US Defeats Cuba 4-1

The US defeated Cuba 4-1 in opening play of the 2005 Gold Cup. Despite the final score, it was anything but a blow out. Without some last minute heroics from Landon Donovan, the US is looking at a 1-1 tie. Considering the US is ranked #10 in the world and Cuba is #70, that would have been very bad.

Coach Arena used the match as an opportunity to further evaluate his roster, thus Marcus Hahnemann started at keeper and Donovan was a reserve. Despite allowing a goal, Marcus didn't hurt his chances, and will be given another shot. For Others this is their last chance to make and impression, and after last nights mess, they didn't help themselves. The US MNT was embroiled in a labor contract dispute last winter, thus denying Arena key friendlies to make personnel decisions. Thankfully, the US is in the drivers seat for next summers World Cup qualifications.

Another disappointment was the crowd at Qwest Stadium, only 15,831 showed up for world class soccer, when you consider that the Sounders 1981 season opener in the NASL drew over 30,000. Fans will be given a second chance to support the Stars and Stripes this Saturday as Group B play continues with US taking on Canada and Cuba taking on Costa Rica.


Said Landon Donovan "Northlake Tavern is this way?"