U.S. Advance in Olympic Qualifying
Photo by Carl Wagenfohr TAMPA, Fla - The U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team advanced to the semifinal round of Olympic soccer qualifying courtesy of two penalty kicks last week. On Thursday, the U.S. beat Panama, 1-0, taking sole possession of second place in Group A. U.S. midfielder Freddy Adu converted from the penalty spot for the game's only goal in the 42nd minute after Jozy Altidore was fouled inside the penalty area. Altidore ran onto a through ball from Eddie Gaven and drove in alone on Panama goalkeeper Jose Calderon. The speedy forward pushed the ball past the charging 'keeper, leaving Calderon no choice but to pull him down. Adu stepped up to take the ensuing penalty and fired to the lower right corner, scoring his second goal in as many games.
Photo by Carl Wagenfohr On Saturday evening, the U.S. Men topped Honduras, 1-0, on an Eddie Gaven penalty kick in the final minute of second half stoppage time, taking the top spot in Group A and advancing to the semifinals of 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying. 
Photo by Carl Wagenfohr Gaven's penalty kick was the result of a through ball from Patrick Ianni to Charlie Davies, who ran into the box and was taken down from behind by defender Quiarol Arzu. Gaven calmly stepped up and put the ball to the right of Honduran goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez, who dove the wrong way.
Photo by Carl Wagenfohr The U.S. traveled to Nashville on Sunday in preparation for the all-important semifinal match versus Canada, which will be played Thursday, March 20 at LP Field. The winner will earn a berth to the 2008 Beijing Olympics this August.
|
