US U-23s Not Only Advance, They Win the Group

By: Laurie | March 16th, 2008

Remember the other day when I was lamenting the effect the Cuban defections might have on US chances of qualifying for the Olympics?

The US was the only team to play the full, pre-defection Cuban side. Then seven players defected, leaving a squad of only eleven players, and it looked like Cuba was going to have to forfeit its remaining games. And even if they played, they would almost certainly have lost. Since the US picked up only a draw against Cuba, and the other teams were looking at an easy three points, the US desperately needed to step up and win something.

Oh me of little faith.

Our boys not only qualified, they went top of the group, winning their remaining games against Panama and Honduras, both by a 1-0 scoreline. They now head to the semi-finals to face the Group B runner, who will be determined later today.

Both US wins came from penalties. In the Panama game, the goalkeeper grabbed Jozy Altidore’s ankle in the box and brought him down as Altidore was charging past him. After the ref pointed to the spot, Freddy Adu calmly put it away.

In the Honduras game:

Gaven’s penalty kick in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time was the result of a through ball from Patrick Ianni to Charlie Davies, who ran into the box and was taken down from behind by defender Quiarol Arzu. Gaven calmly stepped up and put the ball to the right of Honduran goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez, who dove the wrong way.

The penalty was a welcome reprise for Davies, who in the 62nd minute missed a penalty kick of his own. On that play, Davies was pulled down by Oscar Morales and referee Erico Wijngaarde pointed to the spot, but Davies missed the spot kick wide right.

In the shock of the tournament, Group B favorites Mexico have only 1 point after two games. They face current second-place team Haiti at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Canada, also with one point, plays group leader Guatamala, who have six points. That game is at 6:30 Eastern.

I think nearly everybody expected the US and Mexico to meet up in the finals. Now, instead, there’s a good chance they’ll face off in the semis, with only one team advancing to the Olympics.

Come on, US. You’ve come this far.

Oh, and Cuban guys? You who continued to play for pride, despite the odds? You who stuck in there even after your teammates left you high and dry?

You may have lost the last two games, but you did good. You can hold your heads up high.

Feel free to go ahead and defect now.