http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/1563/usantthreadintroimage1ib.gif


History:

Matches played: 467
Matches won: 174
Matches drawn: 106
Matches lost: 187

World Cup Appearances ( 8 ): 1930 (3rd place), 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 (quarter-finals), 2006

Gold Cup Appearances ( 8 ): 1991 (finals winner), 1993 (finals loser), 1996 (3rd place), 1998 (finals loser), 2000 (quarter-finals), 2002 (finals winner), 2003 (3rd place), 2005 (finals winner)

Confederations Cup ( 3 ): 1992 (3rd place), 1999 (3rd place), 2003

All-time Cap Leaders:
1 - Cobi Jones (164)
2 - Jeff Agoos (134)
3 - Marcelo Balboa (128)
4 - Paul Caligiuri (110)
5 - Claudio Reyna (107)
6 - Eric Wynalda (106)
7 - Earnie Stewart (101)
8 - Joe-Max Moore (100)
9 - Tony Meola (99)
10 - Alexi Lalas (96)

All-time Goal Scorers:
1 - Erik Wynalda (34)
2 - Brian McBride (29)
3 - Landon Donovan (25)
4 - Joe-Max Moore (24)
5 - Bruce Murray (21)
6 - Earnie Stewart (17)
7 - Cobi Jones (15)
8 - Marcelo Balboa (13)
8 - Hugo Perez (13)
10 - Frank Klopas (12)


Kit 06/07:

Home: http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/4927/uskithome3ju.png

Away: http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/8732/uskitaway3ie.png


Upcoming Matches:

World Cup - Ghana vs. USA - June 22nd, 2006 - Nuremberg, Germany


Latest Results:

World Cup - USA vs. Czech Republic 0-3
World Cup - Italy vs. USA 1-1


World Cup Roster:
*player in color play abroad

Goalkeepers:
18 - Kasey Keller (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
1 - Tim Howard (Manchester United)
19 - Marcus Hahnemann (Reading FC)

Defenders:
2 - Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy)
3 - Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC)
4 - Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
6 - Steve Cherundolo (Hanover 96)
7 - Eddie Lewis (Leeds United)
12 - Cory Gibbs (ADO Den Haag)
13 - Jimmy Conrad (Kansa City Wizards)
21 - Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege)
23 - Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)

Midfielders:
5 - John O'Brien (Chivas USA)
8 - Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution)
10 - Claudio Reyna (Manchester City)
14 - Ben Olsen (DC United)
15 - Bobby Convey (Reading FC)
17 - DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven)
21 - Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Forwards:
9 - Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
11 - Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
16 - Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)
20 - Brian McBride (Fulham FC)

can a mod please add this to the Team Threads forum, thanks in advance (Y)

sorry man, didn't notice the thread. I'll move it..

shinji comes through once again :jap:

PS: nice sig

---------

Does anybody know how the Bruce is gonna go about these three friendlys coming up? By that I mean, will he play three different line-ups or mostly the same line-up with 1 or 2 changes?

I would play the strongest team possible against Morroco since I consider them the toughest out of the three teams we will play.

I love Alex's promotion of this thread. I haven't heard anything about what he'll do in the friendlies. Personally, I would just experiment with a few tweaks in each game, since a large portion of the roster is already set. There's no point to give Brian Ching a game in my opinion, instead we should give PT to guys who actually might play, so they get used to working with the starters.

Kit vs. Latvia (well, according to BS)

http://www.soccergaming.tv/attachment.php?attachmentid=127964&stc=1

Nice thread. (Y)

Kit vs. Latvia (well, according to BS)

http://www.soccergaming.tv/attachment.php?attachmentid=127964&stc=1
That's ******* nice, even if it's not really a kit. (Y)

i'm very excited for the wc. i hope we do good, the kits look good too.

I had to get some attention to this thread somehow hehe...

That kit is stunning but it's a one game thing unfortunately.

Huh. I actually think the jersey looks like garbage.

I wanna see this tomorrow:

------------------------Keller---------------------------

Cherundolo-------Gibbs------Gooch---------------Convey

-----------------------Reyna---------------------------

Dempsey----------------------------------------Beasley

----------------------Donovan-------------------------

----------------McBride------Johnson------------------


The reason why I don't have Lewis at LB is because he needs rest. The only changes I would make for the game against the Czechs would be Beasley at RM, Convey at LM and Lewis at LB.

I like your line-up. I would do it a little bit differently though.

--------------------Keller--------------------


------------Gooch---------Pope--------------
--Cherundolo------------------------Gibbs----


--------------------Reyna--------------------
----Beasley-----------------------Convey-----
-------------------Donovan-------------------


------------Johnson--------McBride------------


Gibbs appears to be our first-choice back-up at left back, so let him see some more time there. Give Johnson a chance to show why he should start. If he doesn't play well, then Arena can try his rumored 4-5-1 in the next two games.

Of course I'm operating under the notion that Pope will be our starting CB alongside Gooch in the World Cup, as Arena has stated. It appears the job is his to lose - and he could lose it. I personally think we're better off with Gibbs there, as do most fans.

If you think about it, we have seven very good midfielders: Reyna, O'Brien, Mastroeni, Beasley, Convey, Dempsey and Donovan. (Not to mention that Lewis is also a midfielder.) The challenge will be finding the best formation and the best combination of the aforementioned players. Whatever choices Bruce makes, one thing is for certain: we'll have some very good options coming off the bench.

^ I donno about that one. Beasley is definitely the starting left midfielder. I would change two things from $teauA's line-up. Put in Pope and Gibbs as the central defenders and Lewis seems to have solidified his spot as left-back.

------------------------Keller---------------------------

Cherundolo-------Gibbs---------Pope---------------Lewis

-----------------------Reyna---------------------------

Dempsey----------------------------------------Beasley

----------------------Donovan-------------------------

----------------McBride------Johnson------------------

My God what a dreadful first half. Reyna injured, what a surprise. At least O'Brien is playing well.

Bruce needs to get Wolff off the field. Bring in Convey and Dempsey to liven things up a little.

Wow, Steve.

When in doubt, just get stuck in.

I've seen better finishing at my college intramural games.

Morocco 1

u.s. 0

Our attack

http://www.sith.nl/multimedia/characters/ewoks/ewok.jpg

Worst finishing I've ever seen.

BTW did anybody else notice how much our defense sucked once Gooch went off? I hope Bruce won't pull that one off at the WC :ewan:

wow what s*itty finishing...

Great way to start off the pre-WC campaign. Or not. :nape:

Why is Josh Wolff on the team? That damn midget has never done one thing in his career to impress me, and NOTHING at the international level (and he's like 28 or something already, it's not going to happen!). Taylor Twellman couldn't do better than this? Seriously.

Huh. I actually think the jersey looks like garbage.

I agree, that looks really ugly.

Wow, we actually won a game :|

Why is Josh Wolff on the team? That damn midget has never done one thing in his career to impress me, and NOTHING at the international level (and he's like 28 or something already, it's not going to happen!). Taylor Twellman couldn't do better than this? Seriously.

I couldn't agree more. He f*cking sucks and he has a bitch face too.


Line-up against Venezuela:

--------------------Keller-------------------

Cherundolo-----Pope-----Gooch--------Lewis


------------------Mastroeni-----------------

Beasley------------------------------Convey

------------------Donovan------------------


-------------Johnson----McBride------------


Pope and Gooch were great in the center of defense so I wouldn't mess that up. Gibbs was great on the left too but with Lewis there we can definitely attack better on that wing. Other than that stupid mistake at the end Cherundolo did a fine job at RB, would you rather see Albright :rolleyes:. The midfield HAS to look like that and the Bruce needs to realize it NOW. Wolff needs to be kicked off the team and Johnson NEEDS to start. I've never seen him have a good game coming off the bench.

Reyna MRI negative (Y)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368744&cc=5901

how did o'brien do? did he look like he'll be good to go?

how did o'brien do? did he look like he'll be good to go?
O'Brien played well. In fact, I think he might have been our best player in the first half. (Which, of course, falls into the category of "damning with faint praise.") He was taken off at halftime but that was the gameplan all along. I think O'Brien and Convey were the only players who helped their case last night.

Worst finishing I've ever seen.

BTW did anybody else notice how much our defense sucked once Gooch went off?

http://www.stats.waikato.ac.nz/Staff/curran/small-bnb.jpg

huhuhuhu (H)

Line-up against Venezuela:

--------------------Keller-------------------

Cherundolo-----Pope-----Gooch--------Lewis


------------------Mastroeni-----------------

Beasley------------------------------Convey

------------------Donovan------------------


-------------Johnson----McBride------------


Pope and Gooch were great in the center of defense so I wouldn't mess that up. Gibbs was great on the left too but with Lewis there we can definitely attack better on that wing. Other than that stupid mistake at the end Cherundolo did a fine job at RB, would you rather see Albright :rolleyes:. The midfield HAS to look like that and the Bruce needs to realize it NOW. Wolff needs to be kicked off the team and Johnson NEEDS to start. I've never seen him have a good game coming off the bench.

I think you're completely right, except I really like Deuce (can Convey play DM? He plays everywhere else) and I would prefer O'Brien over Mastroeni. Mastroeni is solid for sure, but he's just one of those guys that will never be a "next level" player. O'Brien, when on, is probably one of the four or five most talented players on the team. It's too bad he isn't still starting at Ajax.

JOB plays for Chivas USA now

I think you're completely right, except I really like Deuce (can Convey play DM? He plays everywhere else) and I would prefer O'Brien over Mastroeni. Mastroeni is solid for sure, but he's just one of those guys that will never be a "next level" player. O'Brien, when on, is probably one of the four or five most talented players on the team. It's too bad he isn't still starting at Ajax.

I agree O'Brien is a very solid player but you could just tell last night that he was rusty out there. Sure he completed a couple of good passes but he also wasted 5 or 6 and lost the ball every time he had a defender close to him. He's just not ready physically.

I couldn't agree more. He f*cking sucks and he has a bitch face too.


Line-up against Venezuela:

--------------------Keller-------------------

Cherundolo-----Pope-----Gooch--------Lewis


------------------Mastroeni-----------------

Beasley------------------------------Convey

------------------Donovan------------------


-------------Johnson----McBride------------


Pope and Gooch were great in the center of defense so I wouldn't mess that up. Gibbs was great on the left too but with Lewis there we can definitely attack better on that wing. Other than that stupid mistake at the end Cherundolo did a fine job at RB, would you rather see Albright :rolleyes:. The midfield HAS to look like that and the Bruce needs to realize it NOW. Wolff needs to be kicked off the team and Johnson NEEDS to start. I've never seen him have a good game coming off the bench.

Wolff does suck and does have a bitch face I just want to punch him everytime I see his mug........I COULDN'T AGREE MORE! Bruce, please start EJ please instead of Wolff! While I agree that the defence was horrible, it sucked with Gooch in there as well, he was slow and committed some hard fouls near the penalty area. Gibbs should stay in the center along with Pope and Gooch coming off the bench.

Wolff does suck and does have a bitch face I just want to punch him everytime I see his mug........I COULDN'T AGREE MORE! Bruce, please start EJ please instead of Wolff! While I agree that the defence was horrible, it sucked with Gooch in there as well, he was slow and committed some hard fouls near the penalty area. Gibbs should stay in the center along with Pope and Gooch coming off the bench..

WHAT :|!!?? Did you watch the same game as me? The defense was very solid, they cleared everything that was crossed in the box and I'm pretty sure Morocco only had like one shot on goal with Gooch in there and it was from outside the box. He has to start. Not only is he a rock solid defender but he's very dangerous in the box too when we have corner kicks.

Well looks like you'll get your wish. Corey Gibbs has been dropped because of a knee injury sustained against Morocco, replaced by Greg Berhalter (Tar Heel).

Well looks like you'll get your wish. Corey Gibbs has been dropped because of a knee injury sustained against Morocco, replaced by Greg Berhalter (Tar Heel).

s*it that wasn't my wish!!

Corey Gibbs is a very good player, this is seriously some BS, all these injuries right before the WC. My initial line-up was to have Gooch and Gibbs in center of the defense but Pope showed that he can still do it.

I think they should have picked Twellman, i like Ching though and i thought he deserves to go

Terrible news about Gibbs. I feel bad for him, but at least he'll have one more shot at a World Cup. Having three solid CB's was a good luxury to have and now we've lost that. Pope really needs to step up now. We don't have a solid replacement for him anymore.

Berhalter isn't bad, but I'll be more comfortable if he doesn't have to play in the tournament.

Did anyone see on Sportscenter this morning their "all access" thing with USA? They showed when they told Bruce about Gibbs' injury... then they showed when he goes to talK to Gibbs about it. I felt bad for him, Gibbs couldnt even speak, he just had hs head buried in his arms. :(

Did anyone see on Sportscenter this morning their "all access" thing with USA? They showed when they told Bruce about Gibbs' injury... then they showed when he goes to talK to Gibbs about it. I felt bad for him, Gibbs couldnt even speak, he just had hs head buried in his arms. :(

I read about it in the paper this morning. I really feel bad for him, this close to the WC and he has an injury. I hope he can get better and hopefully join us in Germany at least to watch if he still can't play

Berhalter isn't bad, but I'll be more comfortable if he doesn't have to play in the tournament.

I feel the exact same way. Except I think he IS bad. If we have to play Berhalter in the tournament, all I can think about is Agoos in '02.

I feel the exact same way. Except I think he IS bad. If we have to play Berhalter in the tournament, all I can think about is Agoos in '02.
He did lead and captain his team to promotion to the 1.Bundesliga this season. And he's not going to re-sign for them so that must mean he has other Bundesliga teams interested in him. On the other hand, he's slow and mistake-prone. Practically all my nightmares invovle Berhalter marking Milan Baros.

Does anyone else think we should drop Bease from the starting line-up? Suggesting something like that a couple of years ago would have been deemed heretical. However, his recent form - for both club and country - has been less-than-spectacular. He's playing well defensively because he's ridiculously quick and hustles back. But where did his 1-v-1 dribbling go? The Bease is turning into Frankie Hejduk before our very eyes. If both Reyna and O'Brien are healthy, I think he has to be dropped.

--------------Reyna--------O'Brien--------------
-----Donovan-----------------------Convey-----

Convey is just playing too well to keep him off the starting line-up. He's playing with confidence fueled by Reading's dream season. Even if O'Brien or Reyna aren't healthy, my guess is Bruce will plug in Mastroeni, rather than doing a diamond midfield:

----------------------Reyna---------------------
-------Beasley----------------------Convey------
---------------------Donovan--------------------

I think the Reyna-O'Brien-Donovan-Convey midfield with Johnson and McBride up top is the best we can do. Off the bench we'll have Dempsey as an attacking substitution and Beasley as more of a defensive substitution.

Convey has to take our set peices, has to.

Johnson was awesome against Venezuela yesterday. I really wanted him to score but he put in a sweet assist for Dempsey. The only thing I didnt like about his game is that he falls too easily to the ground on 50/50 balls. He is still young though and can develop more strength in the future.

I think they should have picked Twellman, i like Ching though and i thought he deserves to go

You're right, Twellman deserves to be there....in place of Josh Wolff.

I actually though we should have brought Adu in place of Ching to sit on the bench and get a taste of the atmosphere. And of course TT instead of Wolff.

My grades for the Latvia game:

Keller - 7

Lewis - 5.5 (made a couple of bad giveaways and got caught out of position a couple of times)
Conrad - 6.5 (a little bit better than in the Venezuela game)
Pope - 6.5 (quiet game, didn't have much to do)
Cherundolo - 7.5 (the positive definitely outweighs the negative in this game)

Mastroeni - 7.5 (he's going to make it hard for Arena to keep him out of the starting line-up)
O'Brien - 7 (not much more you could have asked from him; now all he needs to do is not get injured)
Beasley - 5 (not a terrible game, but he looked mediocre on a night where every other US midfielder looked good)
Donovan - 7.5 (did a good job of running the show)

Johnson - 7 (he may not have scored, but he was a pain in the ass for Latvia all game long)
McBride - 7 (solid, nice goal)

So how do you give yourself legendary status in a friendly you ask?

Playing with http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71072763.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=08A8BA3C818346D0B44978C0344B6B8D <--- that on your head (couldn't find a better pic) and scoring the winning goal with your head :Bow:

I like the look of the USA team. They looked very strong, hungry and up for it. Brian McBride is a great player in my opinion. One of my favourite strikers in the EPL. He reminds me a lot of Teddy Sherringham at his peak. Good luck in Germany USA. I really hope you go far.

@ Run DMB......I owe you an apology man, for my very rude attitude towards you a while ago. I'm sorry dude and I hope you will accept that from me. No excuses, i was a prick.

Two problems that I have:

1 - Our finishing still sucks.
2 - Why are the players getting so tired with 25-30 minutes to go :|?

2 - Why are the players getting so tired with 25-30 minutes to go :|?
Because Frankie isn't there to show them how running yourself into the ground for 90 minutes is done.




Okay, I'll leave now. :(

I rescind the comments I made about Ching earlier. While he may not have fully deserved his call-up, tactically he was the right choice.

Oh and if Bruce starts Conrad I'm gonna shoot myself.

Two problems that I have:

1 - Our finishing still sucks.
2 - Why are the players getting so tired with 25-30 minutes to go :|?

I agree with the first part, but I only saw the last 30 minutes and we didn't really look tired. In fact, except for some stupid mistakes at the back that should have led to at least one goal, we controlled the game and looked very talented. Eddie Johnson convinced me that he just needs to start at the World Cup, he looked incredibly talented and is probably ready for a move across the pond.

The other problem we have is the counter attack. We're very poor defending the counter attack.

I agree with the first part, but I only saw the last 30 minutes and we didn't really look tired. In fact, except for some stupid mistakes at the back that should have led to at least one goal, we controlled the game and looked very talented. Eddie Johnson convinced me that he just needs to start at the World Cup, he looked incredibly talented and is probably ready for a move across the pond.

The other problem we have is the counter attack. We're very poor defending the counter attack.

Yeah you're right they didn't really look that tired in the game against Latvia but they sure did in the first two games and you can see it in their body language.

As for the counter attack, unless we change our strategy that's not gonna change. Our two wing backs are very key in our attack so obviously there's gonna be some gaps there when a team goes on a counter (:/). We should just be glad we have a world class GK to take care of dangerous counter attacks.

Let's start throwing out some line-ups for our first game:

--------------------Keller------------------

Cherundolo----Pope---------Gooch----Lewis

--------------------Reyna-----------------

Beasley-----------------------------Convey

-------------------Donovan---------------

----------Johnson---------McBride--------


If Reyna isn't healthy, Mastroeni.

I actually though we should have brought Adu in place of Ching to sit on the bench and get a taste of the atmosphere. And of course TT instead of Wolff.
what has Adu done to warrant a NT call up? As much as the MLS wants to promote this kid, the line has to be drawn somewhere. Wolff's continued presence on the team mystifies me as well.

----------------------Keller---------------------


---------------Pope----------Onyewu-----------
---Cherundolo--------------------------Lewis----


-----------Reyna-----------Mastroeni------------
---------Donovan---------------------Beasley----


-------------Johnson------McBride---------------


That is what I believe Arena will choose vs. the Czechs. Mastroeni will be keeping an eye on Rosicky, Reyna will be marking Nedved. Beasley will be given the job of tracking back to keep Poborsky out of the game.

If it was up to me, I would be more attack-minded and use this midfield:

------------Reyna-------O'Brien-------------
------Donovan------------------Convey-----

Yeah you're actually right, Beas doesn't deserve to start. He was s*it in those friendlys while Convey and O'Brien played well.

what has Adu done to warrant a NT call up? As much as the MLS wants to promote this kid, the line has to be drawn somewhere. Wolff's continued presence on the team mystifies me as well.

Because you know he's going to be there in the future and you bring his as the last man on the squad to soak in the atmosphere. Like Ronaldo in 94.

Err is Brad Friedel injured or retired or something? Why is Kasey Keller in goal?

Brad Friedel is retired.

and Keller is amazing

tough luck US fans, I was really rooting for you guys in the Czech game tonight. The future of MLS and popularity of soccer in North America (yes, Canada too) really rides a lot on your success :( Not all is lost, I've seen you guys play countless times and I know you're a better team that what was on display today, a win against Ghana and a tie or historic win over Italy and maybe you're through. keep up the fight....

here's hoping for a Portugal-USA rematch, in the final this time though (6)

yeah, i expected more out of the americans. the early goal really deflated you guys and lifted the czechs.

but not for one second will i underestimate you. hell, you guys are now coming harder than ever.

can't wait for saturday.

"what has 22 arms, 22 legs, & no goals in life?
...the u.s. men's soccer team......

:rockman (6) (6) :nape: sorry

That game was s*it. We need to come out flying against Italy to even have a chance.

well the USA need the win as opposed to just wanting to win, that makes a difference. As long as the ref is wide awake to any dodgy behaviour they are in with a good chance of taking this one. keep the faith........ (Y)

OK, let's talk Ghana.

So, Pope and Mastroeni have to miss the game. Pope can be replaced by either Bocanegra or Conrad. If Boca replaces him, we have to bring back Eddie Lewis, which I don't want to do.

Mastroeni can be replaced by either O'Brien or Johnson. The former seems likelier.

So my guess as to what we'll see:



------------Onyewu-----Conrad--------------
---Dolo--------------------------Bocanegra--


------------Reyna-------O'Brien--------------
---Dempsey-----------------------Convey----
------------------Donovan-------------------


-------------------McBride-------------------



I'm worried about Reyna and McBride considering they went 90 in both of our games so far. They're going to be fatigued. Especially McBride, he's coming off a long Premiership season. Reyna was injured for most of his, so he should be fresher.

Same formation as Portugal's...

Is that Josh Wolff any good?

Same formation as Portugal's...

Is that Josh Wolff any good?
Not really. He's a forward who can't score goals. Otherwise he's quick, good on the ball and combines well with his teammates. He's been linked with Everton recently, but I don't know if anything will materialize. Decent, unspectacular player.

Would The Bruce consider playing O'Brien at left back like he did for Ajax? Because then we could play the 4-4-2 with Johnson.

Cherundolo-Onyewu-Bocanegra-O'Brien
----------------Reyna
Dempsey----------------------Convey
---------------Donovan
-------Johnson---------McBride

I think against Ghana we need to play a 4-1-4-1 again. They have a very, very good midfield and are very physical. I personally don't think that a 4-4-2 with Reyna and Donovan could last against Ghana's midfield.

Would The Bruce consider playing O'Brien at left back like he did for Ajax? Because then we could play the 4-4-2 with Johnson.

Cherundolo-Onyewu-Bocanegra-O'Brien
----------------Reyna
Dempsey----------------------Convey
---------------Donovan
-------Johnson---------McBride
Definitely an option. Actually, that line-up was the first that went through my mind. The only thing that bothers me is that Reyna is all by himself as a defensive midfielder. He would have to cover a lot of ground, and I'm not sure he can do that. Seems like a defensive liability to me.

Definitely an option. Actually, that line-up was the first that went through my mind. The only thing that bothers me is that Reyna is all by himself as a defensive midfielder. He would have to cover a lot of ground, and I'm not sure he can do that. Seems like a defensive liability to me.

Yeah, I was also concerned about Reyna all alone in defensive midfield. Mastroeni really frees him up and is one of the most important players on our team, it's a real shame we won't have him against Ghana.

About the 4-1-4-1, look man, we need to win here. A draw and we're out of the cup. I don't think we've gotten one shot on goal in this entire tournament playing the precious 4-1-4-1. McBride just isn't enough to create a spark by himself. Now if he's holding the ball up and playing through balls to a fast moving Eddie Johnson? Or if Johnson creates space with his speed, then gets it to the outside for a cross into McBride, well that sounds good to me.

But I guess in the end we'll just play the same damn formation with O'Brien taking over for Mastroeni in defensive midfield. If we draw 0-0 or lose without scoring, I am going to be pissed. Johnson is more effective than McBride, he can create for himself.

Yeah, I was also concerned about Reyna all alone in defensive midfield. Mastroeni really frees him up and is one of the most important players on our team, it's a real shame we won't have him against Ghana.

About the 4-1-4-1, look man, we need to win here. A draw and we're out of the cup. I don't think we've gotten one shot on goal in this entire tournament playing the precious 4-1-4-1. McBride just isn't enough to create a spark by himself. Now if he's holding the ball up and playing through balls to a fast moving Eddie Johnson? Or if Johnson creates space with his speed, then gets it to the outside for a cross into McBride, well that sounds good to me.

But I guess in the end we'll just play the same damn formation with O'Brien taking over for Mastroeni in defensive midfield. If we draw 0-0 or lose without scoring, I am going to be pissed. Johnson is more effective than McBride, he can create for himself.
Looking back on what I said, I think you're right. I think the scoreline result of the Italy match clouded my vision, I forgot how bad we've been attacking. It's just that the first thing that came to my mind was the midfield battle against Ghana, and I just plain don't think we can with with Reyna and Landycakes as our central players against Essien and company. I'm just trying to analyze if the attacking positives we get from Johnson and McBride are enough to overrule the negatives from playing the previous two against Ghana.

We have to be more attacking minded against Ghana or we won't win or score for that matter.

I'd start this:


---------------------Keller---------------------


Cherundolo---Onyewu-----Conrad-----Bocanegra


Dempsey-----Donovan-----Reyna--------Convey


-------------Johnson------McBride-------------


Why not play a classic 4-4-2? The 4-5-1 has proven to be disastrous for our attack and frankly I can't believe Arena has been stubborn enough to keep it this long. I mean it didn't even do that many wonders in the warm-up games leading to the WC (3 goals in three matches :|...) so why stick with it?

I have to say, i thought USA's wingers in the last match were so good. Dempsey looked amazing down the right and Convey (think he played most the game on the left) was very good.

I'm impressed by the Americans going forward, but at the back i still fear you may ship goals.

Well, you do have two big and strong CB's right there... (H)

I have to agree with you Tom in that Deuce looked really good against Italy. He was really the best attacker in my opinion, while he was on. Once he was taken off, it was Donovan.

Here is what I think we need to do...

-------------Keller-------------
-------------------------------
Adu-----Adu------Adu-----Adu
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Adu-----Adu------Adu-----Adu
------------------------------
------------------------------
---------Adu----Onyewu------

I'm nervous as hell about tomorrow. Already feeling butterflies and the game is around 12 hours away...

------

Why is Adu stinkin it up so much in MLS this year anyway? He's playing 90 minutes every game.

Bruce needs to start Dempsy, Johnson, and Beasley pray a few Ave Marias and Pai Nossos and if your not catholic do what ever you do:p
against all odds, but still possible :jambo:

I stayed up too late. It's 4:21 right now, and I've passed the point of no return. I cannot fall asleep under any circumstances, I just physically cannot. I'm so nervous about the game.

FORZA ITALIA!!!

I think I might have to break out The Gospels and read a few passages to occupy myself; that would mark the first time in almost a year I've read from it, but right now we need everything we can get.

WTF Arena!!!!!!!!!!!!

He brings Lewis and and brings Beasley in as well and drops Convey :|?????????????????????? while leaving Johnson on the bench again???

he's a f*cking moron

Not only is Beasley playing, he's playing Central Midfield. Where Essien is :|

The only thing worse than Beasley on the right is Beasley in the center.

reyna confirms international retirement.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-worldusreynadc&prov=reuters&type=lgns

arena ***ked up :nape:

Hey guys, I posted a lengthy review on our national team in the main soccer forum, didn't know this thread existed.

http://www.soccergaming.tv/showthread.php?t=133322

So I just wanted to make sure that every US soccer fan on here is in agreement about Arena being fired.

Say I if you are.

I

Arena ***ked up....

Reyna's a ***king pussy..... what the hell you doing trying to dribble!?
Personally, I think Reyna ruined it for the US..... that 1st goal is crucial, especially so early and in the US's case....

oh well, would have liked to see the US against Brazil, but Ghana is an overall better team.

we should have shelled out major bucks for hiddink while he was on the market

Firing is a bit much. Should be allowed to resign respectfully. Or force him out behind the scenes.

tough luck..


btw, I wish McBride was like 24 again just so I could watch him for many seasons to come. He's my kind of striker, so dynamic and an amazing header of the ball. I love finishers like him who can head from any angle, makes every cross a potential scorring chance.

so who's everyone going to root for now in the cup?

US played decent football, but they made the most crucial mistakes and choked at the worst time -- the first game against the Czechs was crucial... and of course today Reyna's useless give-away.

tough luck..


btw, I wish McBride was like 24 again just so I could watch him for many seasons to come. He's my kind of striker, so dynamic and an amazing header of the ball. I love finishers like him who can head from any angle, makes every cross a potential scorring chance.

Too bad he didn't get the service he deserved in this WC...

-------

I'm not gonna root for anyone. I just hope that there will be better reffing and some spectacular matches to come.

I was reading the sports section today in the newspaper and they had an article about Arena and the US being eliminated. Arena called himself an idiot. It also said that Juergen Klinsmann was at the top of the list if Arena's contract isn't renewed

It also said that Juergen Klinsmann was at the top of the list if Arena's contract isn't renewed

And Klinsmann said that if Germany lose today he will quit. So in other words, GO SWEDEN

klinsmann would be awesome, too bad sweden is getting their asses kicked

Maybe if they lose to Argentina in the quarters he'll resign anyway?

:(

I really hope we can get klinsmann but i feel that any foreign coach would be good, someone who understands the faster style of the game. I really just want someone new so we can bring in new ideas and tatics. Klinsmann is my number one choice though

Klinsmann lives in Southern California, he actually turned out for Orange County a few times.

So what do you guys think about the squads we should bring to Copa America and the Gold Cup next year? I'm thinking a heavily Europe-based team for Copa Amreica (with a couple of top MLS players) and a heavily MLS-based team for the Gold Cup (with a couple of young Europe-based players).

Any U.S. national team should include this cutie:

http://dcunited.mlsnet.com/imgs/bios/photos/perkins_t.jpg

I thought Boswell was the only man in your life. :p

So what do you guys think about the squads we should bring to Copa America and the Gold Cup next year? I'm thinking a heavily Europe-based team for Copa Amreica (with a couple of top MLS players) and a heavily MLS-based team for the Gold Cup (with a couple of young Europe-based players).

Sounds good to me. Let's just get a coach first...

It's tough to say who we should bring where. The Copa America is the better tourney, but i think if we win the Gold Cup we get in the Confederations Cup.
Keeping that in mind they'll probally put the best players in the Gold Cup

This Gold Cup shows what we already knew about the US NT: we desperately need a goalscorer. Anyone watch the game against Panama? No one could finish. It was just like the World Cup. I'd like to see Eddie Johnson get more playing time.

Let's bring him out of retirement

http://www.golnoir.net/usa/lassdcpost.jpg

Can we start Rico Clark in the midfield every game now? The guy plays outstanding every time I see him, completely changed the game against Mexico. We do need a goalscorer, though. Beasley and Dempsey are terrible finishers. I think Twellman is our goalscorer, he just doesn't know it yet.

Eddie Johnson. Why is he on the freakin bench? His pace can change games, he's a natural finisher, and he's no slouch with the head either. Instead of slowing the play like Twellman and Ching do, Johnson can turn and run at defenders, something that is notably absent from our team every game!

Clark was very impressive and I think he should be the full time DM now perhaps next to Feilhaber. One thing I know, Mike Bradley should not be playing over either one of those guys.

Eddie Johnson. Why is he on the freakin bench? His pace can change games, he's a natural finisher, and he's no slouch with the head either. Instead of slowing the play like Twellman and Ching do, Johnson can turn and run at defenders, something that is notably absent from our team every game!

Clark was very impressive and I think he should be the full time DM now perhaps next to Feilhaber. One thing I know, Mike Bradley should not be playing over either one of those guys.

What's your problem with Bradley? It's great that we have so many choices at DM though.

Beasley to Glasgow Rangers

Dam USA got man handled yesterday, they literally had like 15% of possession!

Dam USA got man handled yesterday, they literally had like 15% of possession!

That's because we were playing with our C-squad. We were missing all of our best players. And what happened when we played Mexico? Oh wait...

I don't understand this one bit. Why did we bring all of our best players to the Gold Cup and put our C-squad in for the Copa America? It makes no sense whatsoever! The latter has such a higher level of competition. My guess is that Bradley figured "well, we won't be able to win the Copa America, so we'll just put everything on the Gold Cup." It's such a defeatist attitude and it hurts our team. Our players are going to learn way more by playing against teams like Argentina rather than Canada. It's sickening.

Looks like Feilhaber is going to Derby! Great news!

That's it. Bradley needs to go, and we can't suffer through another World Cup cycle with an average American manager. We need to go out and get a mercenary like Hiddink (like him, I don't know if we could actually get him). The team doesn't value possession. That's the problem, the team simply does not value possession. In fact I've never seen a US team that retains possession; since 1994 all we've done is string a few passes together so one guy has some time on the ball, and then he either plays a stupid long ball, or runs with it. There's a fundamental problem with American soccer, and we need a true tactical wizard to fix this. I want a Dutch guy who grew up learning Total Football principles.

We don't pressure the ball when the other team has it, we don't see any need for width, we don't value possession. It's pathetic. And quite frankly, there are probably only 4 or 5 guys at the absolute tops in this squad that I would even want to see on the team 4 years from now. There's just no skill at all. We need someone with no domestic attachments, with no player biases, who values tactics over skill.

I'm sick of this ****. I'm sick of watching us get embarrassed year after year by teams who don't piss away possession, which is to say, by every team with professional players.

Sunil Gulati should be working on a shortlist of possible replacements for Bradley. I hear Juergen Klinsmann and Martin Vasquez are available. Especially with Jermaine Jones coming into the team, it might not be a bad idea.

I think Bob Bradley is good at managing personalities (see: Razov, Ante and Guevara, Amado) but he's painfully mediocre in other aspects of coaching. And if you look at his history in MLS, his teams haven't done all that much. He coached for 9 years, winning one MLS Cup and going to the final one more time. In his last five seasons as a coach in MLS, his failed to lead his teams past the first round of the playoffs.

Our players still suck, though. Bornstein, Beasley, Kljestan, Feilhaber... if any of these guys are in our starting XI at WC2010, we're f**ked.

Couldn't agree with both of you guys more.. And Run DMB, to add to that list, Dempsey. He needs to be dropped so he can realize that that spot is not automatic for him and that he needs to play more with everyone else

Freddy Adu's twitter entry following the Brazil game (according to BigSoccer):

??????

On the plus side this might be Freddy Adu's team starting in 2011.

Freddy Adu does have the chance to come in and prove the player he is. Now If only Bradley would bring him in, or leave before he further destroys all the players confidence.

as for the game against Egypt....... It's gonna really hurt :(

Under Steve Sampson, the US defeated Argentina at Copa America and Brazil in the Gold Cup. Under Bruce Arena, we defeated Germany in the Confederations Cup and Portugal in the World Cup. What's our best performance vs. a big team under Bradley? A 0-0 tie with Argentina at home, in a friendly?

I just hope we can put on a respectable performance vs. Egypt. We definitely need fresh faces in the starting XI. Something like this:

------------Howard-------------

-----Onyewu----Bocanegra-----
--Spector------------Bornstein--

-------Bradley-----Clark---------
-------------Torres-------------

-------Adu--------Donovan------
-----------Altidore---------------

Maybe even insert Wynne at RB and move Spector to LB. Dempsey and Davies off the bench.

I'm so tired of seeing bornstein, beasley and feilhaber in the US kit.... it makes me sick almost.

Nim I couldn't agree with you more man. It's pathetic watching us right now.

Project 2010 huh? I'd say they doomed the squad by not going after Rossi.

Project 2010 huh? I'd say they doomed the squad by not going after Rossi.

huh??? we definitely went after him heavily but he just turned us down like the italian douchebag that he is. fact is though, looking at us right now, can you even blame him?

I can't blame rossi, would i rather be coached by lippi or bob bradley. Would i play on a world champ or a team who can't seem to beat anyone outside of an island country?

I can't blame rossi, would i rather be coached by lippi or bob bradley. Would i play on a world champ or a team who can't seem to beat anyone outside of an island country?

To UEFA and CONMEBOL, CONCACAF is still the 'laughing stock of FIFA.' :clapwap: I was watching the postgame highlights of the Italy vs. USA matchup and some of the sportscasters were literally asking why USA even bothered showing up for the Confederations Cup. On another sports channel, they were laughing about how Project 2010 was the biggest joke that US soccer ever came up with.

To UEFA and CONMEBOL, CONCACAF is still the 'laughing stock of FIFA.' :clapwap: I was watching the postgame highlights of the Italy vs. USA matchup and some of the sportscasters were literally asking why USA even bothered showing up for the Confederations Cup. On another sports channel, they were laughing about how Project 2010 was the biggest joke that US soccer ever came up with.

Are they still laughing?

Are they still laughing?

We should have won that match because Egypt had a terrible defense to begin with as exploited by Brazil and Italy. They finally found Dempsey off the milk carton. They should've let Freddy get at least the last few minutes on the pitch.

What a win. I don't want to rain on our parade, because I'm marching right at the forefront of the parade, but I just don't trust Ricardo Clark for the World Cup. I think it has to be Jermaine Jones. Since the Confederations Cup guys probably won't go to the Gold Cup, we should give Jones his debut in that competition.

What a win. I don't want to rain on our parade, because I'm marching right at the forefront of the parade, but I just don't trust Ricardo Clark for the World Cup. I think it has to be Jermaine Jones. Since the Confederations Cup guys probably won't go to the Gold Cup, we should give Jones his debut in that competition.

Ricardo Clark played great today man! I really liked him as a "destroyer" in midfield.

Fantastic win! This is right up there with the win against Portugal in 2002.

I just feel like saying, If we go back to the Italy game, I think we also could have won that game if not for the early red card. Hindsight is 20/20 and blaming Bradley for that loss as well as for what happened against brazil seems too harsh right about now. He, along with the rest of the players, has redeem himself.

And as Bobby has said, Donovan does get a lot of bashing from people, myself included.. But man, is he really proving me wrong.

As far as this win being up there with the Portugal win of 02.. I actually would make it the greatest win of our history. I mean when you put things into perspective, we were up against a spanish team that is rated the best in the world right now, and not to mention they are.. or were.. in an 35 game unbeaten streak.

God I Love It.

Good win. I was completely beside myself and eating some crow for my harsh words about the team. But I'm sure the pundits will laugh this off as a lucky win for us.

Ricardo Clark played great today man! I really liked him as a "destroyer" in midfield.

Fantastic win! This is right up there with the win against Portugal in 2002.

Bradley, Donovan, and Dempsey are just so far and away better than him that I'd like to have a player of the same quality in there. Clark is clearly our best domestic option, but I think Jones would be a clear upgrade for the team.

I just saw that so called tackle Bradly did was it really a red? that was kinda harsh IMO. Also Jozy with that goal should get "haters" off his back. Oh yea and that goes for Dempsey too. Good awareness out there for him...


oh yea and another MOM Donovan? that was sooo not a selfish act by him to pass instead of shooting it. I still think NT coach Bradley has alot to prove he really shouldn't think he's on cloud 9 or its going to be back to disaster mode.

From what I've heard about Jermaine Jones, he's like a bigger, stronger, faster, better-passing version of Clark.

Clark is a fine destroyer mid: very quick, very agile, great tackler, good touch. However, his passing and decision-making with the ball at his feet leaves a lot to be desired. He's going to have a very difficult time beating out Jones and Edu for a spot in the starting XI.

Donovan was great. The American dream, everyone wants to be an actor. (H)

Donovan was great. The American dream, everyone wants to be an actor. (H)

That yellow card he drew on Pique at the end of the game was incredible.

EDIT:

Gold Cup squad has been named:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Troy Perkins (IK Start), Luis Robles (FC Kaiserslautern)

DEFENDERS (7): Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Jay Heaps (New England Revolution), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaellands), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Sam Cronin (Toronto FC), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Santino Quaranta (D.C. United)

It's going to be the Tournament of Adu. I'm reallllllly underwhelmed by that midfield; I haven't really heard of any of those guys. Is Maurice Edu injured? And why not try out Jones? I prefer Freddy in more of a Totti role, but he'll probably be in the midfield with this team, since Ching and Davies will likely be first choice up to.

John Busch! Former Charlotte 49er right there!

I just read on Yahoo sports that Spain is still laughing at that loss to us.

It's that typical.." it was just a useless competition and that loss dosn't matter.." mentality. I have some shows that I listem that are from spain and there are also their website. Some had that mentality while others were disspointed with that loss. So it's a matter of who you wan't to believe. Either way, To me a loss is a loss and a win is a win. We beat them, knocked them out of a good competition, and we can now enjoy that win as much as we want.

Yeah, I'm sure Spain don't care about their streak. Give me a break. BTW, if Brazil wins the Confederations Cup, they'll probably take the #1 ranking as well (not that it matters).

I'm sure after that win against Spain, Jozy Altidore will get more playing time with Villarreal or with another club that needs a physical striker.

It was a nice goal, but I was more impressed with Charlie Davies to be totally honest. Jozy has a tendency to be really lazy out on the pitch. If I'm Villareal I definitely don't sell Altidore, but I still can't find playing time for him. I'd love to see Jozy in Germany, maybe at Gladbach with Bradley. And for that matter I would LOOOOOVVVVVVEEEE to see Adu in Holland.

Fulham are rumored to be interested in taking Altidore on loan. Would be a good move. Fulham are in the Europa League, so they need to add some depth.

I think Altidore would be good for Fulham since ESPN is going to be broadcasting a lot more EPL and La Liga games next season.

I think Altidore would be good for Fulham since ESPN is going to be broadcasting a lot more EPL and La Liga games next season.

ESPN doesn't have rights to broadcast in the US. At least not yet. Setanta will probably lose their US rights later this summer.

ESPN doesn't have rights to broadcast in the US. At least not yet. Setanta will probably lose their US rights later this summer.

No they already said that Setanta missed their payment to the FA so they won't be able to broadcast their games. You can find the story on Yahoo Sports.

That's domestic rights. I'm not sure if it's England or all of Britain, but it's not international.

ESPN did recently acquire the US rights to many La Liga games.

EPL will still be on FSC

Well I think DeMerit and Davies have booked their place in the Starting XI. Great Tournament from both of them. DeMerit goes after balls in the air with a vengeance, and I think Bocanegra is probably our best answer at left back.

I still am not convinced that Ricardo Clark is the answer at DM, but the wing/free roles that we have Dempsey and Donovan work beautifully. I really think the wing is the best place for Donovan to play because of his skill set; he's kind of like our Messi out there, although obviously not as good. I like Jozy, but there's just something about him that... I don't know if he's ready. Ideally I'd like him to play like Charlie Davies, and then pair him with our boy Freddy Adu as more of a withdrawn striker. Whatever.

Really proud of the team and excited for the future.

I know it's more than a month away.. But I can't wait for the game against Mexico. This is an opportunity to prove that what just happened in the last three games was no fluke.

Seriously, what a better way to bounce back, than a win at the Azteca.

hwo would have thought taht US team can beat Spain and force Brazil to a 3-2 battle..

Well I think DeMerit and Davies have booked their place in the Starting XI. Great Tournament from both of them. DeMerit goes after balls in the air with a vengeance, and I think Bocanegra is probably our best answer at left back.

I still am not convinced that Ricardo Clark is the answer at DM, but the wing/free roles that we have Dempsey and Donovan work beautifully. I really think the wing is the best place for Donovan to play because of his skill set; he's kind of like our Messi out there, although obviously not as good. I like Jozy, but there's just something about him that... I don't know if he's ready. Ideally I'd like him to play like Charlie Davies, and then pair him with our boy Freddy Adu as more of a withdrawn striker. Whatever.

Really proud of the team and excited for the future.

The only thing that a Davies - Adu paring would worry me about is against powerful defenders. I could easily see them getting kicked off the park. You don't have to worry about that with Jozy.

Well I think DeMerit and Davies have booked their place in the Starting XI. Great Tournament from both of them. DeMerit goes after balls in the air with a vengeance, and I think Bocanegra is probably our best answer at left back.

I still am not convinced that Ricardo Clark is the answer at DM, but the wing/free roles that we have Dempsey and Donovan work beautifully. I really think the wing is the best place for Donovan to play because of his skill set; he's kind of like our Messi out there, although obviously not as good. I like Jozy, but there's just something about him that... I don't know if he's ready. Ideally I'd like him to play like Charlie Davies, and then pair him with our boy Freddy Adu as more of a withdrawn striker. Whatever.

Really proud of the team and excited for the future.

My US World Cup Squad
4-2-2-2

-------------Davies---Altidore
------Dempsey--------------Donovan
-----------Bradley--------Jones
-Bocanegra--Onyewu--DeMeritt--Spector
------------------Howard


1. Howard - GK
2. Bornstein - LB
3. Bocanegra - CB/LB
4. Clark - CDM
5. Onyewu - CB
6. Cherundolo - RB (Sub)
7. Beasley - LM
8. Dempsey - CF
9. Davies - ST
10. Donovan - CF
11. Ching - ST (Sub)
12. Bradley - CM
13. J. Jones - CDM
14. Conrad - CB
15. DeMeritt - CB
16. Kleijstan - CM (Only on roster if EDU is not healthy and in form)
17. Altidore - ST
18. Guzan - GK (Sub)
19. Adu - CAM (Sub)
20. Torres - CM
21. Spector - RB/LB
22. Feilhaber - CM (Sub)
23. Luis Robles - GK
24. Edu - CDM (If he is healthy and in form then he is on the roster over Sasha)

Not a bad roster, I think that's more or less how we'll come out.

I assume Edu will be healthy, so I don't have to throw a fit about Sacha.

We're a little thin up front and I wouldn't mind Kenny Cooper getting on the end of the bench.

Clearly DeMarcus Beasley isn't making the team.

EDIT: And for the record, **** Neven Subotic and **** Vedad Ibisevic. :(

Not a bad roster, I think that's more or less how we'll come out.

I assume Edu will be healthy, so I don't have to throw a fit about Sacha.

We're a little thin up front and I wouldn't mind Kenny Cooper getting on the end of the bench.

Clearly DeMarcus Beasley isn't making the team.

EDIT: And for the record, **** Neven Subotic and **** Vedad Ibisevic. :(

Don't even go to Soccernet on ESPN or the USMNT fans will throw a fit at you for not putting Hedjuk on the roster and no matter how many times you tell them that the only thing Hedjuk is better then Specter or Cherundolo is his Pace... He can't defend and his crossing is terrible but for some ungodly reason they want him on the roster... I see high schoolers with better crossing ability then Hedjuk...

For some unknown reason I think Beasley is going to get placed on the team. Granted when he is "On" he is one of the best players ever in USMNT but he hasn't been the same since his injuries but he will make the team because A. Merit B. Experience C. Who else can play LM? Convey? Lewis? LOL I'll take Beasley over them. We don't even have anyone to play RM.

BTW. McBride just stated he wouldn't mind coming back if he was needed... I am like well Ching is "McBride Light" so I'm like come on back homes we can use a holding Mid as a sub. Ching is not of his quality.

Also Castillo is willing to play for the USMNT at LB. He might be something to consider for the 2016 WC but we need to gobble him up on Sept 2 like Jones and get them in some friendlies.

Good post. I almost mentioned Hajduk myself, but only because he's one of the few actual wingbacks we have on the roster. However, since you named Cherundolo on the team, Frankie is redundant. I think he works hard and is quick, doesn't get beat that often so he can be useful, but clearly Pearce and Cherundolo are better. Frankie would also be a PRIME candidate for pulling an Agoos in the World Cup and absolutely killing the team. We got lucky in 2002 that Agoos didn't keep us out of the knockout round, because he very well should have.

I also almost mentioned Castillo, but feel the same way about him as I do about Hajduk for 2010. Unless he's great, which I don't think he is, I don't see why he makes the team when we already have Cherundolo. Against the big teams we know that we'll go with Specter, DeMerit, Gooch, and Boca, so there's no need to have a ton of attacking fullbacks.

Regarding Beasley... we don't really have wingers in the traditional sense. We play with Bradley and Edu/Clark/Jones as CMs and then have Donovan and Dempsey roaming as wingers/free role guys. I kind of like that setup because it really forces the defense to focus. Dempsey can play on the wing much better than Beasley, and Donovan needs a spot clearly, so I just don't see what good Beasley is. His only use is if Deuce or Landy Cakes is injured, but I just think we could play Torres or Adu in that wing/free role position and they would be much better than Beasley.

I'm not against bringing McBride back, but he had better be just as good as when he left. I don't want to take EXTREMELY valuable playing time away from younger players. Playing in a World Cup could do wonders for Jozy and Davies (and Cooper?), and unless McBride is clearly the best option I don't want him taking up those minutes.

Good post. I almost mentioned Hajduk myself, but only because he's one of the few actual wingbacks we have on the roster. However, since you named Cherundolo on the team, Frankie is redundant. I think he works hard and is quick, doesn't get beat that often so he can be useful, but clearly Pearce and Cherundolo are better. Frankie would also be a PRIME candidate for pulling an Agoos in the World Cup and absolutely killing the team. We got lucky in 2002 that Agoos didn't keep us out of the knockout round, because he very well should have.

I also almost mentioned Castillo, but feel the same way about him as I do about Hajduk for 2010. Unless he's great, which I don't think he is, I don't see why he makes the team when we already have Cherundolo. Against the big teams we know that we'll go with Specter, DeMerit, Gooch, and Boca, so there's no need to have a ton of attacking fullbacks.

Regarding Beasley... we don't really have wingers in the traditional sense. We play with Bradley and Edu/Clark/Jones as CMs and then have Donovan and Dempsey roaming as wingers/free role guys. I kind of like that setup because it really forces the defense to focus. Dempsey can play on the wing much better than Beasley, and Donovan needs a spot clearly, so I just don't see what good Beasley is. His only use is if Deuce or Landy Cakes is injured, but I just think we could play Torres or Adu in that wing/free role position and they would be much better than Beasley.

I'm not against bringing McBride back, but he had better be just as good as when he left. I don't want to take EXTREMELY valuable playing time away from younger players. Playing in a World Cup could do wonders for Jozy and Davies (and Cooper?), and unless McBride is clearly the best option I don't want him taking up those minutes.

No reasons to bring Hedjuk when you have Dolo and Specter who can both play RB and then you just bring 1 LB either Pearce or Bornstein cause both Specter and Bocanegra can play LB. I don't want a pacey LB behind Dempsey anyway. I want someone who is going to stay at home cause Dempsey is suspect on defense and hardly ever tracks back but on the right side with Donovan and Specter/Dolo we can bee a little more aggressive because Donovan has the pace to track back if needed.

Torres is a CM. We tried him on the wing and he didn't show a killer instinct. He did play descent defense from there but he just doesn't want to push the ball. Adu could play the wing but seriously... We are talking about Bob here making a sensible and logical substitution here... I will be shocked if I see Adu start any games for Gold Cup. Plus I would like to see not get wasted on a Wing Position when he played great with Jozy in U-21 at the CF position like Davies. Like I stated... Beasley will be on the team come World Cup...

Castillo won't get the starts to be able to play on the USMNT come 2010 therefore he is more of 2014 look. He is not going to play in Azteca and then you have only 4 games left I think so 4 games to play with the US team? I don't think so. He is a future 2014... Hell even by then he might not even be on the team. Pearce and Bornstein are both very young and can easily progress further then Castillo.

McBride would be a nice addition. I don't think he would be a Starter but would defiantly be a great asset for a sub.



Since the US wants to score early and fast and then Bunker down.. Bob needs to think about doing this

--------------Davies------Altidore
---------Dempsey-----------Donovan
------------Bradley--------Jones
--Bocanegra--Onyewu--DeMeritt--Specter

to
1
--------------------McBride/Ching
------------Dempsey-----------Donovan
------------------Adu------Jones
--Specter--Onyewu--Bocanegra--DeMeritt--Dolo

or
2
-----------------Atlidore
-----Dempsey--------------Donovan
----------Benny---------Jones
----------------Edu/Clark
--Specter--Onyewu--Bocanegra--Dolo

1 Gives us another defender and moves Bocanegra to SW/CB. This will fit a better bunker style of play Bob likes to do go for after a lead but I perfer the 2nd roster. #2 has lots of pace. Clark, Jones, Donovan, will bring great pace to world cup.

flEBKPEF-iY

lmao at 0:48, I must assume that's not your regular LB (H)

flEBKPEF-iY

lmao at 0:48, I must assume that's not your regular LB (H)

hahahaha no definitely not

flEBKPEF-iY

lmao at 0:48, I must assume that's not your regular LB (H)

lol no

Gold Cup Final: both with B teams plus some European players....

Mexico 5

usa 0

FINAL: Torrado, Giovani, Vela, Gringo, and Franco

MoM: Giovani (also of Gold Cup)

that was not a B team for the US man. Maybe one or two of the guys on the roster today will be on the WC roster next summer.

i would consider it B, because it was mostly MLS players with a few European players. but call it what you will, historically it wont matter because all it will show is Mexico won its 5th Gold Cup, 5 - 0.

Pentacampeon....

i would consider it B, because it was mostly MLS players with a few European players. but call it what you will, historically it wont matter because all it will show is Mexico won its 5th Gold Cup, 5 - 0.

Pentacampeon....

I mean you can sit there and lie to yourself that this win means something for Mexico, but the way I see it, until you beat our A squad with your A squad on US turf once again (when was the last time that happened? 1999?) you've achieved nothing that truly matters historically.

i would consider it B, because it was mostly MLS players with a few European players. but call it what you will, historically it wont matter because all it will show is Mexico won its 5th Gold Cup, 5 - 0.

Pentacampeon....

You are clueless. Name 1 A team player out there for the US and Name 11 B Team players in that game. You can't
A Team - ZERO
B Team - Ching, Holden, Pearce, Perkins, Cooper

USA needs to win 1 game to get into the WC, do you honestly think we are going to waste our Top 15 players in a possible injury on a worthless and useless Gold Cup Championship?

i would consider it B, because it was mostly MLS players with a few European players. but call it what you will, historically it wont matter because all it will show is Mexico won its 5th Gold Cup, 5 - 0.

Pentacampeon....


Historically it shows that the USA team kicked you out of the 2002 World Cup :clapwap:. A competition that actually matters. Not a worthless Gold Cup that doesn't even qualify you to Confederations Cup. Enough said! Mexico didn't even play better than Costa Rica and they only made it to the final bc penalty kicks go either way. They are still mediocre and that will be proven during the WC qualifiers.(Y)

excuses, excuses, pathetic. you guys keep living in the past, 2002 WC is gone....

excuses, excuses, pathetic. you guys keep living in the past, 2002 WC is gone....

Ok...recent result in a competition that actually counts? USA 2 Mexico 0 WC Qualifier for Southafrica 2010

sure, but in home soil.

but most recent Mexico 5 - 0 usa Gold Cup Final (away) it counts because it was a FINAL and u.s never wants too loose, no matter what the match is.

historically it won't say if it was A,B, or C team....

sure, but in home soil.

but most recent Mexico 5 - 0 usa Gold Cup Final (away) it counts because it was a FINAL and u.s never wants too loose, no matter what the match is.

historically it won't say if it was A,B, or C team....

yeah, but you'll know.

If you listened to the mexican media, you would have though that they just won the world cup by beating us..

I seriously can't wait for our August 12 meeting.

yeah I'll know that Mexico won 5 - 0....

How about Charlie Davies with 2 goals today! Came on at half.

WCQ:

Mexico 2

usa 1

F: Israel Castro and Sabah

MoM: Castro

excuses, excuses, pathetic. you guys keep living in the past, 2002 WC is gone....

What excuse? USA got beat by Mexico's A/B team while USA lost while playing their B/C team.

Last time I checked Eddie Johnson wasn't there, nor was Beasley, Conrad, Edu, Adu and others that are on the B team... Seriously it was Davy Arnuad, Beckerman where out there...

Good win for Mexico in Azteca though. Mad props. They played a good game and got the lucky bounce. Not to mention the Unsavable first goal Mexico had. None in the world IMO could of saved that.

Donovan was sick and is sick with swine flu. He caught it in Miami before they shipped out to Mexico.

sure, but in home soil.

Do you think away wins are easy to come by? Away games are always the hardest. Mexico didn't win on US soil for 10 years and US has never won at Azteca. I'd say thats even.

yeah except Mexico has won in u.s. soil unlike the u.s. who has never won in Mexico. but I agree they are even....

Wrong, US has won in Mexico, just not in Azteca.

Wrong, US has won in Mexico, just not in Azteca.

we have?

Wrong, US has won in Mexico, just not in Azteca.


Wrong.

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Articles/2005/08/USA-Vs-Mexico-All-Time-Series-History.aspx

Wrong, US has won in Mexico, just not in Azteca.

lol....:clapwap:

Not surprising that Costa Rica went up 2-0 early. I wouldn't be able to concentrate after the Chuck Deezy accident either.

What a finish!

Emotional night.

What a comeback. My prayers go out to Davies in his family. He'll be in my prayers.

The USA team showed professionalism. I admire this team and I wish you guys the best of luck in South Africa! USA is the best team by far in CONCACAF.

no Mexico is because they won the most recent Gold Cup the official tournament of the concacaf. and dont give me excuses of A,B, or C squad because we all know the usa does not like to lose at anything no matter what the circumstances....

Winning the Gold cup makes you the best team in CONCACAF? Try making it the final of the confederation cup first than come talk to me.

You seem to miss the better part, USA played their C team in the Gold Cup. Beating that team doesn't really show anything.

Winning the Gold cup makes you the best team in CONCACAF? Try making it the final of the confederation cup first than come talk to me.

You seem to miss the better part, USA played their C team in the Gold Cup. Beating that team doesn't really show anything.

not only did Mexico make it to the final but they won it and against Brazil 4 -3 in 1999. like I said before no excuses of what team participated.....:clapwap:

no Mexico is because they won the most recent Gold Cup the official tournament of the concacaf. and dont give me excuses of A,B, or C squad because we all know the usa does not like to lose at anything no matter what the circumstances....

Ok dude...go jack off to your gold up win...It's my opinion and since I don't care about the useless gold cup I think they are the best team. USA's A team can beat Mexico walking in any place other than the **** whole of Stadio Azteca. You better be hoping the FEMEX has the Azteca moved to South Africa bc that's the only place where your team performs.

yeah that's what you say because the usa lost, just another excuse. more respect to the Legendary Estadio Azteca where football legends played, Pele and Maradona. no Mexico can perform anywhere. Mexico baila al ritmo que les pongan asi de facil....

yeah that's what you say because the usa lost, just another excuse. more respect to the Legendary Estadio Azteca where football legends played, Pele and Maradona. no Mexico can perform anywhere. Mexico baila al ritmo que les pongan asi de facil....

I've been there and it's a **** hole. And the people are trash, rude as ****. Mexico baila? Ok bailo a ritmo de goles que le metieron en Honduras and El Salvador talvez. No alucines.

1999? I thought we are comparing the teams NOW. And now the USA team is deffinitively the better side. If you want to compatire teams of yesterday, than i shall remind you that the 2002 US national team made the quarters at the world cup. Haw far have you gone? Stop making up excuses. Shouldn't you be posting on the rumors thread about how many teams are linning up for Ochoa anyways?

1999? I thought we are comparing the teams NOW. And now the USA team is deffinitively the better side. If you want to compatire teams of yesterday, than i shall remind you that the 2002 US national team made the quarters at the world cup. Haw far have you gone? Stop making up excuses. Shouldn't you be posting on the rumors thread about how many teams are linning up for Ochoa anyways?

you said try making it to the final, which is exactly what Mexico did and they won. usa couldn't even do that against Brazil which Mexico did. actually Mexico has made it to quarters at the World Cup.

no I'd say they are even Mexico won the Gold Cup and the usa finished 1st in WCQ. yeah they made the quarters only because that ucking portuguese ref didn't give a red card to the us defender when he cleared the ball from the goal with his hand after temo's header when the game was still 1 - 0. just look at the game replay and you will see it clear as day....:clapwap:

I've been there and it's a **** hole. And the people are trash, rude as ****. Mexico baila? Ok bailo a ritmo de goles que le metieron en Honduras and El Salvador talvez. No alucines.

yeah but look at ref in match vs salvador and you will see the truth and the match vs honduras with that ucking cheater of costly using his hand to take the ball in front of Jonny Magallon....

Hahaha, you are such a ******* retard.

:sleep:

Hahaha, you are such a ******* retard.


likewise....:coffe-anim:

likewise....:coffe-anim:

You see me in the Mexico thread talking **** after USA beats El Tri in Columbus?

who is talking 5hit, I just responded to a posting. I didn't insult anybody unlike you....

yeah but look at ref in match vs salvador and you will see the truth and the match vs honduras with that ucking cheater of costly using his hand to take the ball in front of Jonny Magallon....

Let's not talk about "cheater" until Cuathemoc retires. And it wasn't Magallon.

yes it was Jonny Magallon and Temo is not a cheater, he is a legend of Mexican Futbol....

yes it was Jonny Magallon and Temo is not a cheater, he is a legend of Mexican Futbol....

Beyond "cheater"...scumbag describes him best. It was Luis Perez dude. Or some other dude but not Magallon. Look it up.

While you're at it look up the video of Oswaldo Sanchez begging Suazo to stop attacking Mexico bc if Honduras was to score again, Mexico wouldn't have gone through. No que bailan lo que les pongan?..lmao!

Luis Perez not even. it was Jonny Magallon check the video again or your eyes. costly used his hand and score 1vs1 against Ochoa. bueno deperdida Mexico baila por que usa siempre lo mismo, lmao....

Huntelaar? (H)

Man. Bornstein is awful. I'm better than that and I'm being totally serious.

I couldn't pay too much attention because I was in class watching on ESPN360, so all I really noticed was

1) The Dutch looked a little sloppy, but their technique is just amazing. Can't imagine an American team ever being that good on the ball.

2) If Bob Bradley names DeMarcus Beasley to the World Cup team Sam's Army should assassinate him.

3) My class ended and I missed the Bocanegra goal. Gay.

4) The US actually didn't look terrible from what I could notice. Some decent play and for the most part solid defense. There was some leaky stuff (breakaway that Howard saved and the Huntelaar header off the corner that went just over), but overall I didn't think we played poorly. Put Davies (please God) and Dempsey out there so we can actually have success on the counter and I could see us having success. The guys out there today didn't stand out at anything in particular, so there wasn't anything we could do really well.

Beasley was actually one of the high points...that's saying something.

Bradley played Bornstein as a center back at the end.

Beasley was actually one of the high points...that's saying something.

He was active, but I didn't think his touches led to anything other than the Dutch taking possession.

He was active, but I didn't think his touches led to anything other than the Dutch taking possession.

Yeah Beasley looked terrible on the ball.

Everyone looked terrible on the ball. Except Holden, who of course got hurt early.

Donovan was nearly invisible, which is a hell of a lot better than Bornstein who was visible at the worst times.

Nothing I wanted to say hasn't already been said by you two. I have one thing to add: when the hell did the Dutch become Italy v. 2.00 when it comes to diving? That was just ridiculous to watch.

Nothing I wanted to say hasn't already been said by you two. I have one thing to add: when the hell did the Dutch become Italy v. 2.00 when it comes to diving? That was just ridiculous to watch.

The USA is gaining a thug reputation thanks to some undeserved red cards at highly visible international competitions. It makes sense to dive against us unfortunately. I thought the ref did a pretty good job with it today though.

I started watching at halftime and I honestly did not see Landon Donovan until he made a very nice pass to Holden in about the 77th minute. Holden then played a great ball to Beasley, who did an excellent job to stay onside, in a goal scoring position. Beasley passed it across the goal mouth to about 5 orange jerseys and no blue in sight.

Hated the uniforms too. Someone tell me we aren't wearing those things at the World Cup. What's wrong with these? These are the best unis we've ever had:

http://img.fannation.com/upload/si_blog_post_images/37481/landon-donovan.jpg

That was Bedoya. Holden went off around 30 minutes.

I liked the new unis but I also like the old ones as well.

Nothing I wanted to say hasn't already been said by you two. I have one thing to add: when the hell did the Dutch become Italy v. 2.00 [sic] when it comes to diving? That was just ridiculous to watch.what? for the penalty? or do you have more examples in mind?



Beasley passed it across the goal mouth to about 5 orange jerseys and no blue in sight.uh, orange jerseys?

De Jong had a few ridiculous dives. The one where he made a bad touch in front of his box and Beasley ran by him to get the ball except the ref stopped play and called a foul because De Jong had tripped on his shoe laces. The penalty was a dive as well. There were others.

uh, orange jerseys?

Were they in white? Whatever, you get the point.

De Jong had a few ridiculous dives. The one where he made a bad touch in front of his box and Beasley ran by him to get the ball except the ref stopped play and called a foul because De Jong had tripped on his shoe laces. The penalty was a dive as well. There were others.I was honestly watching the match with my Oranje fan/critic glasses on, trying to see which players impressed with their passing and movement in their various roles, and which players didn't ... so I was hardly ever judging whether a call made was right or not ... the penalty was very soft ... as for the other calls, fair enough ... I just hope not to see Holland shoot themselves in the foot at the World Cup and get cautions (and eventually suspensions) for simulation ...



Were they in white? Whatever, you get the point.haha, yes, i do indeed ... it was a rather pedantic comment ... can't blame you for saying "orange"; it just feels like the natural thing to say when talking about the Dutch ... and they should have been playing orange ... it was strangely repulsing seeing almost every team clad in their away kits in yesterday's matches ... goddamn kit manufacturers and their deplorable marketing tactics ...

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

I actually quite like the roster, but I'd make a few changes. First, I'd probably leave one of the strikers at home since I think most people are expecting us to play a 4-4-1-1 with Dempsey as the Trequartista. I don't really think Buddle, Findley, or Gomez can fill in for Dempsey, so I'd bring another winger if it was me, and as much as he might not deserve it, I'd probably bring Freddy Adu because he can play Dempsey's position in a pinch, can probably play on the wing, and is capable of making something out of nothing.

Obviously I'd drop DeMarcus for just about anybody, but in particular I'd have brought in Robbie Rodgers.

And maybe I'd drop Bornstein for Pearce too.

Other than that it's exactly what one would expect.

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

I actually quite like the roster, but I'd make a few changes. First, I'd probably leave one of the strikers at home since I think most people are expecting us to play a 4-4-1-1 with Dempsey as the Trequartista. I don't really think Buddle, Findley, or Gomez can fill in for Dempsey, so I'd bring another winger if it was me, and as much as he might not deserve it, I'd probably bring Freddy Adu because he can play Dempsey's position in a pinch, can probably play on the wing, and is capable of making something out of nothing.

Obviously I'd drop DeMarcus for just about anybody, but in particular I'd have brought in Robbie Rodgers.

And maybe I'd drop Bornstein for Pearce too.

Other than that it's exactly what one would expect.

What happened to Jermaine Jones? Didn't he want to play for the USA?

Looking forward to going very far.. :skip_e::skip_e:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

I actually quite like the roster, but I'd make a few changes. First, I'd probably leave one of the strikers at home since I think most people are expecting us to play a 4-4-1-1 with Dempsey as the Trequartista. I don't really think Buddle, Findley, or Gomez can fill in for Dempsey, so I'd bring another winger if it was me, and as much as he might not deserve it, I'd probably bring Freddy Adu because he can play Dempsey's position in a pinch, can probably play on the wing, and is capable of making something out of nothing.

Obviously I'd drop DeMarcus for just about anybody, but in particular I'd have brought in Robbie Rodgers.

And maybe I'd drop Bornstein for Pearce too.

Other than that it's exactly what one would expect.
What do you expect the starting XI to be? I'd also like any insight you have on who to keep an eye on with this team. They'll be the team I watch most after Spain but I have to admit I haven't kept up with them at all.

Also, I'm very surprised by how many players from the NT now come from European clubs. 17! And that's not counting Donovan's stint at Everton.

Dempsey is someone I have really grown to like ... he has had a very impressive season with Fulham, with some thumping good goals ... but more than anything, I like his attitude, the fact that he keeps his feet on the ground, and keeps on going ... he is on the cusp of becoming a player for the top level, and the World Cup could be a great way to announce that ... if Donovan can fire too, then 2010 could match 2002 ...

but if they are to have only one good performance in them, I really hope it comes in their opening match ...

What do you expect the starting XI to be? I'd also like any insight you have on who to keep an eye on with this team. They'll be the team I watch most after Spain but I have to admit I haven't kept up with them at all.

Well I obviously can't tell you certainly who will play, or even if they'll go with the 4-4-1-1. Maybe he'll put Gomez and Altidore up front (got I hope not). But here's how I would play (it's basically a counter-attacking formation that can also resemble the 4-2-3-1 that everyone plays these days since Donovan and Holden are much more offensive minded than Clark and Bradley). If I thought we were capable of keeping possession against any side in the World Cup then I'd go to bat for Cherundolo, but unfortunately Team USA is good at running and kicking. Not so much tempo and passing.

------------Howard---------------
Spector-Onyewu-DeMerit-Bocanegra
Holden---Clark---Bradley---Donovan
------------Dempsey--------------
-------------Altidore--------------

Did Holden really improve over the past year, or did the US not have a better choice for RM?

Did Holden really improve over the past year, or did the US not have a better choice for RM?

I thought he's looked good whenever I've seen him. He's at Bolton now, so I guess I wasn't the only one. And like I said, I don't know exactly how they'll play, Bulgarian Dan is probably the better resource if he ever shows up again. It wouldn't really surprise me to see Beasley start the first game and upset every fan.

Awesome comeback win!!!

Clint Dempsey will carry us to World cup glory!! :33vff3o: :bouncy:

I'm about to watch the replay, but it looks like we're playing the formation I suggested (Felihaber instead of Holden, and Donovan on the Right), but Felihaber will be a more central left midfielder than a winger, which will open up opportunities for Bocanegra down the left flank (haha).

Edit: Watched the first half, and that was all I needed to see as far as I'm concerned. Felihaber is not a winger, and he sure as ******* **** isn't a left winger. About 25 minutes into the game Landon just sent him right and switched with him. I would rather have Beasley out there, and that is really saying something. I also don't know if we understand how to play in a 4-4-1-1. Dempsey does, because that's how Fulham play, but I don't think anyone else quite understands how to use the forwards, and that includes Altidore.

It might make us better if we just play Findley or Gomez or whoever up top with Altidore in a 4-4-2 because at least everyone on the team will understand a 4-4-2. And one more time... NO FELIHABER OUT WIDE! I've been told Torres did a good job outside in the second half, so use him or Holden or someone. No Felihaber.

Clint Dempsey will carry us to World cup glory!! :33vff3o: :bouncy:

Aren't you Spanish? :rolleyes:

Dude, hypocracy!!!

The way he is fan of USA you are fan of Albania.

Dude, hypocracy!!!

The way he is fan of USA I am fan of Canada.


Now it's the same way.

If he's American, then "the way I am fan of Albania" applies.

Wait. We beat the almighty Guus Hiddink at his own game?

panama 2

usa 1

FINAL: Gomez and Tejada

Gold Cup Final:

Mexico 4

usa 2

FINAL: Barrera 2x, Guardado, and Dos Santos

Jonathan Bornstein and Bob Bradley are a couple of Peter Puffers! <--- Full Metal Jacket reference for those who don't know.

oh, this thread does still exist...

so now that it's back up front, and we've been pretty clearly put in our place, where does the USMNT go from here? It's really clear that our squad is STILL tactically poor. How do we adjust? For me, the most damning thing is that Freddy came back after two years and made himself the best player on this team over the course of two games. Great for Freddy, but he still has the same problem that's kept him from getting playing time anywhere in europe. He pressured Mexico's back line several times tonight, yes, but with one or two exceptions, he never really made any moves that indicated to me that he was thinking ahead. He lost the ball trying to dribble through people. He passed to the most obvious (and least deadly) players, often teeing it up for his backs rather than passing it into a lane for them to run onto. The one time he had an apparently clean look at goal, he passed it off sheepishly. And he was still more effective than anyone else in white tonight. That should be concerning. He's missing that 'game knowledge' that separates the good from the great, and when his tactics function within a team, that means the team itself lacks that knowledge.
For more proof, let's dig in to exactly how our defense was cut to shreds. It wasn't so much individual errors tonight (although they didn't help), but a general lack of shape that cost us. Starting from the first whistle, Mexico attacked down the right hand side constantly. And every time they did, some or all of our defense would slide over to deal with it. All fine and good, except that our midfielders failed to come back and cover the now open spaces left behind. Jones and Bradley both went M.I.A. for large portions of the match. Our wings weren't providing a lot of support either, though they weren't necessarily expected to. On the off chance we tackled or intercepted the ball, Mexico's strikers and mids kept the pressure on, so instead of keeping composed and passing laterally or back out of trouble (for there was no one to pass to), our backs were forced to play bootball, which seems to be the American default. Anyone who's played a high school level game knows that turns into a crapshoot REAL fast.

So yeah, the problems are crystaline. My question is, how do we fix them? I mean, maybe we can blame bradley, but even then...how many people on this squad would actually be able to carry out the game plans of a competent coach? Honestly, I don't think it's more than maybe two or three players. My real question after watching this is whether it's possible to salvage USYSA and/or the NCAA or whether serious players need to get pulled out of these for good to reach their potential. Because in their current forms, they're not working. We reached our peak in '02 and we've been trending level ever since.

I'll find a "copy" in the next day or two and maybe watch it, but from what I've heard there's a few things to come out:

Good: Freddy Adu is a good player. Will someone PLEASE sign him and use him as a #10? I think we can safely say that he is our future in that attacking midfield row with Donovan and Dempsey.

Bad: Just like you said--and I have been bitching my ass off about this for YEARS and have advocated a Dutch coach consistently--we seem to have inherited this default kick-and-rush from the English. I have never seen us string together passes unless it's against the dregs of CONCACAF. Even in good games like, for example quite a few at World Cup 2002 (best we've ever played), we were relying on it more often than anything else.

Secondly, there's just simply a lack of quality at any of the defensive positions. Bocanegra was washed up 5 years ago, and now with DeMerit and Cherundolo's careers coming to a close and Gooch apparently losing his career to injury, we just don't have anyone at all who can fill the void. Tactically we can get better, but I think the biggest problem is a shocking lack of talent across the back.

INGERLAND
given how the football-watching experience in the USA portrays the Prem as the best football on the planet, and England as the favourites for every tournament due to the presence of the greatest collection of players, why is anyone surprised that the tactics being adopted are distinctly English? using physical play to make up for technical shortcomings, and resorting to a kick-and-rush mentality in hope of a counterattack, is what has given England all its wonderful accolades over the years, right?


COACH
Bob Bradley is no Bruce Arena ... I think the latter has the better working knowledge base of the continental European game ...

as for a Dutch coach (Bruce abhors the notion, of course): I gotta say I like the idea of someone with that sort of coaching education coming in ... but who have you got in mind? Frank Rijkaard is looking for a job, isn't he?


KORANTENG: THE MISSING LINK
to the main focus:

my fondness for this country has grown during my time here ... I'd love to see the USA have attacking players who can cause world class opposition some serious problems ... the first goal against Panama showed what this team should aspire to do against top-level sides: a goal born from vision, technique, and precision execution ... that ball from Freddy demonstrated that he can pick a killer pass, while Donovan's only option to get the ball to Dempsey was to spear that f*cker into the back post -- and he did!

amUDq56N-Yo


but while Deuce and Landycakes have a good-enough level of composure to execute their decision-making consistently (Agudelo is decent too, but we can talk about his prospects later), Fredua clearly does not (often looking rushed and immature) ... it exposes his poor basic education; I can only imagine what he could have become had he, instead of becoming the MLS wonderkid at 14, gone to the Ajax School of Excellence ...

I can't see any team in Europe competing for a Champions League place handing him a #10 jersey ... but if he aggressively pursues an opportunity in countries like Holland and Belgium, or is prepared to go to lesser teams in Italy or Spain (or Germany, for that matter, given the level of player the academies have churned out in recent years), he could still develop the requisite tactical knowledge in a technical environment ...

the level of exposure he's gotten in 2 games at the Gold Cup is more than he's had in total over the last couple of years ... it's possible that he may get some new offers off of that ... he better make his next move based on development potential, and not just cash ...


USA'S STARLET FROM ZED
p.s. I'm following the progress of young Charles Bimbe-Renken ... he seems to be managing his footballing education fairly well, though he has faced injury issues; but he's still only 17, so I'm still keeping my hopes up for him ...

Sunil Gulati, Bob Bradley and everyone else at the US Soccer Federation need to go. Gulati is more about money and recognition than he is committed to the sport and youth development.

but while Deuce and Landycakes have a good-enough level of composure to execute their decision-making consistently (Agudelo is decent too, but we can talk about his prospects later), Fredua clearly does not (often looking rushed and immature) ... it exposes his poor basic education; I can only imagine what he could have become had he, instead of becoming the MLS wonderkid at 14, gone to the Ajax School of Excellence ...

I can't see any team in Europe competing for a Champions League place handing him a #10 jersey ... but if he aggressively pursues an opportunity in countries like Holland and Belgium, or is prepared to go to lesser teams in Italy or Spain (or Germany, for that matter, given the level of player the academies have churned out in recent years), he could still develop the requisite tactical knowledge in a technical environment ...

Adu is just lacking playing time, the kid hasn't played much in the last... 4 years I guess and you can see the erosion of some of his skills; the same can be said for Altidore, but Adu is a better prospect still IMO. I know a year or two ago he sent something out on twitter like "where should I go out on loan this year" and I sent something all but begging him to find a team in Holland. He's been a spot starter in Greece and Turkey.

As for finding a CL team... that's a joke, clearly his sights should be lower than that (although the absolutely awful Kljestan playing for Anderlecht says perhaps Adu could do that). He just needs to play in a league that will demand SOMETHING of him: Holland, Belgium, even the Championship or Bundesliga 2.

I'd definitely recommend him to stay away from the British Isles ... he is never going to be a visionary, technically expressive trequartista if he's in that basketball-style, constantly counter-attacking, overly physical league ... and definitely a big NO to the Championship, where all he'll be doing is trying to not get hacked to death (on the field) by some has-been who failed to make the grade at the top level ...

if it isn't to be Holland, Belgium, Italy, or Spain, I like the idea of him in the Bundesliga; just because the sudden and sporadic nature of certain teams' competitiveness means that, if he finds himself in the right place, at the right time, he can learn and develop A LOT, and simultaneously taste top-level success ...

Definitely either bundesliga or the eridivisie; they're the two leagues left that are known for teaching and valuing a highly technical and creative style of play. actually, one place that'd be interesting would be barca b, although i have no idea how that might work or if it'd even be feasible (i note that their entire roster sans one mexican is spanish born). think about how much he'd pick up there, though, in a dedicated development team.

What the hell happened to Onyewu? Used to be solid at the back.