whoknew
Footballguy
Really? I thought Pearce played very well.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Pearce = 
Really? I thought Pearce played very well.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I'm not sold on him yet. He had his moments, but there were a few times where he was dispossessed waaaay too easily. I realize the Argentines are better players, but for a defender making a wing run, I'd hope for more. Maybe I'm being too particular.Really? I thought Pearce played very well.
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
Nice run down the left and sweet cross from Pierce
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
Woodwork!
The Z Machine
Footballguy
There was a stretch there that the US looked to have a few chances in the Argentina zone. Then Eddie Johnson grabs some dude's junk after he losese the ball.
I don't want to see EJ put on the US uni for a LONG while... Dude needs to go.
I don't want to see EJ put on the US uni for a LONG while... Dude needs to go.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
BTW, I for those of you that don't get ESPN Classic, this game is also on Galavison, which where I'm watching.
Picture is terrible though.
Picture is terrible though.
Eli2Shockey
Footballguy
score?
whoknew
Footballguy
none
The Z Machine
Footballguy
The Argentineans aren't taking this game nearly as seriously as the US is. It's showing in a lack of coordinated attack. They're content to just go 1-on-1 from time to time, and freelance a bunch. Not a good showing for them.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Adu in for Dempsey. Gooch out. Didn't see who went in. 62nd minute.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Spanish language commentators are talking about the things that Adu brings to the game. Good skills, and they said, that although he's small, the lower center of gravity helps from time to time. Interesting take. They also said that the US offense can revolve around him in the middle of the field.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
What the hell was that? No shot whatsoever? EJ's first tough was too long, he should have either on-touched it, or brought it in closer to take shot. Abandonizerri was closing quick and he should have known better.
Last edited by a moderator:
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
God EJ is awful
Touch is consistently brutal
Touch is consistently brutal
The Z Machine
Footballguy
These 3 games should prove to Bradley that he can leave EJ at home.
Straight RED??? What the hell?
Straight RED??? What the hell?
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
Red card for Mastroeni??
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Thanks, Pablo
This will be a long final 20 with it 11-on-10...
This will be a long final 20 with it 11-on-10...
The Z Machine
Footballguy
It sure looked like Mastroeni didn't doa damned thing there. Maybe he said something, but it must have been something terrible. A Cameronessi-level insult that the ref heard.
What a shame. This game is a joke.
What a shame. This game is a joke.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Kljestan for Eddie Johnson
ABOUT ####### TIME
ABOUT ####### TIME
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
@ "That's Diabolical" comment by Harkes
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Spanish commnetators talking about Adu's intelligence after he draws that foul. Giving the US a chance to rest and clear the ball from their zone.
Churundolo seems to be playing decently on the right.
Churundolo seems to be playing decently on the right.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
THat was poor form there. An ugly foul, and should be a straight red IMO.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Pearce is impressive so far this half. Not so bad after all.
Also, I've been impressed with Sacha Kljestan so far. He's only been in for like 10 minutes but he looks good.
Also, I've been impressed with Sacha Kljestan so far. He's only been in for like 10 minutes but he looks good.
Tremendous Upside
Footballguy
Watch that run and tell me Adu doesn't have world class skills
Last edited by a moderator:
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I'l give him an "Ehhh" so far. Not enough touches to say either way.Adu does bring something. He's earned a strong look at being a starter IMO. Edu has played not as well I've seen him before.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Was someone in here saying he isn't good? (Seriously....I may have missed it)Adu = 
The Z Machine
Footballguy
RIght after I talk #### about Sasha he make a great play to open up a shot.
Amazing what a good touch can do, isn't it?
Amazing what a good touch can do, isn't it?
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
He's one of those guys that I watch and realize he's really really good but probably won't ever get a real chance. I'd love to see him start a friendly every now and then....he's got some talent.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
A well-earned draw. They played well....one of the best 0-0 results I've ever seen.
For what? Walking around and having a red card shoved in his face for nothing?
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Sure looks like some of the Argie players had it out for Adu. That game was getting out of hand with the fouls and the rain.
Howard was the difference maker in the 1st half. After he made a few quality stops, it seemed that Argentina toned down their seriousness in the game. Gonzalo Rodriguez is an enforcer back there, and wasn't afraid to make hard challenges and mix it up. Gooch should take notes on how to put the physical pressure on from him IMO.
I thought that Pearce played pretty well, DMB did the things that he was supposed to do, although I wish he could have more of an impact. LD is LD, he makes runs, he has some of the best athleticism on the team and the other teams know this.
No one on the US could finish worth a damn once again. There were some chances, but there was a lot of running around, losing the ball, looking like chickens with their heads cut off in the Argentina zone. The defense was pretty solid all in all, with Howard being the obvious bright spot.
Can you imagine where the USMNT would be without world-class goalies? Ugh, I shudder to think about it.
Howard was the difference maker in the 1st half. After he made a few quality stops, it seemed that Argentina toned down their seriousness in the game. Gonzalo Rodriguez is an enforcer back there, and wasn't afraid to make hard challenges and mix it up. Gooch should take notes on how to put the physical pressure on from him IMO.
I thought that Pearce played pretty well, DMB did the things that he was supposed to do, although I wish he could have more of an impact. LD is LD, he makes runs, he has some of the best athleticism on the team and the other teams know this.
No one on the US could finish worth a damn once again. There were some chances, but there was a lot of running around, losing the ball, looking like chickens with their heads cut off in the Argentina zone. The defense was pretty solid all in all, with Howard being the obvious bright spot.
Can you imagine where the USMNT would be without world-class goalies? Ugh, I shudder to think about it.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Well, when I posted that, I was under the impression he had done something deserving of an RC. If it was a misunderstanding....well that's bull####.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I think he said something terrible to the ref, or about the ref. I think he had been talking #### about the ref all game and that was the final straw.Does anyone recall Pablo getting a warning from the ref earlier? I wish it would have been Eddie Johnson given the roja directa for grabbing some dude's junk after losing the ball (again).
jpeace121
Footballguy
Not being a fan of Donovan, I hate to do this. But he made a huge difference for this team tonight. The attitude was completely different than the last two games. Yes, the Argies didn't take this game very seriously, but they did put out a lot of talent. We came out looking to win, not to not lose. Some dodgy moments from the defense, but Timmy was :X tonight.
Once again, all this game did was prove that EJ doesn't deserve a place on the qualifying squad. Can't believe that Cooper didn't see the pitch tonight, considering his form lately. I thought that the defense did play well. You're going to give up some chances against a team like Argentina, no matter how good you are or how tight you play. I thought Califf was outstanding, and should be the first choice there ahead of Boca. Dolo and Pearce also should have the outside back positions locked down. Thought Pearce looked very good tonight, and Dolo was solid as usual.
I liked Bradley and Pablo (no idea on the red card), but playing both of them in the middle leaves us with one guy up top, and we haven't been able to find the one guy who can make it happen up there by himself. DMB had a great game, but Dempsey had another forgettable one. Dempsey has too much talent to ignore, but the flank just doesn't seem like the place for him.
Thought the subs looked good in limited time. Adu has buckets of skill, I love his confidence.
All in all, a great match for us. It's nice to see the team develop from the England match (awful) to the Spain match (good for one half) to tonight, where we put together a very solid 90 minutes.
Can't wait for qualification to begin.
Once again, all this game did was prove that EJ doesn't deserve a place on the qualifying squad. Can't believe that Cooper didn't see the pitch tonight, considering his form lately. I thought that the defense did play well. You're going to give up some chances against a team like Argentina, no matter how good you are or how tight you play. I thought Califf was outstanding, and should be the first choice there ahead of Boca. Dolo and Pearce also should have the outside back positions locked down. Thought Pearce looked very good tonight, and Dolo was solid as usual.
I liked Bradley and Pablo (no idea on the red card), but playing both of them in the middle leaves us with one guy up top, and we haven't been able to find the one guy who can make it happen up there by himself. DMB had a great game, but Dempsey had another forgettable one. Dempsey has too much talent to ignore, but the flank just doesn't seem like the place for him.
Thought the subs looked good in limited time. Adu has buckets of skill, I love his confidence.
All in all, a great match for us. It's nice to see the team develop from the England match (awful) to the Spain match (good for one half) to tonight, where we put together a very solid 90 minutes.
Can't wait for qualification to begin.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Just got back from the game... Pablo was jawing at the ref all night, and clearly got in his face for some more jibbah-jabbah after that "foul". His earlier yellow was deserved, if at least for repeated fouls... and then the idiocy of continuing to get in the ref's face after drawing the yellow.
El Floppo
Footballguy
he was god-awful vs England, but Pearce had an excellent game tonight- looked to get forward, and held form in the back. Also distributed the ball a hell of lot better than I've been seeing from him in the past. Plus, he's capable and willing to rip some shots off when he gets up- with a hammer of a left foot.
That's crap. You don't get tossed for saying something to the ref. Even if you already have a yellow.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I was giving Sasha the "ehh", not Pearce.
PinkydaPimp
Footballguy
how did u get out so fast! im still in the garage by the new stadium! way too much traffic! real good game tonight! great crowd!
andy_b
Footballguy
Wonderfully fun game tonight. I usually find most 0-0 friendlies akin to hot needles in the eye but this one was full of passion, hard tackles and a wonderful crowd that really seem to wake up to the fact that the US played well.
Freddy has looked good for three straight games against the best players in the world. Now I know its just a friendly, but it seems to me he is earning his spot on this team and if he continues to play like this, he is going to start asking questions of why he is not starting.
I hate to say this, but I think I would rather see Ching in there than EJ at this point. This doesn't seem to be a confidence thing. I don't think he has the make up to be a special player. I am afraid that Bradley is going to continue to play him in the early rounds and he may score against the weak competition giving Bradley more reasons to play him as qualifying continues.
I fly the Donovan flag more than most in here. He is not always, for lack of a better term, "in the mood", but when he is the team seems to feed off of him. You can always tell when he wants to play because he has that extra gear that he uses in midfield to break away.
Freddy has looked good for three straight games against the best players in the world. Now I know its just a friendly, but it seems to me he is earning his spot on this team and if he continues to play like this, he is going to start asking questions of why he is not starting.
I hate to say this, but I think I would rather see Ching in there than EJ at this point. This doesn't seem to be a confidence thing. I don't think he has the make up to be a special player. I am afraid that Bradley is going to continue to play him in the early rounds and he may score against the weak competition giving Bradley more reasons to play him as qualifying continues.
I fly the Donovan flag more than most in here. He is not always, for lack of a better term, "in the mood", but when he is the team seems to feed off of him. You can always tell when he wants to play because he has that extra gear that he uses in midfield to break away.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ok- some thoughts from the game.
GOD-AWFUL hot. 90-something degrees with the humidity making the heat-factor around 8 billion degrees. I was sweating my balls off just sitting in the stands- hat's off to the players for running 90 minutes. I really think the heat added up to some of the chippy play on the field. Amazing atmosphere- dictated mostly by the majority Argentine fans... but Sam's Army did a great job making noise for themselves.
I went into the game wanting to watch the middle of the field- specifically Bradley and his mate (Pablo, tonight).
For shape- the MF really packed the middle, either DMB or Dempsey pushing in when the ball was on the opposite side. This allowed the Argentines to switch the play almost at will- but only because they had the skill to hit pin-point 50 yard balls over and through the US MF.
Man, Bradley and Pablo played awfully deep, but somehow still managed to allow the Argentines to find the gaps between them and the central backs. Part of this had to do with trying to contend with Messi and part of it had to do with the Arg forwards doing a great job of finding those seams , but the seams just shouldn't be there given how deep the US cenrtral MF was playing. Not so happy with Bradley's spacing, or his pace with the ball (stuck to his foot too long and too slow on offense). Edu pushed himself up further than Bradley (or coach Bradley had him push further) and the shape of the US team looked better immediately upon his entry in the 2nd half... yeah- it opened up the team a little bit to some quicker attacks and counters, but with Bradley in there the Argentines were able to get right through the middle too often anyways.
Pablo showed good hustle, spacing and was able to make good, quick decisions with the ball. Outside of the hinky stuff with the opponents and the ref, thought he had a solid game.
The US still lacks the ability to move the ball quickly- outside of one or two players- and this hurt them moving forward. DMB should be one of those guys, and maybe it's still his recovery from injury, but he looked a little slow most of the night.
Dempsey... he was just awful. I don't get it. Touch was off, vision off... at least he worked hard, but he looked slow and lethargic. I really think that EPL season and the burden of shouldering Fulham for the first half of the season has him worn out. Could use a month off, from the looks of things.
EJ... looked better than he has to me- which isn't saying much. But he was able to win a couple balls and hold onto them- so that's a step in the right direction at least. Was fighting for air-balls- another positive step. But I tried to watch him off the ball, and his instincts are el suck. He doens't seem to have a clue when or where to make runs... it was infuriating watching him.
Donovan... the US has CLEARLY missed his presence the last two games. Took command with the ball at his feet, and hustled defensively. Was really the only player to attack the Argentines with ill-intent. Showed pace and quickness on and off the ball. Color me very impressed... could Beck's professionalism be rubbing off on him?
Pearce... I commented in another post above- very solid game for him after a couple of clunkers.
Gooch and Califf... up and down. The MF spacing didn't help them once again, but that teams are attacking us right down the gut doesn't speak well for what's going on in the back.
Howard was a monster, obviously.
...
General thoughts-
The Argentine fans were booing and then chanting during the US anthem
.
We sat not far from Kasey Keller... will try and upload a pic I tried to take of him with the new phone... at least, I think I took a pic.
Thought the US did a good job with Messi, but got eaten up by the forwards Cruz and... #11.
We took off not long after the Pablo red... with the subs and impending defensive posture (and heat and sold out stadium) I just figured it was best to get the hell out of there. Didn't figure I'd need to see how the US holds a nil draw with 10 men.
Mascherano is a punk. Great player, but lots and lots of whining and hand wringing when he gets hit, and not so much when he's dishing it out.
The Argentines started complaining loudly and frequently to the ref about somebody on the US squad throwing elbows.
GOD-AWFUL hot. 90-something degrees with the humidity making the heat-factor around 8 billion degrees. I was sweating my balls off just sitting in the stands- hat's off to the players for running 90 minutes. I really think the heat added up to some of the chippy play on the field. Amazing atmosphere- dictated mostly by the majority Argentine fans... but Sam's Army did a great job making noise for themselves.
I went into the game wanting to watch the middle of the field- specifically Bradley and his mate (Pablo, tonight).
For shape- the MF really packed the middle, either DMB or Dempsey pushing in when the ball was on the opposite side. This allowed the Argentines to switch the play almost at will- but only because they had the skill to hit pin-point 50 yard balls over and through the US MF.
Man, Bradley and Pablo played awfully deep, but somehow still managed to allow the Argentines to find the gaps between them and the central backs. Part of this had to do with trying to contend with Messi and part of it had to do with the Arg forwards doing a great job of finding those seams , but the seams just shouldn't be there given how deep the US cenrtral MF was playing. Not so happy with Bradley's spacing, or his pace with the ball (stuck to his foot too long and too slow on offense). Edu pushed himself up further than Bradley (or coach Bradley had him push further) and the shape of the US team looked better immediately upon his entry in the 2nd half... yeah- it opened up the team a little bit to some quicker attacks and counters, but with Bradley in there the Argentines were able to get right through the middle too often anyways.
Pablo showed good hustle, spacing and was able to make good, quick decisions with the ball. Outside of the hinky stuff with the opponents and the ref, thought he had a solid game.
The US still lacks the ability to move the ball quickly- outside of one or two players- and this hurt them moving forward. DMB should be one of those guys, and maybe it's still his recovery from injury, but he looked a little slow most of the night.
Dempsey... he was just awful. I don't get it. Touch was off, vision off... at least he worked hard, but he looked slow and lethargic. I really think that EPL season and the burden of shouldering Fulham for the first half of the season has him worn out. Could use a month off, from the looks of things.
EJ... looked better than he has to me- which isn't saying much. But he was able to win a couple balls and hold onto them- so that's a step in the right direction at least. Was fighting for air-balls- another positive step. But I tried to watch him off the ball, and his instincts are el suck. He doens't seem to have a clue when or where to make runs... it was infuriating watching him.
Donovan... the US has CLEARLY missed his presence the last two games. Took command with the ball at his feet, and hustled defensively. Was really the only player to attack the Argentines with ill-intent. Showed pace and quickness on and off the ball. Color me very impressed... could Beck's professionalism be rubbing off on him?
Pearce... I commented in another post above- very solid game for him after a couple of clunkers.
Gooch and Califf... up and down. The MF spacing didn't help them once again, but that teams are attacking us right down the gut doesn't speak well for what's going on in the back.
Howard was a monster, obviously.
...
General thoughts-
The Argentine fans were booing and then chanting during the US anthem
.We sat not far from Kasey Keller... will try and upload a pic I tried to take of him with the new phone... at least, I think I took a pic.
Thought the US did a good job with Messi, but got eaten up by the forwards Cruz and... #11.
We took off not long after the Pablo red... with the subs and impending defensive posture (and heat and sold out stadium) I just figured it was best to get the hell out of there. Didn't figure I'd need to see how the US holds a nil draw with 10 men.
Mascherano is a punk. Great player, but lots and lots of whining and hand wringing when he gets hit, and not so much when he's dishing it out.
The Argentines started complaining loudly and frequently to the ref about somebody on the US squad throwing elbows.
El Floppo
Footballguy
We bailed out at around 80min mark, not too long after the red card to Pablo- figured there was going to be much to be seen from 5 subs defending a 0-0 game. Had gotten to the stadium early to find a parking spot near the exits too.Similar threads
