L.A. Times - Soccer

U.S. takes a big step toward Brazil

By Kevin Baxter — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:27:00 PDT

Altidore's goal beats Honduras and puts U.S. on top in regional World Cup qualifying.

SANDY, Utah — It was so clear here on Tuesday the U.S. national soccer team could almost see Brazil.

Jozy Altidore's goal gives U.S. 1-0 win over Honduras

By Kevin Baxter — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:14:00 PDT

Altidore scores in the 73rd minute after the U.S. had previously been shut out on multiple scoring opportunities.

SANDY, Utah — Needing a win to move a big step closer to a berth in next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, the U.S. rode a late goal by Jozy Altidore to a 1-0 victory over Honduras in a regional qualifier Tuesday before a sellout crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Up next for Chivas USA: Wednesday at Vancouver

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Chivas USA has lost seven of eight games, including its last five, but its most recent win came against Vancouver on March 30.

CHIVAS USA TONIGHT

Up next for Galaxy: Wednesday vs. Portland

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Galaxy will have star forward Robbie Keane back in the lineup.

GALAXY TONIGHT

Juergen Klinsmann's mix-and-match strategy with U.S. soccer team

By Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:32:00 PDT

The coach has repositioned players on a national squad that plays Honduras on Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifier.

SANDY, Utah — For Juergen Klinsmann, managing a soccer team is a little like building a puzzle.

Galaxy tries to find its footing amid lineup gaps, late-game gaffes

By Jim Peltz, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Galaxy is 6-6-2 and in fifth playoff spot in West, but it has lost five of its last seven MLS games. Stars such as Robbie Keane have missed games to play for their national teams, and surrendering late goals is a trend.

The Galaxy hoped to clear one hurdle early this season by getting off to a much better start than last year.

U.S. soccer team not as dependent on Landon Donovan as it once was

By Kevin Baxter — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:25:00 PDT

National team, bolstered by Jozy Altidore's offense, has found a winning chemistry without its all-time leader in goals and assists.

Landon Donovan and Juergen Klinsmann are not the best of friends. Which can be a problem given that Donovan is arguably the best soccer player in the history of the U.S. national team, the team Klinsmann now coaches.

U.S. dominates Panama for 2-0 win in World Cup qualifier

By Kevin Baxter — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:01:00 PDT

With the victory, the U.S. leads the six-team competition and gains control of CONCAF qualifying.

SEATTLE — Juergen Klinsmann has tried out more combinations than a safecracker is his two years as coach of the U.S. national soccer team, starting 28 lineups in 29 games.

Mexico and Costa Rica tie, 0-0

Wire Reports — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:06:00 PDT

World Cup qualifying game at Mexico City yields another draw for the hosts. Honduras picks up a 2-0 victory at home over Jamaica.

Despite having the home-field advantage, Mexico could not manage more than a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica on Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifying game at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

U.S. soccer team seeks fill-ins for qualifier against Panama

By Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:47:00 PDT

Jermaine Jones will miss World Cup qualifier with a concussion and Graham Zusi is suspended after getting two yellow cards. Injured Herculez Gomez also will miss match against unbeaten Panama.

SEATTLE — Juergen Klinsmann went 23 months and 28 matches as coach of the U.S. national soccer team before starting the same lineup in consecutive games.