USA eliminated from World Cup with 2-1 overtime loss to Ghana

// June 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, Updates

Despite another goal by Landon Donovan, the United States was defeated by Ghana today, 2-1, in overtime, in Round of 16 of the 2010 World Cup. With the loss, the USA is eliminated from competition.

As was a common theme this World Cup, the United States fell behind early in the match when Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng scored after only five minutes. After dominating the early part of the second half, the USA was rewarded with a Donovan goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute. The Americans had several opportunities throughout the rest of the second half, but could not find the finishing touch.

Ghana struck quickly in overtime as Asamoah Gyan needed only three minutes to put Ghana ahead 2-1. The USA, running on exhausted legs, could not score the equalizer in the final 27 minutes of overtime.

Stu Holden was dressed and healthy for the match, but did not play. Stu’s playing time for the 2010 World Cup consisted of the final 10 minutes of the USA-England match on June 12.

Match highlights: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1260909/index.html

Match report: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249717/match=300061503/report.html

Goal.com: “USA’s Stuart Holden Plays For Two”

// June 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, Updates

Goal.com featured an article about Stuart Holden and how he has fans from the United States and Scotland cheering for him in the 2010 World Cup. Holden was born in Scotland and moved to the United States at age 10. As a dual citizen, Holden had to choose which National Team he wanted to play for, the United States or Scotland.

“We are proud to have lived in the States for 14 years,” Holden said. “We’re also proud of our Scottish heritage, but when it came down to a footballing choice between the US and Scotland, I felt loyalty to the US. They were the first ones to contact me and show an interest. For me, it was a no-brainer.”

Full story: http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1679/us-national-team/2010/06/14/1976750/world-cup-2010-stuart-holden-plays-for-two

USA ties England 1-1; Stu Holden was a 2nd half sub

// June 12th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized, Updates

The USA bounced back from an early deficit to tie England, 1-1, in the first game of the 2010 World Cup for both teams. (Match video highlights: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1242481/index.html)

Steven Gerrard scored in just the 4th minute to put England on top 1-0. The score held until the USA’s Clint Dempsey scored on a shot in the 40th minute that was helped into the net by some sloppy goalkeeping by England’s Robert Green.

Stu Holden entered the match in the 85th minute as a substitute for Jozy Altidore and played the final nine minutes. It was Stu’s first World Cup appearance. Stu was also a member of the USA’s 2008 Olympic team.

With the tie, both England and the United States earned one point and both sit atop the Group C standings. Algeria and Slovenia, the other Group C teams, play on Sunday.

UPCOMING USA SCHEDULE

June 18: USA vs. Slovenia (Johnnesburg, South Africa) – 1st round World Cup match

June 23: USA vs. Algeria (Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa) – 1st round World Cup match

Stu Holden gives an entertaining video tour of the USA’s hotel in South Africa

// June 11th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, Updates

US beats Australia in final World Cup tune-up 3-1

// June 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, Updates

The US National team beat Australia today, 3-1, its final exhibition match before the start of the World Cup.

Edson Buddle scored twice for the USA, both goals coming in the first half. Second half sub Herculez Gomez scored the Americans final goal in the game’s final minutes.

Stu Holden did not play in the match as USA coach Bob Bradley continued to experiment with the line-up.

The next match for the Americans is versus England on June 12. It will be the first match in the 2010 World Cup for both teams.