***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Eephus]

For those of you who were disappointed in Chandlers performance yesterday (I thought he was beyond awful, even Costly made him look silly a couple of times), we may not be able to expect Cherundolo to ride in to help out in the March qualifiers.He has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and his return date is unknown.

How much practice time has Chandler had recently in the national setup?

 

[Sinn Fein]

I don't really think our expectations are out of whack regarding the USMNT. The US should be the best or second-best team in the region - all the money, the infrastructure, the coaching - it's not a guarantee of success, but it should be a very disappointing thing when the US fails against CONCACAF opposition that isn't Mexico. On talent alone, aka "on paper", the US should have an advantage over every other team in the region other than Mexico. At the club level, only 3 players who played yesterday play in MLS, and the other 11 all play (and mostly make an impact) in arguably "better", more talented leagues. That's not taking anything away from MLS - MLS' quality is as high as I've ever seen it - but just a point that the US is producing quality talent. Like Andy said, other CONCACAF teams are getting better as well, but they're still not at the level that the US is capable of being at (if that makes sense).

Good post.I found it a bit ironic that MLS was responsible for the 3 man of the match performances yesterday in the 3 CONCACAF qualifiers, and none of them were US players. :(

It was also a bit disturbing that the out of season MLS based Honduran players performed better than the in season European US players.

I would guess weather had as much a factor as anything - Euros coming from winter conditions to high humidity conditions has to be a tough transition. Combined with the thick grass, and I could understand why we looked a bit sluggish.Not sure if there is anything we can do about that for these early qualifiers.

Who captained the game? Howard? Not that it has to be the captain, but we seemed to lack leadership on the field - ideally I guess that would be Bradley, but Caillou does not seem forceful enough out there for long stretches.

 

[NewlyRetired]

For those of you who were disappointed in Chandlers performance yesterday (I thought he was beyond awful, even Costly made him look silly a couple of times), we may not be able to expect Cherundolo to ride in to help out in the March qualifiers.He has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and his return date is unknown.

How much practice time has Chandler had recently in the national setup?

two days at most, and some of that was likely travel time from Miami to Honduras. He played with the US in November against Russia but Gonzo was not with the team at that time.I speculated earlier that Gonzo and Chandler never once playing together (outside of the one practice in Germany in which Chandler collided with Gonzo and Gonzo blew out his knee last winter), was likely a cause of some of the communication problems.But I was more specifically speaking to Chandlers on the ball defending, which was atrocious, and the fact that he never got into the attack at all last night.His average player rating by the various media report cards I read was a dismal 3.

 

[Eephus]

Loved Frankie's winner. If a Brazillian had scored a goal like that we'd be reading words today like "sublime" "genius" "creative" etc.

Do you think Hodgens comments yesterday about Lampard may affect his choice of next team?

I think he's going to stay at Chelsea for another season. I'm biased and unsmart, but I also think he's better than Gerrard for England.

Seems kind of provincial on Woy's part. Almost every national team manager except England and Italy has to deal with players abroad. You'd think he'd want to put the best side out there. Aside from the obvious issues with the out-of-sync season schedule, Lampard would see more more playing time w/ LA than he's likely to get at Stamford Bridge.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't really think our expectations are out of whack regarding the USMNT. The US should be the best or second-best team in the region - all the money, the infrastructure, the coaching - it's not a guarantee of success, but it should be a very disappointing thing when the US fails against CONCACAF opposition that isn't Mexico. On talent alone, aka "on paper", the US should have an advantage over every other team in the region other than Mexico. At the club level, only 3 players who played yesterday play in MLS, and the other 11 all play (and mostly make an impact) in arguably "better", more talented leagues. That's not taking anything away from MLS - MLS' quality is as high as I've ever seen it - but just a point that the US is producing quality talent. Like Andy said, other CONCACAF teams are getting better as well, but they're still not at the level that the US is capable of being at (if that makes sense).

Good post.I found it a bit ironic that MLS was responsible for the 3 man of the match performances yesterday in the 3 CONCACAF qualifiers, and none of them were US players. :(

It was also a bit disturbing that the out of season MLS based Honduran players performed better than the in season European US players.

I would guess weather had as much a factor as anything - Euros coming from winter conditions to high humidity conditions has to be a tough transition. Combined with the thick grass, and I could understand why we looked a bit sluggish.Not sure if there is anything we can do about that for these early qualifiers.

Who captained the game? Howard? Not that it has to be the captain, but we seemed to lack leadership on the field - ideally I guess that would be Bradley, but Caillou does not seem forceful enough out there for long stretches.

Howard was the captain.I think the weather did have some affect (at least I hope it did. If that is the US's normal energy level for this round, it is going to be ugly).

 

[Eephus]

For those of you who were disappointed in Chandlers performance yesterday (I thought he was beyond awful, even Costly made him look silly a couple of times), we may not be able to expect Cherundolo to ride in to help out in the March qualifiers.He has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and his return date is unknown.

How much practice time has Chandler had recently in the national setup?

two days at most, and some of that was likely travel time from Miami to Honduras. He played with the US in November against Russia but Gonzo was not with the team at that time.I speculated earlier that Gonzo and Chandler never once playing together (outside of the one practice in Germany in which Chandler collided with Gonzo and Gonzo blew out his knee last winter), was likely a cause of some of the communication problems.But I was more specifically speaking to Chandlers on the ball defending, which was atrocious, and the fact that he never got into the attack at all last night.His average player rating by the various media report cards I read was a dismal 3.

Yeah, he looked a step off on both sides of the ball. He's never impressed me in his US team appearances but I'm glad at least the will he/won't he games are finally over. Now that he's committed, Klinsmann can make his decisions based on Chandler's form without the risk of upsetting him and pushing him back into international limbo.

 

[sporthenry]

But the thing that seems to be holding Mexico back is just consistency. Last WC cycle, they fired Eriksson mid-qualifying. They always seem to have some controversy with who is in and out of the line up. You had Gio dos Santos threatening not to play and Vela maybe never playing again. And I guess this is the benefit of Donovan pulling this stunt in America where people don't care much. If he pulled this in England or Mexico or Brazil, he would be crucified by the media.

I think there is a big difference between saying you don't want to play for your national team any more in your prime years vs thinking about retirement from the sport entirely when you are 30 in the media's eye. If Landon was 24 and said he only wanted to play club soccer, I think the media would be treating it differently than the way they are treating the full retirement talk IMO.

Well the point is the media pretty much hasn't picked the story up. Many here had no idea why he wasn't or even that he wasn't playing. I agree that it is different with potential retirement but when you look at the guys who are older than him and the fact he can still play, I would venture to guess that the international media would have a fit if David Villa or Forlan or Drogba were to retire now.

 

[NewlyRetired]

But the thing that seems to be holding Mexico back is just consistency. Last WC cycle, they fired Eriksson mid-qualifying. They always seem to have some controversy with who is in and out of the line up. You had Gio dos Santos threatening not to play and Vela maybe never playing again. And I guess this is the benefit of Donovan pulling this stunt in America where people don't care much. If he pulled this in England or Mexico or Brazil, he would be crucified by the media.

I think there is a big difference between saying you don't want to play for your national team any more in your prime years vs thinking about retirement from the sport entirely when you are 30 in the media's eye. If Landon was 24 and said he only wanted to play club soccer, I think the media would be treating it differently than the way they are treating the full retirement talk IMO.

Well the point is the media pretty much hasn't picked the story up. Many here had no idea why he wasn't or even that he wasn't playing.

That is hard to say. Google "Landon Donovan retire" and you will get an enormous amount of hits.We probably had close to a 100 posts in this thread alone dedicated to the topic when it came up last year.

If your point is to say media follows soccer more closely in Italy than they do in the US, well yeah, that kind of goes with out saying.

 

[Txns8]

I get the feeling he just needs to be told how valuable he is to the team, how much they want him, etc. Not necessarily the ego, just the emotion. I remember how much he soaked in the winning goal vs. Algeria in the World Cup two years ago. Both in the moment and after he felt appreciated and that is what he needs to find again before he returns. My thought was perhaps he'll feel that sense of ownership again after seeing the team struggle. He has to know what he means to soccer in the US. I hope so at least.

 

[Eephus]

But the thing that seems to be holding Mexico back is just consistency. Last WC cycle, they fired Eriksson mid-qualifying. They always seem to have some controversy with who is in and out of the line up. You had Gio dos Santos threatening not to play and Vela maybe never playing again. And I guess this is the benefit of Donovan pulling this stunt in America where people don't care much. If he pulled this in England or Mexico or Brazil, he would be crucified by the media.

I think there is a big difference between saying you don't want to play for your national team any more in your prime years vs thinking about retirement from the sport entirely when you are 30 in the media's eye. If Landon was 24 and said he only wanted to play club soccer, I think the media would be treating it differently than the way they are treating the full retirement talk IMO.

Well the point is the media pretty much hasn't picked the story up. Many here had no idea why he wasn't or even that he wasn't playing.

That is hard to say. Google "Landon Donovan retire" and you will get an enormous amount of hits.We probably had close to a 100 posts in this thread alone dedicated to the topic when it came up last year.

If your point is to say media follows soccer more closely in Italy than they do in the US, well yeah, that kind of goes with out saying.

I think the idea that a player would retire from international soccer and remain active at a club level is kind of alien to the US sporting scene. Retirement from US sports is pretty black and white. When England legend John Terry retired recently, it was a big deal in the UK.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This is way more depressing than the game yesterday:http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8924593/match-fixing-soccer

 

[NewlyRetired]

I get the feeling he just needs to be told how valuable he is to the team, how much they want him, etc. Not necessarily the ego, just the emotion. I remember how much he soaked in the winning goal vs. Algeria in the World Cup two years ago. Both in the moment and after he felt appreciated and that is what he needs to find again before he returns. My thought was perhaps he'll feel that sense of ownership again after seeing the team struggle. He has to know what he means to soccer in the US. I hope so at least.

Again, this has nothing to do with the national team specifically. It has to do with the sport in general. Read the quote I posted earlier or take a look online at his numerous quotes about retirement. He never mentions the national team even once. It is really just playing in general.I figure if/when he comes back to LA, he would almost certainly make himself available for National team duty and would be up toe Klinsmann to decide if he can fit in. The question no one can answer yet, is if (or more likely "when") he will come back.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

This is way more depressing than the game yesterday:http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8924593/match-fixing-soccer

Fantastic article but very very depressing

 

[Steve Tasker]

One of my least favorite things about ugly US losses is that I have to hear about it all day the next day at work from soccer-haters who don't know the first thing about international soccer and can't name a US player not named Landon Donovan. Look guy, I get it, you're not a soccer fan. It doesn't bother me. Please don't come to my desk and rub it in when the US loses (ignoring the fact that you yourself are a lifelong American) as if it's some sort of proof that soccer sucks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think the idea that a player would retire from international soccer and remain active at a club level is kind of alien to the US sporting scene. Retirement from US sports is pretty black and white. When England legend John Terry retired recently, it was a big deal in the UK.

I don't think it is alien at all for US Soccer fans (not speaking for the media, just fans).Reyna, Friedel, Sanneh and McBride all retired from international soccer and all could have helped the team for a few years after they did not want to play international soccer any more.

 

[NewlyRetired]

One of my least favorite things about ugly US losses is that I have to hear about it all day the next day at work from soccer-haters who don't know the first thing about international soccer and can't name a US player not named Landon Donovan. Look guy, I get it, you're not a soccer fan. It doesn't bother me. Please don't come to my desk and rub it in when the US loses (ignoring the fact that you yourself are a lifelong American) as if it's some sort of proof that soccer sucks.

My daughter (non fan) asked me who won and her response was "Honduras?"

 

[sporthenry]

But the thing that seems to be holding Mexico back is just consistency. Last WC cycle, they fired Eriksson mid-qualifying. They always seem to have some controversy with who is in and out of the line up. You had Gio dos Santos threatening not to play and Vela maybe never playing again. And I guess this is the benefit of Donovan pulling this stunt in America where people don't care much. If he pulled this in England or Mexico or Brazil, he would be crucified by the media.

I think there is a big difference between saying you don't want to play for your national team any more in your prime years vs thinking about retirement from the sport entirely when you are 30 in the media's eye. If Landon was 24 and said he only wanted to play club soccer, I think the media would be treating it differently than the way they are treating the full retirement talk IMO.

Well the point is the media pretty much hasn't picked the story up. Many here had no idea why he wasn't or even that he wasn't playing.

That is hard to say. Google "Landon Donovan retire" and you will get an enormous amount of hits.We probably had close to a 100 posts in this thread alone dedicated to the topic when it came up last year.

If your point is to say media follows soccer more closely in Italy than they do in the US, well yeah, that kind of goes with out saying.

I think the idea that a player would retire from international soccer and remain active at a club level is kind of alien to the US sporting scene. Retirement from US sports is pretty black and white. When England legend John Terry retired recently, it was a big deal in the UK.

I agree. And I have no problem with people retiring and continuing to play for club. As you mention it is a bit uncommon in US sports but it has happened a bit especially with NBA players in the Olympics. But you rarely see it happen with someone in or near their peak like this. As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

 

[sporthenry]

One of my least favorite things about ugly US losses is that I have to hear about it all day the next day at work from soccer-haters who don't know the first thing about international soccer and can't name a US player not named Landon Donovan. Look guy, I get it, you're not a soccer fan. It doesn't bother me. Please don't come to my desk and rub it in when the US loses (ignoring the fact that you yourself are a lifelong American) as if it's some sort of proof that soccer sucks.

I never understood this. They'll watch the big matches like Ghana and Spain. Root for America and then when they lose, rub it in your face that soccer will never take off and this is why nobody cares even though they just spent 2 hours of their life watching it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

 

[Eephus]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

International soccer is a problem especially for aging players. It not only cuts into in-season and off-season breaks but sends players off to distant and sometimes third world locales. After seeing how sweaty the jerseys were yesterday and some of the field conditions in the African Cup, I can totally understand where LanDON is coming from.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

 

[Christo]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

 

[sporthenry]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

Well from Wiki, I found 543 appearances between U17 and all the nationals and his Beyer Leverkusen appearances. At 33 and really only 2 years older than Donovan, Xavi has played in 683 games or Xabi Alonso has played in 555 and is 3 months older. So Landon has played about on par with everyone else.If these other guys took this type of sabbatical they would be ridiculed. That would be like LeBron taking a break in a year or two. People would be questioning his heart and head. I have no doubt that Landon isn't built mentally like most other superstars but that doesn't mean he is above reproach. Fair or not, he has been portrayed as a super star. When you take on that role, you open yourself to criticism like this.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

I know everyone continues to think this is related to the US team alone but it isn't. He is not making the decision whether he wants to play international soccer any more. He is making the decision whether he wants to play soccer any more.Because of his young age, I assume it must be a much more difficult decision than some one who knows they are done, which is why it is probably taking so long.

That all being said, every article you read on the subject now indicates he is definitely coming back, but no one seems to know when.

If he has decided he just needs a break vs retirement, he should settle on a rough month hopefully sooner rather than later so that his club team can make preparations and Klinsmann can start to pay attention to his play again.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

Well from Wiki, I found 543 appearances between U17 and all the nationals and his Beyer Leverkusen appearances.

I think you may leaving off all of the playoff, league cup, and CCL games he has played. The 543 is just league games and international appearances. You need to look deeper into the Wiki stats outside of the basic ones in the main box. It is around 600 for the total which is very high for the typical 30 year old player.But hey, if you want to call the guy crap go ahead, the more power to you if it makes you feel better.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the latest on Landon from the Sporting News. Not too much new but FWIW here is it.

U.S. Soccer president: Landon Donovan to return 'at some point'

Published Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:22 pm EST Last updated 21 hours and 11 minutes ago

Brian Straus Sporting News

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — During a breakfast with reporters a few hours before Wednesday's World Cup qualifier between the U.S. and Honduras, U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati shared a few tidbits concerning the venues for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, an effort to make this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup a bit more meaningful and the cloudy future of the country's most recognizable player.

The absence of the U.S. national team's all-time leading scorer, while expected, has been a hot topic during the build-up to Wednesday's match. Donovan was clear at the conclusion of the MLS season that he needed a break, but his decision hit home in Honduras as the Americans set out to qualify for the 2014 World Cup without their attacking mainstay.

"We have 24 healthy players, and naturally we want to start talking about the one who's not here," Gulati said when asked about Donovan. "I had dinner with Landon a couple of weeks ago in New York."

Gulati joked that Donovan "ordered the tasting menu and I had the vegetarian tempura," and then said seriously: "I have no doubt he'll play at some point."

That statement echoed one from Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who two weeks ago said Donovan is "definitely playing this year, but we're just working out a return date that makes sense for all of us."

So while talk of Donovan's retirement probably should be shelved, it remains unclear when he'll be ready to suit up for either club or country.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann and several players have said they respect Donovan's need for a break but are moving on without him with confidence.

"We are going to go on without Landon at some point, whether it's today, six months from today or two years from today," Gulati said Wednesday. "He's been an important player, no doubt. We had the best record in our history last year (9-2-3), and he didn't play that many games (six).

"But I'm certainly hoping he'll come back."

 

[Eephus]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

I know everyone continues to think this is related to the US team alone but it isn't. He is not making the decision whether he wants to play international soccer any more. He is making the decision whether he wants to play soccer any more.Because of his young age, I assume it must be a much more difficult decision than some one who knows they are done, which is why it is probably taking so long.

That all being said, every article you read on the subject now indicates he is definitely coming back, but no one seems to know when.

If he has decided he just needs a break vs retirement, he should settle on a rough month hopefully sooner rather than later so that his club team can make preparations and Klinsmann can start to pay attention to his play again.

I for one thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best in his singing career.

 

[sporthenry]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

Well from Wiki, I found 543 appearances between U17 and all the nationals and his Beyer Leverkusen appearances.

I think you may leaving off all of the playoff, league cup, and CCL games he has played. The 543 is just league games and international appearances. You need to look deeper into the Wiki stats outside of the basic ones in the main box. It is around 600 for the total which is very high for the typical 30 year old player.But hey, if you want to call the guy crap go ahead, the more power to you if it makes you feel better.

And then we can bring in the fact, he played soccer in the US, and even despite Bradenton, I doubt his training was nearly as rigorous as guys who were in European or South American youth systems. I have no doubt Landon has played a ton of games but to make it out like his legs have more games on them than the other 30 year old's doesn't seem right. And I never really called him crap. I said this thing he is pulling is crap. Perhaps semantics but I think a big distinction. When you take on the role of the American superstar (which he did with all his endorsements) and then you retire prematurely b/c of the mental strain, I call that crap.

 

[QuizGuy66]

According to ESPN's Soccer Power Index (?), the US' chances of qualifying for the WC went from 62 to 52% today.

Sounds about right. If we can win all of our home games (I don't see any reason why we can't beat Mexico at home) then one win on the road should do it.

That home game needs to be as far norte as possible

Anchorage

yes

Nome down?-QG

 

[NewlyRetired]

And I never really called him crap. I said this thing he is pulling is crap. Perhaps semantics but I think a big distinction. When you take on the role of the American superstar (which he did with all his endorsements) and then you retire prematurely b/c of the mental strain, I call that crap.

Landon may be one of the least "look at me" bigger name athletes ever, IMO.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

I know everyone continues to think this is related to the US team alone but it isn't. He is not making the decision whether he wants to play international soccer any more. He is making the decision whether he wants to play soccer any more.Because of his young age, I assume it must be a much more difficult decision than some one who knows they are done, which is why it is probably taking so long.

That all being said, every article you read on the subject now indicates he is definitely coming back, but no one seems to know when.

If he has decided he just needs a break vs retirement, he should settle on a rough month hopefully sooner rather than later so that his club team can make preparations and Klinsmann can start to pay attention to his play again.

Funny that he takes his break when he'd be playing for the national team, and not his club team. Should he be allowed to skip qualifying games and potentially play in the WC? Does he get to skip piss bombs in Saprissa and the Azteca, and just get the glory/raised profile/endorsement dollars from playing in his last WC?

I get that he marches to the beat of his own drummer, but the whole point of a team is that everyone kind of has to march together.

 

[Eephus]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

I know everyone continues to think this is related to the US team alone but it isn't. He is not making the decision whether he wants to play international soccer any more. He is making the decision whether he wants to play soccer any more.Because of his young age, I assume it must be a much more difficult decision than some one who knows they are done, which is why it is probably taking so long.

That all being said, every article you read on the subject now indicates he is definitely coming back, but no one seems to know when.

If he has decided he just needs a break vs retirement, he should settle on a rough month hopefully sooner rather than later so that his club team can make preparations and Klinsmann can start to pay attention to his play again.

Funny that he takes his break when he'd be playing for the national team, and not his club team. Should he be allowed to skip qualifying games and potentially play in the WC? Does he get to skip piss bombs in Saprissa and the Azteca, and just get the glory/raised profile/endorsement dollars from playing in his last WC?

I get that he marches to the beat of his own drummer, but the whole point of a team is that everyone kind of has to march together.

they marched like Napoleon's retreat from Moscow yesterday

 

[NewlyRetired]

Funny that he takes his break when he'd be playing for the national team, and not his club team.

He is under contract for one and not the other. That might have something to do with it.There may be a chance he is out for club games too. He has already missed a bunch of preseason and with no return date announced yet, it is not that far fetched that he won't be ready on March 3rd when LA's season begins. Who knows though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So what are the odds that Landon returns and then announces he won't play international games anymore?

 

[NewlyRetired]

So why is it that when Central American players put on their national shirts, they seem to rise individually and as a unit far higher than the skills they show in other leagues? And more importantly, why is it that US players don't? Let's face it- those were mostly MLS guys who are decent enough but not great in our league.

I have been thinking about this. We may give this affect more weight than what really happens but I still think the basis of what you say is true. I want to add an addendum to this though. This rising affect, I am sure you will agree, is significantly more prominent when those teams play at home. When you know as a player that your entire country has a national holiday for the game it has to mean more than to some one like Chandler who treated this as an interruption to his club play. The US crowds, up till now, have not been able to match this type of intensity for home games. I think the crowds are getting better though every year (not in size, but more in texture and tone). There is a good chance that the US will play in front of their best crowd ever if the Honduras home game ends up at Seattle if the predictions hold true. I am a little worried about Colorado game because the MLS crowds there can be a little more tame than other locations but I still think it will be ok.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tab Ramos has released the roster for U20 qualifying. Supposedly two more names will come later to be added to roster. I have not seen any tv info yet. If anyone see's any please post. ===========U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Roster by Position - DETAILED ROSTERGOALKEEPERS (3) : Cody Cropper (Southampton FC; Maple Grove, Minn.), Kendall McIntosh (Santa Clara; Santa Rosa, Calif.), Zackary Steffen (FC DELCO Academy; Downington, Pa.)DEFENDERS (5) : Eric Miller (Creighton; Woodbury, Minn.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (C.D. Guadalajara; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (North Carolina; Edmund, Okla.), Shane O’Neill (Colorado Rapids; Boulder, Colo.), Javan Torre (UCLA; Santa Monica, Calif.)MIDFIELDERS (5) : Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Benji Joya (Santos Laguna; San Jose, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (Sporting Kansas City; Mission, Texas), Caleb Stanko (SC Freiburg; Holly, Mich.), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew; Gahanna, Ohio)FORWARDS (5) : Brandon Allen (Georgetown; Old Bridge, N.J.), Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Daniel Garcia (North Carolina; Dallas, Texas), Mario Rodriguez (1. FC Kaiserslautern; North Hollywood, Calif.) Jose Villarreal (LA Galaxy; Inglewood, Calif.)================Qualifying is in a tournament format. Top 2 from each group move on to quarterfinals. The 4 semi finalists qualify for the U20 WC2013 CONCACAF Championship Group Pairings:Group A: Costa Rica, Haiti, United StatesGroup B: Canada, Cuba, NicaraguaGroup C: Jamaica, Panama, Puerto RicoGroup D: Curaçao, El Salvador, Mexico

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Funny that he takes his break when he'd be playing for the national team, and not his club team.

He is under contract for one and not the other. That might have something to do with it.

A contract does not force him to play. It only prevents him from not playing and collecting money.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Funny that he takes his break when he'd be playing for the national team, and not his club team.

He is under contract for one and not the other. That might have something to do with it.

A contract does not force him to play. It only prevents him from not playing and collecting money.

That is why I said it might have something to do with it. Money might have been a factor. I really don't know.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

 

[Sebowski]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

I can understand being disgruntled because he's stringing it out. Most athletes are part of team until they announce retirement, and then they're done. This kind of limbo is pretty rare. And frustrating, to some degree.

Yep. The indecision is what frustrates me. He should just retire from the US team. Hell, if he has a change of heart a year from now tell Klinnsmann he wants back in.

It's like bringing a girl home, and then she locks herself in your bathroom.

It is exactly like that.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

Pelosi has been added to Liverpools Europa League roster. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/01/91/64/25/1916425_DOWNLOAD.pdf

 

[The Gator]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

Pelosi has been added to Liverpools Europa League roster. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/01/91/64/25/1916425_DOWNLOAD.pdf

NiiiiiceI know he's really impressed with Liverpool's youth team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

EPL voted in favor of a salary cap/salary restraint policy today based on FFP. http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/192114.html

 

[NewlyRetired]

Quote from Arena today. Certainly sounds like he expects Landon to miss some of the MLS season at this point.

"He'll be back at some point...reevaluate in a couple of weeks, we expect to have him in the near future and by that I mean...I would hope... that sometime in the next couple of months we have that whole thing settled and we have him back on the field"

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

Pelosi has been added to Liverpools Europa League roster. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/01/91/64/25/1916425_DOWNLOAD.pdf

NiiiiiceI know he's really impressed with Liverpool's youth team.

Have you had a chance to see him play? I have read a bunch about him but I don't think I have seen him play outside of some YouTube clips.

 

[bentley]

As you mention, the Terry thing was a big deal and he retired as much b/c of stuff off the field as on the field. Usually it is when the players realize they won't be playing as big of a role or want to save what they have left for club but I don't really think this applies to Landon. Landon is still easily one of our better players and this isn't even a strict retirement from international soccer. What if Xavi pulled this crap?

Why is a guy who has played more soccer games than most professional players his age contemplating retirement considered "crap"? Landon has played almost 600 games already in his career at just 30 years old.He has been the ultimate work horse on and off the field for both MLS and US Soccer going all the way back to the U17's. If anyone deserves to retire early, it is Landon IMO. And hopefully most US fans would wish him well.

As I mentioned earlier I think it is difficult for some fans to realize that Landon is not really built mentally like other sports figures who have attained his success. I sometimes think if he could do it all over again he would not go into soccer.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that he will play again, but if he doesn't I will more than respect the 13 plus years of entertainment he provided to me as a fan.

Well from Wiki, I found 543 appearances between U17 and all the nationals and his Beyer Leverkusen appearances. At 33 and really only 2 years older than Donovan, Xavi has played in 683 games or Xabi Alonso has played in 555 and is 3 months older. So Landon has played about on par with everyone else.If these other guys took this type of sabbatical they would be ridiculed. That would be like LeBron taking a break in a year or two. People would be questioning his heart and head. I have no doubt that Landon isn't built mentally like most other superstars but that doesn't mean he is above reproach. Fair or not, he has been portrayed as a super star. When you take on that role, you open yourself to criticism like this.

I think Stevie G is also pretty close in terms of appearances and would be treated the same way if he decided to sit out a few England games.

 

[The Gator]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

Pelosi has been added to Liverpools Europa League roster. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/01/91/64/25/1916425_DOWNLOAD.pdf

NiiiiiceI know he's really impressed with Liverpool's youth team.

Have you had a chance to see him play? I have read a bunch about him but I don't think I have seen him play outside of some YouTube clips.

I've caught two games from streams, actually posted one here with some comments. I like the way he looks from the limited time I've seen. Very comfortable on the ball and has a sweet left foot. Haven't seen him play LB yet, but have read he's done well there. He's played LM and CM the two games i've watched.The fact he's called up to Europa is huge. He may not get game time, but that travel and time with the first team will do him well. I know Liverpool holds Ibe in high regards, too. So the fact is called up with him or considered maybe to be on par with him is awesome.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Liverpool will not release Marc Pelosi for U20 qualifying. That is a shame as I was interested in seeing him play.

Pelosi has been added to Liverpools Europa League roster. http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/01/91/64/25/1916425_DOWNLOAD.pdf

NiiiiiceI know he's really impressed with Liverpool's youth team.

Have you had a chance to see him play? I have read a bunch about him but I don't think I have seen him play outside of some YouTube clips.

I've caught two games from streams, actually posted one here with some comments. I like the way he looks from the limited time I've seen. Very comfortable on the ball and has a sweet left foot. Haven't seen him play LB yet, but have read he's done well there. He's played LM and CM the two games i've watched.The fact he's called up to Europa is huge. He may not get game time, but that travel and time with the first team will do him well. I know Liverpool holds Ibe in high regards, too. So the fact is called up with him or considered maybe to be on par with him is awesome.

thanks! Every little step of progression at his age is very important. This is a great sign that they do like what he has done on the U19's.I think both him and Will Packwood (injury) missing from the U20's is going to be hard to over come. Hopefully the US can still qualify and then Pelosi can join then (Packwood is going to be out 9 to 2 months sadly).

 

[Eephus]

For all the people complaining about BeIn, FSC and ESPN coverage

Rob Harris‏@RobHarrisNigeria's African Nations final v Burkina Faso won't be shown on TV in ... Nigeria. Local TV didn't strike deal with confederation