This Week’s Happenings in US Soccer
- Oguchi Onyweu: American Bad Ass
Oguchi Onyweu to AC Milan
After his performance in South Africa, American center back Oguchi "Gooch" Onyweu was signed by Italian giants AC Milan at the last hour. I'm sure Onyweu was a bargain for Milan, but I think the 6'4 towering defender has a real shot to earn some playing time this next season. ...The Serie A in Italy has been a largely unexplored league for American players and if Gooch finds success it could open some doors for US players abroad.
US Off and Running in the Gold Cup
As expected the US continued its good form from the Confederations Cup running over Grenada 4-0 in their opening round then outlasting a cagey Honduras squad scoring two goals in the second half to win 2-0. After the final game against Brazil in South Africa, Head Coach Bob Bradley was criticized for his substitutions that didn't prevent the Samba Kings for scoring 3 unanswered goals in the second half. However, in the Honduras game Bradley's insertion of Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber in remaining half hour of the game really made the difference.
Charlie Davies to France...
The hits keep coming for the US squad that shocked the world in South Africa. Forward Charlie Davies (who scored a pivotal goal against Egypt to help send the US through the group stage in South Africa) is headed to French club Sochaux from his former club in Sweden, Hammarby. Perhaps Davies will bring his trademark goal celebration "The Stankyleg" to Eastern France. I don't know a US international with a faster trajectory professionally right now. Congrats Charlie.
What to Watch
Saturday will be an action packed night for US Soccer fans as the Americans play Haiti in their final Gold Cup group stage game on FSC at 6 PM EST. At 7 EST ESPN is airing its MLS Game of the Week with a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference playoff clash between the Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew. Then after the US game Landon Donovan returns to LA to face intercity rival Chivas USA in the Superclasico on FSC.