1575 replies to this topic

[Titans Bastard]

Since the old one was closed upon Bradley's firing, I thought we could use a new thread to discuss all things pertaining to the US men's national team program.

Pressing issues at this time:

* The roster for Mexico. Word was that Bradley was sending out invites at the time he was fired. Will Klinsmann roll with Bradley's picks or send out his own on short notice?

* Staffing. Klinsmann's talked about how he wants a European-based assistant and he's said that he'll be rotating "guest coaches" for a while before he makes choices. That's fine with me. A Euro-based assistant/scout type makes a lot of sense -- it's easier to be based abroad and fly to the US for matches than vice versa if that's your job description. And I'm glad that Klinsmann will be looking at a variety of domestic options for his staff, rather than just hiring a buddy as he did with Martin Vasquez at Bayern.

* Youth national team issues. The ambiguous issue of "control" could involve this. Currently, the U-20 post is open and we don't know if Wilmer Cabrera is sticking around with the U-17s. We also need to figure out who will coach the U-23/Olympic team (some countries appoint a U-23 manager, other times the senior team manager takes charge). Will Klinsmann have a say in these choices? He's talked a lot about establishing a common system; in the past Rongen preferred a 4-3-3 while the senior team rarely lined up in that formation.


* The Belgium and Costa Rica friendlies in September. These are only a few days apart but being played on different continents, so it's widely expected that there will be, more or less, an MLS/Mexico roster for Costa Rica and a Euro roster for Belgium. I am very interested to see Klinsmann's choices for these matches, which were shaping up to be quite experimental even before we had a manager change.

[lars10]

Since the old one was closed upon Bradley's firing, I thought we could use a new thread to discuss all things pertaining to the US men's national team program.

Pressing issues at this time:

* The roster for Mexico. Word was that Bradley was sending out invites at the time he was fired. Will Klinsmann roll with Bradley's picks or send out his own on short notice?

* The Belgium and Costa Rica friendlies in September. These are only a few days apart but being played on different continents, so it's widely expected that there will be, more or less, an MLS/Mexico roster for Costa Rica and a Euro roster for Belgium. I am very interested to see Klinsmann's choices for these matches, which were shaping up to be quite experimental even before we had a manager change.

roster v Mexico.. I don't think you go with Bob's lineup at all..unless of course you agree with it. But I think as the new coach with your first match you have to bring in the A+ squad... and that would probably be a heavier European based lineup than Bob would have brought in...or at least possibly. You then experiment with a younger squad against Costa Rica and Belgium.

The things that I'm interested in seeing are:
1. The new faces that Klinsmann will bring in to the team that were getting buried under Bob.
2. If there will be any change in formation...I feel like Bob was definitely stifling development of the team and forcing them into a system rather than making the system fit the players on the field..i.e. Altidore and Davies becoming Altidore and Findley...when everyone could see the combination didn't work the same way and that Findley wasn't working.
3. Which favorites get demoted...when do we start moving in new defenders...will he build the team around Dempsey and Donovan or start planning for their departure (I assume they're still in for this cycle, but they'll be that much older and Donovan's game relies a lot on his pace..although he's probably smart enough to become an even better passer and adapt)

On another board they were touting Corona...and watching highlights he seems like a player that we don't yet have in the squad...better dribbler than most I've seen the US produce...but he's youngish.

Overall I think I look forward to seeing a more European attitude to the game being brought to the team...especially in terms of development. Hopefully Klinnsmann can help in bringing attention to youth development and also increasing exposure to a larger player pool through possible greater scouting(?) and possibly more money for youth programs that are suffering. I think this is a possible important era for US soccer...the team is starting to develop better players, but it needs to be molded and keep improving in order to compete with teams around the world.

[Titans Bastard]

roster v Mexico.. I don't think you go with Bob's lineup at all..unless of course you agree with it. But I think as the new coach with your first match you have to bring in the A+ squad... and that would probably be a heavier European based lineup than Bob would have brought in...or at least possibly. You then experiment with a younger squad against Costa Rica and Belgium.

It'll definitely be interesting to see what Klinsmann does for the Mexico re-match. Irrespective of our manager, I find this friendly to be somewhat irritating. The August 10 FIFA date is a real pain for our European-based players. A lot of them missed a good chunk of pre-season with the Gold Cup and now they'll be jetting off across the Atlantic for a midweek NT game. That's a recipe for putting them in the hole at their clubs and forcing them to win their way back off the bench. In the long run, it's unnecessary and I wish the USSF would use the date to schedule a friendly for mostly MLS players against El Salvador or something like that.

For this reason, I'd prefer to see as many MLS players as can be managed, although clearly we'll need to bring in some Euros.

The things that I'm interested in seeing are:
1. The new faces that Klinsmann will bring in to the team that were getting buried under Bob.
2. If there will be any change in formation...I feel like Bob was definitely stifling development of the team and forcing them into a system rather than making the system fit the players on the field..i.e. Altidore and Davies becoming Altidore and Findley...when everyone could see the combination didn't work the same way and that Findley wasn't working.
3. Which favorites get demoted...when do we start moving in new defenders...will he build the team around Dempsey and Donovan or start planning for their departure (I assume they're still in for this cycle, but they'll be that much older and Donovan's game relies a lot on his pace..although he's probably smart enough to become an even better passer and adapt)

I think we were always going to see some new faces in this time period. The period between the Gold Cup and the start of WCQ is the most downtime the US team ever has and it's a time for experimentation. I think we would have seen a lot of new faces if Bob were the new manager, although with Klinsmann there's the potential for an even greater degree of change.

Building a defense is going to be Klinsmann's biggest challenge. Bocanegra is nearing the end of the line, Onyewu hasn't been quite right since his injury in late '09, and Goodson is decent but not a world-beater. We have some semi-decent prospects and it's going to be important to figure out the best combinations. We have a relative talent disadvantage back there, so getting things right tactically and finding a pair that complement each other will be important.

On another board they were touting Corona...and watching highlights he seems like a player that we don't yet have in the squad...better dribbler than most I've seen the US produce...but he's youngish.

Corona's certainly an interesting player for our U-23 team. I wouldn't be surprised if he got a senior team call, too -- he did quite well for Tijuana last season and he's started out of the gate well now that they are in the Primera Division. However, he's said that he'd prefer to play for Mexico although he hasn't been definitive.

Overall I think I look forward to seeing a more European attitude to the game being brought to the team...especially in terms of development. Hopefully Klinnsmann can help in bringing attention to youth development and also increasing exposure to a larger player pool through possible greater scouting(?) and possibly more money for youth programs that are suffering. I think this is a possible important era for US soccer...the team is starting to develop better players, but it needs to be molded and keep improving in order to compete with teams around the world.

The only real scouting improvement that can be made is on the domestic front: doing a better and more intelligent job of identifying players with real potential and providing ways for them to get good training. No more "Run, Eddie, Run!" Johnsons...i.e. players who are "disappointments" only because initial expectations were highly unrealistic. In particular, the way we select our U17 team is silly. As far as the overall player pool goes...the USSF knows who everybody is, I think. There are enough fanatics out there that it's difficult for any dual-national player to slip through the cracks.

From his position, it seems like Klinsmann can use his post as something of a bully pulpit, but he has limited ability to directly effect change. He's a respected figure who obviously was an extremely accomplished player, so maybe he'll have some listeners. One way Klinsmann could have more of a direct impact is if he takes control of the youth NT programs. Placing players in YNT programs is highly desirable for clubs, so it's possible to shape things somewhat by selecting the right sort of players. Focus on the guys with brains and technical ability; don't get pulled into the trap of picking early-maturers who simply run over their prepubescent competition.

On the plus side, MLS just conducted their yearly U17 competition. This year, MLS academies augmented their squads with US U-17 internationals and top USSF DA players from non-MLS clubs...apparently most of the guest players will join MLS academies next season. This is great news because it means top youth talent is being funneled to MLS academies, where they will eligible to be signed directly to the pro team after a year of training. Putting top talent in a professional environment at a young age is a big win and we need more of that.

The structure keeps improving, but we need better training and better coaching too, especially at the younger age groups.

[soxfan121]

1. I hope he leaves the European based players in Europe -Dempsey, Howard, etc. - form for club is more important than a friendly. Klinsman should know this and should be secure enough to take a loss, if necessary, for the long term good of the side. Exception: Freddy Adu, who won't be playing for his club (or has that changed recently?)

2. I want Bobby Convey & Jose Torres called in - that's a message to everyone in the mix that the Bob Bradley era is OVER.

3. I want a public announcement that Jonathan Bornstein will be shot on sight if he gets within 50 yards of a USMNT training facility. Another strong message that the Bob Era is OVER.

4. I want to read, sometime in the next two months, about how Klinsman has made an effort to meet with his veteran players and solicited their ideas about the future. I'm NOT saying he should actually implement those ideas, I just want him to make the effort to get to know his new team. OK, primarily this is about Michael Bradley and Stuart Holden. Fact is, the USMNT doesn't stand a chance if Bradley isn't the DMC and Holden isn't given the opportunity to play his way out of first team duty. We just don't have many guys who play "at the highest level" and those two are young enough to be in their prime for 2014.

5. I would be overjoyed to find out that Klinsman has "a special bond" with Juan Agudelo. In fact, I'd love for Klinsman to be at every Red Bulls game he possibly can be until the end of the season. There's just not many others with his potential in our player pool.

[CJChap]

Re: the Mexico game, I'm pretty sure that I heard Klinsmann say that he was going to be leaving a lot of guys in Europe, which is exactly what he should be doing. Maybe bring in some of the guys looking at European clubs like Adu, but certainly not Jozy and other players that aren't at all established with their club.

One player I'm really looking forward to seeing, and I'd be shocked if he isn't called up, is Brek Shea. He's a goofy looking bastard but he's been very good in the MLS this year.

[Titans Bastard]

Re: the Mexico game, I'm pretty sure that I heard Klinsmann say that he was going to be leaving a lot of guys in Europe, which is exactly what he should be doing. Maybe bring in some of the guys looking at European clubs like Adu, but certainly not Jozy and other players that aren't at all established with their club.

One player I'm really looking forward to seeing, and I'd be shocked if he isn't called up, is Brek Shea. He's a goofy looking bastard but he's been very good in the MLS this year.

I have always been a Brek Shea skeptic, but he has been very, very good this year.

Shea is a freak. Coaches have never known quite what to do with him, but despite his 6'4" size he seems most comfortable on the wing. He has all the physical tools and while he's not the most technical player, his skills are decent and improving. His soccer IQ will determine his ultimate limitations, or lackthereof, as a player.

Shea was just plain bad against Colombia and ordinary against Chile...but that was before he started lighting MLS on fire. I'm also very interested to see how he grades out for the national team over his next ~5 caps.

[Billy R Ford]

Shea is a freak. Coaches have never known quite what to do with him

You ain't kidding: at the start of this year, Dallas was experimenting with Shea at centerback (and not without reason: he once had to fill in with a youth team touring Spain at centerback, and was so impressive Atletico Madrid expressed an interest in signing him). They also gave him a few starts at left back.

Also, his hairstyles are entertaining.

[Titans Bastard]

GK Tim Howard (Everton)
GK Bill Hamid (DC United)

DF Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
DF Timothy Chandler (FC Nürnberg)
DF Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Étienne)
DF Clarence Goodson (Brøndby IF)
DF Michael Orozco (San Luis)
DF Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
DF Edgar Castillo (Club América)
DF Heath Pearce (Chivas USA)

MF Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
MF Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
MF Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt)
MF Maurice Edu (Rangers)
MF Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04)
MF Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
MF José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

FW Freddy Adu (Benfica)
FW Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls)
FW DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla)
FW Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt 04)
FW Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)



Klinsmann is ushering the new era of the US team -- DaMarcus Beasley, Ricardo Clark, Edson Buddle!

But in all seriousness, you can't read into any one roster too much, particularly the first of a manager's career. Over the next year or so, I expect that we'll see Klinsmann bring in all sorts of different players and this is just the first batch.

Bill Hamid has been considered a toolsy prospect since he made his MLS debut in 2010. He looked awfully raw in that first season, but he's made noticeable progress on the mental side of his game since then. He's still too young and inexperienced to be on the NT in a serious tournament, but I think there's a good chance that he'll be one of our three GKs by 2014.

Chandler continues to be an exciting prospect. He'll be competing with Eric Lichaj, who is out with a minor knock, at RB, but it may be possible to find a spot on the field for both of them, either by moving Lichaj to LB or moving Chandler up to RM. Chandler's speed is going to be a real asset for this team, I think.


Michael Orozco makes a return at CB. I don't have a problem with calling him in, but I have no expectations. He wasn't all that great in MLS and he's been terrible in his first two games back in Mexico. I just don't think he's NT quality, but right now CB is one of those positions where we need to cast a wide net. I'd rather see George John, though -- hopefully he'll get the call for Costa Rica.


After flopping at several lower-tier FMF clubs on loan, Edgar Castillo has returned to Club America and is surprisingly winning playing time. He's a player with defensive limitations and sometimes he plays LM, but anyone who is having even moderate success at LB at a club like America needs to be looked at.

Likewise, Heath Pearce doesn't inspire a lot of confidence at LB, but Bornstein has been so bad lately that he can't be any worse. Pearce really isn't much of an LB these days anyway. He plays CB for Chivas USA and he played RB at FC Dallas. Before that, he saw a lot of bench at Hansa Rostock, so the last time he was a regular LB was the 06-07 season in Denmark.


I'm a Torres skeptic, but I'm in favor of giving him chances. Likewise, Brek Shea has certainly earned this call up with his play in MLS. Beasley's back playing again, but really, it's hard to see him as anything but a placeholder.

[Statman]

Klinsmann is ushering the new era of the US team -- DaMarcus Beasley, Ricardo Clark, Edson Buddle!

I hear what you are saying, but I think JK is starting from scratch. Hedoesn't have the pre-conceived notions of players that many of us have. What does he see in Beasley? A 29 year old winger with a lot of experience in some of the best leagues in the world. And he's reportedly doing well so far with Puebla. He wants to see for himself where Beasley is at........and that's fine.

All players have a chance under the new regime.

[Titans Bastard]

I hear what you are saying, but I think JK is starting from scratch. Hedoesn't have the pre-conceived notions of players that many of us have. What does he see in Beasley? A 29 year old winger with a lot of experience in some of the best leagues in the world. And he's reportedly doing well so far with Puebla. He wants to see for himself where Beasley is at........and that's fine.

All players have a chance under the new regime.

I agree with you, Clint.

I was just laughing at the optics of those callups. If Bradley had published a roster with some of these players, he'd be excoriated. On the other hand, Klinsmann has more leeway to explore the whole player pool since he's starting anew and may be less familiar with the pool in general (although I think he's pretty familiar with it.)

This is the lowest-leverage period of the four-year cycle, so I don't worry if certain guys I don't rate are called (Orozco in particular) or if certain guys I like aren't called for a particular friendly. The next year has to be evaluated holistically, I think. This is the time when wacky and strange call-ups are expected, but it's the big picture that matters.

[Statman]

This is the lowest-leverage period of the four-year cycle, so I don't worry if certain guys I don't rate are called (Orozco in particular) or if certain guys I like aren't called for a particular friendly. The next year has to be evaluated holistically, I think. This is the time when wacky and strange call-ups are expected, but it's the big picture that matters.

We don't have a meaningful game until next year so I think right now is the perfect time for JK to tinker with the roster and see how certain guys play within his system. Sure, I would have liked to have seen someone like Mixx or Gonzalez get called in over the likes of Beckerman or Ream, but I'll give JK plenty of leeway considering this is his first match managing. I also fully expect to see an entirely different roster for the Belgium game with the likes of Benny, Mixx, EJ (GASP!) and other fringe Euros called in for that match.

[Statman]

JK mentioned he was going to bring in different coaches before settling on a permanent staff.

Here are his first set of coaches:

Tab Ramos
Martin Vasquez
Thomas Dooley
Mike Curry
Mark Verstegen

http://www.ussoccer....l/MNT-Blog.aspx

[soxfan121]

1. Torres! Yay! Clark?! Boo! Give Torres playing time and keep Ricardo strapped to the bench, please.

2. Not calling up Howard may have generated a needless controversy - no complaints with that. At the very least, Dempsey was left alone to focus on club & form. Get well soon Stuart Holden.

3. Vazquez was someone to be afraid of because of his tenure with JK at Bayern, correct? As a member of the staff...OK, every coach should have at least one drinking buddy on the staff. Keen to know he's not "taking charge" of tactics.

4. The other additions are at least solid. Ramos & Dooley, in particular, seem to embody what JK was talking about in reference to the "culture" of the team - Ramos adds a strong Latino presence and Dooley a "foreign American" presence. Two key areas of future player procurement.

5. Is this Mark Verstegen? If so, that's the best hire possible.

[Mr. Wednesday]

3. Vazquez was someone to be afraid of because of his tenure with JK at Bayern, correct?

Yes, more or less. While JK's tenure at Bayern wasn't an unmitigated disaster, it was certainly a disappointment, and Vasquez was the lead assistant on that coaching staff. If he is given a similar role on the U.S. staff, it would be a big mistake for me, indicating that JK didn't learn anything from his failures at Bayern. I really don't like the move, though I suppose it might work out OK if MV has a different role on this staff than he did in Germany.

[Titans Bastard]

Chandler out (minor injury), Zach Loyd in.

I like Loyd. He's a solid, versatile MLS guy. I think he could turn out to be a good depth guy for the US team, although I tend to doubt he will ever be starting quality.

[soxfan121]

I know it was posted elsewhere, but this video made me smile and wonder when Josh Gatt gets a call.

[allaboutthesox]

Chandler out (minor injury), Zach Loyd in.

I like Loyd. He's a solid, versatile MLS guy. I think he could turn out to be a good depth guy for the US team, although I tend to doubt he will ever be starting quality.

That sucks as I was looking really forward to seeing Chandler play. Glad to see Adu back into the fold and I am glad Torres is back in as well. I won't expect much out of this game, but as long as the team actually plays hard and Klinsmann is able to get a good assessment of his players I will be happy.

I can't see why Beasley got a call up with the exception that Klinsmann didn't have many other options to go with.

By the way I haven't been able to find anything about where Adu might be headed. Obviously he is not in Benfica's plans, but they haven't released him and there hasn't been much word of where he may get loaned to. I wonder if he has considered possibly going back to Rizespor although they are still in the second division of the Turkish League.

[allaboutthesox]

I know it was posted elsewhere, but this video made me smile and wonder when Josh Gatt gets a call.

He is definitely someone to watch, but still being so young I just wouldn't mind seeing him season himself some more where he is at before getting a call up. If he continues to play this well, it will be hard to deny him the opportunity to show what he can do.

[soxfan121]

I dream of an American who could do THAT at a World Cup. I know it's a long way from Molde, SSS, etc. But a man can dream!

[Titans Bastard]

That sucks as I was looking really forward to seeing Chandler play. Glad to see Adu back into the fold and I am glad Torres is back in as well. I won't expect much out of this game, but as long as the team actually plays hard and Klinsmann is able to get a good assessment of his players I will be happy.

I can't see why Beasley got a call up with the exception that Klinsmann didn't have many other options to go with.

By the way I haven't been able to find anything about where Adu might be headed. Obviously he is not in Benfica's plans, but they haven't released him and there hasn't been much word of where he may get loaned to. I wonder if he has considered possibly going back to Rizespor although they are still in the second division of the Turkish League.

There are only vague rumors surrounding Adu. Turkey (first division, not Rizespor), France, FC Luzern in Switzerland, even MLS. Who knows, really. Certainly, nobody would have predicted Rizespor last winter.

He is definitely someone to watch, but still being so young I just wouldn't mind seeing him season himself some more where he is at before getting a call up. If he continues to play this well, it will be hard to deny him the opportunity to show what he can do.

I dream of an American who could do THAT at a World Cup. I know it's a long way from Molde, SSS, etc. But a man can dream!

I think Gatt will be called up for the Belgium friendly next month. I'm expecting an MLS/Mexico-heavy roster for Costa Rica and a Euro-heavy roster for Belgium. allabboutthesox is correct to say that Gatt needs more seasoning, but the kid has the game-changing speed that we could really use in our attack. There really isn't much of a logjam on the wings, so he'll get chances soon.

[SPDougie]

I'm not too well versed on the up and coming prospects in the US but does anyone has any info on Villyan Bijev? I haven't seen anyone mention him but he just signed a 3-year deal with Liverpool FC and will be on loan this season playing for the Belgian champions Racing Genk. He's probably a bit young and raw to have a spot on the US National team already but from the little I've read it seems like he has a pretty high ceiling, who if properly developed, could make an impact.

[Titans Bastard]

I'm not too well versed on the up and coming prospects in the US but does anyone has any info on Villyan Bijev? I haven't seen anyone mention him but he just signed a 3-year deal with Liverpool FC and will be on loan this season playing for the Belgian champions Racing Genk. He's probably a bit young and raw to have a spot on the US National team already but from the little I've read it seems like he has a pretty high ceiling, who if properly developed, could make an impact.

Bijev was a highly-regarded player in the USSF Development Academy with Cal Odyssey (Fresno). He's been active with the U-18 national team and I'm sure he'll get chances with the U-20 team during the upcoming cycle. He's still a ways away from the national team, but if he can make rapid progress over the next few years it's possible we'll see him. It's too early to tell.

A word of caution. It's great to see Bijev at a big club, but it's not like we haven't had ~18 year olds at big English clubs before. Keep in mind the attrition rate of European academies; you have to be in roughly the 90th percentile to make it and so most won't. The good news is that if you fail at Liverpool or Manchester United, you still may be good enough for other solid clubs.

Manchester United -- Tim Howard, Jonathan Spector, Jovan Kirovski, Kenny Cooper, John Thorrington
Liverpool -- Zak Whitbread
Arsenal -- Frank Simek, Danny Karbassiyoon


Almost all of these players have been capped by the US. The exceptions are Whitbread, who is now back in the EPL with Norwich City and will likely be capped soon, and Karbassiyoon, who retired at 22 due to injuries and is actually still with Arsenal as a scout.

Whitbread's career has been largely derailed by injuries. He has been regarded as a very good lower-level center back when he played, which has been rarely. However, he was picked up by Norwich and returned to start for the second half of their promotion season in the Championship, so he seems to be healthy for the time being. If he weren't so fragile, his probably would have had more upward mobility.

Likewise, Simek left Arsenal to join Sheffield Wednesday a number of years ago. He developed into what many considered to be the best right back in the Championship and had significant EPL interest. However, he had a series of injuries and hasn't been the same. He's now a solid right back for Carlisle United in League One. I'm not sure if he has much potential to play at higher levels anymore though, which is unfortunate.

Spector, Kirovski, Cooper, Thorrington -- just not good enough.

The only player who has developed into a player relatively close to what fans had hoped is Tim Howard. Still, even he is a half-step below ManU quality, IMO.

[allaboutthesox]

The only player who has developed into a player relatively close to what fans had hoped is Tim Howard. Still, even he is a half-step below ManU quality, IMO.

Hey, watch your mouth with all your crazy talk, lol.

On a serious note, he was good enough to win some hardware at Manchester United and replaced Barthez (France GK) and beat out some others to remain number one. He has also done well at Everton as well, with a defense in front of him that has been spotty at times. Give him some credit TB.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 06 August 2011 - 02:26 PM.

[Arroyo Con Frijoles]

Chandler went the distance for Nuremberg today, odd.

[Titans Bastard]

Hey, watch your mouth with all your crazy talk, lol.

On a serious note, he was good enough to win some hardware at Manchester United and replaced Barthez (France GK) and beat out some others to remain number one. He has also done well at Everton as well, with a defense in front of him that has been spotty at times. Give him some credit TB.

Howard is a fantastic goalkeeper. He's a world class shot-blocker. I think his positioning can be slightly less than world-class and I think that's why Manchester United didn't stick with him. That's not a knock on him -- if we had a team full of Howard-level players, we'd be pretty damn good.

Chandler went the distance for Nuremberg today, odd.

Club vs. country. I have no doubt that Chandler did "tweak" a muscle in training. I also have no doubt that Nuremberg played it up as much as they possibly could to prevent their player from flying across the Atlantic twice and to play a midweek friendly. We'll see him next month in Brussels, I think.

This doesn't bother me that much because Chandler's participation in Philly probably would have relegated him to the Nuremberg's bench for a week or two due to fatigue. And it's a meaningless friendly. However, between this and the Gold Cup, I do hope the USSF has been extracting its pound of flesh in the form of IOUs. A release for Olympic qualifying perhaps?

[allaboutthesox]

Chandler went the distance for Nuremberg today, odd.

Which will only continue to fuel the speculation (by some, not I per se) that he may be looking to try to get back on the German National team radar. Although Chandler has said he wants to play for the USMNT, some will still speculate that we may end up losing out again on a key player.

[allaboutthesox]

Howard is a fantastic goalkeeper. He's a world class shot-blocker. I think his positioning can be slightly less than world-class and I think that's why Manchester United didn't stick with him. That's not a knock on him -- if we had a team full of Howard-level players, we'd be pretty damn good.

I agree with the positioning portion and to be honest with you I think at times it has hurt his performance on the International level as well. I have seen some goals that I thought he could have gotten to if his positioning was different on the play. Also, you do realize that I was messing around with the whole "watch your mouth" thing, right?

[Titans Bastard]

Which will only continue to fuel the speculation (by some, not I per se) that he may be looking to try to get back on the German National team radar. Although Chandler has said he wants to play for the USMNT, some will still speculate that we may end up losing out again on a key player.

Goff reported today that Chandler will be at both the Costa Rica and Belgium friendlies in September. Additionally, Chandler seems to have some sort of grudge against the German program for some unknown reason relating to a U15 camp. He's been quite forceful about his lack of interest in Germany in several interviews.

That won't stop the hoopleheads from worrying about him though. Some US fans are very insecure about dual national players.

I agree with the positioning portion and to be honest with you I think at times it has hurt his performance on the International level as well. I have seen some goals that I thought he could have gotten to if his positioning was different on the play. Also, you do realize that I was messing around with the whole "watch your mouth" thing, right?

Yeah, I just wanted to qualify my statement and re-establish my bona fides as a Howard fan!

[soxfan121]

Does a player have to play a certain number of official matches to "lock themselves" to a specific national team? How's that work?

[Infield Infidel]

Does a player have to play a certain number of official matches to "lock themselves" to a specific national team? How's that work?

AFAIK, any caps for the senior team in a FIFA event (World Cup, World Cup qualifier, Confed Cup, Gold/Euro/Asia/Africa Cups and qualifiers, basically anything but a friendly) locks a guy into that country's team.

One question for Titan- Do Olympics/Olympic qualifiers count as Senior team? it's U-23, but there are spots for guys over 23y.o.

Edited by Infield Infidel, 06 August 2011 - 08:08 PM.

[Titans Bastard]

Does a player have to play a certain number of official matches to "lock themselves" to a specific national team? How's that work?

AFAIK, any caps for the senior team in a FIFA event (World Cup, World Cup qualifier, Confed Cup, Gold/Euro/Asia/Africa Cups and qualifiers, basically anything but a friendly) locks a guy into that country's team.

One question for Titan- Do Olympics/Olympic qualifiers count as Senior team? it's U-23, but there are spots for guys over 23y.o.

A player is permanently cap-tied when he appears in an official match, which are, as Infield Infidel said, basically anything but a friendly.

A player is provisionally cap-tied when he appears in an official match for a youth national team (the U17 and U20 World Cups and the Olympics and their respective qualifiers).

A provisionally cap-tied player is allowed to file a one-time permanent switch to another country if he wants, provided that he was eligible for the second country at the time he was provisionally cap-tied. For example, if Andy Najar played in U-20 qualifiers for Honduras in 2013 prior to getting American citizenship, he will never be eligible to play for the US regardless of whether his citizenship comes through before his first Honduras cap.


Olympics don't count as senior games despite the overage players.

[Titans Bastard]

Edu out, Rogers in. Calf strain, apparently. Doesn't sound serious, but might as well let him rest it. We have plenty of central midfielders on this roster.

[Titans Bastard]

According to a variety of press reports, Bob Bradley is one of the final three candidates to manage the Egyptian national team. Some claim that he is the favorite. If this works out, it will be fascinating.

[Jeff Van GULLY]

Grant Wahl interviewed Klinsmann for SI.com. It's a good read.

But one thing is certain: The American kids need hundreds and even thousands more hours to play. That is a really crucial thing. If it's through their club team, if it's through themselves, whatever it is. The difference between the top 10 in the world and where we are right now is the technical capabilities and the higher pace. In a high-pace, high-speed environment, to keep calm on the ball, to sharpen your minds so you know what to do with the ball before you get the ball. That's the difference right now. You might have technically gifted players here, but once you set the pace two levels higher, they lose that technical ability because they're getting out of breath or their mental thought process isn't fast enough.

Totally agree with this and while perhaps obvious, it's reassuring to hear the head of the USMNT acknowledge it.

Edited by Jeff Van GULLY, 08 August 2011 - 10:56 AM.

[dirtynine]

I'm excited. One thing I really like about Klinsmann is that he's naturally connected all over world soccer, especially in Europe. He really does touch base with Löw and coaches in the big leagues over there - in many cases, conversing as friends and acquaintances would, rather than as a generic American coach calling to discuss a player would. How Klinsmann approaches shaping and organizing the team tactically remains an open question, though I'm optimistic. But his relationships and friendships are going to be intangibly very useful to the team.

[Spacemans Bong]

According to a variety of press reports, Bob Bradley is one of the final three candidates to manage the Egyptian national team. Some claim that he is the favorite. If this works out, it will be fascinating.

He'd actually be good for Egypt. They're the sort of team that probably needs a boring, organized coach. Lots of individual talent but seem to always underachieve.

[Jeff Van GULLY]

No names on the jersey's tonight, starters are assigned #'s 1-11, reserves 12-18.

Interesting. I think Klinsmann is trying to send a message that he doesn't care who you are or what you've done before.

[soxfan121]

A better way to prove this would be to ritually sacrifice Jonathan Bornstein in the locker room before the game.

[Titans Bastard]

---------------------------Buddle---------------------------------
---------Torres---------------Bradley----------Donovan------------
-------------------Beckerman------------Jones---------------------
-----Castillo------Bocanegra--------Orozco-------Cherundolo-------
----------------------------Howard--------------------------------

Bench: Hamid, Loyd, Pearce, Clark, Rogers, Shea, Agudelo
Not dressing: Beasley, Ream, Adu
Injury scratches from the past few days: Edu, Chandler, Goodson



Well, that's an interesting lineup to say the least. Orozco and Castillo in the same defense is mildly terrifying, but now is the time for experimentation.

[tims4wins]

Is ESPN2 not gonna switch over? I love the LLWS, but jesus, the USMNT is waaaaaay more important

Edit: on ESPNews

Edited by tims4wins, 10 August 2011 - 08:02 PM.

[Titans Bastard]

Is ESPN2 not gonna switch over? I love the LLWS, but jesus, the USMNT is waaaaaay more important

Edit: on ESPNews

If, like me, you don't have ESPNEWS, it's on espn3.com.

If, like me, you don't have access to espn3.com, it's on Univision.


Gaaah! At least there's no John Harkes here.

[allaboutthesox]

---------------------------Buddle---------------------------------
---------Torres---------------Bradley----------Donovan------------
-------------------Beckerman------------Jones---------------------
-----Castillo------Bocanegra--------Orozco-------Cherundolo-------
----------------------------Howard--------------------------------

Bench: Hamid, Loyd, Pearce, Clark, Rogers, Shea, Agudelo
Not dressing: Beasley, Ream, Adu
Injury scratches from the past few days: Edu, Chandler, Goodson



Well, that's an interesting lineup to say the least. Orozco and Castillo in the same defense is mildly terrifying, but now is the time for experimentation.

Yeah, Beckerman sucks and I do not like the line up. I would much rather see Bradley next to Jones and Donovan in Bradley's spot with Adu on the flank. Also, it sucks that Chandler could not be here for this.

[ThePrideofShiner]

Is ESPN2 not gonna switch over? I love the LLWS, but jesus, the USMNT is waaaaaay more important

Edit: on ESPNews

It's not even the LLWS, it's some bullshit prelim. Bump that nonsense to ESPNNews, since I don't get ESPNNews on my cable package.

[ThePrideofShiner]

If, like me, you don't have ESPNEWS, it's on espn3.com.

If, like me, you don't have access to espn3.com, it's on Univision.


Gaaah! At least there's no John Harkes here.

I've got here:

http://www.firstrows...-vs-mexico.html

Link 3 is the one I'm using.

[Jed Zeppelin]

Fuck this LLWS bullshit.

[tims4wins]

Well that didn't take long

[teddykgb]

Man, that's about as unlucky a goal as you're ever going to see

[McBride11]

Castillo was covering those 2 as best he could, you see Beckerman getting over (or maybe Torres) late. Bradley had the guy blanketed, just a top finish, off a a slight deflection no less.

I haven't seen much of Beckerman, but after the above gaffe, and several other poor touches / decisions, why is he starting? Or here? I know it's early and all, but for the supposed DCM, he should be making far better decisions.

[allaboutthesox]

If Bradley is going to sit back as a CDM, then move him back next to Jones and put Donovan underneath Buddle. Bradley is just not doing much of anything to support the attack as a CAM.

[McBride11]

I think Bradley is holding back because the Mexican right is owning Torres / Beckerman / Castillo on our left. But, whatever the reason, he is way too far back for his "new role."