coordinator: Jon Fleishman (Long Beach, Calif.) Athletic Trainer: John Dunham (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Massage Therapist: Mark Higgins (Tinley Park, Ill.) Equipment Coordinator: Beto Cuevas (Redondo Beach, Calif.) Security Officer: Craig Conger (Raleigh, N.C.) Videographer: Scott Riddell (Pasadena, Calif.) Press Officer: Kate McMaster (Chicago)
Note published by ussoccer
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mexico..USA...Honduras...Costa Rica...we'll see
September 9, 2009
With a stunning victory, the old order was restored. And, sorry American fans — we're talking about Mexico.
Sparked by a fantastic individual goal from Gio Dos Santos, Mexico took the Ticos by the throat and never loosened up. So comprehensive was Mexico's display that the home fans started to file out with a good twenty minutes left to play.
Credit coach Javier Aguirre with another Lazarus act. But equal measure must be given to circumstance. Mexican confidence is currently sky-high thanks to some poor decisions by their biggest rival.
The USA's decision to throw a C-team out in the Gold Cup final led to the Americans conceding a huge psychological advantage. The USA is no longer invincible on home soil, and Mexico got five examples to prove it. Following that up with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Azteca, the USA demonstrated that their "A" team weren't all they were built up to be, either.
Teams have noticed. On Saturday night, El Salvador, a team that has never won on American soil and hadn't beat the USA since 1992 anywhere, ran the Yanks ragged, nearly nabbing the equalizer at the death.
The Americans escaped Sandy, Utah with a 2-1 win and three valuable points to be sure. But this was another in an unbroken line of ragged, schizophrenic performances. What we're seeing is an American team limping to South Africa.
Once again, the Americans conceded the first goal. Once again, the defense failed to communicate and the midfield looked shaky. The best player on the field — as usual — was Landon Donovan. But the goalscorers, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, did little else on the night. Michael Bradley had another vexing outing, and aside from Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber, there didn't seem to be a lot of drive.
And when Feilhaber was inexplicably subbed for Kyle Beckerman, the team nearly collapsed.
And have we mentioned this was at home against a team that is tied on points for last place in the Hexagonal?
Blaise Pascal once wrote: "It is natural for the mind to believe and the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false." His point? Humans are well seduced by fantasies, in spite of evidence to the contrary. He would have a field day with American soccer, whose fans fall over one another in a mad scramble to explain away mediocrity.
The facts are pretty plain — the USA is currently an average national team. They routinely lose to quality sides and have now begun to regress at home. They lack significant depth at too many positions, and seem unable to overcome adversity. This is a program which, according to U.S. Soccer's most recently available financial reports, has had some $27 million lavished upon it and has a coach who is receiving half a mil a year to lose five of six to quality teams.
These financials dwarf the USA's neighbors in CONCACAF, some of whom can't even get regular meals. Yet, the Americans have been unable to imprint any sort of stamp upon the region —and were forced to accept a 2-2 draw against a Haitian team that not too long ago was living en masse in its coach's house in Florida.
So why do fans excuse them? Yes, the Americans took three points. That they looked miserable seems to fly right by.
Sure, the USA didn't have some players available due to injury or suspension — but the Americans are not the only ones to suffer from such impediments. Sure, USA played with the same kind of heart and determination that has become its hallmark — but how does that distinguish them from an El Salvador side that was equally desperate and perhaps more vibrant?
And then there's the hoary old saw that CONCACAF is a tough region in which to win games. Really? Does anyone truly believe that El Salvador would be competitive against Serbia?
Instead of making excuses, let's examine how the players on the field performed. Across the board, the answer is 'not well.'
Jonathan Spector is a fine example. Here's a kid who can cross the ball, create plays and spark an offense. And yet, he is made to look miserable by a back line that seems unable to track back. Jonathan Bornstein? Horrible. Chad Marshall? Surplus goods.
Carlos Bocanegra? He's only in the middle because Oguchi Onyewu was suspended and Jay DeMerit wrenched his groin. And yet, you'd think the captain — Bocanegra! — would open his mouth once in a while. Perhaps he'd signal that he's been beaten and needs help. Instead, he seems oddly silent, allowing the play to collapse around him and creating one mess after another.
Another is Michael Bradley. We've defended him because he is in an untenable position. His father is the coach, and no matter what he does, he's going to take some heat. But that was predicated on his ability to perform. Since he has not performed lately, it's time to ask why he isn't sitting? He has a case of the Agoos — trying to overcompensate for bad decisions. Currently, he's giving the ball away and leaving his position too often, and he needs to be replaced.
Still another is Clint Dempsey. Yep, he scored. Bully for him. He did nothing else. If you want a Gio Saverese on the field for 90 minutes, he's currently your man. But right now, the load is on Donovan's shoulders, and against a good team, that's a big liability.
We're inclined to cut Jozy Altidore a little more slack, but we can't help but note that he was out of position and aimless much of the night as well. Is it unfair to pick on the scorers? Some will say it is. But we're looking to the future.
Finally, there's Jonathan Bornstein. If there was ever a kid who wraps up the phrase "lack of depth," he's it. We feel bad for him, because he is clearly being asked to do way too much. Again, this is a failure of coaching.
Players who are asked to do things they cannot do are doomed to fail. Instead, Bornstein is going to be ripped all next week. Instead of being able to grow and learn, he's just been torched. That's ridiculous in a program that needs every warm body it can get.
Make no mistake — the coaching staff is ultimately responsible. And if you believe this excuses the players from culpability — to be fair, it might — there are many "good" teams with bad coaches (think France and Argentina) who are not performing up to snuff. There is something to be said for a coach who gets the best out of his charges (Fabio Capello currently is doing just that with an ordinary England group), just as scorn is piled upon coaches who cannot deliver.
Wednesday night, the Americans will face a stiff challenge against the last-placed team in the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors aren't a good side — and they know it. New player/coach Russell Latapy admitted as much in comments made to the Federation's web site, saying, "Realistically, it is very difficult now. We're in a situation (where) in order to qualify we have to win our three games and we have to depend on other results from the other teams."
Yet T&T don't have a horrible record against the USA at home (2-2-4 at Port of Spain compared to a 2-3-15 lifetime record) and the USA have yet to win a road game in this round. The pressure is also squarely on the Americans, who are in a tough battle with current group leaders Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico for one of three automatic slots. Costa Rica is expected to rebound against their drubbing by Mexico away at El Salvador, and odds are Mexico's home form will hold against Honduras.
That's why it is so critical that the Americans collect their first three road points. Doing so would likely spare them from having to beat Costa Rica at RFK in October and could also put them in the group lead. Failing to take points would mean a very tough game in Honduras followed by a nail-biter in Washington.
Right now, the USA is going to reach the World Cup — but looks like a side that won't do much of anything once it gets there. And should Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras outplay the Americans over the final three Hexagonal matches, the USA might find itself having to face an Argentina in a playoff just to get to Johannesburg.
Sadly, that might be what it takes for a program locked in inertia to make the big changes.
At that point, of course, it would be too late.
Note from Fox Sport
With a stunning victory, the old order was restored. And, sorry American fans — we're talking about Mexico.
Sparked by a fantastic individual goal from Gio Dos Santos, Mexico took the Ticos by the throat and never loosened up. So comprehensive was Mexico's display that the home fans started to file out with a good twenty minutes left to play.
Credit coach Javier Aguirre with another Lazarus act. But equal measure must be given to circumstance. Mexican confidence is currently sky-high thanks to some poor decisions by their biggest rival.
The USA's decision to throw a C-team out in the Gold Cup final led to the Americans conceding a huge psychological advantage. The USA is no longer invincible on home soil, and Mexico got five examples to prove it. Following that up with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Azteca, the USA demonstrated that their "A" team weren't all they were built up to be, either.
Teams have noticed. On Saturday night, El Salvador, a team that has never won on American soil and hadn't beat the USA since 1992 anywhere, ran the Yanks ragged, nearly nabbing the equalizer at the death.
The Americans escaped Sandy, Utah with a 2-1 win and three valuable points to be sure. But this was another in an unbroken line of ragged, schizophrenic performances. What we're seeing is an American team limping to South Africa.
Once again, the Americans conceded the first goal. Once again, the defense failed to communicate and the midfield looked shaky. The best player on the field — as usual — was Landon Donovan. But the goalscorers, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, did little else on the night. Michael Bradley had another vexing outing, and aside from Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber, there didn't seem to be a lot of drive.
And when Feilhaber was inexplicably subbed for Kyle Beckerman, the team nearly collapsed.
And have we mentioned this was at home against a team that is tied on points for last place in the Hexagonal?
Blaise Pascal once wrote: "It is natural for the mind to believe and the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false." His point? Humans are well seduced by fantasies, in spite of evidence to the contrary. He would have a field day with American soccer, whose fans fall over one another in a mad scramble to explain away mediocrity.
The facts are pretty plain — the USA is currently an average national team. They routinely lose to quality sides and have now begun to regress at home. They lack significant depth at too many positions, and seem unable to overcome adversity. This is a program which, according to U.S. Soccer's most recently available financial reports, has had some $27 million lavished upon it and has a coach who is receiving half a mil a year to lose five of six to quality teams.
These financials dwarf the USA's neighbors in CONCACAF, some of whom can't even get regular meals. Yet, the Americans have been unable to imprint any sort of stamp upon the region —and were forced to accept a 2-2 draw against a Haitian team that not too long ago was living en masse in its coach's house in Florida.
So why do fans excuse them? Yes, the Americans took three points. That they looked miserable seems to fly right by.
Sure, the USA didn't have some players available due to injury or suspension — but the Americans are not the only ones to suffer from such impediments. Sure, USA played with the same kind of heart and determination that has become its hallmark — but how does that distinguish them from an El Salvador side that was equally desperate and perhaps more vibrant?
And then there's the hoary old saw that CONCACAF is a tough region in which to win games. Really? Does anyone truly believe that El Salvador would be competitive against Serbia?
Instead of making excuses, let's examine how the players on the field performed. Across the board, the answer is 'not well.'
Jonathan Spector is a fine example. Here's a kid who can cross the ball, create plays and spark an offense. And yet, he is made to look miserable by a back line that seems unable to track back. Jonathan Bornstein? Horrible. Chad Marshall? Surplus goods.
Carlos Bocanegra? He's only in the middle because Oguchi Onyewu was suspended and Jay DeMerit wrenched his groin. And yet, you'd think the captain — Bocanegra! — would open his mouth once in a while. Perhaps he'd signal that he's been beaten and needs help. Instead, he seems oddly silent, allowing the play to collapse around him and creating one mess after another.
Another is Michael Bradley. We've defended him because he is in an untenable position. His father is the coach, and no matter what he does, he's going to take some heat. But that was predicated on his ability to perform. Since he has not performed lately, it's time to ask why he isn't sitting? He has a case of the Agoos — trying to overcompensate for bad decisions. Currently, he's giving the ball away and leaving his position too often, and he needs to be replaced.
Still another is Clint Dempsey. Yep, he scored. Bully for him. He did nothing else. If you want a Gio Saverese on the field for 90 minutes, he's currently your man. But right now, the load is on Donovan's shoulders, and against a good team, that's a big liability.
We're inclined to cut Jozy Altidore a little more slack, but we can't help but note that he was out of position and aimless much of the night as well. Is it unfair to pick on the scorers? Some will say it is. But we're looking to the future.
Finally, there's Jonathan Bornstein. If there was ever a kid who wraps up the phrase "lack of depth," he's it. We feel bad for him, because he is clearly being asked to do way too much. Again, this is a failure of coaching.
Players who are asked to do things they cannot do are doomed to fail. Instead, Bornstein is going to be ripped all next week. Instead of being able to grow and learn, he's just been torched. That's ridiculous in a program that needs every warm body it can get.
Make no mistake — the coaching staff is ultimately responsible. And if you believe this excuses the players from culpability — to be fair, it might — there are many "good" teams with bad coaches (think France and Argentina) who are not performing up to snuff. There is something to be said for a coach who gets the best out of his charges (Fabio Capello currently is doing just that with an ordinary England group), just as scorn is piled upon coaches who cannot deliver.
Wednesday night, the Americans will face a stiff challenge against the last-placed team in the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors aren't a good side — and they know it. New player/coach Russell Latapy admitted as much in comments made to the Federation's web site, saying, "Realistically, it is very difficult now. We're in a situation (where) in order to qualify we have to win our three games and we have to depend on other results from the other teams."
Yet T&T don't have a horrible record against the USA at home (2-2-4 at Port of Spain compared to a 2-3-15 lifetime record) and the USA have yet to win a road game in this round. The pressure is also squarely on the Americans, who are in a tough battle with current group leaders Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico for one of three automatic slots. Costa Rica is expected to rebound against their drubbing by Mexico away at El Salvador, and odds are Mexico's home form will hold against Honduras.
That's why it is so critical that the Americans collect their first three road points. Doing so would likely spare them from having to beat Costa Rica at RFK in October and could also put them in the group lead. Failing to take points would mean a very tough game in Honduras followed by a nail-biter in Washington.
Right now, the USA is going to reach the World Cup — but looks like a side that won't do much of anything once it gets there. And should Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras outplay the Americans over the final three Hexagonal matches, the USA might find itself having to face an Argentina in a playoff just to get to Johannesburg.
Sadly, that might be what it takes for a program locked in inertia to make the big changes.
At that point, of course, it would be too late.
Note from Fox Sport
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mexico vs Honduras
September 8, 2009
Mexico faced the stark possibility just a month ago of missing next year's World Cup in South Africa. El Tri, under new coach Javier Aguirre, responded, beating the United States and Costa Rica in its last two qualifying matches.
And a victory over Honduras on Wednesday in Azteca Stadium would put Mexico in good shape to reach its fifth straight World Cup.
The United States can nearly clinch its sixth straight berth with a victory at Trinidad and Tobago, the last-place team in the CONCACAF qualifying group. In the third match, Costa Rica plays at El Salvador.
"We're at the stage of qualifying now where all the points are critical," Aguirre said.
The battle among the top four at the top of the standings is too close to call. Honduras and the United States have 13 points - Honduras leads on goal difference - with Mexico and Costa Rica with 12 each. El Salvador and Trinidad have five points.
The first three advance automatically to next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for another berth. Awaiting could be countries like Argentina, Colombia or Ecuador.
Mexico will be without starters Guillermo Franco at forward and captain and midfielder Gerardo Torrado, both suspended after picking up yellow cards in Saturday's 3-0 win at Costa Rica.
The last time Honduras and Mexico played, Sven-Goran Eriksson was coaching Mexico. The Mexicans lost the April 1 match 3-1, and a day later Mexico fired Eriksson and brought in Aguirre. Eriksson, a former England coach, won four of nine qualifiers and dug Mexico into a hole from which Aguirre is still trying to escape.
"There are four teams trying to earn those three automatic spots and we can't afford to give up our home advantage on Wednesday," Aguirre said.
Mexico in almost unbeatable in Mexico City, where the thin air at 2,400 meters (7,400 feet) gives the home team a clear edge.
Of the top four teams, Mexico has the easiest schedule in the two final qualifying games next month, playing at El Salvador and finishing up on Oct. 14 at home against Trinidad.
The Americans are heavily favored to pick up three points at Trinidad and Tobago, which was poor in its 4-1 loss on Saturday at Honduras. The United States defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," said United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, speaking about Trinidad. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say."
Defender Oguchi Onyewu will return for the United States after sitting out a one-game suspension on Saturday. Defender Jay DeMerit also missed the game with a strained groin.
"It's hard to know what to expect," United States forward Landon Donovan said about facing Trinidad. "But we can't really worry about that."
Note published by FoxSport
Mexico faced the stark possibility just a month ago of missing next year's World Cup in South Africa. El Tri, under new coach Javier Aguirre, responded, beating the United States and Costa Rica in its last two qualifying matches.
And a victory over Honduras on Wednesday in Azteca Stadium would put Mexico in good shape to reach its fifth straight World Cup.
The United States can nearly clinch its sixth straight berth with a victory at Trinidad and Tobago, the last-place team in the CONCACAF qualifying group. In the third match, Costa Rica plays at El Salvador.
"We're at the stage of qualifying now where all the points are critical," Aguirre said.
The battle among the top four at the top of the standings is too close to call. Honduras and the United States have 13 points - Honduras leads on goal difference - with Mexico and Costa Rica with 12 each. El Salvador and Trinidad have five points.
The first three advance automatically to next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for another berth. Awaiting could be countries like Argentina, Colombia or Ecuador.
Mexico will be without starters Guillermo Franco at forward and captain and midfielder Gerardo Torrado, both suspended after picking up yellow cards in Saturday's 3-0 win at Costa Rica.
The last time Honduras and Mexico played, Sven-Goran Eriksson was coaching Mexico. The Mexicans lost the April 1 match 3-1, and a day later Mexico fired Eriksson and brought in Aguirre. Eriksson, a former England coach, won four of nine qualifiers and dug Mexico into a hole from which Aguirre is still trying to escape.
"There are four teams trying to earn those three automatic spots and we can't afford to give up our home advantage on Wednesday," Aguirre said.
Mexico in almost unbeatable in Mexico City, where the thin air at 2,400 meters (7,400 feet) gives the home team a clear edge.
Of the top four teams, Mexico has the easiest schedule in the two final qualifying games next month, playing at El Salvador and finishing up on Oct. 14 at home against Trinidad.
The Americans are heavily favored to pick up three points at Trinidad and Tobago, which was poor in its 4-1 loss on Saturday at Honduras. The United States defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," said United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, speaking about Trinidad. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say."
Defender Oguchi Onyewu will return for the United States after sitting out a one-game suspension on Saturday. Defender Jay DeMerit also missed the game with a strained groin.
"It's hard to know what to expect," United States forward Landon Donovan said about facing Trinidad. "But we can't really worry about that."
Note published by FoxSport
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)