Homeward Bound

Thats all from South Africa. Our newly acquired silver is all packed up and we're headed home to the U.S., and just in time for Thanksgiving. We'll be back in 2008 for the USA's match against Sweden on January 19 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

BEHIND THE SCENES FROM ELLIS PARK

Sometimes the scene at the stadium can be calm and smooth, other times, not so much. Tonight was closer to the latter - in a very fun way - so we'll tell you some the goings on from Ellis Park this afternoon.

• The locker room was tiny. The benches were arranged in an oval shape, with just enough stalls for the players. We wound up with a makeshift coaches locker room and treatment room, and practically had to construct an ice bath for post-game.


• The pre-game scene at Ellis Park was truly remarkable. When the MNT blog arrived at the game more than four hours before kickoff, fans were already piling into the stands, and the signing and dancing had begun. These guys were some of the first people in the stands. How long do you think that you could play a fake guitar for? We bet it's not SIX hours straight, like this guy. Anyhow, about 90 minutes before kickoff the party really started. At each corner of the pitch, a small stage was set up, with DJs and dancers on each setup. An MC oversaw the whole operation, whipping the crowd into a frenzy as kickoff approached. Did we mention the dancers? Because at last count there were forty plus lining the outside of the field before kickoff. The teams came out to a rapturous applause, and it seemed as if everybody in the stands either waving a South African flag or blowing a horn.

• Ever notice that Beas is always chewing gum when he's playing? Tonight he forgot it, so the staff went scrambling to score him a piece literally right before the opening whistle.


• Bob's talk to the team at half time focused on keeping good communication, moving the lines together as a group, and being prepared for the pressure that would come from a home team starting the second half behind a goal. Tim Howard also wanted the backline to drop when their 'keeper got the ball, since his kicks upfield were consistently long. The three half time changes were planned from the night before.


• The spread in the media center was quite impressive. The half time meal was just as big as the what the federation served pre-game, and was clearly representative of the local cuisine. It was fajitas!


• The first group of players had to leave the hotel for the airport at 7:30 p.m. If you work backwards, you had a 4:06 p.m. kickoff, the match ending just after six, a post-match ceremony, a press conference and a 25-minute ride back to the hotel. Not much time to dawdle before hustling off.


• Almost every player exchanged jerseys tonight, which isn't always typical. South Africa was wearing new uniforms. Beas and Benni McCarthy had pre-arranged their swap.



• It's impossible to underestimate how much significance the people of South Africa placed on the match being associated with Nelson Mandela. When the trophy came off the bus, the hotel staff were literally in awe. Our team manager spent 30 extra minutes in the lobby so everyone could have their picture taken with the trophy.


• The second group departing sat in the hotel lounge watching the end of Scotland-Italy. A heartbreaker for Tartan's Army. Meantime, Israel pulls off a stunner at home beating Russia, 2-1, giving England a fighting chance to qualify for Euro 2008.
  
  Major props to the people of Jo’Burg, because this game was an experience unlike any other. If this friendly is anything to go by, 2010 should be truly amazing.


• 

STARTING XI

Here's how Bob Bradley has set lineup for South Africa:

Howard

Cherundolo   Onyewu   Bocanegra (capt.)   Pearce

Feilhaber                                             Beasley
Edu                         Bradley

Adu                    Dempsey

The lineup remains largely unchanged from the group that beat Switzerland in Basel last month. Tim howard returns to the net for his 26th game while back four stays intact, anchored by team captain Carlos Bocanegra. Michael Bradley, who scored the game-winner against the Swiss in th e86th minute, is once again paired in the middle with MLS Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu, while the flanks are patrolled by DaMarcus Beasley and Benny Feilhaber. Freddy Adu gets his first start with the full team, partnered with Clint Dempsey.

HALTED BY HAIL

What they call 'rain with ice' here in Jo'Burg...

The team arrived at Ellis Park just before 4 p.m. local time for their final pre-match training session, and almost as soon as the balls were rolled out dark clouds started to hover over the stadium. The warm-up went on as planned despite a slow drizzle and a few flashes of lightning in the distance. But as the sky increasingly looked more ominous, Bob Bradley decided to pull the plug and have the group wait in the tunnel for the weather to pass.

And that's when the fun started.

First, the rain picked up. Then it looked like snow was falling, which seemed a little odd in a place where the temperature has been in the mid-80's everday. And that's when we heard the first thud off of a Gatorade cooler that had been left outside. To the amazement of the group, sheets of hail were pouring down in the stadium, some of the chunks bouncing 8-10 feet after hitting the concrete. Even more amazing was the fact that team equipment manager Tim Cook (seen here), decided to sprint out to the midfield circle and back (turns out it was based on a dare. Smart kid...). As the guys huddled in the hallway and swapped soccer-related weather horror stories, the storm remained unrelenting, covering the field in a blanket of white. And just as Clint Dempsey declared that the sky appeared to be clearing up, a massive thunder crash sent Deuce scrambling for cover. With the field unplayable and Zeus tossing thunderbolts, Bob called it quits and put everyone back on the bus.

Have to say, haven't seen a 'hail out' of a training session before. Que pasa lo que pasa.

IN TUNE WITH SACHA

We stopped Sacha Kljestan in the training room prior to today’s session at Ellis Park and made him take off his earphones to answer a few questions about the music he is listening to at the moment:

So what’s on your playlist right now?

“Well, right now I’ve got the latest Kanye West album on. I like most of his stuff a lot. And I just finished up listening to the new Jay Z album, American Gangster, the one that was released alongside the movie. I haven’t seen the film yet, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good.

So who’s your favorite hip hop artist?

“Right now, I’d probably say The Game, but he hasn’t had a new album in a bit. All time probably Dre. I’m really anxious for his new album to come out.

If it ever comes out…

“Yeah I suppose it has been like that for a few years now, huh?”

Obviously you’re traveling a lot during the season. How do you keep up with new music?

“It’s hard, but I manage. My brother helps out a lot. He sends me tons of stuff that he likes or he thinks I’ll like. That makes it easier.

So what else are you listening to?

“I like the Chili Peppers a lot. Their old stuff is classic, but their new stuff is good, too. I’m really into Stadium Arcadium. The Killers’ stuff I enjoy too. Both their albums I really like.

Do you get to go to live shows much?

“Not as much as I would like to, but I do make sure to see Hellogoodbye whenever they’re in town. I went to high school in Huntington Beach with those guys, and it’s great to see them doing really well.”

IMPROMPTU INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN SPECTOR

We had so much success with bum-rushing Dan Califf in Switzerland, we decided to give it a go here in Jo’Burg. And who would tonight's unsuspecting victim be? Mr. Jonathan Spector. After tricking him into entering the U.S. Soccer Mobile Communications Center, we started winging questions at him. Here’s what followed:

ussoccer.com: What were you doing right before we grabbed you in the hallway at 10:15 at night?

Jonathan Spector: “Getting treatment on my quad. I managed to get two dead legs in the same quad on consecutive days.”

ussoccer.com: How’s it feeling?

JS: “A little better. I got the expert Bruce Snell massage [Bruce is one of two trainers on the trip]. Should be fine.”

ussoccer.com: You were involved in a controversial decision this past weekend where a shot you took kinda sorta went in off of Eddie Lewis. Some people thought you should be credited; others – including the official scorer – called it an own goal on Eddie. So what’s worse: Eddie getting stuck with an own goal or you not getting credit?

JS: “I think it’s a conspiracy against Americans to upset both of us! I did an interview with Match of the Day afterwards. They said ‘one American scored today – which one was it?’

ussoccer.com: Why do the English press and fans seem to hate England manager Steve McClaren so much?

JS: I don’t think it matters who the manager is, they are going to hate him. I don’t understand it. They love to criticize. Everyone over there is the “expert.”

ussoccer.com: What’s one of your indulgences you don’t like people to know about? (Which of course, they will now…)

JS: On the bus going to our games, it’s amazing the amount of chocolate bars we eat. Say we are going from London to Birmingham. It takes three hours to get there, mostly because we always leave at rush hour. Explain that! Anyway, when you’re bored you eat, and for some reason there are always chocolate bars around. The average player consumes 2-3 per bus ride. Fortunately I can hold myself to one a trip.”

ussoccer.com: Do you own any bling?

JS: “No, I don’t spend much money on jewelry. There is certainly a lot of it floating around this team though. I won’t say who, but I did see a diamond grill (shaking his head).”

ussoccer.com: Is bling an American phenomenon?

JS: In England it’s massive. American culture is so big there. It’s way worse on my club team than it is here.”

ussoccer.com: Do you know what the current exchange rate is between the British Pound and the U.S. Dollar?

JS: “2.06 to 1.”

ussoccer.com: Favorite or most often used movie quote?

JS: I do quote movies quite a bit, and I can’t think of one right now. Must be the altitude.

Coincidentally, I rented Goodbye Bafana a couple weeks. I didn’t know what it was about; I had just heard that it was a good movie. It’s all about the life of Nelson Mandela. Great film.”

ussoccer.com: What’s the craziest experience you’ve had at a game?

JS: We were playing at Fenerbache. It seemed like every other person in the stadium had a flare. The fans were whistling non-stop, this screeching whistle. I’ve never heard anything like it. My ears were ringing an hour after the game.”

ussoccer.com: You’ve done hundreds of interviews in your life. If you had the chance, what would you ask a reporter back?

JS: “That’s a good question.”

ussoccer.com: Thank you.

JS: I’d be interested to hear what their candid opinion is on the questions they are asking me. A lot of times what they are writing and they are thinking are two different things. For example, in England the press can be overly critical of their players. I’m curious if they think that is hurting or helping the sport in their country. I’d also be curious why they just flat out make up stories sometimes.”

ussoccer.com: Not that were searching for acceptance or anything, but what’s your favorite thing on ussoccer.com?

JS: “I have to be honest. I like Neil Buethe’s Studio 90 interviews. He just seems so happy to be there. You can tell that when he was a kid, he wanted to grow up and be a journalist. No matter how the interview is going, Neil never ceases to entertain.”

ussoccer.com: Are you a good typer?

JS: “Why, do you want me type the rest of this?”

ussoccer.com: Well, since you offered …

JS: I’d like to think I’m a good typer. I learned in computer class in sixth grade. I didn’t actually mind school. I’m not sure if that makes me un-cool or not.”

ussoccer.com: Speaking of school, you started playing pro at a very young age. Do you ever regret not continuing your education?

JS: “I certainly don’t regret it. The experiences I have had are amazing compared to most people my age. I would have liked to have the college experience. I was pretty close to going. I visited a bunch of schools: Boston College, Notre Dame, UVa, and Princeton. I was at Princeton right when A Beautiful Mind came out, so it was cool to see the campus. But I wouldn’t trade what I have done.”

ussoccer.com: Are you sorry you let us drag you in here?

JS: “I’ll tell you after I read it.”

TRIVIA TIME - GOOGLE PROOF!

(At least we think it is.)


To try and stump Amy, we've enlisted the same crew who puts together the Back Four quiz - including Panda! So here goes ...

There is one player on the roster who has the same first and last name.

Answers that conclude with a question mark will not be posted.


And to answer the first trivia question, it was indeed DaMarcus Beasley and Oguchi Onyewu who played against South Africa in the 4-0 win on December 16, 1998 in the Christchurch Cup.

Tell Us Where You'll Be Saturday!

Lots of stuff going on today, but we did want to ask everyone an important question before we forget: Where are you watching the USA-South Africa game on Saturday? Yes, we know it’s early, especially for those on the West Coast, which doesn’t present too many bar options for a 6 a.m. kickoff (although, we’d love to hear about a bar that is opening early enough for the match), so we understand if you end up being curled up on the couch to see the boys do their thing. But for those that look for the ET or CT on the TV listings, you’ve got options. Your best bet? Summers in the D.C. area, Ginger’s Ale House in Chicago or Nevada Smith’s for you New Yorkers. All three will be hosting an official U.S. Soccer Viewing Party for the game on Saturday and you’re invited to wipe away the eye crust and join in the debauchery…we mean good 'ole fashion fun. Why? Well, free U.S. Soccer gear for one. Each bar will hold a contest to giveaway a supply of t-shirts and hats, so all you gear hounds better make your way there. If you’re going to one of these big three, let us know. And if you’re interested in joining, click here to find out where each bar is located, get a map to find your way there and find out what to expect on Saturday.

So, we asked it when we started this entry and we'll end the same way - What are your plans for this Saturday?

CATCH UP TIME

Sorry folks, been one of those days when they've kept us bloggers running around (to your future benefit, we assure you). The first twist of the day came when our training venue was changed for the morning. It happened to be next door to Ellis Park, so we didn't need to google directions on the fly. While the neighboring Johannesburg Stadium wasn't quite as plush as the digs across the road, the team managed to get a spirited 90-minute session in. Enduring temperatures that seem to get hotter by the day, the group began with a 20-minute warm-up session before breaking into a directional possession game. Pulling one goal to midfield, they switched to a 9 v. 7 game to work on attacking and defending shape, with players rotating through both sides. Moving the goal back to the bottom of the 'D' and bringing the second goal to the top of the opposite 18, they played an 8 v. 7 match for 20 minutes. Finally, the group was divided into three groups, one working on individual shooting exercises, the second group of central defenders practicing coordination of their movement, and the third doing crossing and finishing. Despite the heat, it was a very spirited session. We should have some good photos available later today, but here's a view of the view from behind the goal...

After training we talked with Clint Dempsey and Maurice Edu to get a status report on training camp.

One Lucky Fan's View of Today's Practice Session

When the U.S. arrived for training today the last thing they expected to see someone with an old MNT training jersey waiting outside the stadium. But there was Bruce W., a U.S. citizen who now lives in South Africa, anxiously anticipating the players to get off the bus. He was invited to watch practice, and his only fee? He was politely asked to write about his experience. He happily obliged, providing fans across the world with some insight into how the team is preparing for South Africa.

As far as I know, I’m the standard bearer for U.S. soccer fanaticism in South Africa. Perhaps that’s a small ambition, as my main competitor may be my own wife. Still, I have the week off, our team is here, and I am bent on getting the most out of it. So, I’ve organized a group to go to the game on Saturday. And I was fortunate to get to watch the team practice today.

It felt good to offer the team some welcoming encouragement as they got off the bus. Bob Bradley was first off the bus and came over to shake my hand, followed by Peter Nowak. I have been a fan of theirs since the first days of the Chicago Fire, when I was a season ticket holder. As practice started, I enjoyed listening to the press officer patiently inform the South African press about the team and its players. They were interested to know about various players, and wanted interviews with some of them after practice. They didn’t really know much about our team. Some were surprised to learn that Freddy Adu has only just started getting minutes with the senior team. I told one SA reporter to write that the U.S. allows all its fans to watch practices from the sidelines.

From yesterday’s blog report on the practice, you might think it was light-hearted. Guess that was just for the first day, as today was very much down to business. If, like me, you’ve never seen the team practice, you might be surprised how short it is. I was struck by how little time the team has to come together for the game. They played maybe 60 minutes of 9-on-9 (Mike Sorber filling the last spot). Considering they may have only three one-hour sessions of play, I would be amazed if a new guy like Jozy Altidore could get enough time to understand the finer points of his role. Surely, he’d need a more substantial “camp” before he’ll be ready for full game. I suspect that’s why the players rarely get more than a handful of minutes for the first games they’re called-up.

I couldn’t hear much, but got the sense that Bob Bradley was stressing quick passes and ball movement. With some of the newer players, he made a point of stressing positioning. I looked for clues on who might be in the starting line-up based on who played with whom, but the sides were mixed up evenly. For the red team it was Deuce, Adu, Feilhaber, Edu, Pearce, Gooch, Califf, Spector and Howard. For the blue team: Jozy, Beasley, Kljestan, Bradley, Bornstein, Boca, Sorber, Dolo and Guzan. Jozy scored the lone goal, heading a nice cross from Steve Cherundolo into the corner past Howard.

As practice wound down, I had a chance to tell the guys good luck, and that there would be some support in the stands. All the guys were friendly and approachable. I wouldn’t single anyone out, but I could tell Danny Califf has been interested in South Africa for a while, but that’s
all about the surfing.

I appreciated the time and opportunity to observe. I have a greater appreciation for how these guys can show up and play like they’ve been working together all year. In reality, they have very little time, and they get about it very professionally. They’re supported by a small group of coaches and staff that makes sure things run smoothly on and off the field.

So, that’s my impression from 90 minutes observing a practice. Have to admit, I was mostly just excited to have such a unique experience. But of course this is my small pond, and I may not have it to myself when the team comes back in 2009 and 2010.

Bruce W.

SMALL WORLD

As we arrived back from training this afternoon, the whole team tried to pile into the elevator - this always happens - creating a predictable logjam. Eventually after everyone had departed, we were left to take an elevator with our General Manager Pam Perkins and Freddy Adu. Around about floor six, a guy jumped into the elevator, gave us a cursory greeting and turned away again. He did a quick double-take, though, and he exclaimed (in an accent that we couldn’t decipher): “You’re Freddy?” Freddy nodded, and the man immediately became excited. “Oh my, this is fantastic!” blurted out the stranger as he began to fumble through his belongings. Sure enough, this guy was a card carrying Benfica supporter. Like, he actually carried a plastic card that identified him as a fan of the team. Freddy gave him a hug, and the two enjoyed a good laugh. “I can’t believe this!” the man blurted out as he left the elevator, “Freddy Adu in South Africa!” “This isn’t even the first time something like that’s happened,” chuckled Freddy, “there are Benfica fans everywhere.”

A LITTLE PRIMER ON SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Back at Ellis Park for day two of training, we took the opportunity to learn a bit about the stadium that is over 100 years old, and as you may know, is slated to host a quarterfinal game of the 2010 World Cup. To accommodate that massive game, the ground is being expanded, the locker rooms redone, and an entirely new media section added. It’s a really nice stadium, and by all accounts generates a great atmosphere for its teams. Those teams include the World Champion South African National Rugby team, better known as “the Springboks,” as well as Super 14 Rugby side the Lions, and SA Premier League team the Orlando Pirates. The Springboks recently won the2007 Rugby World Cup in France, an event that sent rugby fans in South Africa into a frenzy. “They were definitely excited,” said Dawie, who we talked to in the Lions team store, “but its not like 1995. People were happy, but now they’ve mostly moved on and forgotten about it.” In 1995, South Africa was the host of the Rugby World Cup, and Ellis Park was the venue for the final. South Africa was victorious in that tournament as well, defeating the famed All Blacks of New Zealand in the final. At the moment, rugby is in the off-season here, and according to Dawie, the Lions endured a bit of a mediocre season. They did however make it to the Cup Final (same idea as Cups competitions in soccer) and they should improve next year. As you may have been gathering from our posts, South Africa is crazy about sport, but Dawie said that while football fans and sports fans in general support rugby, hardcore rugby fans don’t watch or care about anything else. Sounds a bit like some fans state-side….

To get the scoop on some of the goings on local soccer, we spoke to our liaison from the SAFA, Abram. The season is currently in session here, and in fact the big Jo’burg derby between the Kaizer Chiefs and the Orlando Pirates is coming up quite soon. “It’s huge,” said Abram, “definitely the biggest rivalry in the country, and maybe in most of Africa.” To coincide with the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw in Durban, the derby has been moved out of Jo’burg to Durban, where it will be played in front of a raucous crowd as part of the festivities surrounding the draw itself.

We also asked Abram about the South African team, and he told us some interesting things. The name Bafana Bafana, as the South African team is known, was actually created by the media in the 1990’s. After the team was reinstated to FIFA in 1992, the local media sought a new name to demarcate the beginning of the new era in South African soccer. As such, Bafana Bafana (which means “boys boys”) was born.

The Bafana Bafana reached a low point when the future hosts failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Recently, however, things are looking up for the team. They’ve hired Carlos Parreira as their coach, who led Brazil to the 1994 World Cup, and optimism is running high as the team heads into the 2007 African Cup of Nations. Everybody we meet here is proud of their team, and they’re also quick to point out that the Bafana Bafana will play hard and give us a great game on Saturday. With a near capacity crowd expected and both teams playing under the banner of Nelson Mandela, it should be a fantastic day.

BRADLEY INSIGHT

Reaching the elite level of any profession doesn't happen by accident, and people are often curious to hear the perspective of those who do. Coupled with a desire to give coaches greater insight into how the U.S. National Teams train and operate, CoachesNet and Starting XI present an interview with U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley. In the “Starting XI,” coaches answer 11 questions focusing on a wide range of subjects, from coaching education and youth development to modern technology in the game of soccer. “The experiences that I have had over the years, always recognizing that as much as you might think that you have things figured one day, that everything can change and you have to keep an honest open mind that becomes most important,” said Bradley, during the video (watch). Bradley’s interview is the third installment of the Starting XI series (sign up). Available now through ussoccer.com, CoachesNet is devoted to educating its members on U.S. National Team coaching tactics by breaking down games at the highest level, analyzing training sessions and tactics, and delving into the keys to preparation. In addition, the content found only on CoachesNet features exclusive videos, podcasts and dissertations on everything from preparing for a particular opponent to putting together a roster to get the most out of an individual player. Sign-up now at coachesnet.ussoccer.com.

GETTING MORE THAN THEY GAVE

The team got a welcome opportunity to get out into the community when they conducted a clinic for 40 school-age kids today as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), a $440 million dollar program to provide education on AIDS prevention in South Africa. In conjunction with Hope WorldWide and HIVSA, two groups of kids from local schools gathered in Soweto for an hour-long session of soccer exercises, taking photos, and getting autographs from the players. "It really was a special experience to see the joy these kids get out of playing football," said Tim Howard. "To see kids who have so little and yet smile so much, it was truly a blessing to spend time with them. I'm so glad we were able to be a part of it."

Look for tomorrow's all_access video feature on this special day.

A FAREWELL TO ARMAS

Today Chris Armas has officially hung up the boots on a proud career for club and country. The 35-year-old from Brentwood, N.Y., has left an indelible mark on soccer in the United States, as much for his gutsy performances as for the effect that he had on the players and coaches around him. Armas represented the United States 66 times at the senior international level, and was chosen as part of the 23-man squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup before an injury prevented him from going to Korea. A two-time CONCACAF Gold Cup winner (2002, 2005), Armas contributed mightily to two World Cup qualifying campaigns and wore the captain's armband three times in his eight-year career with the full team. He recorded two goals and one assist in 2000, his consistent play earning him U.S. Soccer Male Athlete honors that year.

Armas will be remembered on the field for his relentlessness and determination, and off the field for his kindness and values. He had a huge impact on those that were fortunate to have coached or played along side him, and several of those fortunate few are currently here in South Africa. ussoccer.com spoke with former Fire members Bob Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra and Peter Nowak about Chris Armas the player, and Chris Armas the man. Click on the name of the speaker to hear the full podcast:

"He's a great competitor. He did a lot of little things on the field that made other players better and helped the team win. He leads by example. He's not someone who is yelling all the time. He just does the right thing on and off the field almost every time. To have a player that comes in every day and is excited about the team and training, gets along with people, and just has such a positive way, it's special. On the field, it's just incredible to see a player who does the dirty work and makes the extra effort to always take care of plays, covers for other people, tackles, runs, makes the simple pass ... in all ways, his personality just rubs off on everyone."
U.S. National Team head coach Bob Bradley

"Chris is a great guy all around. On the field, he gave everything he had. He is one of those guys that goes unnoticed a lot of the time because he not in the stat books that much, but he did all the dirty work that mattered so much for the team. He put his heart and soul into every game. For me coming out of college, seeing his effort day in and day out was great to see. I remember him chasing down players and making their lives miserable all game long. He was great to have as a teammate."
U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra

"With Chris, you always knew what you were going to get from him. He was great captain, a great player and a great person. He meant a lot to me. He was my first-ever captain, and being able to learn under him was great for me being a young player. He is someone I look up to."
U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley

"As a player, Chris is a man not of words, but of action, and his actions spoke for themselves. When he took over as captain, he got the young kids going and kept the message going about continuing the tradition of the Chicago Fire. It was a privilege to work with him. It wasn't pleasurable to play against him! When we played against each other in practice, there was always a battle because he wanted to shut me down, and I wanted to show him that I was still better. That work made us both better, and there was always respect from both sides. I played with a lot of good players, and I would put Chris in the best category of guys who played behind me on the field. Even ahead of guys like Jens Jemeries from the German national team. I appreciate the work he did for the team. You never forget guys like that. He will be missed very much around the league."
U.S. Under-23 head coach Peter Nowak

SOMETHING ELSE YOU MAY NOT KNOW

(Yes, even you Amy.)

The elevation in Johannesburg is 5,751 feet above sea level, which puts it 471 feet above the "Mile High" city of Denver. The players and coaching staff first started noticing the effects in warm-ups today, and will continue to acclimatize throughout the week. The weather may also be a factor, with temperatures in the afternoon reaching the mid-80's. With a 4 p.m. local time kickoff, the players may be working against a couple of other factors besides the Bafana Bafana.

First Day of Training

With 13 of the 17 players having arrived in Jo'burg, the team took to the field today for its first training session this week. The workout was mostly light as the guys ran off the last existing bits of jet lag accrued from the massive journey here. Today was more about just getting moving; tomorrow they'll get down to business on the field.


We trained at Ellis Park (we'll have a longer post about the stadium tomorrow) and the pitch was in excellent condition. After about a half an hour of some technical drills, the guys finished with a large game of 11 v 2 keep away (featuring Peter Nowak to make up the numbers). Finally, the guys cooled down with some work on their own.


As expected, a game of horseshoes broke out, but we'd also like to report on an old game that has been recycled back into training. The object is to chip the ball off the cross bar and then finish the ensuing rebound out of the air with one touch. Various members of the coaching staff, plus Michael Bradley and Brad Guzan, took part in today's bitterly fought contest.

Brad Guzan came close to winning, but his volley into the goal was ruled to have touched the ground, to the dismay of the MLS 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year. Eventually, assistant coach Mike Sorber won honors for the day when he followed up his graceful chip off the crossbar with a powerful diving header into the corner of the goal from 12 yards out.

As you can see from the above pictures, Brad was ecstatic with what he thought was a well earned victory (top). However, his goal was ruled out, and overcome with emotion at what he perceived to be an injustice, he crushed a ball to the opposite end of the field (bottom).

Soon after, we were back in the bus to the hotel, where we settled into lunch as the remaining players arrived from the airport.

TRIVIA TIME FROM JO'BURG

Since we're still recovering from jet lag, we'll start off with an easy one. The U.S. has only played South Africa once at the senior level, a 4-0 win in the U.S. Cup on June 3, 2000. Had Eddie Lewis come to Johannesburg, he would have been the only player to have competed against the Bafana Bafana at that level. We do, however, have two players on the roster that have played against South Africa at the youth international level. So we want to know names, dates, etc. ... you know the drill ...

A bonus tidbit - Jeff Agoos earned his 100th cap against South Africa back in 2000, at that time becoming the fifth player in MNT history to hit the century mark.

DONOVAN RULED OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA MATCH

Landon Donovan will not travel to South Africa after suffering a calf strain during the Galaxy's penalty shootout victory against the Minnesota Thunder on Nov. 11 in Minneapolis. The 25-year-old ends 2007 with nine goals and four assists in 12 games played for the United States, his 34 career goals tied for number one on the USA's all-time scoring list. The coaching staff will not add a replacement, meaning the U.S. will dress 17 players for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup this Saturday in Johannesburg.

Goalkeepers (2) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)
Defenders (7) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
Midfielders (6) – Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA)
Forwards (2) – Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC)

HALF FULL

The squad, that is. As of this moment, nine players have arrived into South Africa. Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu and Brad Guzan should be pulling up to the gate shortly, while tomorrow morning Benny Feilhaber's 7 a.m. arrival will give the team a baker's dozen for the first training session at Ellis Park. Everyone has reported fit, and so far no radical new haircuts or style changes to report. The weather has been sunny and beautiful so far, a welcome change for the Euros who are well into the dreary season. The So-Cal guys are particularly pleased to see the sun again.It will be a busy day tomorrow, with training and a soccer clinic for kids in Soweto on tap.