Trinidad Gets First Win, Honduras Moves into Second

Trinidad got their first victory after beating El Salvador 1-0. Cornell Glenn got the goal after just 7 minutes and it held up. Trinidad got off the cellar and have pulled even with El Salvador on 5 points. Both teams face an uphill struggle as they are both 4 points behind 4th place Mexico. Honduras moved into second place after thrashing their Central American rivals, Costa Rica. Honduras appeared to have opened the scoring after 17 minutes, but the goal was disallowed. They were able to overcome the blow and responded very well. Carlos Costly, the potent Honduran striker, opened the scoring on 31 minutes. Carlos Pavon then added a second just six minutes into the second half. Honduras poured on the pressure throughout the game, as they completely dominated. Costa Rica did have a golden chance to get a goal back, but could not capitalize. The home side would keep the pressure on and would get two more in stoppage time. Costly curled past the Costa Rican keeper to make it three, and then Valladares sloted home from the breakaway to complete the scoring. Honduras have passed the USA via goal differential. They have not qualified for the World Cup since 1982, and have a real chance at doing so now.

Croatia, Mexico, Norway Record Big Wins

Today, in World Cup qualifying a few teams picked up important victories. Croatia took down Belarus and our now in control of second place. Belarus are having one of their best ever campaigns, but their hopes of qualifying took a large hit. The Croats took down Belarus 3-1. Norway crushed Scotland 4-0 and have put themselves right in the hunt for second place. The game took a dramatic switch after Gary Caldwell was sent off. The goals started poring in and in fact, Norway should have had one more. The Norwegians had a goal not given, which was clearly over the line. France, Germany, and Slovenia also picked up victories as well.

The USA were looking for the first ever win in Mexico and got off to the perfect start. Charlie Davies scored after 9 minutes. The lead would not last long though, as Macias would score 10 minutes later after a wonderful long range strike. The US held on though and looked like they were going to take a point. However, with 9 minutes left Sabah picked up a lose ball in the box after a sliding challenge had knocked it to him. He took his time and roofed the ball beautifully into the net. Mexico took the 2-1 victory and greatly improved their chances of qualifying. Their are still two more games to come to night in CONCACAF. 

World Cup Qualifier Predictions

0 Azerbaijan 3 Germany

6 Slovenia 0 San Marino

1 Norway 1 Scotland

1 Belarus 2 Croatia

0 Faroe Islands 4 France

3 Honduras 1 Costa Rica

2 Trinidad 0 El Salvador

2 Mexico 0 USA

Huge Win for the Dodgers

Last night, the Dodgers picked up a vital victory in the opener of their three game series against the Giants. The Dodgers lead in the division has been shrinking over the last couple weeks and it gone down to just 5.5 games going into this pivotal series. This series could put the Giants right in the race, but LA has other ideas. They played a very clean and efficient game and came out on top 4-2. LA was well focused, as it was clear that they knew the importance of this series. Many people thought that San Francisco would ride their momentum to continue to close on the Dodgers, but LA had other ideas. The Dodgers would be satisfied with taking one of the remaining games, but if they take both then San Francisco could be knocked out of the race. 

Daunting Task For the USA

The US will take on Mexico in World Cup qualifying action on Wednesday. This rivalry is the best in the CONCACAF region. The US has dominated Mexico in recent years on American soil, but in Mexico it has been just the opposite. The USA have never won in Mexico. In fact they have only ever picked up one point on Mexican soil, to go along with 22 losses. If the US can end the Mexican jinx, it will be by far one of their best ever results. The Azteca Stadium, where the match will be played, posses a variety of difficult obstacles. For one, the capacity of the stadium is a massive 105,000. The presence of that incredible number of loud and rabid fans is intimidating enough. The location of the stadium is also very troublesome for visitors. Azteca is 7,200 feet above the ground. The Mexican players have much more experience with this altitude, as they live and train there. However, for visiting players playing at this altitude is incredibly difficult. Their lungs are not prepared for this situation and they get worn out fast. The advantages of Azteca's location does not stop there. Mexico City is very polluted and the smog just hangs over the city. The pollution plus the altitude make it very difficult to breathe, let alone win a soccer game. These factors give Mexico one of the biggest home field advantages in sports. In fact, Mexico have only ever lost one game in the Azteca. 

Another thing that makes this match very interesting is that both teams are seeking revenge. The USA took down Mexico 2-0 earlier this year in qualifying. Mexico are looking to avenge that loss and keep up their record against the US at home. The US was just obliterated by the Mexicans in the Gold Cup 5-0. That loss is surely hanging over the US players, as they were embarrassed the last time they faced them. The US has probably their best ever chance of beating Mexico in the Azteca. However, I don't think they have enough. The conditions are just too tough in Azteca. The US can not properly prepare for the obstacles they will face and as a result will probably go down to defeat. I predict Mexico to take this one 2-0.

Races Tightening Up

The Texas Rangers and the Florida Marlins have both put themselves right back into the playoff races after having great weekend series. The Rangers took 2/3 from the Angels and the Marlins swept the Phillies. The Rangers are now just 3.5 behind the Angels and the Marlins 4 back of the Phillies. Both teams are well with in striking range, but the question is can they maintain the pace. The Rangers have a better shot then the Marlins. The Rangers have a solid roster and have been competitive all year. The Marlins have done very well to get back in the race, but they don't have the talent to keep up with the Phillies. The Giants have pulled to 5.5 behind the Dodgers and have a great opportunity to get back into the race as they are about to start a series with LA. If the Giants can win that series they will be right in it.