Struggles in France (Updated w/ correction)
The U-23 squad just wrapped up their second match of Toulon International Tournament play in France and things did not go as well as hoped. Taking on the Ivory Coast, the Americans fell to a 1-0 scoreline on a second half penalty kick. Both RSL representatives (Tony Beltran and Chris Seitz) got the start and played the full 90 minutes for the U.S. squad. Each player had his moments as Tony looked solid at right back and made some great attacking runs up the wing (nearly picking up an assist with a pinpoint cross that FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea knocked off the left upright), while Chris played a great game with several highlight reel stops that kept his squad in the match. With the loss, however, the Americans are mathematically unable to advance to round-robin play and will finish up their tournament against Italy on Saturday Sunday at 10:00 a.m. MT. The game will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel, so make sure to tune in as the U-23s wrap up play in this prestigious international tournament.
23 May 2008 RSL HQ
It’s worth noting that Tony was responsible for the penalty that gave the Ivory Coast their lone goal. He took the player down at the upper corner of the penalty box as that player was dribbling toward the sideline. He had help on the inside that was forcing the player to the outside and all he needed to do was contain him. There was no need to take the player down at all. I think Tony is going to be a great player, but I don’t think there is any question that he was responsible for the penalty. The look on his face after the call indicated he knew that he had made a big mistake.
Chris had a monster of a game. He had a number of great saves. There was nothing he could do on the penalty. He guessed correctly, but the player hit it with too much pace and too much accuracy for him to have a chance.
Overall, I thought the US gave the ball away too easily and looked outclassed throughout the game.
According to ussoccer.com the Italy game is on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. MT not on Saturday. It is good to hear RSL players are doing well. I wish I could have seen the games. Best of luck to them against Italy.
We hold them to a draw if not for Tony…. However, Seitz was outstanding today. PLEASE start him when he gets back from France.
We already have one of the best Goalkeepers in the league in Nick Rimando. I realize that he’s been around awhile, but with interest in Seitz already up in Europe, I think there is a better chance that Rimando will be around in MLS longer than Seitz. We need to use this tournament as leverage to trade Seitz and get some value out of him before he bolts to Europe. I agree that Seitz has the talent to be a world-class ‘Keeper, which is exactly why we can’t bank our future on him staying with RSL for long. RSL has far greater needs in the field than in goal, Seitz might be the the key to bringing more talent into the starting eleven rather than keeping it on the bench.