The Americans traveled to Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium with high hopes but only managed to escape with a listless draw; Jozy Altidore responds well to the ugliness of European fans; Messi v. Ronaldo.
BY
Noah Davis
Posted
January 30, 2013
3:20 AM
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The United States took the field against Canada and boy was it ugly:
We'll have plenty more wrap-up from Houston laster today, but right now: moving on.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo take center stage when Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in the first leg of the Copa Clásico. We predicted a 0-0 draw with little attacking.
In one of the more remarkable interviews you'll ever see, Jozy Altidore showed remarkable restraint and absolute class when interviewed after a game in which he was the target of racist chants.
Altidore's post-game statement echoed his feelings: "Obviously, what happened today outside the field of play was very unfortunate. It was disappointing for my team, our fans who traveled to the match to support us and for the Den Bosch supporters embarrassed by the select, ignorant few in attendance. But unfortunately, this is still the way things are. Racism remains prevalent in the world. The only thing you can pray for is a positive outcome from situations like these. You hope parents and coaches of young, impressionable athletes—not just soccer players—are told that what happened today isn't right. It is never acceptable."
The forward, who now has 20 goals in all competitions this season and eight in the last six, was backed up by his club.
In other AZ news, Aron Johannsson signs with the team. He'll have an excellent mentor in Altidore, at least as long as the high-scoring forward stays with the club.
