We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
It's all on the line tonight as Bob Bradley's boys look for some revenge for last week's debacle v. Panama. Join me from 7pm onward to see if they can do it. It's immediately followed at 10pm by Mexico v. Honduras.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 6:09 PM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
428 Comments:
Team news out of Reliant Park in Houston tonight:
USA: Howard, Boca, Goodson, Lichaj, Cherundolo, Dempsey, Jones, Bradley, Kljestan, Bedoya, Agudelo.
Panama: Penedo, Baloy, L. Henriquez, Torres, Machado, Gomez, Barahona, A. Henriquez, Cooper, Quintero, Tejada.
Looks to me that the only change for either side is that Jozy Altidore in out with a hamstring injury for 4-6 week so Juan Agudelo takes his place as he did Saturday afternoon.
I'm sure that MUR will concur with me that the weather tonight in Houston is likely to be hot and swampy. Could be a factor.
Hiya Bob. I'm aboard tonight. My crew were zigging and zagging and I finally just came home.
Can we count on better physical conditioning from our boys? Hope so.
Good evening BD and Gooner. I am joining you thanks to the weather. Melanie was supposed to play in a softball tournament, but the match was postponed thanks to our first rain since March 5th. It has been raining continuously for the past five hours. I am not sure about the weather in Houston. Reliant is an indoor stadium.
Evening, lads. Great to have you on board for the big night.
The U.S. U-17 team lost 1-2 to Uzbekistan after winning their opening group game against the Czechs 3-0. The England U-17 team will play the Canadians while the U.S. plays Panama at Reliant Stadium.
Thanks for the update, mate. I may look for a link for that match while we're watching this one.
Of course Reliant is an indoor bowl. Silly me for thinking that people would sit outdoors in Texas summer weather.
A rather patchy crowd in Reliant tonight. It is a huge venue and I'm wondering if the Mexican crowd may be making a fashionably late arrival for the late match.
I will need to look at your post regarding the All Time Club Team Tournament as I was in and out all day.It sounds rather fascinating.
It is a fascinating piece but I'm still arsed off that the Revie side didn't get a look in.
They will be late. They are not interested in the first match. They will arrive around the end of this match.
And we're off. Agudelo took a nasty blow there but was ruled offside.
The match has begun from Reliant Stadium.
You sound as if you speak from experience, MUR.
First corner for the US earned by Agudelo who's been active in the early running.
Agudelo wins an early corner for the U.S.
Spot on BD!!! :0)
We already look better balanced than in earlier Gold Cup matches. Could it be that we're better without Landycakes?
If the match were outdoors , it may not be that hot as it rained a good part of the day today.
The Panamanians seem a little tentative.
I'll bet that that rain was much-needed. Gorgeous day here in WNY. I'm going to pick up my new mountain bike from the shop yesterday where I've been having a tune-up done on it. Can't wait!
I agree - this feels different from the group stage match twelve days ago.
I thought we didn't miss Landon before he came off the bench against Jamaica.
I have been meaning to buy a bike for about ten years and will probably do so by the end of the summer. You should be set for some adventures as you live in a scenic area.
I felt the same way. Could it be the situation that Sir Alf Ramsey faced in '66 when he sacrificed arguably England's best striker - Jimmy Greaves - in favor of a better balance?
We did desperately need the rain.We might get more tomorrow.
Love that hustle from Agedelo. I don't rate their keeper. He needs that pressure.
Looking forward to some adventures. One of the favorite summer activities around here is cycling out Route 20 to about half a dozen wineries, having a tasting at each stop along the way back to Fredonia. Looking forward to some of that action.
I agree with both BD and Gooner that we did well without Landy and may not really need him as we do have better balance.I remember Greavesy being sacrificed and refusing to celebrate when his team won the World Cup.
I've thought that Cooper was Panama's danger man in the earlier matches but Jermaine Jones has been inside his shorts all match so far.
Jones clogging there and might be close to a yellow now. He'll need to watch himself.
We did something similar when I was in elementary school. We drove around the Napa Valley. I really do need to come to Fred Town soon as I missing out on some really good action.
Jones always gets a yellow. It is inevitable.
The long ball to Bedoya nearly came off, but the header went straight to Penedo.
Correct. He's a card magnet.
You're welcome any time, MUR. The guest bedroom is always available.
Nice turn of pace shown by Bedoya there.
Great possession by the U.S. as Panama seem content to play for penalties.
Is that Jermaine's natural game or are those new tricks he's picked up at Blackburn. I have to admit that I never saw him when he was still in the Bundesliga.
Bedoya is a lively addition. I like his energy.
Thanks, BD. You are welcome here any time and we have a spare bedroom available too.
It sure wreaks of Blackburn, but Fat Sam had left by the time he arrived.
I appreciate it. I haven't explored Texas nearly enough.
Oh - Agudelo nearly in there from the tasty Clint knock-back.
Very nice sequence. Agedelo a little late to get into the center?
Great catch By Pinedo as Clint headed on a pass to Aguedelo.
Great catch By Pinedo as Clint headed on a pass to Aguedelo.
Bedoya and Cooper are down in a heap and a card is coming for one or both.
Jones was from where in Germany? Schalke?
Frankfurt, Leverkusen and then Schalke.
I know Jones played in the Bundesliga,bit I am not sure which team he played for.
Looks like Clint has some fresh ink.
OK yeah, Schalke. Didn't he play a sweeper role in support of that little nippy Turk in midfield. Ilhaz something?
You'd know better than I - I only watch those sides when they're in the CL.
According to his profile on Google, the deal with Blackburn is merely a loan deal from Schalke.
"I flew 7 hours on a private jet to my sister's wedding and all I got was this tattoo"
Timmy has been a spectator this match. He has the best seat in the house. Will he have an easier match?
Absolutely - Timmy could be working on his novel at this rate.
Dempsey dragged an effort well wide.
Boca and Goodson in front of him, Tim's anything but relaxed.
I want an autograph!!!:0)
At least the Tim Ream era is over. That had to be giving Timmy nightmares.
OH - OFF THE BAR!!!!!!
Accchhh! Another nice sequence that just won't go in.
Great ball in from Cherundolo and Agudelo headed into the turf and then onto the bar. Unlucky.
OOH!!! Nearly 1-0 as Bedoya feed Cherunduloh , who crossed for Aguedelo. Unfortunately his header came off the post with Penedo clueless.
Not sure why Tejada is so hot under the collar at Timmy there.
Timmy wound up Tejada, who took the bait- It was like taking candy from a baby.
Tejada should have a yellow. Interfering with the keeper's distribution. The Panamanian that went down was play-acting
Cooper is down again after another clash with Bedoya but the ref isn't having anything to do with it. He's had a good match so far.
I agree. That behavior merited a yellow, at least from a FIFA approved referee.
Bit too much rolling around play-acting from Panama now.
Bedoya is tracking back but gives away a foul to Barahona. Quite a distance out, though.
Now Barnhoa goes down easily after bumping into Aguedelo.
The poor free kick is easily cleared by the U.S.
An absurd free kick there. "On a rope," as Christopher Sullivan would put it.
Shame - Dempsey found Bedoya well but his ball in was poor.
Getting chippy now - Clint's down hard.
Bradley to knock it in....
Goodson got to it but was penalized for riding. Referee was wrong there - I praised him too early.
Goodson was called for pushing off from Bradley's free kick. It was not a foul, just poor officiating.
Obstruction there by the Panama defenders on Agudelo. That's the time when I want refs to give an indirect free kick. That's one FIFA campaign I could get behind. Are you listening, Sepp?
Sepp doesn't listen because he's perfect. He doesn't need any advice from mere mortals like ourselves.
Scrambly stuff in the box but Jones's shot goes off Dempsey in the end.
It is still 0-0 between England and Canada in the U-17 tournament.
I'm reasonably happy with the way that the first half has gone so far.
Yellow for Barahona for a foul on Bedoya off the ball.
The new WSC cover has Sepp and the headline "Has FIFA ruined football?" His voice bubble say," not yet. I need 4 more years."
Henriquez is booked as that is one too many Panamanian antics.Enough is enough.
Nice one, WSC!
Well spotted, MUR. It was one of the Henriquez boys who was booked, I think Luiz.
I hope not Gooner. He has already wreaked enough havoc.
Again, really good buildup, but there's always a ball played behind the guy open for a shot.
Margie Felkay has just posted on the LHS site that "Coach Whelan" has died. Either of you remember him?
Sorry, MUR. Short of INTERPOL marching him out of HQ in cuffs, Sepp's around for at least 4 more years.
To be honest, I am not familiar with Coach Whelan, but I am sorry that he passes away.
It was wishful thinking on my part, Gooner.
Pizza's here and the Phin & Matts are cracked. Can't eat, watch, and type all at the same time. I'm not an astronaut. See you in 20 or so.
Quintero wins the first Panamanian corner.
I'm just looking at his obit on-line. Apparently he was the Athletic Director for Lakenheath schools and a wrestling coach.
Enjoy the pizza,Gooner.
Enjoy the pizza and beer, mate. We'll be here in the second half, I'm hoping a goal or two up by the time you return.
Great tackle by Bradley.
Coach Whelan must have been at least 80 years old as I remember the wrestling coach being an older gentleman.
I'm watching but don't want to grease up the keyboard.
Coach Brown was the wrestling coach circa '77-80. Didn't meet this guy.
Baloy should have been booked for obstruction.
I must have been thinking of Coach Brown. I guess Whelan came after we graduated from LHS.
He was exactly 80 years old. It's quite possible that he was after our time. Here's the obit:
http://www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com/obituaries.php?page=0&op=view&id=1013
Quintero picks up a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box out wide left. Goodson allowed him to get goal-side.
That was never a foul as Quintero dove. The supposed infraction occurred inches outside the box.
Really poor from Goodson. He'll need a slap if they get a cheap one here.
Barahona strikes it high over the bar and that should be about it.
The free kick from Baranhoa is over from a difficult angle.
Half-time: Reasonably satisfied, although the US's fallow period in front of goal may threaten the Mexico warm-up. We could have a late, late evening gents.
Kyle Martino thinks the match is "screaming for Landon Donovan." Not sure about that.
Burger time!
It is 0-0 at halftime as the U.S. dominated , but did not have enough shots on target.
Canada and England are tied 0-0 at halftime in the U-17 tournament.
The President is addressing the Libya crisis but I'm skipping it. The speech I want to hear consists of about three words - "we're pulling out" - and Barry's not up for that, I'm sure. I'll depend on Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow's commentary later on.
I agree 100%. We need to get out of there.
Hiya boys. Martino gets his wish. Off goes Sasha who while contributing less than you would want, did everything else pretty well. He's had a better tournament than I would have thought he'd have. He's still not the answer.
Here comes the Tin-man. I hope Bradley and Jones protect him so that he doesn't disappear immediately.
The second half is underway from Reliant.
Really. Bring the troops home and leave Libya to the Germans and French.
Panama's first decent attack results in Tejada being flagged offside.
It was clearly offside and these mopes including the coach were up in arms over it. That's nuts.
Dempsey wins a free kick about thirty yards from goal.
Free kick chance for Landy - I hope this one goes straight in.
Doesn't beat the first man - bugger!
The free kick from Landy is easily headed out.
Why doesn't Landon do the Vatican rag when he takes a free? Only pens I guess.
Jermaine Jones is down , holding his head.
After a scoreless first half, it is 1-1 between England and Canada in the U-17 Tournament.
Panama have attacked this half, but have lacked any ideas.
C'mon JP, Jones was completely and wildly out of control. He bulldozed his way through without every controlling it.
The cross from the left is deflected to Timmy.
The cross from Lichaj was in front of Bedoya.
You know, if both of these matches go to extra time and penalties tonight, we could easily go beyond 1am EST. Fortunately, I don't teach until 4pm tomorrow but I'm not sure that you're here for the long haul tonight, Gooner.
I am here for the duration.
The cross from the left was just in front of Quintero as Panama had their first dangerous attack of the match.
No chance. I'm on the in-bed at 11, lights out 11.30 at the latest. El Tri will murder the Hondurans so I suspect the outcome will be clear early on.
Bloody hell - it's 35 year old veteran Freddie Adu about to come on for a rare cameo.
Çaykur Rizespor fans rejoice. Here comes Freddie Adu.
Freddie "Useless" Adu is on for Aguedelo. I think he is only 24 or 25, but has been around for a while.
Against a team of such little ambition, and when you need a goal, couldn't Skelator have pulled Bradley or James?
Jermaine Jones volleyed wide after a cross was headed away.
I'm joking about Freddie's age, of course. I've just never believed that he's as young as he claimed. I'm a "birther" when it comes to Fred - I want to see the long form birth certificate!
Freddie Adu volleyed wide to the point where the ball stayed in play.
Bocanegra picks up a cheap yellow for shouldering off Quintero.
Adu has looked exactly like he does today since he was allegedly 14. MUR, you have kids. Have they grown in the last 7 years? Yeah, thought so. Long form certificate for Freddie please.
Bocanegra is booked for a soft foul when the Panamanians have been cynical and not been booked. Where is the consistency, ref?
I know - Eric must have grown at least half a foot between 14 and 18. Pull the other one, Fred!
I concur, BD and Gooner. I would like a Freddie investigation. Donald Trump should investigate.
Timmy finally makes a save as he tipped over from Cooper.
Good save, Timmy! Cooper probably had hit it over but he couldn't take any chances.
Cooper off - just as well. Renteria on.
Renteria is on for Cooper.
The Donald's on the case. He's got men in Ghana who can't believe what they're hearing!
Gomez is booked for pushing as the corner was about to be taken.The corner is a waste as a foul was called.
To answer Gooner's earlier statement, I would have pulled out Jones.
Hah!
Another thing, what's with coach Dely Valdes wearing a sweater? Even Yogi Lowe found a nice fitted shirt when the mercury rose.
Maybe the AC is cranked up a wee bit to high for Dely Valdes?
I agree. I was in Reliant last August and can assure that it was not cold.
But oddly, ever since Adu has been on, the Panamanians are pouring forward. Not good.
Martino was talking bollocks a moment ago about how the length of the match favored Panama, which made no sense as they'd had a three hour match against El Salvador three days ago. Now he thinks they look tired.
Panama have another corner as Bocaneagra headed out form the long throw.
YESSSSSSS!!!!!
Clint with #22 - a real poacher's effort at the back post!
1-0!
GOAL !!! 1-0 U.S. AS CLINT TAPS IN FROM A YARD OUT AT THE FAR POST. GREAT PASS FROM ADU TO LANDY WHO PUT IN A SUPERB CROSS FOR CLINT TO FINISH.
Great move. I'll give Freddie his "adu" for a great ball out to Landy. Lovely dangerous ball across the area and Clint was where he needed to be.
Martino is a muppet.
DEMPSEY. What a weird goal. Donovan's ball was so close to Clint's defender I still don't know why he didn't clear it.
1-0 USA
Coach B looks smart as the two subs combined for Clint to score. As Martino stated, Panama must be tired from the marathon match on Sunday.
Hmmm, maybe he thought he was likely to put it in his own net. Good pressure and follow through from Clint.
That should be just enough. I'm still not entirely happy that the US forwards have been so stingy with the goals but you can't discount success.
I guess this match will be decided in 90 minutes, but a second U.S. goal would provide some much needed insurance.
I think Clint should be working on his crunk dance moves for a signature celebration.
Tejada wanted Goodson called for an elbow. He doesn't have a case.
The US seem to be inviting Panama on to them. Unwise as Panama seem to like to score late on.
NACOGDOCHES Ice, Ice, Baby.
Tejada is looking like an idiot as he gives away cheap free kicks every time Panama attacks. More of the same please.
England have taken the lead against Canada in the U-17 tournament as it is now 2-1.
Jesus, that bloke went right through Dempsey.
Not liking this Panamanian resurgence.
Timmy makes a decent save from a long range effort.
He does a bit of the DJ move when he scores for Fulham but I haven't seen that flair on the US national team goals. I wonder why?
Goody on for Gomez and Torres on for Barahona. They're done with the subs now.
Godoy is on for Gomez. and Torres is on for the useless Baranhoa as they make their final substitutions.
Oh - why didn't Bradley hit that one!?
The cross to Bradley was cleared by the Panamanians as the cross from Adu was behind.
Jones and Bradley are shagged and worrying me a lot right now.
Oh - Dempsey tried to beat the entire Panama back four. Too much. It's corner flag time, lads.
Clint was too fancy and was tackled in the box after a pass from Landy.
Dempsey looked very tired with that lackluster move to get his shot off.
That's better, lads. Much better.
Just what the Doc ordered as Adu kept by the corner flag.
Adu smartly dances around the corner flag. Landon, take note.
Hey Guys
I came in just as the US scored... great pass by Landy!!
Adu has been really good
It's Route 1 time for Panama. US doing well with the pressure.
Three minutes of stoppage time.
Welcome, Mr. Snobby - how was the airport?
Hello Davy. Been enjoying the links boyo.
Good evening UWS. How have you been? I imagine it has been a busy week.
Oh - heart in mouth time. Very close.
The long throw is easily cleared.
His plane was delayed. Kathy picked him up. I was at the party
Where is the Mexico game being shown? On a link?
Not on FSC
Into the last minute of stoppage. I'll be happy when the final whistle comes. Blow up, ref!
Baloy shot just over that was a close call.
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