Magical

Posted by pat.erickson  
June 23, 2010
June 23, 2010 - Tshwane/Pretoria, Guateng, South Africa - 23 JUN 2010: Edson Buddle (USA) (14) and Landon Donovan (USA) (10) celebrate Donovan's goal. The United States National Team defeated the Algeria National Team 1-0 to win group C at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Group C match.
United States' Landon Donovan scores a goal during a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match against Algeria at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 23, 2010. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)

The title can sum up the result of Landon Donovan’s oh-so-late finish on a ball loose in the box. With it he scored his second crucial goal, won the US’ first game in 2010, and saved the American’s from a brutal elimination. But it wasn’t always positive vibes coming from the American team and fans. (more…)

Plenty of Positives

Posted by pat.erickson  
June 19, 2010
Fans of the USA soccer team celebrate ahead of a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match against Slovenia at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, June 18, 2010.  REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)

Yes the United States should have been allowed that goal. Yes that would have made it 3-2 and likely resulted in a win over Slovenia. Yes that win would have essentially clinched a spot in the 2nd round, potentially as group winners. And: Yes the USA needs a win against Algeria in order to make it. But there are still a ton of positives to take from this match, down-spirited and in disbelief as some American fans may be. (more…)

Group C Preview

Posted by pat.erickson  
June 10, 2010
Atmosphere of Fifa world cup at the Fifa world cup trophy tour at the Casino de Paris in Paris, France, on March 13, 2010. Photo by Nicolas Briquet/ABACAPRESS.COM

Man alive, it is only 2 days until the greatest sporting event on the planet kicks off. 31 teams made it through qualifying to join hosts South Africa in the first ever World Cup on African soil. There are favorites, middle-of-the-road squads, darkhorses, after-thoughts, you name it. Everyone is guaranteed at least three games and in the end of this international spectacle, a champion will be crowned.

LGM’s pre-World Cup coverage continues with our preview of Group C.
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