The Daily Dirt, September 2: Digital Witness

For an extended, slightly ranting, look at the U.S. Men’s National Team, check out today’s edition of the Peachtree Post.

Today’s game in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is very important, as is tonight’s other group match between Trinidad and Tobago against Guatemala. If the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago win, then we can breathe easy for Tuesday’s game. If results come out differently, the World Cup future of the U.S. could be decided in Jacksonville.

I hate that it has come to this. The semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying can be tricky, but the U.S. should be past consistent drama at this stage. This happened in 2012 as well where it took an Eddie Johnson goal in the 90th minute from an Alan Gordon cross to win 2-1 in Antigua and Barbuda. Let’s hope today’s game doesn’t go down to the wire like that one.

Even with the missing players today for the U.S., they should have the quality to take care of business. However, taking care of business has not always been so easy for this time in recent years. It could make for an interesting afternoon in St. Vincent.

Tonight, Atlanta United’s Kenwyne Jones captains Trinidad and Tobago in a huge match for them against Guatemala. All Trinidad and Tobago needs to clinch qualification for the final round of CONCACAF qualifying is a draw. If the U.S. gets the expected win this afternoon, a Trinidad and Tobago win would put the U.S. through as well. It’s a big opportunity for Jones to cement his place in Trinidad and Tobago’s soccer history, and to help out his new fans in Atlanta as well.

Another game I’ll be keeping an eye on today is Honduras-Canada. Canada needs a result in Honduras to keep their hopes alive. At some point, it would be great to see Canada make it back to the Hex. I feel like they’ve had more talent than their results have shown in recent years.

Domestic

What to watch for in St. Vincent this afternoon (Stars and Stripes FC)

Some of the lineup for this afternoon is already known for the USMNT (ESPN)

NYCFC comes from behind twice to move into first place in the East, Frank Lampard with two huge goals to defeat DC United (Black and Red United)

A look at the Ottawa Fury’s financial situation and rumors that they might leave the NASL (Ottawa Sun)

Heather O’Reilly makes her retirement from the U.S. Women’s National Team official (The Blue Testament)

International

Mexico is heading to El Salvador for their World Cup qualifer, get ready for the match with a preview (FMF State of Mind)

Huge game for Canada this afternoon as they head to Honduras and try to avenge their last trip (Mount Royal Soccer)

Japan lost 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates in a World Cup qualifer, here’s the goal that was disallowed:

Lionel Messi returned to the Argentine national team to score the winner in a World Cup qualifer over Uruguay:

Interesting turn of events in Manchester:

Local