by Rod Hughes
Something smells rotten at Soldiers Field in Chicago where a U.S. soccer team defeated a strong Canadian side, 2-1, yesterday. And the stench was overwhelming when Mexican referee Benito Armando Archundia anulled a clearly legitimate tying goal with a minute left to play.
We will say no more.
This means that the United States team will dispute the Gold Cup title with Mexico, which barely squeeked by a fast, scrappy Guadelupe side, 1-0.
The U.S. win was largely due to striker Landon Donovan, who passed to Frankie Hedjuk for the first goal, then made the second one on a penalty kick. Ian Hume made Canada’s goal on a pass from Atiba Hutchinson.
Michael Bradley of the U.S. was expelled from the game at minute 88.
Mexico’s close shave was saved by a goal by Pavel Pardo in the second half. Play was fast and furious.
Question to ponder: Why were two Mexican field officials included in the U.S.-Canada game, including the referee, when the game would decide who would face Mexico in the finals? Bad form, old chap…