SoccerAmerica - First test is in 12 days 07/29/2011

[DATEBOOK] Juergen Klinsmann won't wait long to get his first test as U.S. men's national team coach. The USA will face Mexico Aug. 10 in Philadelphia. The irony, of course, is that Klinsmann's objection to playing Mexico in a friendly in 2007 was believed to be a stumbling block when negotiations between the German and U.S. Soccer broke down in late 2006.

Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET and the match will be broadcast liv e on ESPN2, ESPN3.com and Univision.

The USA will then play a pair of friendlies in September, hosting Costa Rica on Sept. 2 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., before traveling to face Belgium four days later in Brussels.

The USA, Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Cuba have been given byes to the third round of World Cup 2014 qualifying, which means the USA will play no official matches under Klinsmann until next year.

It remains to be determined what role Klinsmann will have with the U.S. under-23 team that will take part in qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in March 2012.

The men's soccer tournament will take place July 25-Aug. 11 at six venues in England, Scotland and Wales.

If the same schedule that was used for 2010 World Cup qualifying is adopted, the third round of World Cup 2014 qualifying in the Concacaf region would start Aug. 8.

0 comments

F. Kirk Malloy

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 3:14 p.m.

So, who does he call up and who does he play? Will meritocracy reign? Will the Hispanic talent finally get a meaningful shot? Adu in or out? Bradley/Jones? Edu? Fresh faces? Can't wait.

Mike Gaynes

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 3:25 p.m.

At least Klinsmann knows talent, so we will never again be forced to watch the Bradley-esque parade of hapless bumblers we have been previously subjected to in a US shirt. Players like Findley, Pearce, Klejstan, Bornstein, Casey, Convey and others would never have gotten a sniff under Klinsmann. And when he names M. Bradley, it'll be the first time the young man can play without the cloud of nepotism over his head.

Philippe Fontanelli

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 4:15 p.m.

Mike you are right about Michael Bradley, as he will not be under a microscope and constant scrutiny of playing solely due to nepotism, he'll be free to play, and I am sure will play much better. His father didn't do him a favor by inserting him in every starting line up and never subbing him. Also most likely he will get less playing time as he may not fit in the new formation. While he is not a great player he is OK player he will be a good sub. Now that he doesn't have rented space I am sure he will try harder and he will play better even in his club team/s

Scott O'connor

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 4:56 p.m.

Bradley will start for Klinsmann. Then all the nepotism-shouters can finally be silent and think critically about their next big issue...

David Huff

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 5:23 p.m.

I really hope that all of are wrong about Michael Bradley ever playing again in a US uniform, it is time for others to have a chance, he doesn't need to be given anymore playing time.

Robin Embry

commented on: July 29, 2011 at 8:53 p.m.

Don't get me wrong with what I am saying as Bob Bradley did not perform up to expectations and squandered some big leads against Brazil in the '09 Confed Cup and in this year's Gold Cup vs. Mexico. But we all know he was looking over his shoulder at Herr Klinsmann and the deal was done when they couldn't put away El Tri! Hopefully Klinsmann can get something out of the MNT that neither Bradley or Arena could!

Mark Grody

commented on: July 30, 2011 at 2:44 a.m.

Just bring in some new Turks & we'll make the WC semi.

Paolo Jacobs

commented on: July 30, 2011 at 5:45 a.m.

I think they'll be more suspense in who Klinsy will call up then in any time I can remember....I wonder who his assistant coaches will be??? I guess we'll find out maybe Monday...Surely he could use Claudio Reyna by his side.

Carlos Thys

commented on: July 31, 2011 at 12:14 a.m.

The prices for the game in Philadelphia: $395 / $425 On-Field Seats $295 / $325 Front Row Sides $195 / $225 Front Row Ends $135 / $150 Club Midfield $115 / $130 Club Seating / Lower Midfield $85 / $100 Lower Sidelines $65 / $75 Lower Corners $50 / $60 Lower Ends / Upper Sidelines $43 / $50 Upper Corners $38 / $45 Upper Ends Ridiculous. Thanks, US Soccer (sarcasm) This is a friendly which will not feature many of the top players. It certainly will not ffeature top play. This is ridiculous pricing for 4/5ths of the available stadium seats. But, in the age of Juergen Klinsmann, price is no object? That's unfair, prices have been overinflated already for a long time. (Incidentally: What has US Soccer had to pay Bob Bradley for the severance? C'mon, Soccer America staff, do your due dilligence reporting on this.) For the non-comprehending, you pay for US Soccer's over-indulgences through grotesque ticket prices -- like those above for a practically meaningless friendly. (Does anyone think our Euro-based players or Mexico's will go all out when pre-season is in full swing in Europe and players' spots in the Euro club squads are completely uncertain?

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