***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[Pick]

Really got conservative after the big lead. I understand changing the strategy but that was too much. Essentially, you're playing Russian Roulette allowing Brazil to just set up whatever they want to run time after time. We'd get possession and two passes later it was back to Brazil. Going conservative played right into their hands.

And some poster already said it but our back post defense was terrible.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Gutted, just gutted. The first goal had me thinking, "Great start, much better than the first time we played Brazil." But the second goal had me believing the US could actually pull it off. Brazil played better and deserve the win, but that doesn't make the loss feel much better. It would have been such an amazing turnaround and more people would have had to take notice of and discuss soccer in this country, people who don't normally or who go out of their way to mock it. Really bummed about the result, but it was a great effort by Landon and Co.

And the second American goal was one of the best goals I've seen scored by the American national team - what a great counterattack and finish. And Davies picked his head up and made a good pass too.

 

[Plaid Boxer]

Gutted, just gutted. The first goal had me thinking, "Great start, much better than the first time we played Brazil." But the second goal had me believing the US could actually pull it off. Brazil played better and deserve the win, but that doesn't make the loss feel much better. It would have been such an amazing turnaround and more people would have had to take notice of and discuss soccer in this country, people who don't normally or who go out of their way to mock it. Really bummed about the result, but it was a great effort by Landon and Co.

And the second American goal was one of the best goals I've seen scored by the American national team - what a great counterattack and finish. And Davies picked his head up and made a good pass too.

My thoughts exactly watching the game. Shame they couldn't hold the lead but it was fun being a fan.

 

[Desert_Power]

Glad I wasn't hanging out in this thread during the game. Lots of fair weather fans acting like the US didn't even deserve to be on the field with Brasil.

Can't really say enough good things about how this team played over the last week. If I someone would have told me 8 days ago we would lose by one goal in the final I never would have believed it. Lots of promising things from this last week and certainly has me feeling a lot better about 2010. I think we have finally settled in on a good shape for our talent and I am excited to see what we can do.

 

[Desert_Power]

The US can't compete at the level the Brazilians are playing. Too many poor decisions on both offense and defense.

ORLY? That score line might suggest that the US can indeed compete on the Brazilians level, but what do I know?

 

[Desert_Power]

I am really, really impressed with this lineup.

They need to start Feilhaber with Bradley in the middle.

You have to feel like our lineup is pretty much set. Ching being back in to pair with Altidore over Davies would likely be helpful and having Edu to come in for Benny or Bradley is certainly going be stronger in the midfield. I don't really feel like there is a space for Adu or Torres in this formation, but evidently that isn't too problematic.

 

[The Z Machine]

I too am pretty disappointed, not at the loss per se, but rather at the lack of keeping Brazil from scoring 3 goals in 45 minutes. I'm sure the US players feel similarly. In time they'll look back fondly at these last 3 games, but right now, the sting being up 2-0 at the half and losing has got to sting.

The US played pretty well... up until about the 60 or 65 minute mark. It really came crashing down after that. The substitution that brought Sascha on was obviously submitted before the Brazilian equalizer. Plus, Sascha was just terrible on his passing. He lost at least 3 balls that led to direct counter attacks by Brazil.

Brazil was obviously the better team here, and their talent all the way around really showed. Nonetheless, it looked like they were missing a lot of the flair that they usually bring to these types of games. It was a pretty cynical game for them, lots of counter attacking. They are extremely dangerous on any set piece. Corner, DFK, IFK it doesn't matter, they can score.

The problem I had with the US was the lack of possession in the midfield in the 2nd half. They basically had no ability to hold possession and looked like they were just hanging on for time. There were some bright spots however. Spector played well for most of the tourney and he dispossessed Kaka more than once. Robinho game him fits around the corner, but then again he's one of the fastest guys on the field, and it's probable that Spector has never gone up against a guy quite like him. He should fight for the starting spot with 'dolo for the WC. I like the way Bocanegra plays mentally. He brings some leadership to that defense that needs some, and although he fouls quite a bit, many are "professional" and done for a reason, not simply because he got beat and was out of position (see Sascha and Bradley). Speaking of Bradley, his presence was dearly missed in the second half, and I think this game would have likely gone to PKs with him in there instead of Feilhaber/Sascha.

Altidore is Jekyl and Hyde. He draws fouls (good). He's got speed and decent positional awareness on the counter attack (good). he also has a horrid first touch (bad) and his work rate kinda stinks (bad). Davies starts out hot in these games, but it sure looks like he has trouble going the distance. Clay Guida he is not. He had a number of good plays this game (the pass to LD and the time he almost beat 3 Brazilian defenders 1v1 to score). Honestly, I'd like to see Dempsey paired with Davies up top (Demps playing a bit further back). Altidore doesn't have the touch to get the offensive midfield involved, whereas I think Demps does.

To me, LD was the player of the tournament, although Dempsey and Howard were a close. LD played well or excellent in every game. He made the most out of his chances and created a ton more for his teammates. A while back we had a discussion about LD being a "field general", and I think it's clear that he will never be that guy for the US. What he will be is the most dangerous player on the team, who can create off the dribble, scorch defenses on a counter, feed great balls to his teammates, and deliver some decent free kicks. His play seemed to lift some of his teammates at times, to give them energy. As a contrast to Altidore, LD works his ### off all game long. Other players should take note. I think his role ont eh team is just fine, and I actually am liking him more on the left than on the right where he can get lost.

Finally, I'd like to admit that I think I was overreacting a little bit RE Bradley being fired. I think his game plans for the last 3 matches were very good, and something obviously happened in the attitude of the US team after the 1st Brazil game because they looked like a totally different team thereafter. So without knowing any of the details of the locker room, I'll give him and his staff credit for the turnaround.

Bog props to the USMNT for making it this far and putting the scare of losing into Brazil. They played hard and I think their performance was more than respectable. I think this portends well for the future of the USMNT and especially fro WC2010.

 

[The Z Machine]

The US can't compete at the level the Brazilians are playing. Too many poor decisions on both offense and defense.

ORLY? That score line might suggest that the US can indeed compete on the Brazilians level, but what do I know?

They can compete on their level yes. They are competitive, but it's obvious that Brazil has better players at nearly every position.It is a team game however, and tactics count for a lot. I think that the US doesn't stack up well in terms of individual skills, but they do stack up well in terms of team play and commitment to a gameplan.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I blame Bradley - Brazil was more talented and deserved to win, but better coaching and use of substitutes in the second half could have altered the outcome. The US was spent by the time of the 2nd Brazilian goal.

 

[Christo]

Speaking of Bradley, his presence was dearly missed in the second half, and I think this game would have likely gone to PKs with him in there instead of Feilhaber.

Don't agree here. Feilhaber has shown that he needs to be on the field. His work rate in today's game was second only to LD. He played end to end. And he's much better on the ball than either Bradley or Clark. I think we're going to see Bradley/Feilhaber as our best pairing in the middle.

 

[Bonzai]

Speaking of Bradley, his presence was dearly missed in the second half, and I think this game would have likely gone to PKs with him in there instead of Feilhaber.

Don't agree here. Feilhaber has shown that he needs to be on the field. His work rate in today's game was second only to LD. He played end to end. And he's much better on the ball than either Bradley or Clark. I think we're going to see Bradley/Feilhaber as our best pairing in the middle.

For now, I agree. We'll see how Jones shakes things up if he comes in to the fold.

 

[TLEF316]

Speaking of Bradley, his presence was dearly missed in the second half, and I think this game would have likely gone to PKs with him in there instead of Feilhaber.

Don't agree here. Feilhaber has shown that he needs to be on the field. His work rate in today's game was second only to LD. He played end to end. And he's much better on the ball than either Bradley or Clark. I think we're going to see Bradley/Feilhaber as our best pairing in the middle.

i think all bets are off once the German guy gets into camp. The chemistry may not be there right away, but from what i've read, his talent level is far above every other MF (save maybe Donovan after his performance this tourney)

 

[Christo]

I can only comment on what I've seen. But I'm all for more talent on the team.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Right now I am

I had to take a trip with my father to Florida this weekend and knew I would be on I95 North when the match was going to be on. so, Friday before leaving I set my DVR to record the game and set it an extra hour just in case.

I go in media blackout mode all day and avoid TV, radio and any updates from family. I get home, turn on the TV, plop down in my recliner, choose the SOCCER recording and see ..... POKER!

Evidently they decided to change which station was carrying the game.

So, I have not read the thread and am going back into blackout mode. ESPN is reshowing the game at midnight. It's going to be a late night.

 

[prefontaine]

I blame Bradley - Brazil was more talented and deserved to win, but better coaching and use of substitutes in the second half could have altered the outcome. The US was spent by the time of the 2nd Brazilian goal.

This seems a bit unfair. I don't always like what he does and he seems to make questionable personnel decisions at times but today he put our best 11 out there with a decent game plan IMO. It was obvious in the 2h we were gassed and needed some game altering subs but it's not like Bradley had Dani Alves on his bench. His choices were pretty appalling and we were discussing it during the game here. We obviously needed subs bc Altidore, Davies, Benny, and Clark looked spent to me. But who do you bring on? Sacha for Altidore makes sense as it gives fresh legs to the midfield. Unfortunately Kljestan sucked hind ###. Torres would have been a good option I guess. But once Brazil went ahead you had to put offense out there and we only have one forward on the bench - Casey. One of our biggest weaknesses is we aren't as deep as other nations yet and we see a significant dropoff 15 or so deep. When Boca was out, our left back situation was atrocious. When Bradley is out, we have no subs in the middle. When Ching is out, we are left with Casey (yes there are others we didn't bring but nobody is an obvious option). Bradley game planned for a team that was significantly better skilled and against all odds, we almost won. It's disappointing how we lost but we played a great game against a great team and simply ran out of gas. Let's breath for a bit and not start blaming - enjoy what was a tremendous run by our national side.

 

[Sebowski]

Gutted, just gutted. The first goal had me thinking, "Great start, much better than the first time we played Brazil." But the second goal had me believing the US could actually pull it off. Brazil played better and deserve the win, but that doesn't make the loss feel much better. It would have been such an amazing turnaround and more people would have had to take notice of and discuss soccer in this country, people who don't normally or who go out of their way to mock it. Really bummed about the result, but it was a great effort by Landon and Co.

And the second American goal was one of the best goals I've seen scored by the American national team - what a great counterattack and finish. And Davies picked his head up and made a good pass too.

...then he didn't. He had two chances to recreate that goal and never got the pass out. He was terrible late. Should have been subbed out around the 60th. Really shows our lack of depth there. Great tourney. I too need to apologize for calling for Bradley's head. As Z said, the team turned around after that ugly loss and Bradley needs credit for that. Would have loved to see better subs today though.

Nice Guida reference, Z.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I blame Bradley - Brazil was more talented and deserved to win, but better coaching and use of substitutes in the second half could have altered the outcome. The US was spent by the time of the 2nd Brazilian goal.

This seems a bit unfair. I don't always like what he does and he seems to make questionable personnel decisions at times but today he put our best 11 out there with a decent game plan IMO. It was obvious in the 2h we were gassed and needed some game altering subs but it's not like Bradley had Dani Alves on his bench. His choices were pretty appalling and we were discussing it during the game here. We obviously needed subs bc Altidore, Davies, Benny, and Clark looked spent to me. But who do you bring on? Sacha for Altidore makes sense as it gives fresh legs to the midfield. Unfortunately Kljestan sucked hind ###. Torres would have been a good option I guess. But once Brazil went ahead you had to put offense out there and we only have one forward on the bench - Casey. One of our biggest weaknesses is we aren't as deep as other nations yet and we see a significant dropoff 15 or so deep. When Boca was out, our left back situation was atrocious. When Bradley is out, we have no subs in the middle. When Ching is out, we are left with Casey (yes there are others we didn't bring but nobody is an obvious option). Bradley game planned for a team that was significantly better skilled and against all odds, we almost won. It's disappointing how we lost but we played a great game against a great team and simply ran out of gas. Let's breath for a bit and not start blaming - enjoy what was a tremendous run by our national side.

Its not always about who you bring in. Substituting a little sooner would have helped disrupt the game flow a little, and could have given our guys a little breather.Having said that, I agree we are not deep enough to simply swap talent for talent. I was a little surprised not to see Torres in the game - he seems to have good ball control, and could have held the ball better in the midfield when we were struggling just to poke the ball out of our zone.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't blame Bradley at all for this loss. Awhile ago, I questioned whether he was the right man for the US job heading into WC territory. I never outright called for him to be fired, but I wondered if we would be better off with a more experienced international coach. I still do, but I'm okay with it for now.

 

[Texas Football]

Right now I am I had to take a trip with my father to Florida this weekend and knew I would be on I95 North when the match was going to be on. so, Friday before leaving I set my DVR to record the game and set it an extra hour just in case.I go in media blackout mode all day and avoid TV, radio and any updates from family. I get home, turn on the TV, plop down in my recliner, choose the SOCCER recording and see ..... POKER! Evidently they decided to change which station was carrying the game. So, I have not read the thread and am going back into blackout mode. ESPN is reshowing the game at midnight. It's going to be a late night.

ESPN360 if you have access to that. I'm watching it again for kicks.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know this might get lost in the USMNT chatter, but we're almost done with our summer season. For those who don't know, I joined an amateur 11-on-11 team this summer for the first time after a few serious injuries. Last season, the team was 1-3-7 (W-D-L) for 6 points. They finished 2 points above relegation in 10th place out of 12 (11th had 5 points, 12th had 4).

This season, after tonight's 1-1 draw, we are 3-2-3 for 11 points from 8 games. Going into tonight, we were in 6th place. We played the team in 4th at their place...they had a full squad + 4 subs, we had only 11 players. We went up 1-0 in the first 15 minutes, and around the 25th, one of our good defenders went down with a foot injury. We played the other 65 minutes with 10 men, surrendering 1 goal around the 50th minute. We held strong in the end and earned the draw.

 

[AcerFC]

I'm buying a Howard jersey.

LOLI have a red long sleeve Metrostars shirt with number 18 on the back and Howards name. Its awesome.

 

[bentley]

Has anyone mentioned yet that Conor Casey sucks?

 

[AcerFC]

I blame Bradley - Brazil was more talented and deserved to win, but better coaching and use of substitutes in the second half could have altered the outcome. The US was spent by the time of the 2nd Brazilian goal.

This seems a bit unfair. I don't always like what he does and he seems to make questionable personnel decisions at times but today he put our best 11 out there with a decent game plan IMO. It was obvious in the 2h we were gassed and needed some game altering subs but it's not like Bradley had Dani Alves on his bench. His choices were pretty appalling and we were discussing it during the game here. We obviously needed subs bc Altidore, Davies, Benny, and Clark looked spent to me. But who do you bring on? Sacha for Altidore makes sense as it gives fresh legs to the midfield. Unfortunately Kljestan sucked hind ###. Torres would have been a good option I guess. But once Brazil went ahead you had to put offense out there and we only have one forward on the bench - Casey. One of our biggest weaknesses is we aren't as deep as other nations yet and we see a significant dropoff 15 or so deep. When Boca was out, our left back situation was atrocious. When Bradley is out, we have no subs in the middle. When Ching is out, we are left with Casey (yes there are others we didn't bring but nobody is an obvious option). Bradley game planned for a team that was significantly better skilled and against all odds, we almost won. It's disappointing how we lost but we played a great game against a great team and simply ran out of gas. Let's breath for a bit and not start blaming - enjoy what was a tremendous run by our national side.

Its not always about who you bring in. Substituting a little sooner would have helped disrupt the game flow a little, and could have given our guys a little breather.Having said that, I agree we are not deep enough to simply swap talent for talent. I was a little surprised not to see Torres in the game - he seems to have good ball control, and could have held the ball better in the midfield when we were struggling just to poke the ball out of our zone.

I agree with Sinn. It was at the 62 minute mark that I thought he needed to take Altidore or Davies out and I was leaning Davies. Im not putting the loss on him at all but I do think that one of the forwards needed to come out and it looks like everyone here saw the same thing.

 

[The Z Machine]

I would agree that the first sub came too late. Although honestly with the lack of depth I don't think it would have made a difference.

Sascha didn't do himself any favors this tournament. Beasley is effectively done on the international level unless something drastic changes (he is only 27, so it could happen). With the way he played I don't think he should get the call up for WC2010. Give that slot to Jones or Edu.

I'm not sure about where Ching belongs on this team and whether Davies did enough for him to get a starting slot. For that matter, I don't think Altidore did enough to warrant an automatic starting slot.

Some things to take away from this tournament are that the midfield starters are pretty solid: LD, Bradley, and Dempsey. The other MF position (which can be a holding role, or an attacking role) can go to Clark, Edu, Jones, or Feilhaber. I don't think Feilhber did enough for him to warrant an automatic starting position, especially if Jones plays up to his supposed level. I guess that Mastroeni is likely the old odd man out here. He may get the call up for the WC based on his previous play and effect on the locker room, but I really don't expect much out of him going forward.

The back line looked more solid as the tournament went on. It was in a tough position with both R and L back being up in the air and DeMerit having to come in as the other DC. He played well for the most part and I wouldn't have an issue with DeMerit starting again. Spector was better than I recall and definitely seemed to come into his own this tournament. As I said, he should push 'dolo for that starting spot for the WC. He's obviously the future there and Bornstein and Wynne look lost and in bad form. I don't mind Bocanegra playing left back. He is the best we have there IMO unless one of the other defensive players can make the switch to that position.

The future isn't as dim as we thought after the first 2 games for the US. The biggest ?? remain who will start up top for us.

 

[Mario Kart]

Right now I am I had to take a trip with my father to Florida this weekend and knew I would be on I95 North when the match was going to be on. so, Friday before leaving I set my DVR to record the game and set it an extra hour just in case.I go in media blackout mode all day and avoid TV, radio and any updates from family. I get home, turn on the TV, plop down in my recliner, choose the SOCCER recording and see ..... POKER! Evidently they decided to change which station was carrying the game. So, I have not read the thread and am going back into blackout mode. ESPN is reshowing the game at midnight. It's going to be a late night.

Time Stamp = GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!

 

[The Z Machine]

I hope that Mjolnirs brings the Hipple tonight.

 

[prefontaine]

Sascha didn't do himself any favors this tournament. Beasley is effectively done on the international level unless something drastic changes (he is only 27, so it could happen). With the way he played I don't think he should get the call up for WC2010. Give that slot to Jones or Edu.

Sacha was horrid. One of the best things to come out of this tournament to me is the emergence of Clark. I don't want him starting for us if we can help it (I'd much prefer Bradley/Benny) but it gives us a guy in the middle that we know can come in and at least play good defense. He is still scared on the ball and it is hard to maintain possession when one of your central mids has no holding ability whatsoever. But in a pinch, I can live it because he hustles and does what he is supposed to do at the back. As of now, that means Sacha is at best our 4th central mid and if Edu gets healthy and/or Jones joins he gets pushed even deeper on the depth chart. I'd also like to see more Torres but Bradley sees something not right. As for Beas, I still don't know who plays wing if LD or Dempsey gets hurt/suspended. We really have on answer there and we would probably do something weird like play Benny as a wing type player. That seems possible given we don't really play true wingers. It does worry me a bit that we have no one here at all though.

I'm not sure about where Ching belongs on this team and whether Davies did enough for him to get a starting slot. For that matter, I don't think Altidore did enough to warrant an automatic starting slot.

I think Ching takes Casey's roster spot. Of course we may carry more forwards if we are going to continue with the 4-4-2 which I assume we will. Who starts I dunno. I am sort of partial to Davies/Ching with Altidore coming in as a sub but I really have no idea how Davies and Ching will pair. I just think Jozy is not ready yet. The talent is there but he has no chemistry with anyone and his touch is awful. I really hope he can get a full season in this year.

Some things to take away from this tournament are that the midfield starters are pretty solid: LD, Bradley, and Dempsey. The other MF position (which can be a holding role, or an attacking role) can go to Clark, Edu, Jones, or Feilhaber. I don't think Feilhber did enough for him to warrant an automatic starting position, especially if Jones plays up to his supposed level. I guess that Mastroeni is likely the old odd man out here. He may get the call up for the WC based on his previous play and effect on the locker room, but I really don't expect much out of him going forward.

Benny seems to be well suited to coming off the bench as a sub IMO. I think if Jones is up to snuff, he is used just like he was in this tourney. I also wouldn't mind Pablo making the squad. I think having a few guys who've been through it before is helpful. And if you need someone to go foul the hell out of a guy, Pablo's your man. Honestly, when it comes to the final roster, if it's close, I bet Mastroeni goes vs someone like Adu or Klejstan. Bradley seems to value defense over offense (which I know upsets everyone but we've just proven what a great counterattacking team we are when we play this style correctly, and as much as I hate to admit it, this makes me respect the direction Bradley has taken us even though its not the most pleasing style).

The back line looked more solid as the tournament went on. It was in a tough position with both R and L back being up in the air and DeMerit having to come in as the other DC. He played well for the most part and I wouldn't have an issue with DeMerit starting again. Spector was better than I recall and definitely seemed to come into his own this tournament. As I said, he should push 'dolo for that starting spot for the WC. He's obviously the future there and Bornstein and Wynne look lost and in bad form. I don't mind Bocanegra playing left back. He is the best we have there IMO unless one of the other defensive players can make the switch to that position.

The backline looks solid. I think we have 4 that can play now. I wonder if Dolo or Spector would feel comfortable playing the left. If so, we can basically have 5 cover all 4 spots with Boca either starting in the middle or left and we can slide him back and forth as needed for injuries, suspensions, etc. Also, as much as I hate Hejduk, before this tournament, I would have thought he probably would end up starting for us. Our roster is starting to take shape.

The future isn't as dim as we thought after the first 2 games for the US. The biggest ?? remain who will start up top for us.

Short term it is a question mark. Long term I think it is clearly Jozy. I'm worried he won't be ready for WC2010 though and I do not expect him to start in Azteca.

 

[Buckfast 1]

Sascha didn't do himself any favors this tournament. Beasley is effectively done on the international level unless something drastic changes (he is only 27, so it could happen). With the way he played I don't think he should get the call up for WC2010. Give that slot to Jones or Edu.

Sacha was horrid. One of the best things to come out of this tournament to me is the emergence of Clark. I don't want him starting for us if we can help it (I'd much prefer Bradley/Benny) but it gives us a guy in the middle that we know can come in and at least play good defense. He is still scared on the ball and it is hard to maintain possession when one of your central mids has no holding ability whatsoever. But in a pinch, I can live it because he hustles and does what he is supposed to do at the back. As of now, that means Sacha is at best our 4th central mid and if Edu gets healthy and/or Jones joins he gets pushed even deeper on the depth chart. I'd also like to see more Torres but Bradley sees something not right.

Heartbreaking loss by the U.S. today, but you have to be happy to see them compete with the best teams in the world. I'm glad to hear that Ricardo Clark has been getting some recognition through this tournament. According to Sky Sports, he has been getting some interest from clubs in England, Italy, Spain, and France based on his performance in the Confederations Cup.

I grew up playing club soccer with Ricardo on the south side of Atlanta. He is a funny kid. It's fun to watch a guy playing on the U.S. Men's National Team that I played with who used to use McDonald's french fry boxes as shin guards and who was unable to name 3 MLS teams when quizzed by our coach now play on the highest stages of international soccer.

 

[eagles2007]

god that was frustrating to watch and i knew the outcome before hand unfortunately.

the good news is it was a step in the right direction. the bad news is, brazil still looks like it can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants.

we did do a pretty good job of shutting down that winger this time, though. that's good to see.

i wish we wouldn't give away corners like they were halloween candy. we really seem to have a tendency to play like 12-year-olds and just boot it over the end line whenever we're in trouble.

howard was spectacular today.

 

[Sammy3469]

"Ouch"...as other have said we got gassed around the 60-65 mark and should have subbed in sooner. The big difference between this game and Spain was Brazil got tothe end line and turned the defense. For some reason, Spain never did that while Brazil did. That was the space we were giving them and Brazil eventually took it.

I basically agree with both Z machine and prefontaine. The only things I would add is that if we assume Altidore actually gets a year of playing time for the next year, I have to assume hell be a better a player than Ching by that point. Davies may be a different matter, but if all three are healthy we basically have 3 forwards I'd feel confortable starting.

I also think that with the current configuration, there isn't much place in the team for Adu or Torres. When we bunker and counterattack (which we'll do against all top 10 teams) with Donovan and Dempsey on the outside, there just isn't much need for either on the field. With those tactics you need the two defensive MFs. Having said we won't be a true top 10 team until we can control the ball at least a little bit better. Hopefully Jones can provide some of that since at that point we can put a MF on the field where everyone can control the ball when pressured which would be the first time since I can remember.

 

[Mjolnirs]

This season, after tonight's 1-1 draw, we are 3-2-3 for 11 points from 8 games. Going into tonight, we were in 6th place. We played the team in 4th at their place...they had a full squad + 4 subs, we had only 11 players. We went up 1-0 in the first 15 minutes, and around the 25th, one of our good defenders went down with a foot injury. We played the other 65 minutes with 10 men, surrendering 1 goal around the 50th minute. We held strong in the end and earned the draw.

A 1-1 draw under those conditions is a win.

I hope that Mjolnirs brings the Hipple tonight.

I have no idea what this means.A great run by the US. Five straight outstanding halfs made for lots of excitement.It's been said before, but needs to be repeated, Howard is a beast. He just couldn't stop everything. The one non call in his net looked like a goal to me. The US's second goal was a thing of beauty.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

And the second American goal was one of the best goals I've seen scored by the American national team - what a great counterattack and finish. And Davies picked his head up and made a good pass too.

I've been on vacation, so I haven't been able to come in here and eat a little crow after talking about how horrible the US team is. I must say that the way the tournament unfolded made me feel a little better about them. Agreed that the counterattack goal was a thing of beauty. Wish they could play that way on a consistent basis. Disappointed that they couldn't keep Brazil under 3 goals for 45 minutes, but they played better of late than I have ever seen them play. :slowclap:

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I am really, really impressed with this lineup.

They need to start Feilhaber with Bradley in the middle.

You have to feel like our lineup is pretty much set. Ching being back in to pair with Altidore over Davies would likely be helpful and having Edu to come in for Benny or Bradley is certainly going be stronger in the midfield.

The point about having Edu (or Jones perhaps) is a good one, because the lack of depth on the side was never more glaring than yesterday. Brazil brought in Dani Alves and Elano, the US brought in Kljestan and Bornstein. One team got more dangerous, the other got significantly less so. It also illustrated the importance for attackers like Jozy to improve their fitness so they can play 90 minutes.I disagree with the bolded part. Perhaps it’s just me, but I don’t get the love for Ching. He seems like a diseased homeless man’s Brian McBride. I know he’s a target man, but I don’t think he’s much of one, especially at the international level. Perhaps he deserves Casey’s spot on the bench, but I don’t think he merits a starting spot. Davies, even though his vision is poor and he needs to improve his fitness, gives the US speed up top that they haven’t had for quite a while (since the immortal Cobi Jones, perhaps?) and that gives the US opportunities they weren’t getting for quite a while. Of course, a number of those opportunities will go by the board with Davies’ poor passing, but when he picks his head up, you get goals like the second one yesterday. I don’t see Ching bringing anything that creates additional opportunities – perhaps he’d be a good substitute to finish off matches, given the disparity in his work rate and Altidore’s.

Speaking of Jozy, he needs more playing time wherever he’s playing next season. I don’t care if it’s in the Belize Third Division, he must see a lot of playing time. He needs to improve his first touch, fitness, and work rate (I hope Bradley and every other US coach is in his ear about those last two). However, the guy is more dangerous than the other American options at this point. His physical presence creates opportunities when he wants to play – obviously the goal against Spain was a prime example, but he also drew some fouls from Brazil yesterday that came about simply because they couldn’t handle him.

In the midfield, I think Benny needs to start. He’s got more ability to hold the ball and make smart passes than any other US midfielder. He needs to improve his fitness, but he showed me what he’s capable of in this tournament. I hope he stays healthy next season. I liked what Clark showed (when he wasn’t getting a BS red card) and am interested to see what the future holds for him.

Defensively, I thought DeMerit and Spector showed they should be on the team. Spector held his own out on the wings in the last two matches against two challenging opponents. And DeMerit came on as the tourney progressed. He showed a lot of heart, displayed good strength in the air, and read the game well, cutting off passes time and time again. I thought he got unlucky on Fabiano’s first goal. I thought Gooch was okay – fantastic in the air, but got lost a few times with his assignments. Going forward, I think the US is deeper at the back now than they were at the start of the tournament.

Howard was excellent – he’s a world-class keeper and demonstrated why he is time and time again. I love his fiery nature at the back.

Tactically, I agree with the statements that the substitutions came too late. We needed fresh legs to help try and protect the 2-1 lead, not to break the 2-2 tie. I also thought we gave Brazil way too much space on the wings. Defensively, it appeared as if the tactics were similar to those employed against Spain, which looked to clog the middle at the cost of giving up space on the wings. That’s fine against Spain, but suicidal against Brazil. Brazilians have been attacking from the wings ever since they started playing the sport. I thought that was a mistake, but overall Bradley certainly showed he can get the team to play successfully against high level teams.

However, he or someone else from US Soccer needs to figure out how to address the officiating. The US got hosed with multiple weak red cards and I think it’s a trend, not a coincidence. Somehow, they need to talk to the right people and get a little more respect from the referees, or some member of Sam’s Army is going to end up murdering some ref after a World Cup match.

Finally, allow me to express my admiration for Landon Donovan. In my opinion, he was the best American player in this tournament even though Dempsey was voted third best player of the tournament. He played at a high level and sustained it for the tournament. His work rate was phenomenal and it never wavered. There have to be European clubs out there who watched him and thought he would help them. There are a number of mid to lower table Primera Liga teams who could use a guy like him. He was tremendous and I hope he can get a good offer to move on from MLS (especially after watching the Galaxy play in person last night).

What a crazy few weeks – I love being a soccer fan.

P.S. Can FIFA ban those obnoxious horns for the World Cup?

 

[B-Deep]

I just hate the flopping, flailing, rolling around like you are about to die

 

[andyjayhawker]

Just a thought I had from watching the USMNT in the tournament. It seems like after goal kicks we almost never win possession. I know in youth soccer they always talk about the "second ball" which I took to mean gaining possession after the initial header attempt on the goal kick. But it seems like the US always loses the ball in these situations. Howard typically kicks it about 2/3 the length of the field, but the opposition almost always gets possession on the second ball. Why not take shorter goal kicks and keep the ball?

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Just a thought I had from watching the USMNT in the tournament. It seems like after goal kicks we almost never win possession. I know in youth soccer they always talk about the "second ball" which I took to mean gaining possession after the initial header attempt on the goal kick. But it seems like the US always loses the ball in these situations. Howard typically kicks it about 2/3 the length of the field, but the opposition almost always gets possession on the second ball. Why not take shorter goal kicks and keep the ball?

Depends on the ability of your defenders to hold the ball under pressure and distribute it well. If a team has defenders like that or if the opposing team has dropped everyone way back, then it makes sense to do so. However, if the defenders are shaky with the ball, they'll be more likely to give the ball away deep in their half.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Finally, allow me to express my admiration for Landon Donovan. In my opinion, he was the best American player in this tournament even though Dempsey was voted third best player of the tournament. He played at a high level and sustained it for the tournament. His work rate was phenomenal and it never wavered. There have to be European clubs out there who watched him and thought he would help them. There are a number of mid to lower table Primera Liga teams who could use a guy like him. He was tremendous and I hope he can get a good offer to move on from MLS (especially after watching the Galaxy play in person last night). What a crazy few weeks – I love being a soccer fan. P.S. Can FIFA ban those obnoxious horns for the World Cup?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Germany hammering England 4-0 in the UEFA U-21 Championship match.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The US played Italy, Spain and Brazil twice with a net score of 4-5 (-1 to the US) while the games were 11 v 11.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Okay.....you're Bob Bradley, and you need to make a 23-man roster TODAY for next year's World Cup. Who do you choose? Who barely misses the cut? I'm going to make mine later, but I'm interested to see what the rest of you think.

You can set up a starting XI too if you'd like.

 

[Steve Tasker]

This season, after tonight's 1-1 draw, we are 3-2-3 for 11 points from 8 games. Going into tonight, we were in 6th place. We played the team in 4th at their place...they had a full squad + 4 subs, we had only 11 players. We went up 1-0 in the first 15 minutes, and around the 25th, one of our good defenders went down with a foot injury. We played the other 65 minutes with 10 men, surrendering 1 goal around the 50th minute. We held strong in the end and earned the draw.

A 1-1 draw under those conditions is a win.

I knew at least 1 person would read it.We've had a ton of trouble all year with subs. We've played with 0 subs in 3 of our 8 league games, and have never had more than 2 subs for any given game. In our cup game, which we lost even though we really outplayed the other team, we only had 9 guys show up and lost our captain to a broken arm....we played the last 15 minutes 8-on-11 and even managed to hit the post....but we couldn't quite tie it.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Seems about as settled as it has been in a very long time to me...

Davies Altidore

Donovan Dempsey

Bradley Feilhaber/Clark

Demerit Boca Onyewu Cherundolo/Spector

 

[The Z Machine]

Hmm 23 man roster. Assuming everyone is healthy. Here goes bolded names are locks

Goalkeepers (3): Howard, Guzan, Robles (don't really care about the 3rd keeper, but there should be 3 on the squad just in case)

Defense (7): Gooch, Cherundolo, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Hejduk, Pearce?

Midfield (9): LD, Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Jones or Pablo, Edu, Torres, Feilhaber, Adu

Striker (4): Altidore, Davies, Ching, Kenny Cooper

That's my best guess right now. The 4th striker seems like the biggest ? as well as who gets the final MF call-up: Adu, Torres, Edu, Feilhaber, or someone else. DMB is out, Sacha is out, Wynne is out, as is Connor Casey who didn't do a GD thing in the Confed Cup. I'm a bit concerned about the 7th defender on the squad. I have little confidence in any of the guys except for those I listed 9and little confidence in Pearce, although I think he's the least worst of the bunch).

 

[Steve Tasker]

Not necessarily who do you think will get picked though, but who would you WANT to see picked.

 

[walnutz]

Michael Bradley supposedly under investigation from FIFA. Alleged altercation with match referee in the tunnel after the Spain match. FIFA supposedly to announce results of investigation in coming days. This from Grant Wahl on cnnsi.com

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/grant_wa...ent?eref=fromSI

 

[Mjolnirs]

This season, after tonight's 1-1 draw, we are 3-2-3 for 11 points from 8 games. Going into tonight, we were in 6th place. We played the team in 4th at their place...they had a full squad + 4 subs, we had only 11 players. We went up 1-0 in the first 15 minutes, and around the 25th, one of our good defenders went down with a foot injury. We played the other 65 minutes with 10 men, surrendering 1 goal around the 50th minute. We held strong in the end and earned the draw.

A 1-1 draw under those conditions is a win.

I knew at least 1 person would read it.We've had a ton of trouble all year with subs. We've played with 0 subs in 3 of our 8 league games, and have never had more than 2 subs for any given game. In our cup game, which we lost even though we really outplayed the other team, we only had 9 guys show up and lost our captain to a broken arm....we played the last 15 minutes 8-on-11 and even managed to hit the post....but we couldn't quite tie it.

While we do have injuries, the bolded are why I will stay with YMCA Co-ed ball. No slide tackles makes things a lot less painful. Are you restricted on subbing or is pretty open?

 

[ffldrew]

Hmm 23 man roster. Assuming everyone is healthy. Here goes bolded names are locks

Goalkeepers (3): Howard, Guzan, Robles (don't really care about the 3rd keeper, but there should be 3 on the squad just in case)

Defense (7): Gooch, Cherundolo, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Hejduk, Pearce?

Midfield (9): LD, Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Jones or Pablo, Edu, Torres, Feilhaber, Adu

Striker (4): Altidore, Davies, Ching, Kenny Cooper

That's my best guess right now. The 4th striker seems like the biggest ? as well as who gets the final MF call-up: Adu, Torres, Edu, Feilhaber, or someone else. DMB is out, Sacha is out, Wynne is out, as is Connor Casey who didn't do a GD thing in the Confed Cup. I'm a bit concerned about the 7th defender on the squad. I have little confidence in any of the guys except for those I listed 9and little confidence in Pearce, although I think he's the least worst of the bunch).

I don't know that Casey deserves a spot or not on team - but it would have been nice to see him play with 10 other players on the field in the Confederations Cup. He was a later addition to the team and I think with his size he could help, if they get some practice time with him. He has been looking good for the Rapids in the box on those "garbage" like pickups and also in the air. He put one off the crossbar in SA off a header. US really needs to find someone who can do some damage in the air - I'm not sure who that is if it isn't Casey.

 

[Desert_Power]

Hmm 23 man roster. Assuming everyone is healthy. Here goes bolded names are locks

Goalkeepers (3): Howard, Guzan, Robles (don't really care about the 3rd keeper, but there should be 3 on the squad just in case)

Defense (7): Gooch, Cherundolo, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Hejduk, Pearce?

Midfield (9): LD, Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Jones or Pablo, Edu, Torres, Feilhaber, Adu

Striker (4): Altidore, Davies, Ching, Kenny Cooper

That's my best guess right now. The 4th striker seems like the biggest ? as well as who gets the final MF call-up: Adu, Torres, Edu, Feilhaber, or someone else. DMB is out, Sacha is out, Wynne is out, as is Connor Casey who didn't do a GD thing in the Confed Cup. I'm a bit concerned about the 7th defender on the squad. I have little confidence in any of the guys except for those I listed 9and little confidence in Pearce, although I think he's the least worst of the bunch).

I think DMB has to be on the squad. He brings way too much versatility over the course of a tournament to leave off the roster all together. I would see Bornstien in. I am fine with going with three forwards, Cooper just doesn't have the quality for the national team. No space at all for Pablo with all of those other holding mids.:ducksfortheDMBbashing:

 

[Christo]

I just hate the flopping, flailing, rolling around like you are about to die

Stop by my place, I'll kick you in the shins and we'll see how fast you jump back up.

 

[Desert_Power]

Anybody know anything about Santino Quaranta? He is on the Gold Cup roster at forward and I am not familiar with him.