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Giants’ Bats Explode in Huge Win Over Milwaukee

Published on August 29, 2014September 1, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.–

Ryan Vogelsong entered Friday night’s contest praying for some run support, as he came into the game with five straight games without it. The Giants sure made up for it with their highest scoring total of the season, as they destroyed the Brewers 13-2 in front of a sold out crowd of 41,348 at AT&T Park.

The scoring started in the first inning, as the Giants put up a three-spot on the Brewers, after Vogelsong shut down the Milwaukee in the first inning. This was a good sign for San Francisco, as they entered the contest with the best record in the NL when scoring first (52-15). The bats got started with a base hit for Joe Panik. This would start a string of four base hits for San Francisco that brought in the three runs. The Giants had a chance to extend the first inning lead, with the bases loaded and only one out for Brandon Crawford after Michael Morse was hit by a pitch and Gregor Blanco drew his first of three walks. Unfortunately, Crawford ended the first with a double play.

Milwaukee bounced right back, getting a run of their own in the second, as Jonathan Lucroy hit a double to start off the inning. He was later knocked in when Lyle Overbay grounded into a fielder’s choice. However, the Giants extended their lead adding two more in the second inning. Posey earned his second of five base hits of the game. As he hit a RBI single to left, bringing in Vogelsong. It was the first time a Giant had a five hit game since Brandon Belt did it last year against the Dodgers on September 13^th. Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy added “It was more important to rest than to try and go 6 for 6” as he decided to bring Posey out at the end of the sixth. Pence would bring in the second run of the inning as he was able to beat out a ground ball to the short stop. After two innings, the Giants were well on their way having the 5-2 lead.

The Giants would continue their slaughter, scoring in the first five innings of the game. As they added, one in the third, two more in the fourth before they put up four in the fifth inning making the lead 12-2.

“I think we’re playing a lot more loose, and finally having some fun out there,” commented Blanco, who ended the night 1 for 2, with a home run, three RBI, three walks and a steal.

San Francisco chased Brewers’ starting pitcher in the third inning, after he threw 80 pitches, while giving up six runs on nine hits, while striking out only one. This would cost the Brewers’ dearly, as they were forced to depend on their bullpen to get them through the rest of the game. Marco Estrada entered the game, throwing 74 pitches in only two innings, while giving up seven runs with five of them earned. In total Milwaukee threw 198 pitches on Friday.

Vogelsong turned thing around, after suffering a long drought at home. He earned his first win since May 24 at AT&T Park. His last seven home starts had been tough as he posted an 0-5 record with a 4.15 ERA. It was much different Friday, as Vogelsong finished with 7 innings pitched, while giving up four hits for two runs, while striking out seven, with three of them coming in the 7^th inning as he struck out the side. “It was good to have Vogey finally get some run support,” added Bochy. Vogelsong added “It was tough mentally when your team scores a lot of runs, and you’re sitting on the bench for such a long time, but I’ll take it.”

San Francisco with the win now stands a top of the NL Wild Card standings, as they took the lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, who fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-2 by a half game. Tomorrow, the Giants look to continue the explosive offense, as they send Jake Peavy out to faceoff against Mike Fiers.

You can follow Joe Lami on Twitter @joe_lami

Two Late Goals From Union Beat Earthquakes

Published on August 24, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

The Earthquakes came back from a two-goal deficit just to give up two more goals in the final 20 minutes on Sunday in a 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Union. San Jose’s goals came from both Sam Cronin and Chris Wondolowski. Wondolowski leads the Earthquakes in goals with ten, and marks the fifth consecutive season where the striker has found the back of the net ten times. He is just the third person in MLS history to achieve this accomplishment.

The night started off with a bang for Philadelphia, as the Union scored in just the tenth minute of the match when Andrew Wenger found his first of the night when fired one into the upper left part of the net for the 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later Sebastien Le Toux, who got the assist on the Wenger goal, made it a 2-0 lead for Philadelphia with an easy volley into the net.

The Earthquakes wouldn’t get on the board until the second half, when Sam Cronin cut the deficit to one in the 59^th minute. The goal came off a free kick, when Jordan Stewart sent it into the box, found Cronin. He was able to settle the ball before firing it home giving San Jose hope.

San Jose would complete the comeback when Chris Wondolowski scored in the 70^th minute with a volley at the back post. Shea Salinas got the assist on the equalizer.

However, the game wouldn’t be tied for long, as Philadelphia would re-take the lead just two minutes later. Le Toux notched his second assist of the match as he sent the free kick to Sheanon Williams. Williams flicked the free kick past Busch for what eventually would be the game winner.

Philadelphia would pick the game away on Wenger’s second goal of the evening on a great individual effort. Wenger gained possession at midfield before breaking behind the Quakes’ defense and finding the back of the net.

San Jose is getting into the crunch time of the season, and can’t let these points get away from them, as loss comes to a big disappoint to Quakes’ coach Mark Watson “It was a frustrating night for us. To come back from two goals and equalize and then give u the third goal so quickly was rough. We worked hard to get back in it, and we had the momentum, but we made too many mistakes in the critical moments. We are disappointed right now.” The Quakes have another match on Saturday, as they return home to face Real Salt Lake in a big game “We have a big game at home and need to get focused in training and be ready to go against RSL”, Watson added.

Giants End Nationals Ten-Game Win Streak With Blowout

Published on August 22, 2014August 22, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

After a hellish three days in Chicago that included a suspended game and all sorts of rain delays, a tired San Francisco Giants defeated the Washington Nationals 10-3 on Friday Night. Washington had been on a tare of late winning ten-straight, tying their franchise record.

The night didn’t start off so good for the men in orange and black, as they gave up a run in the first inning due to a Joe Panik error. However, Panik would redeem himself in the fourth inning when he hit a three-run homerun to center giving San Francisco the 3-1 lead, his first career home run. Jason Werth would get one back in the bottom half of the inning for the Nationals, as he hit his first homerun since July 13.

San Francisco added another run in the sixth inning, when Posey went yard for the 15^th time this season to give them the 4-2 lead. The Giants opened the floodgates in the late innings as they added two in the eighth and four in the ninth to solidify the ninth win of the season for Tim Hudson.

Hudson was chased out of the game somewhat early, as he only pitched 5.1 innings while throwing 95 pitches. He recorded three strikeouts, gave up five hits while surrendering two runs, with only one of them being earned.

Doug Fister was given the loss for Washington, only his fourth all year (12-4). Fister threw 107 pitches in six innings pitched. The Giants had seven hits and four runs against him, with two of the hits being homeruns.

The win was an important one as both the Braves and Dodgers earned victories keeping the Giants three games back of the Dodgers and a game up on the Braves.

FC Dallas Embarrasses San Jose at Home With 5-0 Shutout; Ends Earthquakes’ Point Streak at Four Games

Published on August 16, 2014August 16, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–

Saturday night was something out of a nightmare for the San Jose Earthquakes as they were absolutely dominated by FC Dallas in a 5-0 shutout. Star rookie, Tesho Akindele, stole the show for Dallas recording his first career hat trick. Fabian Castillo was also a major factor for Dallas as he contributed two goals and an assist.

The nightmare began in the 11^th minute for San Jose, when defender, Shaun Francis pulled up short due to an apparent hamstring injury. He would walk off the field for a few moments to get a breather before deciding to go back into play. He would play for just over a minute, but was too injured to continue, as Earthquakes’ coach, Mark Watson, had to burn his first substitution in the 13^th minute. Brandon Barklage came in for the injured Francis.

The Earthquakes had some chances early in the first half, forcing Dallas goalkeeper, Raul Fernandez, to earn his shutout. In the 29^th minute, Sam Cronin, hit a skipping shot from the right side just outside of the box, forcing Fernandez to make the diving save to his right. Fernandez had five saves in the win. Just a minute later, Castillo found his first of the evening with a great individual effort, making Jason Hernandez look silly along the way to give Dallas the 1-0 lead.

In the 43^rd minute Dallas would take a 2-0 advantage when Akindele got his first of three when a shot from outside the box took a tricky bounce off of an Earthquakes’ defender before it made its way past Jon Busch.

The Earthquakes best chance came in the 45^th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Matias Perez Garcia was taken down in the penalty box to give Chris Wondolowski a chance. Wondolowski fired a bullet that just missed the top left corner to end the half.

FC Dallas tacked on three more goals in the second half to propel them to victory. Castillo’s two goals on Saturday night gives him the team lead with eight on the season. “We couldn’t handle him, he has a ton of pace and incredible individual effort,” commented Watson. “He caused a lot of problems with his pace,” added Busch.

Akindele’s three goals now gives him seven on the season, making him the honor of being the highest scoring rookie in FC Dallas history. Aleksey Korol previously held the honor for his five tallies he scored in 2000.

FC Dallas extends their unbeaten streak to nine with the victory. It also marks the first time that Dallas coach, Oscar Pareja, has beaten San Jose in his ninth attempt.

San Jose had their unbeaten streak snapped at four games with the loss. “There was a good feeling about the team. We finally got something going, and then this loss. It’s really deflating,” commented Watson.

The Earthquakes will try to recover on Wednesday when they host division leading, Seattle.

Bumgarner’s Gem Ruined in Late Innings as Giants Drop Another Game at Home

Published on August 15, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.–The struggles for the Giants continue as they were defeated Friday night 5-3 in ten innings by the slumping Philadelphia Phillies. The Giants entered the night looking to get two consecutive wins at home for the first time since they went on a five-game winning streak to begin June. San Francisco has lost six of their last seven and 14 of their last 20 games, while Philadelphia was coming into the contest losing five of their last six.

The Giants had high hopes early on, as Madison Bumgarner started the game hot, striking out four of the first six batters. Bumgarner had a perfect game into the fourth inning, until Jimmy Rollins broke it up with a bloop single right over the head of Joe Panik, whose diving attempt wasn’t good enough, as it tipped off of his glove. Bumgarner would be able to get out of the inning fairly quickly after a controversial call at 3^rd when Rollins broke for 3^rd, but Bumgarner picked him off. Review would confirm the call.

Cole Hamels was the starting pitcher on the other side, and he came into the contest being one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball, coming into the contest throwing 7 or more innings while only giving up one earned run over his last five starts. He gave up three hits in the first three innings, but the Giants weren’t able to do anything about it.

It wasn’t until the fourth inning when the Giants got on the scoreboard. Buster Posey started off the inning with a single. He would be moved to third when Pablo Sandoval hit a ground rule double to left-center field. This would bring up Michael Morse, who in his first at-bat stroke one 400 ft to right, but it was to the deepest part of the ballpark. Morse would get a hold of another one, as he sent a moon shot to left that landed ten rows up the bleachers over the 382 mark. Giants’ Manager, Bruce Bochy praised Morse “He had some great At-Bats for us tonight”. The Giants were up 3-0 at the end of the 4^th.

Bumgarner’s only hiccup out his outing came in the fifth inning, when the very first batter, Maron Byrd, would get one back for the Phillies on a solo shot to left field bringing the Giants’ lead to 3-1. It was Byrd’s 23^rd home run of the year, leading the Phillies and is third in the National League. Bumgarner would buckle down not allowing another run the rest of his outing. Bumgarner had a line of seven innings pitched, surrendering one run on four hits while striking out nine. Eight of the nine strikeouts were earned from swinging strikes. He earned just his third quality start of the season at home and the first since June 10. “It feels nice to throw good at home, it’s been a while,” commented Bumgarner. Bochy added “Bum, what a great job”.

The Giants had a couple of chances to add to their lead, their most promising was in the sixth inning, when Brandon Crawford was up with Gregor Blanco on third. San Francisco tried to play a safety squeeze that went wrong. A bad bunt from Crawford plus bad base running from Blanco took away their chance. Blanco read the play wrong and tried to break for the plate, when he relalized that he wouldn’t make it, he tried to get back to third where he was thrown out by Hamel. “ There needs to be a fine line between being aggressive and being smart,” said Bochy.

The Phillies took advantage of the two-time all star leaving the game, as they tied the game up in the eighth inning. Jeremy Affeldt gave up a base hit to Darin Ruf to start the inning, and Cody Asche followed up by hitting his first home run of his career at AT&T Park driving it just over the right field wall to the first row of the arcade. Bumgarner mentioned that “It looked like his foot slipped on that pitch”, to which he added “it would have affected me”. For Affeldt, it was the first home run he’s given up in over a calendar year (June 28, 2013 vs. San Diego) and the first one to a left-handed batter since April 24, 2011.

The score was tied heading into the eighth where the Giants had yet another chance. This time with two outs and Sandoval on second base. Panik lined one to right field for the base hit, but the Giants took the chance to bring home Sandoval, where he was embarrassingly thrown out by ten feet. “We haven’t been scoring that much lately, so we took the chance, and he (Byrd) made a perfect throw,” added Bochy.

The Giants wouldn’t receive another great scoring chance, as the Phillies took the lead in the tenth inning when Chase Utley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to give the Phillies the lead. Ryan Howard would extend the lead to 5-3 on a sacrifice fly that went to the warning track in left field.

The Giants hope to turn this terrible streak at home around, where they have gone 8-23 in the last 31 home games. This compares to their 22-9 record at home for their first 31 game at home. Even with Friday night’s loss the Giants didn’t lose any ground in the playoff race, as both the Dodgers (5.5 back of NL West) and Pirates (0.5 back of 2^nd Wild Card) lost.

Tomorrow the Giants will try to get revenge on the Phillies in the second game of the three game set, where Tim Hudson will take the bump facing off against Kyle Kendrick.

Sabercats’ Smothering Defense Lead San Jose to Conference Title Game

Published on August 2, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SAN JOSE Calif.–

The San Jose Sabercats started their 2014 post-season run with a 55-28 victory over their Pacific Division rival, the Spokane Shock, on Saturday to advance to the National Conference Championship next weekend.

The best defense in the AFL showed why, as they held their opponents to just 28 points, all of which came in the second half. The 28-point total is also the second lowest point total the Sabercats have given up all season, as they held the Portland Thunder to just 27 points on May 17.

“We played as a unit tonight,” said Sabercats’ Defensive Tackle Jason Stewart, who recorded 3.5 sacks in the victory. Stewart came up huge in the 2^nd Quarter for San Jose, when they faced a third down and two from their own nine. Stewart came up with a sack on the play. When Spokane decided to go for it on fourth down and six, Stewart came up with his second sack in as many play to force the turnover on downs, and help keep the Shock off of the scoreboard. Stewart wasn’t the only one on the defensive line to make plays, as Francis Maka with two sacks, and Terrance Carter with 1.5 sacks found ways to get to the Quarterback.

The defense didn’t stop there, however, as they also came up with three interceptions, all coming in the first half. Ken Fontenette, whose known for his tackling ability more than his intercepting ability led the way with two interceptions for 40 yards. He also finished the game with ten total tackles, leading the team. “Kenny put the team on his back tonight,” added Head Coach Darren Arbet.

David Hyland also picked one off of Erik Meyer, the reigning AFL MVP, with a magnificent catch in the end zone to take away a touchdown.

In his first career playoff game, Sabercats’ Quarterback, Nathan Stanley had an outstanding performance finishing the game 18 of 35 for five touchdowns and 193 yards. “It meant something to him, he was focused,” Arbet commented. Stanley did a great job of spreading the ball around, as each Reggie Gray and Dominique Curry had two touchdowns, with Ben Nelson receiving one. Stanley gave all the credit to his defense however, “they did a great job, it really took a lot of pressure off of us,” he added after the win.

San Jose now awaits their fate, as they will find out their next opponent on Sunday, where they will face the winner of the Arizona Rattlers (15-3) and the Portland Thunder (5-13). If the Rattlers win, the Sabercats will travel to Phoenix next weekend, but if Portland pulls off the upset, they will host the Thunder at home in San Jose.

Germany Reigns Supreme in Brazil

Published on July 13, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By Joe Lami

Germany was claimed to be the strongest team of the 2014 World Cup going into the Final and they proved it on Sunday defeating Argentina 1-0. Germany is the first European country to win the Cup in any of the Americas (North, Central or South), and has claimed their first World Cup since 1990, where they defeated the Argentines.

Germany owned much of the possession in the final, out-possessing Argentina 60%-40%. However, both teams ended the game with ten shots, with the Germans having the upper-hand in shots on goal 7-2.

It took extra time for Germany to claim the only goal of the match, but there were a couple of chances for each side. The best chance came in the closing minutes of the first half when Benedikt Howedes found himself opened for a header off of a corner kick, but couldn’t capitalize on it as he found the right post.

The second half ended with Germany firing on all cylinders, and it showed as in the 91^st minute Andre Schurrle fired a right-footed shot right at Argentinean Goalie, Sergio Romero.

Germany would finally find the scoreboard on one of the prettiest plays of the entire tournament when Andre Schurrle made a run down the left side, crossed it over two defenders getting it to Mario Goetze. Goezte settled the ball off of his chest down to his left loot, and made a sliding shot into the bottom right corner of the net for the World Cup winner.

Despite the loss, Argentinean Striker, Lionel Messi was voted the winner of the Golden Ball for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. German Goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer was awarded the Golden Glove for Most Valuable Goalie of the Tournament.

Howard Amazing, but Not Enough as Belgium Knocks United States Out of World Cup

Published on July 1, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

It took 93 minutes for the first goal of the game to be scored, as the last Round of 16 matchup took extra time between the United States and Belgium. This was most part due to an amazing performance by American Goalkeeper, Tim Howard, who recorded 16 saves in the loss, the most recorded in any World Cup match ever. However, it was not enough, as Belgium eliminates the Americans 2-1.

“It’s heartbreaking,” added Howard after the game.

Belgium dominated almost the entire match, having a total of 37 shots, outshooting the Americans 37-10, with an advantage of 16-3 with shots on target. Belgium also had the advantage in corner kicks 17-4.

It looked for a while that as long as Howard kept them in the game, the United States would get a chance to win, and they did in the closing minutes of the match. Chris Wondolowski, of the San Jose Earthquakes, would receive a through ball in the middle of the box. As one of the best strikers and finishers on the team had the game on his foot, he put the attempt just over the crossbar, which would eventually send the match into extra time.

In extra time, Belgium would jump on the board almost instantly, as Kevin De Bruyne sent one past the left side of Howard for the first goal of the match in the 93^rd minute. Belgium would get the next one just 12 minutes later, when Romelu Lukaku would have his third attempt get past Howard. Belgium once again found the bottom left corner of the net on the goal to go up 2-0 to end the first half of extra time.

The second half of extra time was completely owned by the United States, and it all started when an absolute amazing goal was scored by the youngest player on the American roster in Julian Green. Green one touched volleyed on a lob from Michael Bradley to pull within one in the 107^th minute, the latest goal the U.S. has ever scored in a World Cup. The goal added life to the Americans, as they tried their best to find the equalizer, but it just wasn’t there, as the Belgians were able to hold on for the victory.

Coming into the match the U.S. was 31^st out of the 32 teams in the opening rounds of the World Cup in possession, making it a concern coming into the Round of 16. It was something that had improved in the match versus Belgium, but not nearly as good as it needed to be.

This World Cup has brought soccer to the main stage in American sports, and had the country go crazy for the short stint. Hopefully, it can continue and bring the United States closer to becoming a soccer country.

Belgium will move on to the Quarterfinals to take on Argentina, who defeated Switzerland 1-0 in the other Round of 16 match earlier today.

Reds Steal One From San Francisco; Giants’ Woes Continue

Published on June 28, 2014June 28, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.–The Cincinnati Reds stole a game from the San Francisco Giants on Saturday Night at AT&T, as they beat the Giants 7-2 in 11innings. Cincinnati was trailing 1-0 going into the ninth inning, when Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homerun to put the Reds ahead. A Giants rally capped off by a RBI double from Buster Posey in the ninth would force extra innings, but the Reds were too strong in the 11^th for the Giants to come back.

The Giants continue to slump, as they are now 4-14 in the last 18 games. The Giants have had one bright spot in that span, with Tim Lincecum’s No Hitter this past Wednesday against the Padres, but before then the Giants haven’t won a game at home since June 12, where they hammered the Nationals 7-1.

San Francisco was led by a strong pitching performance from Matt Cain, who hasn’t been himself this season going into Saturday. Cain entered Saturday with a 1-6 record and a 4.82 ERA in 12 games. Cain looked like the pitcher we have known though on Saturday, as he pitched seven scoreless innings, while giving up six hits, two walks and striking out four. Saturday also marks the first time since September 26, 2012 in which Cain pitched at least seven scoreless innings. However, the great performance goes for not, as Cain is given the no decision.

“It was a tough one, Cain pitched his heart out,” said Giants’ Skipper, Bruce Bochy after game.

Alfredo Simon was great on the other side as he surrendered one run on three hits. Simon has been stellar for the Reds on the season boasting a 10-3 record with a 2.92 ERA, heading into Saturday night, and it continued to show, as he getsa no decision.

The Giants started the night with a bang, as Gregor Blanco led off with a base hit. However, the Giants would have to wait until the fifth inning, until they got their next one. The only Giant to get on base between the first and fifth inning was Pablo Sandoval in the fourth inning, when he hit a grounder and it was misplayed by Zack Cozart for an error. Brandon Crawford recorded the second hit of the evening on his bobblehead night with a single. Adam Duvall followed up by doubling into the left field corner sending Crawford to third. With one out in the inning, it sent Joe Panik up to the plate. Panik would knock in the only run for the Giants of the night, as he hammered one right up the middle but, it was knocked down by Simon and Brandon Phillips made the throw to first. Matt Cain ended the fifth on a bunt for hit attempt to get the second run in, by he was thrown out at first.

San Francisco led the game into the top of the ninth, when Sergio Romo came into the game. Romo started the shaky inning with a walk to Joey Votto, bringing Phillips up to the plate. Phillips entered the at bat 0 for 3 on the evening, but made the difference in the ninth when he shot a hanging a slider deep into left field to give the Reds the 2-1 lead. Romo was forced to finish the inning, but had trouble doing it as both Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Ludwick would hit it to the warning track before being gloved down by Juan Perez.

The Reds entered the ninth inning with the lead and one of the most dangerous closers in the game coming in, Aroldis Chapman. Chapman entered the game 16 for 16 in saves situations, and pitching his fourth day straight. The Giants would be the first team to break Chapman on the season as they started the ninth inning with a Hunter Pence single to right. The turning point was an amazing ten-pitch walk forced by Sandoval putting runners on first and second. Buster Posey was the pinch hitter and drove a 101 MPH fastball to left to bring home the tying run on the no-out double. Runners were at second and third with no outs, and the Giants looked like they had the win in the bag, however Chapman buckled down and forced two ground outs and then struck out Duvall to end the ninth.

The Reds would strike again in the 11^th inning scoring two runs off of Cozart single, that brought in Votto; who doubled to start the inning, and Phillips who was intentionally walked to set up the double play ball. Cincinnati would put the nail in the coffin when Chris Heisey knocked two more in with a triple to right to put the Reds up 6-2. The bleeding would continue for the Giants when Billy Hamiliton doubled to right to bring in Heisey to make it 7-2. The Giants would get one back in the bottom half to make it 7-3.

Jonathan Broxton earns the win for Cincinnati to up his record to 3-0. Javy Lopez gets the loss, dropping his record to 1-1. The Reds take a 3-0 series advantage this weekend, as they will go for the sweep tomorrow with a pitching matchup of Homer Bailey vs. Tim Hudson.

United States Through to Round of Sixteen Despite Loss to Germany

Published on June 26, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

The United States Men’s National Team did what many believed wouldn’t happen on Thursday and made it out of the group of death to advance to the Round of Sixteen after a 1-0 loss to Germany. The advance in the World Cup is happening because of a 2-1 win for Portugal over Ghana.

Both the United States and Portugal ended the round robin portion of the tournament with four points each, but the United States had the advantage with goal differential. The U.S. had an even goal differential through the first three games, where Portugal was (-3) minus three.

Germany owned most of the game, out possessing the United States 67% to 33%. The ownership in possession showed ad Germany outshot the Americans 13-4 with a 6-0 advantage in shots on goal. The Germans showed they were the better team in just the opening minutes as the United States hardly had ownership of the ball, and one would begin to worry if the Germans were going to blow out the Americans.

The United States would be able to hold the Germans off of the scoreboard in the first half however with some remarkable play on the back end, especially from Centerback, Omar Gonzalez. Gonzalez had multiple tackles inside the penalty box to knock away German chances.

Germany would get on the scoreboard in the Second Half, when Thomas Muller would find the right side of the net on a shot at the top of the 18-yard box. The play happened off of a corner kick, when a German player headed one towards goal when American keeper, Tim Howard would make the save. However, the rebound found the right foot of Muller for his second goal of the World Cup.

The Americans did have a couple good scoring chances in the second half, but none of them came to fruition, as the game ended in a 1-0 win for Germany.

It would be a different story if Portugal didn’t defeat Ghana 2-1. Ghana was pushing Portugal in the last 20 minutes of the game with a 1-1 score line. A win for Ghana would have put them into the Round of Sixteen with a better goal differential than the US. Christino Ronaldo however ended Ghana’s chances when he put a rebound home in the 80^th minute to help the United States survive the scare.

The group stages are coming to an end, and the Americans have made it through the group of death, with the standings being: Germany (7 Points, +5), United States (4 Points, +/-0), Portugal (4 Points, -3), and Ghana (1 Point, -2).

Up next for the Americans is their Round of Sixteen matchup, as they will take on the winners of Group H, most likely Belgium, who has already advanced through two games.