379 replies to this topic

[CJChap]

Looking at the lineup for the Sweden game, I'm willing to bet that Dempsey was either slated on the right with Donovan withdrawn and Ching as a target or the two switched. When Ching failed the fitness test, they had to bring in another midfielder (Feilhaber) which forced Deuce to play the role of target forward, which he is in no way suited to play.

I think that dynamic was just based on circumstance....

Would have been nice to see how they played with Ching up top and Donovan and/or Deuce withdrawn because that suits the two of them best, playing off a big forward.

[allaboutthesox]

Capelo answering Technical questions

I found this to be somewhat interesting of a read.

[Titans Bastard]

The USMNT has the big Brazil game coming up in less than a week on Sep 9. Brazil is not dicking around and has brought a frighteningly good squad. The US roster:

GK:
Tim Howard (Everton)
Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

DF:
Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham)
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
Jay DeMerit (Watford)
Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege)
Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)
Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday)
Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MF:
DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)
Michael Bradley (Heerenveen)
Bobby Convey (Reading)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Benny Feilhaber (Derby County)
Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)

FW:
Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards)
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)

Because MLS does not conform to international bye-week standards, Bradley didn't choose to step on anyone's toes and take key MLS players during the stretch run -- KC is off this week, leaving Donovan, Mastroeni, and Seitz as the only missing games. Otherwise, we would (hopefully) have seen guys like Rico Clark and Michael Parkhurst.

A surprise to see Seitz called up. I'm sure he's just here for the experience, so it doesn't really matter. He did well at the U20 WC so if Zizzo has gotten a call, why not Seitz? He's still not the full time starter at RSL, so he needs more time before he can climb up the depth chart at GK.

It will be nice to see someone other than Jonathan Bornstein at LB just to see what our options are. Either Pearce or Spector will start. I'm sure we'll see Onyewu and Bocanegra paired together yet again at CB, but the other CB options (Spector, DeMerit) aren't really much better. I'd like to see Parkhurst get more callups as this cycle continues. Given that KC is off I'm surprised Conrad wasn't thrown into the mix.

I'm surprised to see Convey continue to be called up because it just doesn't seem like he's fully fit yet. He's seen some time as a sub this season for Reading, but he has yet to retake his starting role from Stephen Hunt. The usual suspects at midfield though. Hopefully Dempsey can carry over his good play at Fulham.

The forward situation is once again uninspiring. Donovan is a good player but we are still missing that deadly out-and-out striker. Johnson will continue to get chances while he has been outstanding in MLS and no one else emerges, but is anyone optimistic that he will emerge as a world-class striker at this point? Wolff is a stopgap striker, maybe he'll make the back end of a few rosters early in qualifiers but he needs to be phased out soon. Arnaud is a decent player, but he's only here because KC is off. I guess he's worked himself into the NT pool, but hopefully he'll be lapped by the young guns soon. I am really glad that Davies, Hill and Nguyen are not on the roster because none of them are even close to deserving a callup. Davies has not been effective for Hammarby this season, Hill is struggling to make the bench at Wolfsburg, and Nguyen is playing with PSV's reserves.

Altidore has a minor injury and wasn't on the lineup card in RBNY's last game. He really must be close to getting a callup as he has been consistently deadly in MLS. Hopefully Bradley will incorporate some of the successful MLS rookies into the program once the season is finished (Altidore, Harrington, Edu). I am more comfortable with waiting on Adu. He has a lot on his plate at Benfica and he needs to work on adjusting to his new club and seeing regular time there before worrying about NT issues. There is plenty of time to integrate these guys before the 2010 WC.

[Titans Bastard]

For reference, Brazil's roster:

GK: Doni (Roma), Julio Cesar (Inter)

DF: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Alex Silva (São Paulo), Lúcio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Roma), Alex (Chelsea), Kleber (Santos), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin)

MF: Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Josué (VfL Wolfsburg), Fernando (Bordeaux), Elano (Manchester City), Kaká (AC Milan), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Diego (Werder Bremen)

FW: Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Robinho (Real Madrid), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow), Afonso (SC Heerenveen)

[CJChap]

If I had to guess, I'd bet you'll see Dempsey up top where he's been playing very well of late with Fulham and possibly Wolff on the right flank - where he's been playing for 1860. I can't see how Bradley and Pablo don't start against Brazil with all of their offensive fire power. If I had to guess a lineup:

Striker: Deuce

A-mid/forward: Donovan

MF: Beasley, Pablo, Bradley, Feilhaber/Wolff

D: Spector, Gooch, Bocanegra, Simek

G: Howard

I don't like the Dempsey/Donovan pairing up front at all, but I still think that's how they'll go. I really would like to see Heath Pearce get a start on the left and Simek on the right, but you could see Spector play on both sides. I think Bocanegra and Gooch get the call in the middle, though at this point, I'd really like to see Demerit.

[allaboutthesox]

Yeah I am more on the lines of seeing Simek start myself. When he has gotten a chance to play, he has played well and played tough. Dempsey had a very solid game last week in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham. He had a goal and two assists I believe. I do not think Dempsey should be playing up top as I see Dempsey as more as a midfielder than a forward. Hopefully, EJ and Wolff will be up top leaving Donovan as a CAM and Beasley and Dempsey on the flanks. I think Bradley will have to try put lots of efforts into scoring early in this game for the US to have a chance at winning.

The defense has to be on top of its game the whole time as well. No silly fouls or miscommunication on clearing a ball or marking.

I just keep waiting for Altidore and Adu to get the call to the National team and will continue to advocate for both of them to be on the team as I feel that they play well off of one another. The U-21 WC should have shown that much at least to those who watched it. Altidore is clearly a forward who can and will finish when given the opportunity. I am not so sure why Bradley has not give either one of them a look on this level yet.

EJ is only 23 and I do feel their is time for him to develop into a very good striker. He has been playing much better in the MLS to merit looks by a couple of EPL teams (Derby comes to mind) and he does lead the MLS in goals. That being said, I do not feel that he will be "world class" as a goal scorer as I do not believe there are a lot of those types around. However, he can become a very good striker and I do believe he needs to play in Europe to harness the ability more.

[MiracleOfO2704]

I'll be honest, I just feel both amazed and frightened that the international break will actually mean something for 1860 Munich. Though I'm very sure Wolff's call-up will almost certainly not result in playing time, it's nice to see the team take that turn back towards relevance.

As far as the USMNT-Seleção, there's almost no doubt that, even with a half-squad, the Brazilians will do well, and the US will have to play the match of their lives to get a result. The more important thing for Bradley and the team is to face some stiff competition in a less-competitive setting than Copa America. Let some of the not-regulars get in there.

[Spacemans Bong]

Bocanegra gets a glancing header off a corner and the USA leads 1-0.

[Reverend]

Bocanegra gets a glancing header off a corner and the USA leads 1-0.

An attacking style of play... very good on the ball when doing so?

Loss or no loss, I could get into this.

[allaboutthesox]

US loses 4-2 to Brazil, but played very well overall and bit more of an attacking style. Despite the result I am pleased with a couple of players. Micheal Bradley played very well with the exception of the silly foul at the end. Eddie Johnson did well moving off of the ball in his limited time. The team played pretty well against a very good Brazil team being at pretty much full strength.

What concerns mean a bit more is the lack of marking by the defense on set pieces. Brazil had a lot more opportunities to score on set pieces due to a lack of marking by US defenders. The officiating was absolutely horrible during the whole course of the game. It amazed me that a penalty was called in stoppage time for a small foul that pales in comparison to what happened a lot earlier to Wolff in the Brazilian penalty box.

None the less a very commendable effort by the US. Lots of work still to be done before WC qualifying begins next year.

[CJChap]

An attacking style? Besides their second goal which was very nice, I thought they were pretty horrible attacking. They couldn't string passes together for anything. Landon Donovan (like I said, besides the setup of the 2nd goal) looked like he hasn't kicked a ball for 3 months.

Bradley made a stupid tackle, but other then that one play, I thought he was great. Dempsey played well, but again looks more suited for the wing, rather then as a lone striker. All in all for him, he's become a better player in England already though. Oh yea, and Bobby Convey is letting the injury layoff show. He looked pretty bad, again. Feilhaber was pretty absent and showed he hasn't been getting any time on the field while settling in at Derby. Beasley also looked to have a stone foot out there, but I thought he did well tracking back and defending. Oh, and Eddie Johnson didn't do anything, again. I want to love him but he just doesn't get it done time after time.

Defensively I thought Boca and Cherundolo played pretty well. Gooch was off his man on Brazil's corner kick score and was unlucky on the own goal. What did people think of Pearce?

Tim Howard made some good stops and is unlucky to let up 4 goals. Made a real good save before the own goal, not much a chance on the corner, and obviously the penalty. I thought he could have had a better play at Ronaldinho's free kick but I have a feeling he couldn't see a damn thing back there with the 10 man wall they had or wahtever that was.

Overall I liked the fire they showed out there, but there were a few brain cramps that lead to goals and if they could have strung some passes together on the break, that might have gotten a few more chances.

I know we've all said it before, but I think the development of a striker really makes this team a lot better. Donovan moves from the wing (where he's looked bad) to a withdrawn forward and Dempsey can go out on the wing and do his damage there.

Edited by CJChap, 09 September 2007 - 07:29 PM.

[allaboutthesox]

They did (in my opinion) play a more "attacking" style of play in the latter portions of the second half. Brazil never really allowed the US team to "control" the ball. The short game passing by the US was sloppy at best as they look to be in awe of what the Brazilians were doing.
Dempsey, although he had a very nice goal, is not a forward. He doesn't move well off the ball and doesn't seem to look to create space and opportunity for himself. We definitely need to cultivate a striker. EJ, did do well in running off the ball and trying to get available. He was open a couple of times when the ball didn't get delivered to him. For example, he was wide open late in the second half and Bobby Convey failed to deliver the ball. It's hard to do something as a forward when people are not delivering the ball to one for opportunities. I think it is unrealistic for people to expect EJ to come on as a sub and eat up the Brazilian defense. I would have liked to see EJ start the game rather than come in as a late second half substitution. I didn't expect much from EJ coming into that situation, but I did like the way he tried to get open and make runs.
Like I mentioned earlier, I liked the fire they played with late in the second half, but it seemed to come a bit late in the game. I am not a Bob Bradley supporter and would like to see Kilinnsman in that position, but he is what we have. I can only hope that Bradley will find the right guys for qualifications instead of always bringing in different people for "friendly" matches.

[allaboutthesox]

I am surprised CJChap didn't make a post here already. Here is the squad that was called up for the Friendly versus wotzerland on October 18, 2007.

USMNT Callups

It looks like Adu may get a chance to play. Still a little disappointed that Altidore didn't get a call up as well. I would like to see Altidore and Adu play together on the senior team.

[Titans Bastard]

I am surprised CJChap didn't make a post here already. Here is the squad that was called up for the Friendly versus wotzerland on October 18, 2007.

USMNT Callups

It looks like Adu may get a chance to play. Still a little disappointed that Altidore didn't get a call up as well. I would like to see Altidore and Adu play together on the senior team.

The only MLS-based players called up were those whose teams were eliminated from the playoffs (Edu, Findley, Seitz) and then Twellman and Guzan were added after their games this weekend.

I think we'll see Adu come on off the bench.


----------------------Hahnemann----------------------
---------Bocanegra---------Onyewu------------------
--Cherundolo-------------------------Pearce---------
------------------Bradley------------------------------
----------------------Feilhaber-------------------------
-----Beasley---------------------------Lewis-----------
-------------Dempsey----------------------------------
---------------------------Twellman--------------------

I'd like to see some of these moves, although they won't all happen

Edu/Szetela for Bradley
Adu for Dempsey
Zizzo for Beasley
Findley for Twellman
DeMerit for Onyewu

Preston Zimmerman, Steve Purdy, Tally Hall, and Chris Seitz are just here for evaluation for the Olympic team and are extremely unlikely to play considering Hall and Seitz are still backup keepers at their clubs and Zimmerman and Purdy are playing in division 3 in Germany (although the way Zimmerman has been playing he may get the call to Hamburger's first team soon).

[SamBowen]

The only MLS-based players called up were those whose teams were eliminated from the playoffs (Edu, Findley, Seitz) and then Twellman and Guzan were added after their games this weekend.

I think we'll see Adu come on off the bench.
----------------------Hahnemann----------------------
---------Bocanegra---------Onyewu------------------
--Cherundolo-------------------------Pearce---------
------------------Bradley------------------------------
----------------------Feilhaber-------------------------
-----Beasley---------------------------Lewis-----------
-------------Dempsey----------------------------------
---------------------------Twellman--------------------

I'd like to see some of these moves, although they won't all happen

Edu/Szetela for Bradley
Adu for Dempsey
Zizzo for Beasley
Findley for Twellman
DeMerit for Onyewu

Preston Zimmerman, Steve Purdy, Tally Hall, and Chris Seitz are just here for evaluation for the Olympic team and are extremely unlikely to play considering Hall and Seitz are still backup keepers at their clubs and Zimmerman and Purdy are playing in division 3 in Germany (although the way Zimmerman has been playing he may get the call to Hamburger's first team soon).

Twellman ate some bad sushi the day he was flying over there. He ended up going the next day, but I wonder if that diminished his chance of starting?

We'll probably see something like what you've got. I'd really like to see Edu and Adu get some minutes, but I wonder if they'll see more then token minutes at the end.

[CJChap]

I am surprised CJChap didn't make a post here already. Here is the squad that was called up for the Friendly versus wotzerland on October 18, 2007.

Figured I'd give you a chance.....

I think Titan's lineup is going to be pretty accurate, though I'd question Beasley on the right. Anyone remember last summer's World Cup? It sure didn't work out then. I'd rather see Beas start on the left, leave Eddie Lewis on the bench to start (and say thanks for the positive contibutions in training by giving him a sub appearance - he's not going to contribute much to WC Qualifying or 2010) and go with someone else on the right.

As much as I like the upside of Gooch, I wouldn't mind seeing Jay Demerit get a shot. He's always getting called up and never getting a looking in the starting XI. Gooch hasn't exactly set the world on fire on the Int'l front, so I'd like to see a temporary change.

I agree with the desire to see Adu and Edu - I can't see Freddy not getting his first offical cap at least for just getting him that official cap on a Fifa match date.

I have a feeling Szetela isn't going to be included in the match squad - he hasn't played (Besides exhibitions) since moving to Racing Santandar.

I like Benny a lot, but I'd be weary of starting him as well. I thnk he's seen the field once since joining Derby, besides his apperance against Brazil.

As usual, I like Michael Bradley. Would have liked to see Bradley call up Rico Clark to start along side him given he's not playing in the MLS anytime soon.

Edited by CJChap, 16 October 2007 - 10:07 PM.

[allaboutthesox]

Figured I'd give you a chance.....

I think Titan's lineup is going to be pretty accurate, though I'd question Beasley on the right. Anyone remember last summer's World Cup? It sure didn't work out then. I'd rather see Beas start on the left, leave Eddie Lewis on the bench to start (and say thanks for the positive contibutions in training by giving him a sub appearance - he's not going to contribute much to WC Qualifying or 2010) and go with someone else on the right.

As much as I like the upside of Gooch, I wouldn't mind seeing Jay Demerit get a shot. He's always getting called up and never getting a looking in the starting XI. Gooch hasn't exactly set the world on fire on the Int'l front, so I'd like to see a temporary change.

I agree with the desire to see Adu and Edu - I can't see Freddy not getting his first offical cap at least for just getting him that official cap on a Fifa match date.

I have a feeling Szetela isn't going to be included in the match squad - he hasn't played (Besides exhibitions) since moving to Racing Santandar.

I like Benny a lot, but I'd be weary of starting him as well. I thnk he's seen the field once since joining Derby, besides his apperance against Brazil.

As usual, I like Michael Bradley. Would have liked to see Bradley call up Rico Clark to start along side him given he's not playing in the MLS anytime soon.

CJChap, my initial post about the roster for this game was not a dig at you at all. It is just normally, when I think I have found something, you normally have beat me to the punch. It was intended to be a compliment.

[CJChap]

I was messing around too -- no worries man.

US win 1-0 on a goal by Bradley.

Just watched the game that on DVR. Boring as hell but the U.S. defense was very good. Gooch with his best game so far this year playing the 1st half. Boca looked very good as well. I hope Heath Pearce's showing gives him a little more of a chance in Bradley's eyes because I think he's been favoring Borenstein a bit, who I'm not a fan of.

Adu came on with about 15 remaining and made an impact. Had a creative heel flick on his first touch and drew a free kick. Should have scored on a nice run with a great pass by Deuce but he was off balance. As soon as he came in the game, there was a little more flare to the offense. I think he's got some value for this team initially, coming on offensively and using his speed and creativity.

Maurice Edu had a nice 1st showing as well...

[Phil Plantier]

I agree - this game was a total snoozer until Adu came in - he picked up the energy level of the entire stadium.

As much as we talk about the US needing talent up front, the Swiss looked like they could use some finishers - they had a couple of good chances that went begging. Any national team with a half-decent pacey striker is going to expose the US back line.

[allaboutthesox]

I was messing around too -- no worries man.

US win 1-0 on a goal by Bradley.

Just watched the game that on DVR. Boring as hell but the U.S. defense was very good. Gooch with his best game so far this year playing the 1st half. Boca looked very good as well. I hope Heath Pearce's showing gives him a little more of a chance in Bradley's eyes because I think he's been favoring Borenstein a bit, who I'm not a fan of.

Adu came on with about 15 remaining and made an impact. Had a creative heel flick on his first touch and drew a free kick. Should have scored on a nice run with a great pass by Deuce but he was off balance. As soon as he came in the game, there was a little more flare to the offense. I think he's got some value for this team initially, coming on offensively and using his speed and creativity.

Maurice Edu had a nice 1st showing as well...

I missed the game, but read an article about it and the assessment yourself and Plantier provided was about right on with what the article had mentioned.

I wish I could have seen Adu play, but from the sounds of things it appears he did play well in his limited time. Maybe the move to Europe has already started to pay dividends and hopefully we will continue to see more out of him.

I have mentioned this many times (at nauseum) and I will say it again. Bring up Altidore, I truly think that this young man can make a difference upfront for the USMNT. I am still a big fan of EJ, but I would like to see what Altidore can do if given the opportunity.

[Titans Bastard]

I missed the game, but read an article about it and the assessment yourself and Plantier provided was about right on with what the article had mentioned.

I wish I could have seen Adu play, but from the sounds of things it appears he did play well in his limited time. Maybe the move to Europe has already started to pay dividends and hopefully we will continue to see more out of him.

I have mentioned this many times (at nauseum) and I will say it again. Bring up Altidore, I truly think that this young man can make a difference upfront for the USMNT. I am still a big fan of EJ, but I would like to see what Altidore can do if given the opportunity.

Altidore will get his shot. He's just come back from injury and RBNY is still in the race. This was largely a Euro-friendly with only players from the worst MLS teams: Findley and Seitz from RSL and Edu from TFC. Guzan and Twellman were late additions to camp after their respective games last weekend.


There's plenty of time to integrate Altidore into the team. He's still learning a lot and he's had a few knocks this season so there's no reason to overwhelm him. I do wish Bruce Arena would stop playing him on the wings at times (with Angel and Doe up top). Freddy Adu's constant placement on the wings when he is best as a central player also hindered his development.


The National Team has a camp at the Home Depot Center in January where they will also play a friendly against Sweden. It will be a largely MLS vs. Allsvenskan game with few Yanks or Swedes Abroad partaking. I'm sure we'll see a lot of the young talent in MLS there, including Altidore, Edu, Seitz, Findley, Arturo Alvarez, Adam Cristman, Robbie Rogers, et al -- it's a good time to try out the U-23s for the upcoming Olympic qualifying campaign.

[CJChap]

Roster vs. S. Africa w/ some MLS additions to follow based on who is in the MLS Cup - Altidore finally gets a call:
GOALKEEPERS: Tim Howard (Everton FC), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA)
DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege)
MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)
FORWARDS: Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

[allaboutthesox]

Roster vs. S. Africa w/ some MLS additions to follow based on who is in the MLS Cup - Altidore finally gets a call:
GOALKEEPERS: Tim Howard (Everton FC), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA)
DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege)
MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)
FORWARDS: Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Alright, Altidore gets the call finally! I hope he sees some decent playing time. From the looks of it initially, Adu might actually get the start in the midfield quite possibly.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 11 November 2007 - 03:00 AM.

[allaboutthesox]

Eddie Lewis held back by Derby.

Link

[dirtynine]

Donovan out. Is this good for Adu?

[allaboutthesox]

Donovan out. Is this good for Adu?

I would like to think that this might guarantee him a start. I think the lineup may project as such:

GK: Howard
DEF: Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Bornstein
MID: Adu, Feilhaber, Bradley, Beasley
FOR: Altidore, Dempsey


I am excited about the possibilities of seeing Adu and Altidore starting.

A bit off topic, but I was wondering how Corey Gibbs was doing. I know he was hurt last year and making his way back to being at full health. It would be really nice to see him back and playing for the US as he was a solid defender and qualifying gets underway next year.

[Titans Bastard]

I would like to think that this might guarantee him a start. I think the lineup may project as such:

GK: Howard
DEF: Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Bornstein
MID: Adu, Feilhaber, Bradley, Beasley
FOR: Altidore, Dempsey
I am excited about the possibilities of seeing Adu and Altidore starting.

A bit off topic, but I was wondering how Corey Gibbs was doing. I know he was hurt last year and making his way back to being at full health. It would be really nice to see him back and playing for the US as he was a solid defender and qualifying gets underway next year.

I don't know if both Adu and Altidore will start, but both will get minutes.

Cory Gibbs played about half a reserve game for Charlton before injuring himself again. He's out until late December at best. He's been so fragile it's impossible to count on him at this point.

[allaboutthesox]

I don't know if both Adu and Altidore will start, but both will get minutes.

Cory Gibbs played about half a reserve game for Charlton before injuring himself again. He's out until late December at best. He's been so fragile it's impossible to count on him at this point.

Yeah that sucks to hear about Cory Gibbs. He was really a solid back a few years ago with so much promise. Not that I am giving up on him at all, but it is unfortunate to see him injured so often.

I guess I was assuming that Bradley wouldn't start Edu or any of the others over Adu in the midfield. They may bring Adu in as a forward sub later in the game or midfield. If Bradley is looking to see how people work together, it might not be a bad idea to put Adu and Altidore up top together again and see what happens. They worked well together in the U-21 WC. I am pretty damn excited to see both of these guys playing.

[Titans Bastard]

Yeah that sucks to hear about Cory Gibbs. He was really a solid back a few years ago with so much promise. Not that I am giving up on him at all, but it is unfortunate to see him injured so often.

I guess I was assuming that Bradley wouldn't start Edu or any of the others over Adu in the midfield. They may bring Adu in as a forward sub later in the game or midfield. If Bradley is looking to see how people work together, it might not be a bad idea to put Adu and Altidore up top together again and see what happens. They worked well together in the U-21 WC. I am pretty damn excited to see both of these guys playing.

I haven't completely given up on Gibbs, but he's not really someone I think about for the Nats CB situation any more. He has the ability to work his way back into the picture, but even if healthy will he have the same ability after so much injury? Just call him Matt Mantei.


The thing our midfield contingent is that Adu really isn't a similar player to any of the others. Bradley, Edu, Kljestan, and Feilhaber can all more or less perform a similar role. Adu has been playing more as a tweener type attacking midfielder/withdrawn forward (tweener not carrying the same negative connotation that it does in baseball). He doesn't quite fit in a 4-4-2 with two true forwards, two D-mids and two wingers. But, this friendly's roster is a bit different. For one, Altidore is the only real striker because let's face it, Dempsey is better playing behind one or two guys.

A lot of the lineup vs. South Africa will depend on who plays on the right in midfield. BB has played Donovan in that role a lot lately, but Donovan is out. Feilhaber has played on the right (and sucked at it), so he's a possibility although hopefully he doesn't play there. Dempsey has played at right mid, although it's been a while since he's done it for either club or country. Kljestan has played as a right mid for Chivas USA, although he doesn't get involved in the attack as much as a true winger. He's probably the most natural fit.

I'd like to see this:

------------------------------Howard-----------------------------
------------------Onyewu-------------Bocanegra---------------
----Cherundolo-------------------------------Bornstein---------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Kljestan------Edu-------------Bradley---------------------
------------------------------------------------Beasley-----------
-----------------Dempsey----------------------------------------
----------------------------Altidore-------------------------------

55' Pearce for Bornstein
65' Adu for Dempsey
70' Spector for Cherundolo


I wouldn't be surprised if Califf gets some time, although I don't really care to see him -- I'm more interested in Parkhurst and Conrad (and DeMerit, who's injured). Feilhaber can ride the pine as far as I'm concerned, he really hasn't earned a start given his complete failure to break into Derby's craptastic squad. He may very well start over Edu, but I hope he doesn't. I also think it's somewhat possible we will see Dempsey start on the right and Adu play behind Altidore, although I don't know if BB will hand the attack over to such inexperience.

[allaboutthesox]

I haven't completely given up on Gibbs, but he's not really someone I think about for the Nats CB situation any more. He has the ability to work his way back into the picture, but even if healthy will he have the same ability after so much injury? Just call him Matt Mantei.
The thing our midfield contingent is that Adu really isn't a similar player to any of the others. Bradley, Edu, Kljestan, and Feilhaber can all more or less perform a similar role. Adu has been playing more as a tweener type attacking midfielder/withdrawn forward (tweener not carrying the same negative connotation that it does in baseball). He doesn't quite fit in a 4-4-2 with two true forwards, two D-mids and two wingers. But, this friendly's roster is a bit different. For one, Altidore is the only real striker because let's face it, Dempsey is better playing behind one or two guys.

A lot of the lineup vs. South Africa will depend on who plays on the right in midfield. BB has played Donovan in that role a lot lately, but Donovan is out. Feilhaber has played on the right (and sucked at it), so he's a possibility although hopefully he doesn't play there. Dempsey has played at right mid, although it's been a while since he's done it for either club or country. Kljestan has played as a right mid for Chivas USA, although he doesn't get involved in the attack as much as a true winger. He's probably the most natural fit.

I'd like to see this:

------------------------------Howard-----------------------------
------------------Onyewu-------------Bocanegra---------------
----Cherundolo-------------------------------Bornstein---------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Kljestan------Edu-------------Bradley---------------------
------------------------------------------------Beasley-----------
-----------------Dempsey----------------------------------------
----------------------------Altidore-------------------------------

55' Pearce for Bornstein
65' Adu for Dempsey
70' Spector for Cherundolo
I wouldn't be surprised if Califf gets some time, although I don't really care to see him -- I'm more interested in Parkhurst and Conrad (and DeMerit, who's injured). Feilhaber can ride the pine as far as I'm concerned, he really hasn't earned a start given his complete failure to break into Derby's craptastic squad. He may very well start over Edu, but I hope he doesn't. I also think it's somewhat possible we will see Dempsey start on the right and Adu play behind Altidore, although I don't know if BB will hand the attack over to such inexperience.

I am a big DeMerit and Conrad fan myself. I also have to agree with your assessment of Dempsey as well. I wouldn't mind seeing Adu and Bradley in the middle together and have Adu playing more of an "offensive" CM position while Bradley plays a more defensive midfielder type of role. I think the USMNT is clogged with midfielder types and lack true strikers. I would like to see EJ go overseas soon and harness his abilities and become the very good striker that I think he can become. (Yeah I know, I am still on the "Eddie Johnson Bandwagon".)

FSC is showing it on Saturday at 9 EST I believe and I will be up in the morning to see the game. Anyone have a link to see the schedule for WC 2010 qualifying?

[Phil Plantier]

The CONCACAF qualification is, once again, needlessly complex (as opposed to the African qualification, which is needlessly simplistic). No schedule yet, but details here:

http://www.fifa.com/.....fen_17185.pdf

[Titans Bastard]

I am a big DeMerit and Conrad fan myself. I also have to agree with your assessment of Dempsey as well. I wouldn't mind seeing Adu and Bradley in the middle together and have Adu playing more of an "offensive" CM position while Bradley plays a more defensive midfielder type of role. I think the USMNT is clogged with midfielder types and lack true strikers. I would like to see EJ go overseas soon and harness his abilities and become the very good striker that I think he can become. (Yeah I know, I am still on the "Eddie Johnson Bandwagon".)

While I like DeMerit and Conrad, DeMerit will be 30 and Conrad will be 33 during the next World Cup. It's possible that they'll make late-career improvements, but if you told me right now either of them were in our Best XI in 2010, I don't think that's a good thing. Of course, Bocanegra will be 31 during South Africa. Maybe it's a Revs bias, but I'd really like to see Parkhurst get more caps. Defenders develop late so it's hard to gauge where our youngsters stand. I really hope 18 year old Neven Subotić of FSV Mainz decides to play for the US. He's burst onto the scene in the 2.Bundesliga this year and if he chose the US he'd probably start for our Olympic team.


I'm not very excited about Eddie Johnson. He just seems to lack fundamental instincts, workrate, and consistency to be a top striker. He's serviceable against small-time opponents found in CONCACAF, but I don't believe he has what it takes to be a quality striker at the World Cup level. If he ever does move to Europe I think the odds would be against him, but who knows, maybe it will iron the kinks out. We have a big stable of forwards who aren't quite as good as he is yet, but could very well lap him over the next few years if he never has that breakthrough.

[allaboutthesox]

While I like DeMerit and Conrad, DeMerit will be 30 and Conrad will be 33 during the next World Cup. It's possible that they'll make late-career improvements, but if you told me right now either of them were in our Best XI in 2010, I don't think that's a good thing. Of course, Bocanegra will be 31 during South Africa. Maybe it's a Revs bias, but I'd really like to see Parkhurst get more caps. Defenders develop late so it's hard to gauge where our youngsters stand. I really hope 18 year old Neven Subotić of FSV Mainz decides to play for the US. He's burst onto the scene in the 2.Bundesliga this year and if he chose the US he'd probably start for our Olympic team.
I'm not very excited about Eddie Johnson. He just seems to lack fundamental instincts, workrate, and consistency to be a top striker. He's serviceable against small-time opponents found in CONCACAF, but I don't believe he has what it takes to be a quality striker at the World Cup level. If he ever does move to Europe I think the odds would be against him, but who knows, maybe it will iron the kinks out. We have a big stable of forwards who aren't quite as good as he is yet, but could very well lap him over the next few years if he never has that breakthrough.

While I am an EJ fan, I would be blind to see the fact that maybe he has fallen out of "favor" of Bradley to some extent. Hence the reasons he has not made the past couple of call-ups and has only seen substitute time (Brazil game). What seems worse is that earlier this year I believe he turned down a transfer to Derby, which might have helped his growth, to stay in the US. None the less you made valid points about EJ. If Altidore should play really well in this game and subsequent call ups, we may have seen the last of EJ. Especially considering Dempsey playing in a forward role now apparently. I believe it was CJChap, Vinho, or someone else mentioned that Altidore is 18 now and it will be very interesting if he goes to Europe and plays. I think that would be a very wise move if he should take that route.

With DeMerit and Conrad being in their 30's I guess that is why I was really hopeful Corey Gibbs would have made a strong comeback. He is currently 27 (29 at WC 2010) and played really well until is string of injuries right before 2006 WC. Unfortunately it appears Gibbs seems to be headed down the same road as John O'Brien.

EDIT: Altidore turned 18 in November.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 16 November 2007 - 12:28 PM.

[allaboutthesox]

US wins 1-0 on a goal from Cherundolo that was assisted by Adu. Overall, a good result of a lackluster game.


GOOD:
--Adu played very well in this game and his corner kicks were solid.
--Edu played very well in the midfield as well and I came away impressed with the way he played.
--Tim Howard made a very good save in the first half as well.
--US wins 1-0.

BAD:
--The second half played out to be very lackluster overall for the US.
--The defense was porous and allowed a lot of through balls that were very dangerous at times.
--Feilhaber looked completely lost at times on the field.
--Defensive substitutes of Califf and Spector seemed to hurt the US rather than help.
--Too much "longball" play by the US in the second half to try to get something started on offense.

SIDE NOTES:

--Dempsey does not look comfortable in the forward position. He is very good, but I am not sure the forward position is where he should be.
--Altidore, came in the 65th minute. Never really got a chance to do anything with the ball due to the lack of offense by the US. Adu and Altidore were up top together for 9 minutes. (Adu substituted in the 74th minute.)
--US finishes 2007 12-1-5. (W-D-L Format)

I watched the game and I am sure there will be a few who will see things differently than I did.

[Who The Hell is Stan Papi]

I thought Altidore was not very good
Dempsey looked tired, but was not that bad.

[Titans Bastard]

US wins 1-0 on a goal from Cherundolo that was assisted by Adu. Overall, a good result of a lackluster game.
GOOD:
--Adu played very well in this game and his corner kicks were solid.
--Edu played very well in the midfield as well and I came away impressed with the way he played.
--Tim Howard made a very good save in the first half as well.
--US wins 1-0.

BAD:
--The second half played out to be very lackluster overall for the US.
--The defense was porous and allowed a lot of through balls that were very dangerous at times.
--Feilhaber looked completely lost at times on the field.
--Defensive substitutes of Califf and Spector seemed to hurt the US rather than help.
--Too much "longball" play by the US in the second half to try to get something started on offense.

SIDE NOTES:

--Dempsey does not look comfortable in the forward position. He is very good, but I am not sure the forward position is where he should be.
--Altidore, came in the 65th minute. Never really got a chance to do anything with the ball due to the lack of offense by the US. Adu and Altidore were up top together for 9 minutes. (Adu substituted in the 74th minute.)
--US finishes 2007 12-1-5. (W-D-L Format)

I watched the game and I am sure there will be a few who will see things differently than I did.

Actually, I agree with everything you said except for the fact that it was Edu, not Adu who got the assist (the announcers got it wrong)!

I was really hoping Feilhaber wouldn't be handed the start, especially if he was going to play on the right, but he was, and predictably he wasn't very good. It's hard to completely pin that on him because he's clearly demonstrated he's not good on the right, but it's frustrating to see. The fact that he isn't even making the bench for Derby is a bad sign. He's not a lost cause, but he needs to get back on the right track.

Bocanegra, Onyewu, Conrad, DeMerit, Parkhurst, Spector. What do they have in common? They can play better CB than Danny Califf. Califf has carved a decent career out for himself with a UEFA Cup-caliber Danish club, but he's not a solution for the national team. Unfortunately most of our young talent is centered around GK, CM, and FW.

Edu has really burst onto the scene. As his rookie year in MLS progressed, it was expected that he would work himself into the NT picture during this cycle, but not this fast. He's ahead of expectations and is a legitimate contender, joining the fray with Bradley, Feilhaber, Clark, Kljestan, and yes, Mastroeni.

[allaboutthesox]

I thought Altidore was not very good
Dempsey looked tired, but was not that bad.

Well, it has hard to be good when you are forward on a team seems to be be playing defense the majority of the second half. By the way did anyone pick up on the FSC announcers mention that Real Madrid was interested in Altidore? They also made a quick mention of Arsenal scouts taking a look at Guzan.

[Phil Plantier]

Yeah, the fact that Altidore didn't do anything of note in his 25 minutes wasn't a big deal imo. I didn't think any of the substitutes made much of an impression.

[allaboutthesox]

Yeah, the fact that Altidore didn't do anything of note in his 25 minutes wasn't a big deal imo. I didn't think any of the substitutes made much of an impression.

Interest from Real Madrid in Altidore.

Real Madrid Interest?


This would be a wonderful thing for Altidore, albeit he would see limited playing time for a bit. Hopefully, that would be a tool of motivation and the opportunity to train with some of the best could not hurt. I wish the best for him if he should sign.

[SydneySox]

I'm going to see the LA Galaxy play Sydney FC tomorrow night in the Olympic stadium.

It's Beckham mania down here.

[SydneySox]

Sydney FC beat LA Galaxy 5-3 last night in front of 80,000.

Was an entertaining game, with 8 goals, a Beckham free kick into the top corner and a fight.

ESPN Summary

What they don't mention in the above article is Galaxy LB, Harmse, who receieved 2 yellows in malicious attacks that could have been straight reds if not for the 'friendly' aspect.

Harmse would do well to hide in his hotel today.

[Swan]

DaMarcus Beasley to have knee surgery.

AP Report

[Kitchkinet]

David Beckham and the Galaxy-ettes bounced back and beat Wellington Phoenix FC in New Zealand (part of the A-League), 4-1. Beckham scored on another penalty kick and assisted on the other three goals.

Fox Sports recap

35,000 people showed up, selling out Westpac Stadium (Phoenix's home stand) and setting a soccer game record for NZ.

Oh yeah: they'll also participate in the new Pan-Pacific Championship tournament this February with Gamba Osaka of the J. League (third place in Division 1), the Houston Dynamo and the third place in this year's A-League playoffs (TBD in early February). They wanted the winners of the SuperLiga, but Pachuca decided not to participate, so they got Becks instead for obvious reasons.

Edited by Kitchkinet, 01 December 2007 - 05:27 PM.

[allaboutthesox]

Here is the roster for the friendly against Sweden:

Roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Chicago Fire), Zach Wells (D.C. United).

Defenders: Dan Califf (Aalborg BK, Denmark), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Ramiro Corrales (SK Brann, Norway), Todd Dunivant (Toronto FC), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC).

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution).

Forwards: Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Jeremiah White (AGF Aarhus).


US Roster


Altidore should see more playing time since Dempsey is not on the roster I would like to think. It appears that Bradley is still "evaluating" other players at this point, but I would like to see him lock on to a core group of players with WC qualifying getting underway later this year.

[Titans Bastard]

Altidore should see more playing time since Dempsey is not on the roster I would like to think. It appears that Bradley is still "evaluating" other players at this point, but I would like to see him lock on to a core group of players with WC qualifying getting underway later this year.

The January camp is always a MLS + Scandinavian leagues affair -- all of our other European-based players are busy with club action. So this camp has always been an evaluation of some of the up-and-coming MLS talent during a period when many of our top players aren't available anyway.

There will also be a U-23 team camp in January comprised of mostly US-based players (with a few guys playing in Europe's reserves who got permission to leave). So it's noteworthy that Jozy Altidore, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, and Marvell Wynne are in senior camp -- although I suppose all four are already locks to be on the Olympic qualifying team.

Many of the players here are barely on the fringes of the NT, but not everybody. Guzan will likely be the established #2 behind Howard, especially as Reading and Marcus Hahnemann are giving up a hockey-like number of goals. I don't see Dunivant or Corrales making inroads in the LB picture, but Parkhurst and Wynne could be part of the South Africa roster at CB and RB. Conrad will be a useful player for qualifying, especially if there is an injury or two. In midfield, Clark and Edu are both very much contenders, and Kljestan has worked himself into the picture with a great season at Chivas USA in 2007. With Michael Bradley entrenched in the NT and Feilhaber also in the picture (although currently fading), competition for spots will be very difficult, although this is a great problem to have. Especially if Szetela develops in La Liga. I view someone like Mapp as not much more than a role player....then again, with Beasley out with a long-term injury and Convey somewhat fragile, he's fairly high up on the depth chart.

I'm looking forward to seeing Altidore and Rolfe in action. We know what Landon can do, same goes for EJ, although if he goes to Europe he won't even be at camp. Hopefully Twellman doesn't see any time because at this point it's clear he's not going to help at the international level. Jeremiah White is an interesting wild card, although he's not actually a forward, he's a right winger. He has blazing speed and some good ball skills, although players always look a little better than they actually are from the highlight reels. Hopefully he makes the most of his chance because he's had a particularly hard road to get here and it would be a good story if he picked up a few caps.

[allaboutthesox]

Eddie Johnson breaks camp. Possibly to sign with Fulham.

EJ breaks camp

[allaboutthesox]

U.S. wins 2-0 against Sweden. Neither side had many of its marquee players playing so I wasn't sure of what to expect. There were a few flurries from both sides, but the game overall seemed kind of bland. Donovan gets his 35th goal for the US becoming the all time leading goal scorer in US history.

[Titans Bastard]

U.S. wins 2-0 against Sweden. Neither side had many of its marquee players playing so I wasn't sure of what to expect. There were a few flurries from both sides, but the game overall seemed kind of bland. Donovan gets his 35th goal for the US becoming the all time leading goal scorer in US history.

It was a MLS vs. Allsvenskan match for the most part. Both sides used players from leagues that are summer leagues (MLS, Norway, Sweden) or have a very long winter break (Denmark).


January camps are always interesting because it's a good platform for fringe NT players to step up and prove they belong. We lost to Sweden last year so it's nice to see our B team outclass their B team. Altidore got a good 45 minutes in, Landon looked great, Guzan looked great (and may be heading to Celtic). Guzan is establishing himself as the #2 keeper, especially with Hahnemann looking shaky at Reading. If he continues to improve at this rate he's got a shot at being our GK in South Africa. We'll see.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Bob Bradley's qualifying rosters. Recently we haven't had many friendlies where everybody was available -- most have been largely Euro squads or largely MLS squads. This time he'll have to choose among Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan, and his son in holding midfield roles and figure out how Dempsey, Donovan, Adu, et al all fit in. It's not an easy puzzle, so who knows what we'll trot out against Barbados in June.

We've got games vs. Mexico, @Poland, and @Spain, so we'll see some solid competition in hostile territory, which is great to see. No more friendlies against Guatemala and El Salvador.

[CJChap]

Just to be a pain in the ass, but I'd have to disagree with the statement that Hahnemann is looking shaky at Reading. Personally for what I've seen, he's been saving their ass in games and playing out of his mind, while being absolutely bombarded. It is hard to say someone is playing well when they're allowing 3-5 goals in games though....

[Vinho Tinto]

Just to be a pain in the ass, but I'd have to disagree with the statement that Hahnemann is looking shaky at Reading. Personally for what I've seen, he's been saving their ass in games and playing out of his mind, while being absolutely bombarded. It is hard to say someone is playing well when they're allowing 3-5 goals in games though....

From what I've seen of him, he does not look like a first team keeper for an EPL team.