US Playing For Something More Than Qualification

With the 3-2 victory over Honduras on Saturday the United States Men's National Team has secured a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The moments after the match were joyful, and full of celebration, as the nation would be in their sixth straight world cup, dating back to the Americans remarkable 1990 Qualification run. However, the mood changed following a car accident that involved United State's Forward Charlie Davies, as well as the driver of the car, and the death of a young woman. Now Soccer seems to be the least important thing on the minds of the American players as they approach the finale to their qualification campaign. Still, Bob Bradley must keep the team focused, as it is still important that the Americans finish out qualifying on the right note.

Right now the US holds the top spot in CONCACAF and looks to maintain on that spot, and have the bragging rights of being the best of the region. Even though the US is now on the World Football scene, every American Soccer fan still smiles when they see the United States ahead of Mexico in the standing-in an overall effort to dispel the myth that Mexicans are superior to Americans in the World's game. Also if some of the giants of Europe, or even Argentina fail to qualify for World Cup, being first in the region gives the US a better chance of being seeded into the tournament, which will prove to be a barrier against being drawn into a 'group of death'. With that on the line, the US still finds it important to do well in this match in the nation's capitol, and finish first in CONCACAF.

Winning tonight will also help create momentum coming into the World Cup. Tonight's match against Costa Rica will be the last meaningful match for the Americans heading into South Africa. The US will play friendlies against team's like Denmark and Iran. While playing against possible World Cup opposition is a good thing, it will not surpass the intesity of playing in a qualifer. In truth, with Costa Rica desperate for point to make sure they finish in the top three (right now Costa Rica is in third with 15 points, and probobably needs a win to finish in the top 3, since Honuras is favored to win agianst El Salvador). In addition to this game being the last match that matters for the US, the Americans have made it impossible for forign opposition to win a Qualfiy in the US, the Americans last home loss was September 2001, when the Red, White, and Blue lost in RFK Stadium, to El Salvador. Bradley's side will look to make sure that winning streak will continue. With first place, and pride on the line, the US will be looking to defend the nation's capitol when they take the field.

However, the what might be the biggest reason why the US goes for the win is for Charlie. With Davies out the Stars and Stripes will have extra motivation to get a win in for him. Two things happen when a team goes through tragedy, they either fold or get stronger. Knowing Bob Bradley and his stoic mannerism, the US will get stronger. While thinking of their injured comrade and his family (as well as the others involved in the crash), the US will overcome this tragedy. The Americans have worked for more than a year to get to this point, and they won't let anything stop them. Sam's Army will be out to support the US for their final game of the qualification process. This game offers a different challenge, not one on the field, but in the player's minds. With Pride, Seeding, Defending Home, and Playing for an Injured Teammate, the US will be playing for a lot against Costa Rica. As the match tonight in the RFK Stadium is not about qualifying, it's about character.