The SnoFro Game

Jermaine Jones is now immortalized in US soccer folklore. Photo credit: soccerbyives.net

In a game that will be remembered for quite some time, the United States Men's National Team defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in Denver, Colorado to secure a valuable three points and vault to second place in their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group. Clint Dempsey, sporting the captain's armband with Tim Howard injured, managed to put the U.S. ahead early in the first half off a rebound and it proved to be enough to see the Stars and Stripes come away with the result.

But as important a result as this was, the constant snowfall is what will long live in the minds of USMNT fans. The U.S. was lucky to score an early goal in this one while the snow was still somewhat manageable because it only increased as the game wore on. In fact, the referee stopped the game early in the second half to talk  with the other match officials and decide if the conditions were unplayable. After consulting the other officials, he consulted with players from both sides. The players seemingly agreed to continue playing, including the Costa Ricans. This is an interesting point because Costa Rica is now planning to protest the decision to carry on with the game.

Incredible scenes from last night. Photo credit: Jozy's Facebook page

Obviously, multiple inches of snow doesn't make for ideal playing conditions in any soccer game and players have to adjust. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts from last night's action:

1.  Jozy Altidore had an absolutely fantastic game. His holdup play was superb and it was his deflected shot that led to Dempsey's goal. Showed great strengh in shielding defenders and great technique in picking out short passes to keep the play moving. Perhaps his best overall game in a USA shirt since Klinsmann took over.
2. Geoff Cameron had a terrible, terrible game at RB. Constantly gave up possession and silly fouls. Not sure if it was the snow or his lack of experience playing the position with the national team as he's been playing CB under Klinsmann. Whatever it was, he needs to fix it, and fix it fast with a trip to the Azteca looming on Tuesday.
3. I'm not the biggest Clarence Goodson fan (not sure there are many anyways) but he was rock solid tonight with Omar Gonzalez. Maybe it had to do with being used to playing in snowy conditions in Denmark. The pair was dominant in the air, cutting out numerous long balls as the Costa Ricans tried to bypass the midfield due to the snow. Goodson had a great performance, which is something that can't be said about his last few outings with the USMNT.
4. I freaking love Eddie Johnson and what he brings to the team. He provides pace and the willingness and ability to take on defenders one-on-one. He beat two defenders last night the first time he touched the ball after being subbed on for Graham Zusi. EJ adds a different dimension to the team and always causes problems for defenders. Hope to see more of this in upcoming WCQs.
5. Considering the circumstances, Damarcus Beasley put in an admirable performance at left back. The ageless wonder was solid all night long despite playing out of position and receiving no favors from the weather. Did well getting forward and tracking back. Wonder if we'll see him again at LB on Tuesday.
6. Michael Bradley is a stud, simply put. He has become the rock upon which the USMNT is built. He had another solid performance in the midfield, which is to be expected by now. Michael is a natural leader and seems destined to eventually inherit the captain's armband.
7. Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez played well. Zusi was average and Eddie Johnson seemed to be more effective once he took Zusi's place. I feel for Zusi though, as he's being forced to play on the right wing when his natural position is in the center of midfield.
8. Brad Guzan was outstanding in Tim Howard's absence, though that's not really surprising given the fact that he's been one of the best keepers in the Premier League this year. There was one cross that he whiffed on that could have been dangerous, but other than that he did a great job dealing with the snow and controlling the box. Any worries about not having Howard for these games are unfounded.
9. With all the talk this week about there being a rift in the locker room between Klinsmann and some of the players, it feels good to come away with a win. The USMNT displayed some real character in dealing with this controversy and the adverse weather conditions.
10. And finally, WHERE WAS THE ORANGE BALL??? Certainly would've been easier to see than the yellow one.

Highlights:

It was great to see the boys come away with three points but now they must focus on Mexico with a huge trip to the Azteca coming up on Tuesday. Walking out of Mexico with a point will be a fantastic result.

Go Freedom. Go USA.