Havana Here We Come

In the world of professional soccer there is no rest for the weary. Leagues across Europe are at full throttle, the MLS is gearing up for playoffs and the guys on the U-23 team are still recovering from a run of bad luck in China. But if there's one man who doesn't feel sorry for them it's Bill Bradley. Coach Bradley has one goal and one goal only: Qualify for South Africa.

The next step on the road to 2010 is an historic match-up this Saturday in Havana against Cuba.

The U.S. is coming off a big win against Guatemala in a very hostile environment. And, Saturday's game will be no different. So for the guys to find success against the Cubans it will start in the backline. Fortunately, the defense has been ironclad with Bocanegra, Gooch and Howard shutting down all opposing attacks.

The U.S. has only lost once in seven matches against Cuba, and the last time they met the U.S. walked away with a 4-1 victory off goals by Dempsey, Beasley and a brace by Landon. Donovan obviously likes playing the Cubans - in 2003 he became only the fourth U.S. player in history to slot home four goals in one game (the U.S. won 5-0). Let's hope that history repeats itself this Saturday. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET and you can catch the game on ESPN Classic and Galavision.

Then before the players even have a chance to say adios they're off to Chicago, where they'll face Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, September 10.

The race is on and the finish line is South Africa 2010.