US MNT Thread : News, bullshit, and beating up on Mexico

[Sense]

He hasn't played for a top EPL team.

:lmao

[Spurstro]

+1

Manny, Villyan Bijev signed with liverpool, is this the first american striker to play for a top epl team?

Rossi at ManU?:downspin:

[MannyIsGod]

Donovan only playing Friday.

Dolo, Dempsey, and Beckerman not there on Friday.

[Vici]

<3 the Beck

[Vici]

BTW Do any of you think Friedel would start over Howard if wanted to play for the U.S.? He's had a great year so far. I know the scores against the Spurs don't show it but he's been their best player by far. Only one error I can think of.

[The_Worlds_finest]

:lmao
pro team at 18?

Liverpool > C.D. Guadalajara
all day every day 24/7

:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

BTW Do any of you think Friedel would start over Howard if wanted to play for the U.S.? He's had a great year so far. I know the scores against the Spurs don't show it but he's been their best player by far. Only one error I can think of.

I really really really doubt it. Pretty hard to get better than the way Howard plays for the USMNT.

[Vici]

I really really really doubt it. Pretty hard to get better than the way Howard plays for the USMNT.

I agree, but Friedel is pretty amazing himself, especially when you consider his age. It's really really odd how the U.S. can keep pumping out these great goalkeepers.

[MannyIsGod]

------------Howard-------------
Chandler--Fiscal--Boca--Castillo-
------------Edu----------------
Sasha--------------------Shea-
------------------Torres-------
-----Landon-------------------
------------Jozy---------------


My final lineup projection for Friday.

[MannyIsGod]

I agree, but Friedel is pretty amazing himself, especially when you consider his age. It's really really odd how the U.S. can keep pumping out these great goalkeepers.

Yeah if we were half as good at strikers as we are at keepers....

[Vici]

Well the U.S. did have Rossi...

[Vici]

I was thinking how lucky the dude is that most Americans don't care about soccer. If Kobe decided to play for Italy instead of the U.S. ...

[Vici]

Maybe that's a bad example but you get my point.

[Sense]

pro team at 18?

Liverpool > C.D. Guadalajara
all day every day 24/7

:lmao

Wow... :lol Liverpool better.. you don't say?


Pro team at 18? :rollin @ you still thinking he'll get playing time at that age..

but I can see why you said LFC>Chivas ... you can't say USA youth > Mexico youth...

Which is fine... smart move.

[MannyIsGod]

la galaxy > chivas!

[scott]

It'll take serious convincing from the State Department, but maybe we should offer citizenships to any Mexican who earns a cap for the US

[Sense]

It'll take serious convincing from the State Department, but maybe we should offer citizenships to any Mexican who earns a cap for the US

:lol yeap you'd have a lot of youth movement there

[MannyIsGod]

:lol pretty sure you have to have citizenship before you can earn a cap.

[The_Worlds_finest]

It'll take serious convincing from the State Department, but maybe we should offer citizenships to any Mexican who earns a cap for the US

I dont know about that Scott, but ill take all the African Refugees I can :lol

is that racist? nooooo!

[scott]

I'll take any refugee. You train with the team, if you make the cut we give you conditional citizenship that gets taken away if you don't earn an official cap in 2 years.

[scott]

Robbie gets the start while Edson Puddle sits in some bar and contemplates how to avoid relegation to Bundesliga 3. Brilliant!

[MannyIsGod]

So funnyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[tw05baller]

roddick needs to win this fucking game already

[Sense]

wait what? am I in the right thread

[The_Worlds_finest]

Altidor hat trick tonight?

[Sense]

For rivalry purposes, I've been trying my hardest to dislike Jurgen... but I can't.. infact I hope the dude succeeds (except against Mexico ofc).. he's pure class, you guys are lucky to have him.

[The_Worlds_finest]

For rivalry purposes, I've been trying my hardest to dislike Jurgen... but I can't.. infact I hope the dude succeeds (except against Mexico ofc).. he's pure class, you guys are lucky to have him.

(same for me with charito, but this is probably the only time youll see me admit that)

[MannyIsGod]

^lol

[MannyIsGod]

Love watching this team play right now. So much more pleasing.

[Sense]

This is a very disorganized Costa Rican team... recently losing their Manager.. it's only a matter of time before this is 3-0

[NASpurs]

No Campbell, no Ruiz, fuck Saborio.

[MannyIsGod]

I know they havne't finished a damn goal yet but god damn I'm loving this free moving game.

[MannyIsGod]

Wow Costa Rica is terrible tonight.

[NASpurs]

Yeah well that's Costa Rican football for you. Take one step forward, two back.

3-0 US seems about right.

[Sense]

Don't look now but Costa Rica is gaining confidence

[scott]

First 35 minutes was beautiful, flowing football. Great to see - amazing how Jurgen has been able to change philosophy so fast... I think it is a function of his optimism, guy just makes you feel like you're going to conquer the world.

Need to see goals though.

Based solely on national team play since South Africa, I feel Landon isn't a lock for Brazil. Especially with our growing MF depth.

[MannyIsGod]

You're just absolutely insane if you think Landon isn't going to be on the roster for Brazil. Beyond crazy.

[scott]

You're just absolutely insane if you think Landon isn't going to be on the roster for Brazil. Beyond crazy.

Because Jurgen seems like the kind of guy to include players not to form for sentimental reasons? Get a grip, it isn't the end of the world if the USMNT isn't 50% LA Galaxy players.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol @ not in form.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol @ thinking Holden is in better form than Landon or that Torres unseats him after a few good moments.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm not even going to have this conversation because its THAT crazy.

[scott]

Brazil isn't next month retard

[scott]

tbh, you're briging Wild Cobra like quality to this debate right now.

[MannyIsGod]

ROFL I said the same about you on twitter except I threw in a DarrinS for good measure.

[ElNono]

How old is Landon?

[scott]

If Manny was in charge, the line up would still include Tab Ramos

[scott]

How old is Landon?

30 in March. Will be 32 for Brazil

[ElNono]

Balboa - Lalas was a good back, tbh

[MannyIsGod]

If I was in charge Brian McBride would have been at the last WC so you might have a point.

In any event I do find it hillarious our bar for stupidity is set as Wild Cobra.

[scott]

On a point we can find common ground: I think Robbie Rodgers peaked vs. Mexico. Time to put that old boy down.

[ElNono]

He should be ok with 32... probably farewell cup

[ElNono]

Who's that german looking wing on the left?

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah SK deserves some run this game. Would like to see Landon come out soon so he's not gassed for Monday.

[MannyIsGod]

Who's that german looking wing on the left?

Brek Shea. He's fucking awesome.

[MannyIsGod]

This is the best I've seen Jozy hold up the ball....ever. He's not trying to go 1 on 3 at all which I love.

[ElNono]

Brek Shea. He's fucking awesome.

looks like it

[Libri]

WTF was Castillo doing?

[Libri]

Dangerous cross by CR.

[MannyIsGod]

Fuck. That was close. i do not want the US to lose this game or even draw. Need to get the goal.

[ElNono]

Just watching these 15 mins of the 2nd half:
Team is too stretched out (ie: not compact). Lines don't move up and down together. So you end up with guys running too much and abusing the long ball.
Juergen needs to do something about that.

[MannyIsGod]

Castillo can't possibly get very many more chances to play if this keeps up.

Jozy out for Juan. I thought Jozy was good.

[Libri]

:wow

[ElNono]

First save was great... nothing to do on the header

[Sense]

oh snap :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Howard is amazing but this back line is suspect AT BEST. This whole half has been really mediocre. I know its a process of change and a new system but I really don't want to lose this game.

[Libri]

Almost got the second.

[NASpurs]

Costa Rica is going to choke this shit away. I'm used to it. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Need Bornstien in stoppage time. :lol

[ElNono]

Why is that fag Jorge Ramos on my TV screen?

[MannyIsGod]

Who the fuck flops like that in a fucking friendly? WTF? :lmao @ CR

[NASpurs]

:lol @ the drama

[Sense]

Why is that fag Jorge Ramos on my TV screen?

:lol I've been trying to figure out wtf he's doing there...

[NASpurs]

Who the fuck flops like that in a fucking friendly? WTF? :lmao @ CR

Yeah that was pretty fucking lame.

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao @ this shit

[NASpurs]

:lmao He better not be on the floor to waste time

[Libri]

Let the time wasting begin.

[ElNono]

Howard is amazing but this back line is suspect AT BEST. This whole half has been really mediocre. I know its a process of change and a new system but I really don't want to lose this game.

Don't sweat it. These are the ones you're supposed to lose. WC qualifiers will be here soon enough and you can't lose those.

[NASpurs]

I feel shame now

[NASpurs]

Costa Rica's goalie has to be man of the match.

[Sense]

Don't sweat it. These are the ones you're supposed to lose. WC qualifiers will be here soon enough and you can't lose those.

I disagree... I think they should be worried if they couldn't take this Costan Rican team who's being coached by an interim manager... looked completely lost.. as they should have in the first half and the U.S. let them gain confidence... out of nowhere.


The U.S. and Jurgen have something to prove.. and it's not like his line-ups are just youth and experimenting... they're missing Holden and Clint but for the most part this is what you're going to be seeing in those important games.

Besides... they're at home.

[ElNono]

lol Costa Rica keeps on bringing defenders... it's like 10 guys in their penalty area

[Sense]

This english commentator has said 2 or 3 times that Wallace decided to play for Honduras... -_- .. He's playing for Costa Rica dude.

[ElNono]

I disagree... I think they should be worried if they couldn't take this Costan Rican team who's being coached by an interim manager... looked completely lost.. as they should have in the first half and the U.S. let them gain confidence... out of nowhere.


The U.S. and Jurgen have something to prove.. and it's not like his line-ups are just youth and experimenting... they're missing Holden and Clint but for the most part this is what you're going to be seeing in those important games.

Besides... they're at home.

It's a friendly... when it's the real deal, then you can't lose.

Plus losing a game sometimes works for the better.

[Sense]

Wow the ref didn't see that?

[MannyIsGod]

The US fan base will probably take this game very poorly. On one hand, they played a great first 35 minutes or so and there's definitely flashes of where this team is headed. On the other hand, this CR team had no business winning.

All in all its a process and you have to give it time but I personally am a bit dissaopinted about this loss.

[MannyIsGod]

The team really did run out of gas at some point and that was the biggest thing, I believe. Thats not something you usually see from a US team so that is really odd. I don't know what to make about that.

[MannyIsGod]

Also, I get giving Castillo a chance but enough is enough. The first game was pretty bad and this one was better but still pretty bad.

[scott]

Wow, is it possible we found a defender worse than Bornstein?!?!?!? Edgar Castillo, please go play for Mexico.

Great first 35 minutes then it just fell apart.

Still in great need of a LB.

[scott]

Also, I get giving Castillo a chance but enough is enough. The first game was pretty bad and this one was better but still pretty bad.

You thought this one was better??!?!?! I though the looked like a rec league player out there. One of the worst performances I've seen on a national squad in a long time. Even Borstein was sitting at home saying "who is this clown?"

[ElNono]

That #3 was horrible... tbh, I only watched the 2nd half, and the team was broken up, thus the reason they ran out of gas, IMO. They're probably still trying to figure out what the coach wants, but I can't think Juergen want a team so spread out. It takes a lot of juice to cover that much ground when the lines are so far apart.

[scott]

Orozco also very shaky. Would like to see Goodson, Ream, Gonzalez and anyone else get some more chances back there.

It's starting to feel like we're going to have to count on Boca for awhile, he'll be 35 when Brazil comes around. I thought tonight he was going to go over to Castillo and punch him in the face for disgracing the #3.

[scott]

That #3 was horrible... tbh, I only watched the 2nd half, and the team was broken up, thus the reason they ran out of gas, IMO. They're probably still trying to figure out what the coach wants, but I can't think Juergen want a team so spread out. It takes a lot of juice to cover that much ground when the lines are so far apart.

That's Castillo. Terrible marking. Terrible passing. Horrid first touch. What I saw tonight it what I imagine I look like at RB when we play our rec league... and that is not meant as a compliment to me.

[IronMaxipad]

Also, I get giving Castillo a chance but enough is enough. The first game was pretty bad and this one was better but still pretty bad.

What were you guys expecting from Mexico's sloppy seconds? :lol

[MannyIsGod]

You thought this one was better??!?!?! I though the looked like a rec league player out there. One of the worst performances I've seen on a national squad in a long time. Even Borstein was sitting at home saying "who is this clown?"

The first one was BAD dude. Like amazingly bad. Maybe this one wasn't better, but either way both were really terrible.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, Boca and Lichaj are the only 2 players I want at LB right now and Lichaj is hurt. I think they should try Chandler back there just to see if it can work. I don't even know where we'd look for a LB anymore.

[ElNono]

That's Castillo. Terrible marking. Terrible passing. Horrid first touch. What I saw tonight it what I imagine I look like at RB when we play our rec league... and that is not meant as a compliment to me.

tbqh, the US needs to stop grabbing marginal talent like that.

[scott]

Guys better than these guys who played tonight:

Orozco: Goodson, Ream, Gonzalez... DeMerit? Oneywu?!?
Castillo: Lichaj.... Bornstein.
Robbie Rodgers: Pick any of our midfielders.

Thought those 3 players were horrid.

I like Chandler on those overlapping runs. I do wonder if he might be a better MF, especially currently with Dolo still playing at a very high level, but he looks like he could solidify the RB position through Russia.

Edu wasn't flashy or spectactular but he was controlled and calm, what we expect from a holding mid.
Brek Shea is beast.
Torres has impressive spurts, but needs to put a full solid 90 minutes together.
Landon with another ho-hum performance. Haven't seen superman Lando since South Africa.
Jozy looked as good as I've seen him. 2011 has been a great year for him, love seeing it.
Sacha was Sacha with his dumbass haircut. He's what we have come to expect, a cog we can rely on plugging in to be average.
Agudelo brings so much energy but sometimes seems out of control. But better than past games when he's dribbled into quadruple teams and given possession away.
Howard was Howard.

Right now (and by right now I mean when WCQ starts next year) I think our A-team Depth Chart is:

GK: Howard, Guzan, Hamid
RB: Dolo, Chandler, No one else should ever play here but I'd put Spector after those two
CB: Goodson, Ream, need to see about Gonzalez and Pearce
CB: Boca, then the same guys after Goodson as above
LB: Lichaj... who the fuck knows who else
DMF: Edu, Bradley, Jones (I like Bradley alot but I like Edu's control tonight and Junior needs to see playing time. By Brazil I expect Bradley to be a leader)
RW: Deuce, Bedoya
AMF: Donovan, Adu
AMF: Holden, Torres
LW: Shea, ???
F: Jozy, Juan, Rossi

[scott]

tbqh, I don't like the idea of having to play Deuce on the wing, but if it's a 4-3-3 like it was tonight then I think it works well. Holden can play the wing but I think (assuming again he gets to 100% fitness and form) he is better in the middle. In 2014 I think he'll be our best player.

[Libri]

Wow, is it possible we found a defender worse than Bornstein?!?!?!? Edgar Castillo, please go play for Mexico.

Great first 35 minutes then it just fell apart.

Still in great need of a LB.

Castillo already played for Mexico but wasn't good enough to get more call-ups. That's why he defected to the US.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol Rossi.

Otherwise I pretty much agree with your rankings. The german kid might be a LB solution. Fabian Johnson? I know really nothing about him.

Also, Brad Davis really should get a call up even with the MF depth. I mean fuck if Robbie Rogers gets starts...

[ElNono]

Outside of #3 who was glaringly lacking, I can't really judge them because I thought the team was just too disorganized. The goal actually made it worse.

[scott]

Don't know a lot about Johnson but have read that while many people WANT to put him at LB because he's played some there, that would be akin to trying to fit Shea back there. That's just not what he is and we do a disservice to force it.

But, that's just what I've read... who knows. Daniel Williams is the more natural German-American LB I've read about (and I believe he recently just became teammates with Fabian Johnson at the club level).

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah either way these younger guys are probably more a 2018 thing anyway.

[The_Worlds_finest]

sure we lost, but look at the highlight of JA making some dude laydown at 4:56
TvT-RenuiHM

[scott]

Good example of the growth Juan has to do on his sweet move into the box, had two guys wide open if he would have made the pass, instead shoots and the keeper makes an easy save. He's 18, he'll learn though.

[Spurologist]

Some thoughts about this game.

-I can't think of anyone more valuable for this team right now than Fabian Johnson. I wouldn't have a problem with him playing LB. He's highly capable there. Castillo's defending, to be fair, was very good in some patches but between those patches was horror ala Bornstein. I think Jurgen will clearly be able to phase him out. If Johnson position is in the midfield then there are still many options that can fit the bill. Lichaj, Chandler, Cherundolo, Spector and even Orozco can all be servicable for the wing back positions.

I'd prefer the following combos
Right side: Dolo/D. Williams@RB and Chandler/Holden@RW OR Chandler/Dolo@RB and [email protected] on the wing wouldn't be bad either.
Left side: Johnson@LB and Shea@RW

I just can't see another left side option is my mind because Johnson is a natural defender. He's played defensive midfield before along with LB and LW. Being a technical left footer gives him the advantage to whip in beautiful crosses from the wing. His technical ability is well suited for over-lapping runs and breaking up possession. Imagine attacking opposing defenses with Chandler, Shea, Holden and Johnson from the wings. They can CROSS! Shea needs to do more of that instead of cutting the ball instead all time in towards traffic

2. The marriage happened and the honeymoon is over for Klinsi. I was disappointed in the game but I also realize that it will take time for a new style of play to be implemented. At the same time, this USA team shouldn't lose to Costa Rica. I'll give credit to Jorge Ramos for pointing out that they deserve some praise but they have no business beating the USA.

I hope Klinsi was still in the process of trying out new players. I've always hated Robbie Rogers and my thoughts were justified yesterday. He gives the ball away too easily and he can't play defense. He basically played with no fight (I'll get to that later). Sasha Kljestan provided a serious spark in the late stages of the game and brought in some extra creativity in the game. It's clear the Rogers just isn't an international player. The same can be said for Findley, Castillo, Ching, Buddle, Wondolowski. PERIOD. The US just has to expect better. This is where Klinsi has the advantage over Bradley IMO. He can sort out the talent and make adjustments accordingly. Klinsi used Germany's early friendlies to sort out Deutschland's player pool with bad results. Time will tell.

Again, I'll give Klinsi the benefit of the doubt on evaluating the roster because I would've liked to see different tactics. There were already danger signs at the end of the first half. Rogers should've been taken off a lot earlier to help with possession. Altidore should've teamed up with Agudelo up front instead of sticking to the lone striker. Jozy had to hustle with absolutely no service in the box. Shea was eventually put up front but it was too late and he was placed at an unnatural position. Klinsi's subs were on point with Agudelo and Kljestan but the tactics were off IMO...still very positive about Jurgen. He'll have all the best players at his disposal soon enough. My expectations are growing.

3. WTF happened to fighting spirit. The majority of the US team looked gassed. Donovan of all people was run ragged and was virtually invisible in the second half. US is mediocre at best when Landon doesn't make those dashing runs toward the 18. Shea was gassed after the 60th minute. His passes became subpar later on and he didn't track back to help out Castillo. If anybody needed help out there, it was Castillo. A part of me was expected the US to turn it around like they always do but I knew it wasn't coming. It was a very strange feeling to see a typical US strength in fitness just turn into false hope. Klinsi is big on fitness but it certainly didn't show here. A reason for that could be Klinsi high pressure game. It worked in the first half where we controlled possession but fatigue might have caught up to the players. Again time will tell....I'll love for us to keep that fitness advantage unless we're up 3-0 :lol

4. Best 3 players in order: Torres, Edu, Chandler. Worst 3: Castillo, Rogers, Orozco/Donovan. I'm beginning to see why Bradley decided to sit Donovan. I disagreed with him but when Donovan is not active, the team suffers.

5. Overall ratings

Tim Howard - 5, almost saved the goal after a brilliant save on the first attempt by CR. Solid
Tim Chandler - 6, composed in the back and break up traffic on his wing...didn't get forward as much as I would've liked but was steady.
Michael Orozco - 3.5, was technically sound but his distribution was often wayward. He lost his mark.
Carlos Bocanegra - 4, Big presence but distribution also left much to be desired. He and Orozco share blame for allowing Sabario to break the offside trap and cross in the eventual goal for CR
Edgar Castillo - 2.5, good in spurts and was frequently without help from Shea tbh....but he was lost on many occasions. He cut inside too much instead of making more crosses for Jozy. USA fans should look forward to seeing him @ LB until Johnson gets his USA papers together and Lichaj returns from injury. His play did improve from the Mexico game.
Maurice Edu - 6, excellent at breaking up attacks in the midfield. Advancing the ball past Edu meant trouble for the US.
Jose Torres - 6.5 MOTM, he's making a case for a permanent position on the team. CAM looks more likely to me. Donovan is not as suited to play CAM like Torres because he requires more space. Torres is more creative and Klinsi will most likely give his the controls. Klinsi post game: “He’s a player that we will build for the months and years to go”
Robbie Rogers - 2.5, lost the ball too frequently...awful crosses...bad link up play...frequently passed the ball too late to allow Jozy to get offside.
Landon Donovan - 3, missed an easy goal and it seemed to affect his entire game. His usual breathtaking runs weren't there. His activity picked up late in the game but it was just that too late. I expected more.
Brek Shea - 5, tired out a little after half time...worked hard but needs to be more of a natural winger by spraying crosses with that beauty of a left foot. I just like the fact that he likes to take players on. US needs more of that attacking mentality...gone are the days of Ching and Conor Casey.
Jozy Altidore - 5.5, lone striker without much help….had a decent left foot chance early on after a beautiful lob pass from Shea.

Juan Agudelo - 5, the tandem of Agudelo and Jozy would’ve been great to see. His energy was electric…he still needs to be groomed on how to approach the game
Sacha Kljestan – 5.5, instant impact with a beautiful turn on his first touch. You could see what the US was missing on the right side….the darting runs were good but the little time he had wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Juergen Klinsmann – 5 not much depth to work with. I agreed with the subs but tactics to win the game weren’t there. The high tempo style was beautiful to watch for the first 30 minutes. The US just isn't used to that style. It's very difficult to go from a counter-attacking style of play to possession-oriented scheme. He will test the patience of US fans if he hasn’t already.

ON TO BELGIUM!

[scott]

4. Best 3 players in order: Torres, Edu, Chandler. Worst 3: Castillo, Rogers, Orozco/Donovan. I'm beginning to see why Bradley decided to sit Donovan. I disagreed with him but when Donovan is not active, the team suffers.

Manny to call you crazy in 3... 2...

[Vici]

Donovan was absent in the second half. There is no questioning that.

[MannyIsGod]

Manny to call you crazy in 3... 2...

He didn't say what you did.

[MannyIsGod]

Brek does have the ability to have some beautiful crosses as he showed recently in fc Dallas comeback win last week but he's usually asked to be the man.

[Libri]

I heard that Bradley might coach Santos Laguna.

[Libri]

He might be the first American to coach a Mexican team.

[scott]

He didn't say what you did.

You're right, he said "Landon has sucked on the NT for awhile"

And I said "Landon has sucked on the NT for awhile and if it continues for another 2.5 years he wouldn't be a lock for the WC squad."

While you said "gurrrrrrgle guuuuuuurgle I can't even think about that because I can't think with Landon's dick so far down my throat guuuuuuurrrrrgle"

[MannyIsGod]

no you said London isn't a lock for Brazil which is crazy. No need for you to try to change what you posters 2pages ago or what anyone else said above.

[scott]

based solely on national team play since south africa, i feel landon isn't a lock for brazil. Especially with our growing mf depth.

rif

[scott]

And lol @ you thinking anyone is a lock for a tournament 3 years from now. Somewhere there is a Brazilian MannyIsGod regretting arguing back in 2007 Ronaldinho was a lock for South Africa.

[MannyIsGod]

rif

I did read it first and I think you're crazy. Landon had results in the final two games of the gold cup and I don't think you can somehow remove club play from the equation. I'm just not buying that there are any meaningful judgments to be made on the games you want to look at and making any judgements off of them is just dumb.

Landon is a lock for 2014.

[MannyIsGod]

And lol @ you thinking anyone is a lock for a tournament 3 years from now. Somewhere there is a Brazilian MannyIsGod regretting arguing back in 2007 Ronaldinho was a lock for South Africa.

:lol

Yeah as if the two situations are anywhere near the same. Let me know when US Soccer produces another Landon Donovan much less enough of them to keep the original off the roster at the RIPE OLD AGE of 32.

[MannyIsGod]

Not sure what to go with as far as a lineup today. I think he's got to trop out some new players (and he has access to some) because the team looked beyond tired on Friday. I don't think you can play Brek Shea today unfortunetly. Dude has just played way too many games in the past few weeks and I think that showed as he dropped off in the 2nd half.

Here's my guess but so hard to figure based on how he fixes the LB issue

---------------Howard--------------
Cherundolo-Boca-Ream-Spector
----------Beckerman--Edu---------
----------------Torres---------------
Dempsy-------------------Kletsjan-
-------------Altidore-----------------

You probably have to try Heath Pearce at that spot at some point but I'm really lukewarm. Outside of that I just hope to see Jurgen toss everything into the fire and just try everything.

[The_Worlds_finest]

Damn i could go for some fresh brew beer and homemade pizza for this game...to bad im out in fucking middle of no where....

[The_Worlds_finest]

---------Howard--------------
Cherundolo-Boca-Ream-Spector
Dempsy-Torres-Kletsjan-Shea
------Altidore----Agudula---

Hey if your going to experiment....experiment

[scott]

:lol at Manny demonstrating a level of reading comprehension that makes Wild Cobra look like a Rhodes Scholar.

And geez, you sure do have a bleek outlook on American soccer if you think we can't produce someone capable of unseating 32-year old Landon Donovan who has been average at best for the national team since South Africa (and everyone who doesn't have their bedroom covered in LA Galaxy Fatheads can see that).

Today's lineup (4-1-4-1):

---Dolo---Goodson---Boca---Chandler
------------Beckerman---------------
--------Torres--------Sasha----------
-Dempsey-------------------Shea----
--------------Altidore----------------

[The_Worlds_finest]

su-kYllwfdk&feature
This kid Diskerud, flicked the ball to JA is pretty savvy...maybe Klinsi can give him a go in oct?

[MannyIsGod]

Jesus Christ, Scott. I got your point. I don't agree with it. It has nothing to do with reading comprehension. Its not about one or even two or tree players supplanting Donovan but an entire midfield. He's at worst 1b in this current midfield behind Dempsey and I haven't heard you say shit about Dempsey somehow being replaced.

Yeah, Holden is probably going to be better but he's still not going to be the same type of player and lets actually see Holden stay healthy and get some more caps before handing him the crown. Behind him, I like Bedoya and Kletsjan but neither is going to be as good as Donovan barring a big time increase. Adu needs to show more, and while a player like Torres has had good games under Jurgen he still has a long way to go.

So for Landon to be off of that next Roster you basically have to expect all of those to be better than him and as far as I'm concerned there's no chance of that happening.

Th

[scott]

Here's the starting XI. G: Howard, D: Chandler, Boca, Goodson, Dolo, DM: Edu, M: Torres, Dempsey, FW: Rogers, Shea, STR: Altidore

For some reason I thought Jurgen had sent Robbie home after the last match, but in any case...

ROBBIE RODGERS: 3
EDSON BUDDLE: 1

[scott]

Dempsey plugs right into Donovan's spot in advanced CM role

[scott]

Excited to see if Chandler can handle LB duties. Would strengthen our squad during WCQ if capable since Dolo was consistently still our best man during Gold Cup

[scott]

Castillo doesn't even make the bench! Here are our subs:
#USMNT subs: Hamid, Orozco Fiscal, Beckerman, Larentowicz, Kljestan, Spector, Agudelo

[scott]

Twitter bringing the lulz:

@FakeKlinsmann: I'm having a contest for everyone to figure out why I keep starting Robbie! Winner gets part of this lifetime supply of bratwurst I just got

[MannyIsGod]

Here's the starting XI. G: Howard, D: Chandler, Boca, Goodson, Dolo, DM: Edu, M: Torres, Dempsey, FW: Rogers, Shea, STR: Altidore

For some reason I thought Jurgen had sent Robbie home after the last match, but in any case...

ROBBIE RODGERS: 3
EDSON BUDDLE: 1

Pretty interested to see Chandler at LB. You pretty much at this point. Can't believe Robbie got 3 caps in 3 fucking games - especially after the last one.

[MannyIsGod]

Brek Shea's got to be running on fumes at this point.

[MannyIsGod]

Ream's not even in uniform. Really odd considering I really thought he'd be Jurgen's type of player.

[Spurologist]

Rogers is the new Bornstein. FML.

I knew Rogers and Klinsi were buddy buddy in Cali but come on

[scott]

@FakeKlinsmann: Figured I'd try Chandler at LB as a warmup for Fabian. Trying to create a fun position battle of "Half-Germans" vs. "Liga Primera disasters"

[scott]

Rogers is the new Bornstein. FML.

I knew Rogers and Klinsi were buddy buddy in Cali but come on

Unfortunately all of the growing depth in the MF seems to be in the middle, not the wings. What makes that even worse is that despite Coach Sweats old way of playing Dempsey and Donovan on the wings, I think Jurgen sees they are better in the middle (and actually, they are both better as the "hole" AMF, creating even more difficulty in lineups). We may end up seeing Chandler and/or Spector at RW sooner or later.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah I really don't get how Sasha doesn't get the start over Rogers. If Rogers is unimpressive here and gets another start then you definitely have Rogerstien.

[scott]

I think Jurgen sees Sasha as a better option in Torres' spot as opposed to the wing. If Bedoya was available, I suspect we'd see him starting in place of Rogerstein.

[scott]

And, to follow up on that, Jurgen appears to be really big on playing players at the position that maximizes their output (see his comments about not seeing Boca as a LB anymore).

I think, in this instance at least, Robbie getting the start is more about developing Sasha as a central mid than it is about Robbie Rodgers (I think he is just starting because we don't have any other options available today).

Or I could be wrong completely.

[scott]

Game moved to ESPN2 because NASCAR (WTF?!?!) going long on ESPN.

This makes the third straight game a USMNT game has been pre-empted by ESPN. 1) Little league baseball, which is creepy to me that people watch to start with 2) Tennis 3) NASCAR.

US Soccer on NBC can't get here soon enough.

[SAtown]

US Soccer on NBC can't get here soon enough.

No shit?? When does that start? It's great these big networks are picking games up. TBH Fox needs to start airing more games aside from the CL Final, not just FSN and FSC.

[scott]

No shit?? When does that start? It's great these big networks are picking games up. TBH Fox needs to start airing more games aside from the CL Final, not just FSN and FSC.

Starts in 2012. NBC will be showing USMNT and some MLS games between their networks.

[Spurologist]

Unfortunately all of the growing depth in the MF seems to be in the middle, not the wings. What makes that even worse is that despite Coach Sweats old way of playing Dempsey and Donovan on the wings, I think Jurgen sees they are better in the middle (and actually, they are both better as the "hole" AMF, creating even more difficulty in lineups). We may end up seeing Chandler and/or Spector at RW sooner or later.

Unless JK wants a 'natural' winger, Kljestan is clearly better. Donovan needs space to operate...as long as he's on the motive...he has not set position tbh. He played extremely well on the RW at Everton though. We'll see

[Spurologist]

FUCK I hate Rogers

[Sense]

Belgium looks like the better team.. Howard saving the U.S.

[scott]

Belgium looks like the better team.. Howard saving the U.S.

Belgium IS the better team. Shocked they are struggling in their group for Euro qualifying. I think they could make some noise in Brazil.

But Howard, definitely the hero. Rodgers kills the attack every time he gets a touch.

US doing well outside of the attacking third. Chandler's crosses not dangerous at all, but defending well at LB against a dangerous Hazard

[Spurologist]

Again the service was poor. Altidore couldn't do anything. More energy required.

[lefty]

How is Eddie Hazzard looking so far?

[MannyIsGod]

Not surprised the energy is lacking. These guys looked tired on Friday and that was before flying across the world. Not sure what to take from this game so far.

[MannyIsGod]

Oh one thing I can take from this is that Edu should be above Jones in the depth chart.

[Spurologist]

FIFA doesn't like Edu

[MannyIsGod]

Anyone with any clue what the hell was called other than Edu scoring means a disallowed goal?

[scott]

Thought we looked much better than Friday, especially the back line. As a LB, Chandler's biggest problem seemed to be a propensity to want to cut inside too much on his runs, but his defending I thought was good.

My biggest take away from this game is that the US really lacks a truly creative playmaker. Dempsey is not it, he likes to think he is and dribbles around in circles for awhile without actually accomplishing anything, but he isn't it. Of our current group, Donovan is that guy, but that isn't really his role either. I think Shea has the potential to be that guy and the only other guy I can think of with the kind of ability to be that guy (but not currently the form) is Adu.

If Maurice Edu doesn't workout whatever issues he has with FIFA, we may have to leave him off the squad not because of form but because all his goals will be disallowed for no reason. WTF?

Goodson deserves to be a fixture at centerback.

That ginger kid from MLS was better than Rodgers, not that that is an accomplishment.

I'm pretty happy with our performance, We had our B+ team out there, Belgium had a B+/A- squad out there, and we played them tough.

[MannyIsGod]

Brek is going to be a beast. I just love that guy.

Please for the love of god let this be Roger's last cap for a long time.

Chandler looked OK at LB but not nearly as dangerous on that side in the attack, IMO.

I thought Beckerman played another solid game and also should probably be above Jones in the MF.

I thought Edu was good.

Torres needs to be better on set pieces.



I really do think this team needs to create more chances under Jurgen. Removing players like Rogers from the equation will go a long way to that, but thee also needs to be better execution in the final third. At times in that area the team really just does look lost. I know its a new coach but they are all professionals and I think that part of the game honestly should look better - 3rd game with Jurgen or not.

[scott]

More thoughts: I like Beckerman as a guy to plug in when we can't go full A squad (for whatever reason) during the long WCQ process. I suspect he'll be fighting with Jones for a spot behind Edu and Bradley come Brazil.

[MannyIsGod]

Yes - I think we have better options for that holding MF spot - the exact ones you named - but Beckerman is definitely a serviceable player there. I think Jones has a higher ceiling overall in that role but Jones also has underachieved a great deal in the past year on both his club teams and his USMNT tenure. I'm afraid he may just be on the downhill portion of his career.

I really would like to see what guys like Adu, Bedoya and Kletsjan can do with some time on the pitch in this system. Especially Adu. I'm not a fan of us in up these spots in these camps on guys that are marginal USMNT players AT BEST such as Lerentowicz or Rogers. Instead I'd like to see players such as Corona or Josh Gatt get some time in camp and at the very least players like Bedoya and Adu.

[MannyIsGod]

Also, the NYRB need to fire Hans Backe already. Agudelo shows way too much in his USMNT games to ride the fucking pine.

[scott]

Scrah, Joe Corona will never play for the US. Time to let that dream sail.

[Spurologist]

I'd be fucking pissed if I was Kljestan. I come back home to Belgium and a scrub Rogers starts over.....better yet I don't even see the field.

Fabian Johnson seems to be the only solution at this point.

JK seems sold on Torres.....if that's the case then Adu's chances of starting are nil. Creativity is a big problem for the US team

US played a little better so I remain realistic in my expectations. It won't be too long until we have a full squad

[Sense]

This U.S. team has no depth if you guys are saying they are tired from the other night...

Mexico played Friday and Sunday in Poland and Spain...

The U.S. plays Saturday in home soil, and then flies to Belgium.. and plays until Tuesday.

I heard the commentators talk about Jet lag.... really? When did they fly? That excuse shouldn't be there..

[MannyIsGod]

It has nothing to do with depth if you play the same players. :lol

Also you can't compare flying from Poland to Spain to flying around the world. Its simply not the same and flying that far definitely has a huge fatigue factor. Shit, I feel like ass when I fly across the country much less spend a full day in a plane.

[scott]

tbh no one should be complaining of fatigue except for Brek Shea, who has played something like 889 minutes in the last month.

No exceuse for any of those other puds

[Sense]

It has nothing to do with depth if you play the same players. :lol

Also you can't compare flying from Poland to Spain to flying around the world. Its simply not the same and flying that far definitely has a huge fatigue factor. Shit, I feel like ass when I fly across the country much less spend a full day in a plane.

Well if JK has to depend on the same people.. then the depth is not there... especially if you lose both games :lol so I don't understand when you say it has nothing to do with depth.. clearly you have depth issues :P

Mexico had 2 different line ups as far as starters on both games... Not one player started both of those games.. Chepo knew there was going to be a factor...

Wait what? A lot of Mexican players flew around the world for Poland too :lol not only that they only had one day to rest.. but Team USA got tired of flying from the US to Belgium with more time to rest?

[The_Worlds_finest]

Hopefully things progress. WCQ starts in June. Michael Bradly is surely missed...

[MannyIsGod]

Well if JK has to depend on the same people.. then the depth is not there... especially if you lose both games :lol so I don't understand when you say it has nothing to do with depth.. clearly you have depth issues :P

Mexico had 2 different line ups as far as starters on both games... Not one player started both of those games.. Chepo knew there was going to be a factor...

Wait what? A lot of Mexican players flew around the world for Poland too :lol not only that they only had one day to rest.. but Team USA got tired of flying from the US to Belgium with more time to rest?

He doesn't have to depend on the same people though. Thats the point. He's playing certain players right now to get a feel for them. Its pretty obvious that every game - especially the last 2 - under Jurgen are about experimentation and finding out what he can expect from players going forward.

You don't think that if these games mattered we'd be seeing CAstillo and Rogers, do you?

[scott]

Manny, who are kidding scrah? We DEFINITELY have depth issues everywhere outside of central midfield.

[The_Worlds_finest]

Scott, would you be open to discussing the start up cost of a micro brewery, if its worth the time to attend a brewery school, what to consider for equipment, etc. If I were to open a place it would not be in any competition with your place...thanks

[scott]

I'll PM you

[Sense]

Well now that scott and beer have been mentioned... PM me good brewing kit to start!

[scott]

You in SA? Go visit Alamo Homebrew Supply and talk to Todd, he'll set you up. Just tell him you are a beginning and don't try to make yourself seem more knowledgable than you are... that's a pet peeve of his lol... as long as you are cool and real he'll set you straight. Tell him I sent you.

[scott]

Ives with a good story on progress so far under Jurgen:

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/usa-assessment-galarcep-jurgen-klinsmann-three-games-without-win-positives-learning-curve-090911

[Sense]

You in SA? Go visit Alamo Homebrew Supply and talk to Todd, he'll set you up. Just tell him you are a beginning and don't try to make yourself seem more knowledgable than you are... that's a pet peeve of his lol... as long as you are cool and real he'll set you straight. Tell him I sent you.

I was in SA, :P I'll probably head down there one of these days and do just that.. thanks.

[Spurologist]

City look to be world beaters tbh....Arguero with a hat trick

[Sense]

City look to be world beaters tbh....Arguero with a hat trick

New York City? Who's this Arguero you speak of

[Spurologist]

:lol wrong thread

Arguero to the USMNT tbh

[scott]

A great, foward-looking story on the USMNT after 3 games of the Jurgen era:

http://theshinguardian.com/2011/09/13/klinsmanns-depth-chart-september-2011/

Includes a discussion on Donovan and Dempsey and their role going forward. Manny will probably think its crazy.


Should the US ensure that the new system they develop hold both Donovan and Dempsey as it’s key figures? No.

[The_Worlds_finest]

http://shinguardian.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/usmnt_tsg.png?w=320&h=493 >>>>>>>>>http://shinguardian.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/jurgy.png?w=320&h=484

to much reading

[MannyIsGod]

Why do you keep trying to morph what you said and co opt what other people are saying? :lol I'm ok with a system that focus more on players like Brek Shea going forward. Thats not what you said, implied, or even hinted at though.

I think what you said was crazy. Yes.

[scott]

tbh if Donovan played for RSL or Columbus you wouldn't think its crazy

[Phenomanul]

Donovan is still a borderline-elite player... He's still an impact player...

[scott]

Trouble on the horizon... rumor is that Chandler is going to play for Germany.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Apparently Jochim Lowe visiting Nuerenburg to meet with Timmy

[MannyIsGod]

What
The
Fuck.

[Spurologist]

rumor has been shot down...by more rumors

I'm just gonna wait for the official word

[MannyIsGod]

If we lose him I will personally fly to Egypt and stone Bob Bradley for not capping him this summer.

[MannyIsGod]

Jolazo!

Jozy still beasting for AZ.

[MannyIsGod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYWIVLDaP6U&feature=player_embedded

[Spurologist]

Ian Darke said during the Arsenal-Blackburn telecast that David Hoilett is a possible option for the USMNT. What's he smoking?

[MannyIsGod]

Well, fuck.

Holden out ANOTHER 6 months.

[scott]

I thought it was 6 weeks

[MannyIsGod]

No, they went in and found damage so its actually 6 months.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm not sure what the roster will be for the next couple of friendlies but this time around I would appreciate it if Jurgen would leave all LA Galaxy members off of it. :lol

[scott]

That's a huge blow. Missing an enitre year is obviously a huge set-back. We may never see Holden at 100% again.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah its pretty frustrating. I don't know the long term ramifications of this injury and he's still fairly young but at some point you have to lower expectations. It really really sucks.

[Spurologist]

sucks for Holden....it appeared just to be a routine post surgery checkup.

Damn. I was really looking forward to him returning to the USMNT. Luckily we are fairly deep at midfield.

Holden will be back

[MannyIsGod]

On the bright side, Jozy still beasting.

[MannyIsGod]

Roster out


Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Bill Hamid, Nick Rimando

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Timmy Chandler, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Oguchi Onyewu, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Tim Ream, Jonathan Spector

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Jeff Larentowicz, Brek Shea, Danny Williams

Forwards: Juan Agudelo, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Teal Bunbury, Landon Donovan

[MannyIsGod]

A lot of US Soccer journalists wondering about Omar on twitter. I'm over it - I think eventually he has to get a call up considering his form but I'm ok with him not being called in for these games considering the Galaxy's injury situation and schedule.

[Spurologist]

No Robbie Rogers!! That's all I wanted to see.

I hope Danny Williams can get his paperwork through so he can play next week

[The_Worlds_finest]

Altidoor hasnt done anything meaningful since Spain of 2009. When does Klinsman pull the plug on the loan striker and go back to 442?

[scott]

My god, it's worse than I thought. Donovan has been sucking so bad he's been replaced by Buddle for the upcoming friendlies.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/10/buddle-replaces-donovan-for-usmnt.html

[MannyIsGod]

Donovan looked bad at the end of the RSL match. He definitely needs rest. Glad the Galaxy have the Supporters shield pretty much sewn up and glad to see Buddle pulling even with Robbie Rogers!

[MannyIsGod]

@SoccerInsider
Steven Goff
Getting word Tijuana F Joe Corona, Mex-American-Salvadoran from SD on MEX U-22 roster, now taking hard look at #usmnt commitment

[Sense]

@SoccerInsider
Steven Goff
Getting word Tijuana F Joe Corona, Mex-American-Salvadoran from SD on MEX U-22 roster, now taking hard look at #usmnt commitment

lol you guys are really high on this kid...

He should probably go to the USMNT tbh, chances of him making it to the squad for Brazil will be pretty slim imo.

We stacked!! hahaha

[Spurstro]

A lot of US Soccer journalists wondering about Omar on twitter. I'm over it - I think eventually he has to get a call up considering his form but I'm ok with him not being called in for these games considering the Galaxy's injury situation and schedule.

Omar open to playing for Mexico. Not that he'll ever get called up by them...

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/10/report-gonzalez-open-to-mexico-call-up.html#more

[MannyIsGod]

Smh

[MannyIsGod]

I think he would definitely get make the Mexican Squad - maybe not now, but Gonzo's got the makings to be a damn good CB for a long time. That being said if he ever left the US for Mexico he'd be dead to me.

[scott]

He's dead to me for even being open to it.

GFY, Omar

[MannyIsGod]

I can't fault him for being open to it when he's just getting ignored and he's the best CB in MLS. He's not actively seeking it out but he was asked a question and he answered it. It is pretty damn annoying to read that but it has also been pretty damn annoying to see each roster come out with him being omitted for Tim fucking Ream who's just basically shit the bed all year in NY.

I don't expect Omar to just say fuck it to international play if the US is going to ignore him.

[MannyIsGod]

Same shit may happen with John George. He's eligible for Greece.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Omar get some votes for MLS MVP. He's not going to win and he shouldn't win but I think someone will recognize him for holding down that back line all year.

[Sense]

:lol @ USMNT fans pissed at these youngsters for wanting to play for Mexico..


Can you really blame them? You can say whatever you want about them being Americans and what not.. these kids were probably raised watching Mexico.. being raised by Mexicans or Hispanics have a lot to do with it too..

The U.S. doesn't have a consistent starting line up.. they keep switching them over and over, no one knows who should start.. it seems everyone has a different line up in mind from a fan stand point lol..

I think in most of their eyes', the U.S. is just back up... because it's at this point the inferior team, with the weaker fanbase...

Mexico is on the rise, and Europe is taking notice... We have a lot of Mexicans oversees now.. and I guess from a career standpoint, being what? 23? he's probably focused on trying to get to Europe, and Mexico could make that easier..

idk that's just me

and in my opinion, Mexico could use him, besides a consistent keeper, we could really use some backs.

[scott]

I can't fault him for being open to it when I slurp the cum of anyone in a Galaxy uniform, tbh

fify.

[Sense]

fify.

:lol

[scott]

Buddle not in the gameday 18 = not getting a cap = Robbie Rogers still leads!

[MannyIsGod]

:lol I hate you. I will make you pay next time we play FIFA.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm interested to see what Danny Williams is all about.

[scott]

US going to a 4-1-3-2 tonight. I like it, should create some more chances.

[scott]

Danny Williams is a guy I've heard about for a long time (and I mentioned him a long time ago in this thread, even before Bradley was fired) - I too am curious to see what he brings to the table. It's been nothing but hype so far.

[Sense]

Is the US getting outplayed?

Just tuned in, and just saw what should have been an Honduras goal.

[Spurologist]

Deeeeeeeeemmmmmpppppsssseeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[Spurologist]

Danny Williams is a guy I've heard about for a long time (and I mentioned him a long time ago in this thread, even before Bradley was fired) - I too am curious to see what he brings to the table. It's been nothing but hype so far.

huh?

I think the German Americans and Jozy have been the best players.

[Sense]

Where are they playing? This rain is having an effect on Honduras, they're playing sloppy... nice goal by Demp

[scott]

huh?

I think the German Americans and Jozy have been the best players.

That was posted before the game started any Danny Williams had seen a minute of time - hence the "it's been nothing but hype thus far".

I liked what I saw from him in the 1st half. Honduras got lucky his didn't bury the header, and he just missed that chip from the top of the 18 with his left.

Overall, however, super sloppy. Ready to see Gooch instead of Fiscal. Also want to see Bradley at some point.

[scott]

Where are they playing? This rain is having an effect on Honduras, they're playing sloppy... nice goal by Demp

Miami. Both teams very sloppy, not just with the rain but the wind too. Looks like lobbed balls are fluttering all over the place.

[Libri]

lol Shea

How did he miss that?

[Sense]

:lol You don't go right foot if you're lefty?

[scott]

Don't worry Brek, happens to everyone.

Signed,

Clint Dempsey & Chris Wondolowski

[Sense]

Don't worry Brek, happens to Americans.

Signed,

Clint Dempsey& Chris Wondolowski

fify

[Sense]

Honduras missing too many of them :lol

[Sense]

:lol spot on

[scott]

Don't worry Gooch, happens to Americans.

Signed,

Clint Dempsey, Chris Wondolowski & Brek Shea

[Sense]

You know you guys should be worried if 4 of your players can't score in front of goal.. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Worried? Psh, I'll never worry about Brek. Love that guy.

[The_Worlds_finest]

about damn time. When are we going to see Bradley back in the line up!

[scott]

about damn time. When are we going to see Bradley back in the line up!

He played about 20 min yesterday

[The_Worlds_finest]

i dont get to watch the games, im not in the country. good to know he is playing again.

[scott]

Tonight's lineup for the U.S. MNT vs. Ecuador: Howard; Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra (capt.), Chandler; Beckerman; Williams, Edu, Shea; Dempsey, Altidore.

Interesting to see Edu as an attacking mid. He looked increasingly uncomfortable every time he was asked to go forward last match. I think he's better suited for the holding mid, but in Jurgen we trust, I suppose (and I guess there isn't a hole lot of options for that attacking mid spot either).

[scott]

Oh noes! Buddle makes the gameday 18!!! Will he earn a cap to narrow the RobbieGap?!?!?

Tonight's #USMNT subs: Rimando, Spector, Ream, Bradley, Beasley, Buddle, Agudelo

[MannyIsGod]

Com'on Buddle!

I'm still at school but I've got ESPN 3 fired up.

[Spurologist]

Com'on Buddle!

I'm still at school but I've got ESPN 3 fired up.

:tu same

[MannyIsGod]

Man - Danny Williams with a nice move. Then Brek with a rocket.

[MannyIsGod]

Seems so weird to be watching this keeper with a backwards cap on.

[Spurologist]

pretty even game so far. Edu can't finish for shit...played well though

[Spurologist]

Tim Ream is done

[MannyIsGod]

Omar Gonzales is laughing his ass off right now while wearing a red and green jersey. MFing Ream.

[MannyIsGod]

Ream might end up being good but he's in terrible form right now. I can blame Hans Backe for that quite a bit but its fucking dumb to keep bringing him in. God how does a fucking CB get beat like that? So stupid.

[MannyIsGod]

I just don't want to see anymore CB callups wasted on Ream and Orozco Fiscal for awhile. Please.

[scott]

Positives: I'm feeling really good about our starting backline going into qualifiers. Ream doesn't have the quality for the international game, but we have other guys. Gooch being back is huge. We have a good 3-some of Boca-Gooch-Goodson at CB, and a few more guys (like Omar) to look at for depth. Chandler is a godsend. I still hope we can find another LB (Lichaj? Fabian Johnson?) so Chandler can move to his natural RB position, but I'd feel good in qualifying with him on the left.

Still not scoring goals, but in the first half we were creating chances. The second team obviously had something to do with that. I'm feeling really good about Danny Williams too. Guy just has natural skills that is uncommon for our squad.

Right now, I think this is our starting XI A team:

4-1-3-2

GK: Howard
D: Dolo-Gooch-Boca-Chandler
CDM: Bradley
AM: Williams-Lando-Brek
ST: Deuce-Jozy

Bench: Hamid, Goodson, Lichaj, Edu, Jones, Bedoya, Agudelo

If Torres were available I'd put him at CAM, move Lando to RM, Williams to bench, Bodoya to the 23. Not even giving consideration to Holden. Doubt he'll be available and in form by the time qualifying starts.

[MannyIsGod]

I agree with your post, Scott.

I really do love Brek and the chemistry he's shown with Jozy and a bit with Williams tonight. Williams might be better in the middle of the field as thats where he usually plays so maybe Landon can occupy the right instead.

Your tweet about our lack of a good guy off set pieces was spot on tonight. The balls were not very good most of the time. That needs to change.

I was happy tonight outside of Ream coming in and fucking up what was a good game. Very impressed with Chandler tonight. The more time he gets out at LB the better he gets. Brek and him linking up on the left side is so good at times.

[scott]

Thought Bradley was pretty good on set-pieces, he had at least 3 balls that were capable of producing goals.

Freddy is awesome on dead balls, but who knows when he'll be back in the national team picture (hopefully soon - if he lived up to potential I'd love to see him as the CAM, though he may be better suited on the right, he tends to drift kind of like Lando does).

[MannyIsGod]

Adu has been injured a bit and been a bit inconsistent but he had a great game for the Union this past week. The thing is that we need some more creativity from a midfielder and more of an attacking mindset. I am a fan of Bradley, Edu, and Beckerman but they all are better in a holding role than in a CAM role.

On that note, I also thought this was Beckerman's worst game as a USMNT player under Klinsman but he wasn't TERRIBLE. Just gave away too many balls.

[MannyIsGod]

Dupe