South Africa, Here We Come

Conor Casey: USMNT hero. Yes, you read that right. When the lineups were announced for Saturday night's qualifier in San Pedro Sula, more than a few Nats fans let out a groan when they saw that Casey had been selected over Jozy Altidore to start up top. Little did we know that the big Colorado Rapids target striker would have the biggest game of his young national team career, scoring two goals in a 3-2 win that booked the USMNT's ticket to South Africa.

The match went very much as expected early on, as some choppy play, a raucous crowd, and an onslaught of Honduras attacks were all on display. The US managed to weather the early storm, with Tim Howard not being called on to make any big saves (thanks, in part, to a narrow Carlo Costly miss on a counter attack). The US even had a great opportunity to open up the scoring when some nice buildup through Conor Casey led to a beautiful cross from Stuart Holden, who was starting in place of an injured Clint Dempsey. On the other end, Charlie Davies powered a header that Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares kept out with a wonderful save. The rebound bounced right back to Davies just outside of the six yard box, but the Sochaux striker blasted a volley well over the net.

The second half had a nightmare of a beginning, as a sloppy Oguchi Onyewu turnover in the defensive third was then followed by a late challenge from Onyewu just outside the box (which surely led more than a few Nats fans to bring up Onyewu's lack of playing time at AC Milan). On the ensuing free kick, Julio de Leon hit a curling ball into the upper left hand corner beyond an outstretched Tim Howard to give the home side a 1-0 lead. With the crowd going crazy and Honduras brimming with confidence, the US needed someone to step up. And the player that did was one of the last that fans expected to have a big impact on this match.

Over qualification, officiating has frequently been suspect, to say the least. And Roberto Moreno has had his own issues with calling a fair game in a hostile environment (see: August 12th). But tonight, things just went the US' way, as Conor Casey was able to knot up the score on a 50-50 ball with Valladares where it appeared that Casey made a good deal of contact with the goalkeeper. As the ball slowly bounced into the back of the net, the stadium fell silent, as many National Team fans were sent into a state of joy and utter disbelief.

In the 65th minute, the US took the lead, and once it again it was Conor Casey who scored the goal. Oguchi Onyewu started the attack by regaining possession and then playing a crisp pass up the line to Landon Donovan. Donovan then slotted a beautiful pass to Casey to send him in on goal. Casey showed great poise, hesitating enough to get Valladares to commit before cooly slotting home his second of the night.

Landon Donovan, not content to just set up the scoring, got into the act himself in the 71st minute, bending in a freekick from 20 yards out that had many American fans thinking a spot South Africa was secured. But what would a USMNT game be without some nervous final minutes? The Nats surrendered a 77th minute goal after a chaotic sequence in the box, and the home side pushed to find the equalizer late.

Carlos Pavon will remember the final 5 minutes of this match for a long time; not for anything he was able to do, but more for what he couldn't do. After an unfortunate handball against Jonathan Spector, Pavon stepped up to the penalty spot to try to tie the game at 3-3. Channelling his inner Roberto Baggio, Pavon sailed the freekick over the bar, as American fans let out a massive sigh of relief. Pavon had a chance to redeem himself just minutes later, as he freed himself for an open header from six yards out. But once again, his effort sailed over the bar, as it just seemed like Honduras weren't going to be able to find that third goal.

The US did a great job of possessing in the final minutes, killing the clock and taking advantage of a tired Honduras side. Bob Bradley looks very good after this game, as his decision to start Conor Casey and keep him on into the second half proved to be critical. The substitutes also helped the cause, with Benny Feilhaber adding some control to the middle of the field later in the second half.

The US Soccer Daily Man of the Match: Landon Donovan

Donovan had a fantastic game and seemed to be all over the field. He created numerous opportunities and looked dangerous every time he got the ball in the attacking third. His great vision and wonderfully weighted pass allowed Conor Casey to score the second goal, while his clutch freekick proved to be the difference in the score line. Donovan provided some veteran leadership in a hostile environment and really led by example with a wonderful performance for the Red, White, and Blue.


So with the win, the US has clinched a berth in its sixth consecutive World Cup. Let the celebrations begin.