DESPITE ANOTHER LOUSY FORMATION:

USA secure unlikely Confed Cup progress (ESPN SoccerNet, June 21, 2009)

The States had lost their two previous games in South Africa and needed a win, a Brazil victory and a six-goal swing over Italy to advance.

And that is exactly what happened as Bob Bradley's men pulled off the unthinkable, winning 3-0 against Egypt.

The Egyptians, who beat Italy last time out and pushed Brazil close in their opener, were second best throughout and had no answer to goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

Starting Davies and not Feilhaber made it particularly surprising that we got three, but Egypt was so awful we should have had 6. Nor did subbing for Altidore make much sense. But Coach Bradley was eventually forced to move Dempsey to a central position up front which got him interested and Landon Donovan was all over the place, though too bashful about shooting.

Meanwhile, the back line was dominant, especially Onyewu in the air.

And Nick Green had a walk-off homerun to send Sox fans home happy.

Happy Father's Day!

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 21, 2009 4:43 PM