Tough Day for USF's Anthony Wallace

[JoeB]

Not only did his team lose to Austria today in the Under 20 World Cup, but he got two yellow cards, thus earning himself a red card and getting disqualified from the game.  It reallly hurt as the Austrians quickly scored a goal, and left the US with only 10 players for the rest of the overtime.

He did play a pretty solid tournament in his defense though.  Look forward to seeing more of Anthony on the World's largest stage in a few years.

[Rizman]

Anthony showed his lack of maturity today, some crazy tackles.  Way to agressive at times.  He needs to know when he needs to tackle hard.  That was a tough game to watch.  US did not play well at times.  I think if it had not rained we probably could have pulled that one out. 

[Economics_Nerd82]

I turned it off after the second goal... I knew the way the US was playing that they couldn't score again. What was with the ref? He was doling out yellow cards like they were candy! But, the Boys in White played with poor discipline in the second half.

[USFCollin]

The ref was terrible, and we lacked the ability to go forward through the middle of the field because we really don't have a holding midfielder who can wait for support and spray the ball like a true #10 (though Bradley was terrific at times).  And yes Anthony came in too hard and late for his second card on a play that really didn't need a hard challenge that far away from goal. 

But the reason we lost this game is a case of TAS (Typical American Soccer) combined with horrendous goal keeping.  Why can't Americans ever show the needed attacking flair in the final third, at any level?  Our effort and desire are terrific, but we continue to lack inspirational, creative attacking players who can put the ball in the net consistently.  Adu might be that player someday, and Altidore had a wonderful tournament as well, but they aren't there yet.  Here's hoping they go abroad and learn how to be consistent world-class strikers, then come home and do it for the red, white, and blue. 

And I'm sure Chris Seitz is a wonderful person... but if he puts on our keeper jersey at the full MNT level, I might burn something in protest.  What the hell was he doing out there?  Thank God we're deep at that position at the senior level, because if he's the best we have to offer, Tim Howard might have to play until he's 40. 

US Soccer fandom is Godless torture. 

And Wallace was just terrific in this tournament.  He might be better than Bornstein right now, and I think it's very possible he starts the Confederations Cup in 2009.  His recovery and tackle after getting beat down the wing on a play in the second half was a freaking clinic, just world class defending.  It's a shame the red card will be what people remember, but it will be a great lesson for him.  Notice how disorganized we looked in the back as soon as he left the field, as he really was the anchor out there.  He's going to be the best pro of any player who's ever put on a USF jersey, Cunningham and Wegerle included. 

[Rizman]

USFCollin and Economics_Nerd82 great comments.  USF Collin, I did see some fantastic cutting edge play by Wallace in recovering getting beat down the line.  Also, I agree we did not own the midfield however at times when Bradley held onto the ball and dished some great passes Adu was able to do a fantastic attack.

In over time, when Adu was 3 years off the goal with the ball and the keeper and defensmen in front of him and shot it over the bar he missed two players in front of the goal wide open.  That happened twice and I have to contribute that to the stress of the clock running out. 

Wallace was brilliant but this game he was at both ends of the specturm, I guess working hard trying to make a victory come out of the ashes of the teams performance.

The Austrians new how to move the ball in the rain we did not.  Typical American soccer, forcing the ball up front to one player with 2 or 3 around him. 

Dan McCarty added a lot to the midfiled play when he came in. 

I have to think Seitz was injured and the coach was reluctaint to sub him out.  He looked weak for sure. 

Looking forward to more insightful comments.

[smazza]

better luck next time

[Economics_Nerd82]

It is hard to be a US fan... it seems we always hit a wall.

The ref was too hard at the start of the second half and gave out too many yellow cards considering the weather, IMO. But, that's how it goes.

I don't know how often it happens, but after Seitz got hurt (or whatever happened to him) he should have been substituted. Clearly, the Austrians were attacking a quite deal and having to give the goalie and eye exam on the field isn't exactly a good combination.

Anthony Wallace performed well, glad that kid went to USF and is from the area. I don't think he's played any games with FC Dallas yet aside from the reserve division... so, hopefully with more playing time in the years to come will help.

Adu and Altidore were amazing in this tournament. I hope some European clubs pick them up and greatly increase their skills. Anyone know which clubs are looking into Adu?

Go Bulls

[The Sheriff]

I played with myself the whole time the game was on with the TV off... that's a lot more enjoyable than watching a **** soccer game!

I can't wait until David Beckham crashes and burns and people realize Americans truly hate soccer (besides Collin - but is he really American)... what a waste of an afternoon for some of you... thank God football is coming very soon!

[Economics_Nerd82]

I played with myself the whole time the game was on with the TV off... that's a lot more enjoyable than watching a **** soccer game!

I can't wait until David Beckham crashes and burns and people realize Americans truly hate soccer (besides Collin - but is he really American)... what a waste of an afternoon for some of you... thank God football is coming very soon!

Americans don't hate soccer. The longest team competition in American history is a soccer competition. The MLS has been around 11+ years and is profitable. Kids play soccer all across the country. Universities play soccer all across the country. 250,000 Beckham jersey's have been sold. More people in this country watched the World Cup final than the average audience for the World Series.

Hardly characteristics of a sport that is hated.

[outrunner]

I played with myself the whole time the game was on with the TV off... that's a lot more enjoyable than watching a **** soccer game!

I can't wait until David Beckham crashes and burns and people realize Americans truly hate soccer (besides Collin - but is he really American)... what a waste of an afternoon for some of you... thank God football is coming very soon!

Americans don't hate soccer. The longest team competition in American history is a soccer competition. The MLS has been around 11+ years and is profitable. Kids play soccer all across the country. Universities play soccer all across the country. 250,000 Beckham jersey's have been sold. More people in this country watched the World Cup final than the average audience for the World Series.

Hardly characteristics of a sport that is hated.

I'm going to have to disagree. It is the most hated. People don't HATE baseball; they either love it or just don't care. People actually hate futbol, while at the same time people love it.