GOOOOOCHH

Another post about the U.S. National team. Sorry you readers from foreign countries, but you're gonna have to put up with it from time to time. We lost by a score of 1-0 to ecuador. Early on, I had some panic attacks when Steve Cherundolo was having a hard time keeping up with the speed of the attacking line of the south americans. The goal came from a very good delivery from a cross to about the 6-yard box. Tim Ream fell asleep for a split second and let Jaime Ayovi slip in front of him, and he headed the ball with ease to the low right post.
Heres the rest of the highlights..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohRYqcM1RhY

Not too upset about the result though, and for those who watched the game, you might have a slight idea why. Onyewu is back and looking sharp as hell.

This was his first full 90 minute game in over a year. You would think he would be pretty staggered from an injury that has severely haunted him for the past two years, yet he was completely unhampered. I think he won about 90% of his aerial battles, and cleared ball after ball with precision. Tim Ream, as much as I love the guy, might have a challenge for center back since Gooch looks to become a staple in the back line once again.
In my opinion, his form has a lot to do with his club. He already has 4 appearance for Sporting Clube de Portugal since he joined in June. He's playing regularly and is very consistent in his performances...think he might even have a goal tallied up. Either way he wasn't seeing this type of playing time at standard liege, his former club. If players get no practice and no opportunities to show their skill and maturity, they won't grow as players. Lucky for the U.S., Onyewu is happy where he is in his career.

"I'm just happy right now." I'm in a good place. I feel confident, and a lot of my past injuries are behind me, so I think I can focus more on progressing and going forward from here."
- the Gooch