USA 2 Mexico 0. Bradley (43 & 90+2)

[Condem]

First Qualifier. We've got some speed. A tad conservative in the 2nd half. A very good opener, though.

[Upton]

1. Like usual

both the US and Mexico will qualify but neither is a serious contender.

[Condem]

2. Did you watch, Upton?

I noticed alot more speed and crisper ball handling out of the US. Been watching the qualifying for many years. This team looked sharper tonight. Not the EPL, but noticeable improvement. We won't win the Cup in 2010, but the future looks bright. Someday.

[Upton]

7. I didn't see the game

Sharks/Penguins hockey took precedence. I did see today that Mexico's coach Sven Goran Eriksson is the main favorite for the newly vacated Portsmouth job....coach of the Mexican national team seems like an odd fit for him anyway.

I think 2010 would be considered a success for the US if they are able to to make it out of the group stage, maybe even into the quarterfinals. You remember how in 2002 they accomplished that feat, and were the toast of the country...leading to increased expectations for 2006 and a major letdown, concluding with Arena getting sacked.

[GOPisEvil]

3. Yeah, CONCACAF isn't exactly the toughest group from which to qualify.

Not that I'm complaining or anything.

The USA really needs to upgrade its schedule of friendlies to seriously improve.

[Condem]

4. We're moving forward, GOPisEvil

For a sport that is an also-ran in this country, I think we've made great strides. An exciting game, IMHO.

[GOPisEvil]

5. True.

Now that our better players are getting to play overseas, the overall quality of the national team is improving steadily.

[a la izquierda]

8. Improve how?

I'm confused. Maybe it's the massive amounts of tequila I just drank...

[ReliantJ]

6. As always

[a la izquierda]

9. Nice game...

I was one of a handful of US fans at a party in Mexico. Fun times. I won a US voodoo doll out of the deal.

[nickgutierrez]

10. It looks like we finally have a replacement for Claudio Reyna.

Bradley has a better nose for the goal, but we've had a huge hole in the center of the midfield since Claudio stepped down. And he's still only 21, so there is time for him to grow as a player.

[brentspeak]

11. Mexico assistant coach attacks Frankie Hejduk after the match

Unbelievable:

http://www.univision.com/content/video.jhtml?cid=1835856&channelName=Videos&_requestid=161668

[Condem]

12. Whoowhee! Tempers are going to be flaring at Aztec in August.

Why didn't anybody deck this son of a bitch?