There has been some talk lately about how the USMNT has regressed from its best teams of the
past decade – that a lack of veteran leadership has made this team shakier and that Bob Bradley
is making do with a hand full of poor cards. I don't believe that to be the case. The current
US team has as much potential as the 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists, and if they can catch some of
the same breaks as that 2002 team, they can go just as far if not farther.
What happens when a playoff race involves almost a dozen Major League Soccer team? Every single
game becomes vital.
There are no throwaway matches on this MLS Matchday 28. The league-worst New York Red Bulls
aren't in the playoff hunt, but tonight's opponent, Chivas USA, absolutely needs three points in
its quest for a playoff berth and high seed.
