***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

The person sliding to the middle would Dempsey, IMO- never Convey.

Hey- do you see Bornstein beating out Convey at the Left back? And wtf is the name of the US right back- plays in Germany (Ennergie Cottbus? Wolfsburgh?)- probably my favorite USMNT player and I can't think of his name...

Dempsey has rarely if ever played in the middle either for the US or at club level. Convey has experience in the middle going back to the youth national teams, along with DC United for a spell.I love Bornstein. The longer he is healthy the more chance he has to lock that position down on his own. Granted he has yet to play a top flight winger and that day will come to see his true defensive capability.

The name that escapes you is Steve Cherundolo from Hanover

I was sitting here thinking Steve... Steve... Steve...

And Dempsey- not saying he's ever played in the middle or is well-suited to play there. Just that if push came to shove and Convey (in my faulty memory) pushed him out of the right MF role, I'd rather see Dempsey stay on the field, even if that meant moving him into the middle to see how he worked out there.

 

[El Floppo]

how about:

Howard

Heyjuk... Gooch... Boca... Bornstein

Dempsey... Feilhaber... Bradley...Donovan

Johnson... Beasley

Donovan really on the flank? So crazy it just might work... but he's one of the rare US players I see doing better in the middle, attacking goal while facing it. Think he'd get a bit locked out out there on the sidelines.Hejduk... I honestly don't get why he's still in the mix. I like him fine as a player, great fitness and speed, solid sense of the game- but don't we have other, younger guys who should be getting the look there?

 

[andy_b]

Hejduk... I honestly don't get why he's still in the mix. I like him fine as a player, great fitness and speed, solid sense of the game- but don't we have other, younger guys who should be getting the look there?

The depth at this position is next to nil. There is a reason that someone as average a player as Chris Albright has received so many chances.They need to throw Simek in and let the kid get his feet wet at the right back spot.

 

[Bonzai]

how about:

Howard

Heyjuk... Gooch... Boca... Bornstein

Dempsey... Feilhaber... Bradley...Donovan

Johnson... Beasley

Donovan really on the flank? So crazy it just might work... but he's one of the rare US players I see doing better in the middle, attacking goal while facing it. Think he'd get a bit locked out out there on the sidelines.Hejduk... I honestly don't get why he's still in the mix. I like him fine as a player, great fitness and speed, solid sense of the game- but don't we have other, younger guys who should be getting the look there?

i just don't see donovan having that killer instinct need to attack the goal. I'd just like to see them give him a chance on the wing. Beasley is a guy i think we need to give more chances to score.

 

[jpeace121]

Thoughts:

Agree with Andy on Simek, just don't see Bradley throwing him in there. I'd also like to see Demerit getting more looks, but I'm not optimistic about that either.

Don't see Donovan on the flank. Floppo is right here, I think - Donovan is one of the decent options we have facing goal, and I think he will work better with a guy like EJ, who does better with his back to goal. Hopefully EJ will continue his form from MLS to the international stage.

FYI Floppo and other Red Bull fans - I'll be at RFK cheering heartily for your team's demise on Sunday afternoon. But Angel has me .

 

[andy_b]

In true US Soccer lunacy, the US National Team game will go up against the MLS prime time game on ESPN2.

One would think they could have been more intelligent with the scheduling. MLS should have burned a Thursday night game on a night that many of us will choose to watch the US game instead.

 

[El Floppo]

how about:

Howard

Heyjuk... Gooch... Boca... Bornstein

Dempsey... Feilhaber... Bradley...Donovan

Johnson... Beasley

Donovan really on the flank? So crazy it just might work... but he's one of the rare US players I see doing better in the middle, attacking goal while facing it. Think he'd get a bit locked out out there on the sidelines.Hejduk... I honestly don't get why he's still in the mix. I like him fine as a player, great fitness and speed, solid sense of the game- but don't we have other, younger guys who should be getting the look there?

i just don't see donovan having that killer instinct need to attack the goal. I'd just like to see them give him a chance on the wing. Beasley is a guy i think we need to give more chances to score.

Gonna disagree with you on Donovan- he's played himself into that central role primarily because he has been the guy on the USMNT who's first instinct is to attack the goal. That said- I watched a Galaxy game recently and barely heard his name called- as if he wasn't on the field.

 

[El Floppo]

Thoughts:Agree with Andy on Simek, just don't see Bradley throwing him in there. I'd also like to see Demerit getting more looks, but I'm not optimistic about that either.Don't see Donovan on the flank. Floppo is right here, I think - Donovan is one of the decent options we have facing goal, and I think he will work better with a guy like EJ, who does better with his back to goal. Hopefully EJ will continue his form from MLS to the international stage. FYI Floppo and other Red Bull fans - I'll be at RFK cheering heartily for your team's demise on Sunday afternoon. But Angel has me .

Gotta say- I've seen DC a couple of times on the tube... they are playing great through the offense. Is it Gomez in the middle? Fantastic. The times I've watched, they've not put together the final ball or touch for a good shot on goal- and they've given up cheap goals- but I see them putting it all together soon enough to do some real damage in the league.Hey- I saw that were recently invited/included in a Cup... Libertadores?

 

[El Floppo]

In true US Soccer lunacy, the US National Team game will go up against the MLS prime time game on ESPN2.One would think they could have been more intelligent with the scheduling. MLS should have burned a Thursday night game on a night that many of us will choose to watch the US game instead.

I was wondering what was happening with the Thursday night game.

 

[The Z Machine]

I really don't like Beasley as I think the guy wilts against a stiff defense.

I want to see if Eddie Johnson has the goods to step up his game on the national level. He seems to have the athletic ability to score, but then again that doesn't mean that much considering that Van Nistelrooy is the scoring leader right now in La Liga.

 

[jpeace121]

Gotta say- I've seen DC a couple of times on the tube... they are playing great through the offense. Is it Gomez in the middle? Fantastic. The times I've watched, they've not put together the final ball or touch for a good shot on goal- and they've given up cheap goals- but I see them putting it all together soon enough to do some real damage in the league.Hey- I saw that were recently invited/included in a Cup... Libertadores?

Copa Sudamerica. Where we drew........................wait for it.................................Chivas. Couldn't effing believe it when the draw came out. This time the shoe will be on the other foot though - we'll be in mid-season form, and they'll be out of season. Hopefully we can pay them back.Gomez is supporing the strikers, usually Emilio, who is in a real slump right now, and Moreno, who seems perpetually unwilling to take a shot. We have a new young Ivorian named Guy-Roland Kpene - tons of speed, but desperately lacks a finishing touch. So far this year teams have been marking Gomez right out of the game, and we really haven't had anyone else step into that role to pick up the slack. Usually Moreno ends up dropping into the midfield too, leaving Emilio all alone up top going against three or four defenders. We're starting to play better, but there's still lots of problems. If RBNY plays like they have been, it will be a tough game.

In true US Soccer lunacy, the US National Team game will go up against the MLS prime time game on ESPN2.One would think they could have been more intelligent with the scheduling. MLS should have burned a Thursday night game on a night that many of us will choose to watch the US game instead.

I was wondering what was happening with the Thursday night game.

It's even stranger when you consider that they didn't have a Thursday night game last week. Seems like they could have switched those weeks so they didn't have matches going head to head. But since when has ESPN ever done anything logical?

I really don't like Beasley as I think the guy wilts against a stiff defense.I want to see if Eddie Johnson has the goods to step up his game on the national level. He seems to have the athletic ability to score, but then again that doesn't mean that much considering that Van Nistelrooy is the scoring leader right now in La Liga.

I've mentioned before on here that sincer the last WC, my friends and I have called DMB 'backpass.' He seems to have found some confidence, but I'm not sure how long it will last. Maybe the Premiership helped him grow a pair.

 

[jpeace121]

Afternoon notes:

Cheslea are pissed with Real about their approach for Robben and are asking FIFA to investigate

Viduka passes medical and signs 2 year deal with the Tynesiders

Lalas admits interest in Figo

Reina latest to resign long-term deal with Liverpool

Bayern continue to stock up, sign Ribery

 

[The Z Machine]

Oh and Roberto Carlos is headed to Fenerbahçe (Turkey). Read that in the papers this morning. I think it's a loan, but I didn't read the article.

 

[B Maverick]

how about:

Howard

Heyjuk... Gooch... Boca... Bornstein

Dempsey... Feilhaber... Bradley...Donovan

Johnson... Beasley

Donovan really on the flank? So crazy it just might work... but he's one of the rare US players I see doing better in the middle, attacking goal while facing it. Think he'd get a bit locked out out there on the sidelines.Hejduk... I honestly don't get why he's still in the mix. I like him fine as a player, great fitness and speed, solid sense of the game- but don't we have other, younger guys who should be getting the look there?

I wish people would just forget Hejduck's name and leave him off the list. The kid can run all day and at speed but his descision making is the worst. His desire to dive into every tackle, slide everywhere and his worthless attempts at a bicycle kick makes it better if there were noone playing there instead of him. He needs to go.

I really don't like Beasley as I think the guy wilts against a stiff defense.

I want to see if Eddie Johnson has the goods to step up his game on the national level. He seems to have the athletic ability to score, but then again that doesn't mean that much considering that Van Nistelrooy is the scoring leader right now in La Liga.

Dont disparage Van Nistelrooy. Ruud is a pure goal scorer. Something NOONE in the US (other then McBride) is. I can only we had someone up front half as good as RVN at scoring goals.... we can only dream.Landon on the outside isnt bad. He serves the ball well. His problem is he wont beat anyone one on one to get to the goal. he is about ball in space and scoring. He will make a great run off someone and score but he isnt going to beat anyone to do it. He needs a guy like beckham or ronaldo to serve him up. Too bad he cant serve himself!!!

 

[andy_b]

Oh and Roberto Carlos is headed to Fenerbahçe (Turkey). Read that in the papers this morning. I think it's a loan, but I didn't read the article.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=6849248

 

[andy_b]

Landon on the outside isnt bad. He serves the ball well. His problem is he wont beat anyone one on one to get to the goal. he is about ball in space and scoring. He will make a great run off someone and score but he isnt going to beat anyone to do it. He needs a guy like beckham or ronaldo to serve him up. Too bad he cant serve himself!!!

Its strange how two people can see totally different things. If I was to describe Landon's play it would be 180 out of phase with your description which makes Landon sound like a mobile target player.

Landon's speed with the ball is his best asset and when he is in the mood he can be a deadly player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhYB6-jh-s0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPIOU9xVeTQ

 

[The Z Machine]

Dont disparage Van Nistelrooy. Ruud is a pure goal scorer. Something NOONE in the US (other then McBride) is. I can only we had someone up front half as good as RVN at scoring goals.... we can only dream.

Yes, Ruud is a pure goal scorer, because all he gets is four touches, and usually just three. Chest trap, turn, right foot, left foot, right foot shot. I mean the guy can shoot, but doesn't scare anyone with his speed. he needs good to great offensive midfielders that can put the cross or get him the ball at the top just inside the box. I respect Van Nistelrooy, but I don't have to like him. FWIW, I think he'd be pretty poor on the US team since they don't have the midfielders to get him the ball.

Landon on the outside isnt bad. He serves the ball well. His problem is he wont beat anyone one on one to get to the goal. he is about ball in space and scoring. He will make a great run off someone and score but he isnt going to beat anyone to do it. He needs a guy like beckham or ronaldo to serve him up. Too bad he cant serve himself!!!

Also have to disagree here. Donovan's best abilities come ON the ball, attacking up the gut, facing the net and getting either a shot off or a dump to a teammate for a shot. I don't think he has the ability to cross and play on the outside in the midfield, but then again, I've never seen him there so he might do alright. The guy's just got to suck it up and play hard against the big boys on the big stage.

 

[duker47]

Hey!

ESPN.com's soccernet page is saying tonight's national team game vs. Guatemala has been postponed.

I have not seen it anywhere else or info as to why. Anyone have any info as to whether or not ESPN is just plain wrong or why the game has been postponed?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Viduka passes medical and signs 2 year deal with the Tynesiders

 

[andy_b]

Hey!ESPN.com's soccernet page is saying tonight's national team game vs. Guatemala has been postponed.I have not seen it anywhere else or info as to why. Anyone have any info as to whether or not ESPN is just plain wrong or why the game has been postponed?

I am on that page now and don't see it. Its also not on Big Soccer (which gets news pretty much before anyone else) and I don't see it on ussoccer.comDo you have a link? I must just be not seeing it on the page I am on.

 

[El Floppo]

Dont disparage Van Nistelrooy. Ruud is a pure goal scorer. Something NOONE in the US (other then McBride) is. I can only we had someone up front half as good as RVN at scoring goals.... we can only dream.

Yes, Ruud is a pure goal scorer, because all he gets is four touches, and usually just three. Chest trap, turn, right foot, left foot, right foot shot. I mean the guy can shoot, but doesn't scare anyone with his speed. he needs good to great offensive midfielders that can put the cross or get him the ball at the top just inside the box. I respect Van Nistelrooy, but I don't have to like him. FWIW, I think he'd be pretty poor on the US team since they don't have the midfielders to get him the ball.

Landon on the outside isnt bad. He serves the ball well. His problem is he wont beat anyone one on one to get to the goal. he is about ball in space and scoring. He will make a great run off someone and score but he isnt going to beat anyone to do it. He needs a guy like beckham or ronaldo to serve him up. Too bad he cant serve himself!!!

Also have to disagree here. Donovan's best abilities come ON the ball, attacking up the gut, facing the net and getting either a shot off or a dump to a teammate for a shot. I don't think he has the ability to cross and play on the outside in the midfield, but then again, I've never seen him there so he might do alright. The guy's just got to suck it up and play hard against the big boys on the big stage.

Agreeing about disagreeing.Donovan isn't going to beat anybody on the turn with his back to the goal- but give him the ball at his feet and a full head of steam and he's at his strongest- beating guys with a quick touch rather than with a nice move. Like C Ronaldo, without the skills, moves, strength or shot (ok- nothing like C Ronaldo).

I think Donovan's missing Reyna and his ability to play the right ball and form up the attack. Since Reyna's retirement, it seems like Donovan has been trying too hard to find space and get the ball when he needs it. Also- opposing teams have figured out that it makes sense to mark him, which I've been seeing more of (especially trying to mark the passing lanes in front of him to deny him getting the ball)... and I've not seen Donovan do so well with that kind of marking.

 

[El Floppo]

Galaxy interested in Figo... curiouser and curiouser.

LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has confirmed he would love to pair David Beckham with Luis Figo in the MLS next season. Figo - a former Real Madrid team-mate of Beckham's - recently rejected a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad and has also ruled out playing for another team in Europe, seemingly paving the way for a switch to the US. Lalas told Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias: 'We know that Figo is on the market and we will follow the situation very carefully. 'If the player were interested in experiencing a spell in the United States we would be ready to do anything to sign him. 'The MLS' main objective is to allow our league to become one of the most important in the world.' Beckham has already agreed a five-year deal to join the Galaxy on July 1 when his contract at Real Madrid expires.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey!

ESPN.com's soccernet page is saying tonight's national team game vs. Guatemala has been postponed.

I have not seen it anywhere else or info as to why. Anyone have any info as to whether or not ESPN is just plain wrong or why the game has been postponed?

I am on that page now and don't see it. Its also not on Big Soccer (which gets news pretty much before anyone else) and I don't see it on ussoccer.comDo you have a link? I must just be not seeing it on the page I am on.

I see it listed here as postponed, Andy- but I don't see any news about it yet.

 

[The Z Machine]

#### these old retired bastages. Don't throw money at Figo.

Go after up and comers in Europe, people who can make a difference and stick around for a little bit.

I don't want the MLS to be like Saudi Arabian football.

 

[El Floppo]

Galaxy interested in Figo... curiouser and curiouser.

LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has confirmed he would love to pair David Beckham with Luis Figo in the MLS next season. Figo - a former Real Madrid team-mate of Beckham's - recently rejected a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad and has also ruled out playing for another team in Europe, seemingly paving the way for a switch to the US. Lalas told Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias: 'We know that Figo is on the market and we will follow the situation very carefully. 'If the player were interested in experiencing a spell in the United States we would be ready to do anything to sign him. 'The MLS' main objective is to allow our league to become one of the most important in the world.' Beckham has already agreed a five-year deal to join the Galaxy on July 1 when his contract at Real Madrid expires.

Sorry Jpeace... missed this on your previous post.

 

[El Floppo]

#### these old retired bastages. Don't throw money at Figo.Go after up and comers in Europe, people who can make a difference and stick around for a little bit.I don't want the MLS to be like Saudi Arabian football.

Figo, Becks... those guys can both still play and I'd guess can give a couple of years to the league. They ain't no Lothar "I can play against the Americans after 'training' in the Maldives with frothy rum drinks and half-nekkid bimbettes" Matheus.But I'd agree that the best thing would be to sign younger stars- there's just no way we're going to lure them over here yet. This is what we're doing with Caribbean and Central American players at least- lots of CONCACAF national teamers have worked their way through MLS. I'm happy to see the beginning of CONMEBOL players coming up- they certainly have enough talent in S America to send some of it up here.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Becks has more miles in him than Figo, whose game has gone down several notches in the last 2 years.

 

[El Floppo]

I think Becks has more miles in him than Figo, whose game has gone down several notches in the last 2 years.

No doubt- there's a reason he's coming in off the bench. But I think he's still got more than enough game to help the league and young American teammates for a couple of years.

 

[El Floppo]

More importantly- any more news on the "postponed" US v Guatemala game?

The ESPN message board has a thread with people confused about it too (and no answers yet)

 

[jpeace121]

More importantly- any more news on the "postponed" US v Guatemala game?The ESPN message board has a thread with people confused about it too (and no answers yet)

BS people are writing it off as a typical Soccernet mistake. Nothing comes up about it on a Google news search, nor at US Soccer's home page. I think its just another instance of ESPN being .

 

[jpeace121]

Nice article here about Franky Simek. Wednesday have put a $4.5 million price tag on him, and apparently Everton and others are interested. Sure hope he gets a chance to show his stuff in the Premiership next season.

Simek a transfer target for Premiership teams

 

[El Floppo]

Nice article here about Franky Simek. Wednesday have put a $4.5 million price tag on him, and apparently Everton and others are interested. Sure hope he gets a chance to show his stuff in the Premiership next season.

Simek a transfer target for Premiership teams

Nice article- I didn't know much about him.

 

[Bonzai]

can't find a bar in town carrying the game.

i did find this sweet link though.

 

[whoknew]

Starting lineup for tonight's game:

Howard

Hejduk

Bocanegra

Bornstein

Onyewu

Feilhaber

Donovan

Bradley

Beasley

Twellman

Dempsey

No Eddie Johnson?

 

[jpeace121]

Curious that both EJ isn't starting. Should be interesting to see how this team takes shape when the match starts. Seems like it might be a 4-3-1-2, with Donovan behind Twellman and Dempsey, then Feilhaber central with DMB on one side and Bradley on the other?

Don't like Twellman starting here. He has not done well internationally. Maybe Bradley is hoping his speed will help against the Guatemalans. It would be nice to see him have a good match and build some confidence. Just hope it doesn't backfire.

 

[whoknew]

Guatamala is not good.

 

[whoknew]

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Guatamala is not good.

nice feed by Twellman on that goal.

 

[Bonzai]

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dempsey, eh?how did it look?

 

[whoknew]

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dempsey, eh?how did it look?

Guatamala's D made a REALLY bad play while Beasley made a nice pass to Twellman, who had a nice cross to Dempsey. Dempsey had a wide open net.

 

[Bonzai]

what formation are they using?

 

[Steve Tasker]

How do we look? Game's not on here.....

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

game is on Fox Soccer Channel, fwiw.

US is dominating.

 

[Steve Tasker]

game is on Fox Soccer Channel, fwiw.US is dominating.

Yeah I know....I watch FSC all the time at home, but we don't get digital cable at my apartment....so I'm stuck with Houston/Colorado.Good to hear we're killing them.

 

[jpeace121]

We're definitely playing better than Guatemala, but I still don't think we look good. Twellman had an absolute howler as he missed a wide open header, made worse by the fact that he ran right in front of Dempsey to do it. Good flurry of activity at the end of the half, but other than that, the score more represents how bad Guate is than how good we have played. I think the bright spots for us so far have been Beasley, Dempsey, and Feilhaber.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'd agree. US doesn't look particularly good, but guatemala is really really bad.

 

[whoknew]

We're definitely playing better than Guatemala, but I still don't think we look good. Twellman had an absolute howler as he missed a wide open header, made worse by the fact that he ran right in front of Dempsey to do it. Good flurry of activity at the end of the half, but other than that, the score more represents how bad Guate is than how good we have played. I think the bright spots for us so far have been Beasley, Dempsey, and Feilhaber.

I agree completely. Guatamala is REALLY bad.The whole group is bad. This may be their toughest game in the group since all of T&T is on strike, from what I understand.It'll be a little different in Copa America -- with a group of Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay.

 

[B Maverick]

As usual, i am watching a different game then the rest of you. I am happy with the US for the most part. Donovan is looking right at home on the outside serving up the balls. For the first time in a long time the US is actually getting service to its front players.

Hejuck, whom i hate with a passion as a player, has played controlled. Gets the ball and passes it. No dribbling, diving in and few maniac runs.

Goal was great. Great play by Beasley to Twellman and Dempsey finished nicely. The US has controlled the midfield and Howard has been left to do nothing. A great sign. Gooch has been caught out of position but hasnt hurt, yet.

Beasley should have scored. I realize he was called for Offside, but he should have scored. A left footed outswinger? Is he high? Put the ball on your right and bend it far post.

Twellman should have scored and if he had it would have been a great goal.

I agree that Guatamala is bad. And their bunch up in the back tactics really dont look good. The US is taking advantage of that. They are controlling their back , getting it into the MF and outside for a cross.

This is how you win games. Settle in the back, dont panic, work the ball around with 1 and 2 touch passing, get the ball down the outside and serve it up for the strikers.

Again, Guatamala is BAD. They seem to be a bit rough/dirty (twellman taking an elbow in the first minute) and someone may get injured/ejected. But I am happy with the US' lineup and play (even with Frankie H in the back)

 

[Bonzai]

just saw EJ got into the game...

 

[whoknew]

I don't think anyone, B Mav, was saying the US looks bad. They are just not playing great against a weak opponent. I will agree, though, that this is the best Hejduk has looked in a long time.

Oh and Man U still sucks.