Six Points, Two Games, ZERO room for error

It may be bad deal, but the fact of the matter is that the legacy of the next two year will be set in the next four days. If all goes to plan and the US perform well, then it will practically guarantee the United States a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, if the men of the red, white, and blue stumble then this campaign might be noted as one that boasted one of the best teams in recent memory, and grossly underperformed. Therefore it is critical the the US collect 2 wins in there next batch of games in CONCACAF qualification.

Now mathematically speaking if the Yanks fail to collect six, and only walk about with say four (know on wood) it would not forecast doom and gloom. What it will do is make the final two rounds of qualify WAY more interesting then what Bob Bradley would ever hope for. Right now the United States is in third with 10 points-the last automatic qualification spot in the region. Whoever finishes fourth in the region plays the fifth place team from South America in a two-game play-off series (which since this format was conceived, the South American team has won each time. So for realistic purposes let's focus on the US finishing in the top 3.

On Saturday in Sandy, Utah the United States plays on El Salvador. When the teams played at El Salvador the teams drew 2-2. Now drawing at El Salvador was not the worst thing ever, any time you take a point on the road that is a victory. However, is was the way that the Americans played that caused concern. The US fell behind 2-0 early, then had to have late game heroics to score 2 goals to come away with the tie. The US showed late in the game that they were the superior team and that they should of collected 3 points on the road against lowly El Salvador. With the US dropping two against El Salvador the US is now trails Costa Rica by two points for first in the region. The US should, and needs to win at El Salvador, otherwise the Yanks could be in a world of hurt.

Four days latter the US travels to Trinidad and Tobago. Last April the US beat the T&T 3-0. Even though the Americans will be on the road, Bob Bradley's side should look to claim 3 points on the road and nothing else. Trinidad and Tobago are the bottom dwellers of the group, as all most of the contenders for qualification have claimed maximum points from T&T (sorry Mexico, you guys had a bad start). However Trinidad and Tobago is team the Yanks can not take for granted, as they boast talented forwards, and will be excited to play well in front of their home fans.

While it seems like a cakewalk (as well it should be) playing the bottom teams of the region and claim 6 points, the US can not afford to think like that. The Yanks have to play at there best and get the 2 needed wins to secure a spot in qualifying. Also the team needs to get a sense of confidence and swagger back after that heart-breaking loss at Mexico.

Fan's of Sam's Army will be watching with anticipation (assuming they are not college students who do NOT have ESPN classic!!!!) These next two matches will be the determining point of how smooth or rough the road to South Africa will be. The key for the Americans will be to relax, recognize they are the superior team, and win at home on Saturday. Then a quick turn-around on Wednesday where the Yanks should look to take 3 points on the road. That will bring the total to 16 points, with two games left, if they get into that spot than the US will be in great position to punch there ticket to South Africa. For Yanks the equation is simple: 6 points, 2 matches, 1 destination, ZERO room for error