The United States Men's National Soccer Team defeated Guatemala Wednesday (3/30) night two to zero in a World Cup Qualifier at Legion Field in Birmingham.By Bobby Puppione, Alabama Public Radio
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U.S. Men's Soccer Victorious in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL – The United States Men's National Soccer Team defeated Guatemala Wednesday (3/30) night two to zero in a World Cup Qualifier at Legion Field in Birmingham. Alabama Public Radio's Bobby Puppione went to the match, and gives us a diary of his day at the game.
("Ole Ole Ole Ole...")
3:47 pm - I pulled into the gates at Legion Field in Birmingham and I knew because of the international attention this game had received, it was going to be sweet.
4:07 pm - I attempted to conduct interviews with Guatemalan fans, but I was swarmed before I could get someone alone. Finally, I was able to speak with Selvin Ipina.
"We came all the way from Pennsylvania. I personally never thought there was going to be this many fans from Guatemala, but we feel like we are at home so hopefully we will win this game."
4:13 pm - I proceeded to march with the Chapines, which is the term to identify people from Guatemala.
("Chapines" chant)
4:24 pm - After seeing some pretty heavy partying in the march around Legion Field, I searched for someone from Sam's Army, the American term for soccer supporters.
4:37 pm - I was finally able to locate some Yankees. Ed Kerwin says playing the game in Alabama was the right choice.
"It's pretty far from where a lot of Guatemalans can be. And just by walking around the stadium you can see that there are still Guatemalans here so you want to try to minimize the amount of Guatemalan-Americans that can come to the game. So, this is one of the best spots to have it.
5:00 pm - I grabbed by press pass from media will call and headed up to the press box inside the stadium. I was greeted by a table full of food including BBQ sandwiches, beans, rolls, and dessert.
5:27 pm - While scrubbing the BBQ stains on my white polo shirt I found my seat in the front row of the press box.
5:47 pm - More than an hour before the game, the Chapines entered the stadium already cheering for their team. No sign yet of Sam's Army.
(Fans cheering)
7:03 pm - The teams took the field and the national anthems for both sides were played...Guatemala first.
(National anthems of Guatemala and U.S.)
7:08 pm - Kickoff.
11 minutes into the match, the U.S. got on the board with a goal from Eddie Johnson, assisted by Landon Donovan. Johnson describes his 8th goal in his last 8 games.
"And I just kept moving, and I lost my defender, and I was in the box with the ball and just tried to tuck it in."
Johnson's goal would be the only point on the board at half time as the U.S. led Guatemala one to nothing.
The U.S. scored their second goal during the four most exciting minutes of the game..which included a U.S. goal that was called back, a huge save by American goalkeeper Casey Keller, a missed call by the referee against Guatemala, and finally a goal by the U.S.'s Steve Ralston, with the assist coming from Johnson.
(Sound from game)
Almost 25 minutes later...the referee blew his whistle and the game was over. U.S. 2, Guatemala 0.
9:17 pm - I hustled down to the media room where interviews were to be held. U.S. head coach Bruce Arena was happy with the way his team has come along through the beginning stages of world cup.
"Our entire team played well. That's a great performance after three games, with two on the road and six points, so we are right on schedule. I'm pleased."
9:58 pm - I finished chit-chatting with someone my age in the press room - It was tonight's unofficial man of the match -- the U.S.'s Eddie Johnson.
10:06 pm - I left Legion Field and began my trek back to Tuscaloosa. What a good day at a soccer event...or so I thought.
10: 09 pm - Hail the size of golf balls pelted the station vehicle as I waited on the side of the road.
(Sound of hail)
10:14 pm - The rain stopped and I was finally able to finish my night.
For Alabama Public Radio, I'm Bobby Puppione.