U.S. vs. China 4-1 June 2, 2007

Anne was at the USA-China match in San Jose and files this report. You can read more of here writing on the California Victory Offside blog.

Great set pieces, a slight wind and home field advantage all created a great day out for the Big Fish in a Little/Medium Pond (a.k.a the US Men’s National Team) and their beloved Sam’s Club, er, Army supporters, as they defeated China 4-1 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, CA.

The U.S’s first goal came from a penalty won by DaMarcus Beasley in the 10th minute, after Chinese goalkeeper Chen Dong rashly came out from the box to collide with an unmarked Beasley.

The Chinese national side, featuring recent Man Utd signing Dong Fangzhuo, initially showed some good dribbling and ball handling skills. Perhaps they have been watching tons of Ronaldo videos, as I could have sworn that I saw at least one stepover, a few back-kicks, and a couple of fancy dribbling moves. And in the first half, those moves and energy helped to set up China’s only goal. A corner kick for China eventually found it’s way to a hole in the US defense, and Zhang Yaokun scored a quality goal from 11 yards out.

The US defense overall was in pretty good shape, with veteran Carlos Bocanegra acting as captain for the day, and Jonathan Spector helping to hold down the back line. Of particular note was Newcastle defender Oguchi Onyewu, a.k.a Gooch, who had a very good game. A large imposing figure, Gooch had several good clearances and used his huge frame to connect with a Beasley free kick in the 79th minute and head in the US’s 4th goal.

Just prior to that, in the 75th minute, rap star Clint Dempsey capitalized on a great corner from mid-field energy-machine Benny Feilhaber, to score the 3rd goal. Dempsey, a rather enigmatic figure, had an interesting game. Several times Dempsey was in the right place at the right time to score a goal, but would mis-kick or otherwise not connect. But just as often as that happened, he would also have flashes of brilliance, with good mazy runs down the midfield and decent crosses and goal attempts. Dempsey definitely seems to be a player to keep an eye on in the future, as he has so much potential and a slightly edgy attitude that can be sometimes be advantageous.

Recently appointed permanent coach Bob Bradley took the opportunity to try out new talent (and thankfully leave out some old, such as Landon Donovan.) PSV Eindhoven forward Lee Nguyen, a sub for Beasley in the 80th minute, showed off some impressive ball skills and corner kick technique. Local Berkeley prodigy Kamani Hill also received his first cap, as did Hammarby IF striker Charlie Davies.

By the 3rd goal, US supporters were having a field day, basking in the glory of their wonderful Euro prodigies coming home and kicking some tired and outpaced Chinese tail. It was almost an endearing sight. And at the end of the game, as the woman behind me dumped a full beer on me while trying to do the wave, I even managed a slight chagrined smile. As she slurred her apologies all over me, and leaned over me to get a picture, I only had one thought. Yes lady, I hope your well-meaning, ‘America Rocks’ self is going to Copa America in Venezuela. Just wait, my friend…you’re turn is coming…