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I agree. and right now Edu is the worst out of the three: Kljestan, Bradley, Edu, who can all play similar positions. I do however think that Edu has the most upside potential out of all 3. He needs to get experience and seasoning though, and that may (probably) won't come before WC2010. He might be in the starting MF in WC2014 though.Finally, we all love Kljestan, but something tells me Bradley won't start him on a consistent basis. Time will tell.
He needs to actually get playing time for Rangers.
I remember the Ranger's staff really liking Edu earlier in the year- despite the lack of PT. Something along the lines of "he's still really young, and we're looking forward to grooming him for a long stay here"... or I could be making that all up with my bad memory. Anybody else recall something like that? If so, would support Z's thought for trying to get him PT with the US
The game is in El Salvador on the 28th. It is not a home gamehttp://www.ussoccer.com/schedule/index.jsp.htmlSteve Tasker for Prez said:Well of course....but this is El Salvador. I'm not one to say "take a game lightly", but if there's a game where we can play a bit more of an experimental lineup in the WCQ's and hopefully escape with a win, it's a home game vs. El Salvador. Bradley still won't, though.Christo said:
You're right, I misread my calendar.The game is in El Salvador on the 28th. It is not a home gamehttp://www.ussoccer.com/schedule/index.jsp.htmlSteve Tasker for Prez said:Well of course....but this is El Salvador. I'm not one to say "take a game lightly", but if there's a game where we can play a bit more of an experimental lineup in the WCQ's and hopefully escape with a win, it's a home game vs. El Salvador. Bradley still won't, though.Christo said:
So experimentation is prolly out then.I have a few Salvi friends and I always give them #### about El Salvador being the worst nation in WC (finals) history. They've made it to the finals twice... having scored a total of 1 goal in 6 games. Furthermore this 1 lone goal came in a 10-1 loss to Hungary, the worst loss in finals history.The US should win in San Salvador, but like nearly all CONCACAF away games in central america, they're gonna have to deal ####ty field conditions, terrible reffing, and some very abusive taunts/objects from the stands.Let's get this win in the hexagonal and when the Salvatruchas return to the US, we can field a team of Under 23s and see what happens.
Not to mention a 24 hour party in front and around their hotel, which will be advertised in all local media. Sleep =
This tournament is being sponsored by SUM (MLS's marketing arm) and Disney. All these games will be on ESPN/ESPN2. Some of these teams will also play MLS sides (I know Chelsea will be playing Seattle for example).
Is Cherundolo hurt? I assume he is since he is not on the roster, as such I think we may be stuck with Frankie. He played very well vs Mexico (relatively speaking), so hopefully he stays in control and does not do anything dumb.
Cherundulo has a hip strain- that position is his unless he's hurt.Yeah- Hejduk was close to man-o-the-match against Mexico... which really hurts to say.
He has his moments. He had a good game against Mexico.
The roster is for both the El Salvador and T&T game, so Howard will likely be back in the box for the second game. And yes, I think I read somewhere that Guzan will get the start at El Salvador.
I would like to see your dream of Edu come to life as well. Bradley plays an attacking midfielder role in the Bundesliga and from everything I've read about him in those leagues he excels going forward, so it would be nice to be able to have him using his best talents.But like others have said, at this point in qualifying its about getting as many points as possible when you can, not about playing guys with unproven potential and seeing if they can grow into their roles. It remains to be seen what guys like Edu, Adu, Torres and even Kljestan (seemed to play nervously agianst Mexico) can do at this level. I don't know if starting them in arguably to most hostile playing envirments in all of the World when they haven't really been exposed to them much is the best idea at this point.
Although I would prefer to see Altidore get the start up top and a broomstick would probably be just as effective as Pearce. I've stated earlier, but am still unsure, that it might be best if there is any young DC that could develop by 2010 to come in and then we could move Boca to left Fullback, which is the position he plays at Rennes.
I think this lineup is going to be the one we see. It has been a while since Pablo has played for the US though so he might be the only question in my mind that Bradley may need to think about.As for Boca, I believe he is more affective in the middle at the international level. His lack of foot speed can and will be exploited at the World Cup if he is outside trying to cover a winger. Our best hope I still believe lies with Spector. It is great to see him in camp and hopefully he can make the leap. Pearce is serviceable at the CONCACAF level(like Ching) but will not be good enough for the cup next summer.
Great stuff guys- I agree with Andy on just about everything he's said here. Pablo is the question mark in that starting 11 (totally get why he'd be there) and I think we see Kleisten in there based on his recent form. Pablo tends to run awfully hot-headed against latin-american teams.
I agree. I think we have both seen too many "strange" calls in years past in Central America. I still crack up when the Euro Snobs think that an away game in Malta is tougher than away game in Central America. Between the lack of sleep, urine and batteries being tossed on players, and dodgy reffing, it is always a scary time down there.I will admit though that the last few times have gone relatively smoothly so hopefully we can go down to El Salvador and allow the crowd to force their team forward, hit them with a counter and take the crowd out of it.
Seems like some of the smaller teams have been allowing the US more possession while sitting back- maybe as a way of dealing with the US's superior fitness. I've noticed the US thrive in that kind of situation (although less so in their B-team's loss at T&T). If El Salvador wants to do well, they should play in a similar way to Panama (in the first round at home vs the US) who were really unlucky not to have won by going straight at the US from the get-go. The US doesn't play as well on their heels- but they still have just enough class to steal the points with a well-taken goal if the opportunity presents itself. And if given time in the MF to settle things, the more attacking players (DMB, Donovan, Sascha, Dempsey) can find time and spacing to get into the attacking third and do some damage.andy_b said:
I always hope for a draw when we play in Central America, no matter who it is. I know that we can beat any of those teams at home 9 times out of 10, except Mexico (although lately, we've been on fire at home against them), so if we can get 4 points from 2 games with them, I consider it a good result. As someone who's played in hostile environments and drawn/lost against lesser teams that we'd crushed at home, I know that it's NEVER easy to play on the road, unless the other team is absolutely overmatched, which isn't the case with teams like El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, etc.The different conditions alone are crazy - I'll never forget reading about the time that Landon Donovan coughed up something that looked like a brownie while training in Mexico City. I'll try to find the article later if I remember.andy_b said:
If anyone's interested let me know, I think I posted it here like a year ago too.
I remember this game! 1997, WCQ, 2-1 to Costa Rica.Rolando Fonseco scored in the first half and then Ernie Stewart tied it up in the middle of the second half.The US looking to secure a draw, subbed out Cobi for Frankie (!!!!
)Very late in the game, Frankie made a horrendous challenge just outside the box, that the ref did not call. The game then went into injury time, a Costa Rican player put in a low cross from the right side that hit either Vanney or Berhalter right on the side with their arms down.PK to Costa Rica in the 93rd minute which Medford buried for the win.The soccer community had a field day on Frankie since many felt it was a make up call based on his reckless action. And god bless the guy, 11 friggan years later we are still talking and concerned about him 
) This was also the only game not played in San Jose.
Is that the one in ATL? What are tickets running for it?
That's the one- AND captain America (Reyna) got a red for arguing- which I though was going to kill us in the next, must win/point game against... don't remember. Obviously, the team got the result.Funny- I don't remember that Hejduk challenge at all- but I can still see the cross and obvious no-hand ball perfectly in my mind. Camera never got a good, clear view from that side- but from the back it was clear... I think it was Berhalter- had his arms pressed flat against his sides obviously- and professionally- keeping himself from drawing that call. Ugh.Maybe it's me, but I feel refs are not as bad towards the US over the last 5 or so years. There's that Jamaican guy... Pendleton?... who is just dreadful (towards everybody at least)- but otherwise I don't see the blatant anti-USism any more.I remember this game! 1997, WCQ, 2-1 to Costa Rica.Rolando Fonseco scored in the first half and then Ernie Stewart tied it up in the middle of the second half.The US looking to secure a draw, subbed out Cobi for Frankie (!!!!
I'm suprised/pissed there's no Giant's Stadium games.
The teams usually come with their full squad, plus marginal players looking to break in. Games I've seen (on tv and in person) from these tours are usually fantastic, wide-open affairs with players going all out (until the starters get subbed out at the half or early in the 2nd).
I have my dates mixed up. I think the players I listed are correct but the game occurred in 2000, not in 1997 like I originally thought.http://www.sams-army.com/index.php?Mlist=match&Mid=734That's the one- AND captain America (Reyna) got a red for arguing- which I though was going to kill us in the next, must win/point game against... don't remember. Obviously, the team got the result.Funny- I don't remember that Hejduk challenge at all- but I can still see the cross and obvious no-hand ball perfectly in my mind. Camera never got a good, clear view from that side- but from the back it was clear... I think it was Berhalter- had his arms pressed flat against his sides obviously- and professionally- keeping himself from drawing that call. Ugh.I remember this game! 1997, WCQ, 2-1 to Costa Rica.Rolando Fonseco scored in the first half and then Ernie Stewart tied it up in the middle of the second half.
The US looking to secure a draw, subbed out Cobi for Frankie (!!!!)
Very late in the game, Frankie made a horrendous challenge just outside the box, that the ref did not call.
The game then went into injury time, a Costa Rican player put in a low cross from the right side that hit either Vanney or Berhalter right on the side with their arms down.
PK to Costa Rica in the 93rd minute which Medford buried for the win.
The soccer community had a field day on Frankie since many felt it was a make up call based on his reckless action. And god bless the guy, 11 friggan years later we are still talking and concerned about him
Maybe it's me, but I feel refs are not as bad towards the US over the last 5 or so years. There's that Jamaican guy... Pendleton?... who is just dreadful (towards everybody at least)- but otherwise I don't see the blatant anti-USism any more.
The US almost did not make it out of this early round of qualifying. It came down to the last game where they had to win in Barbados and the game was tied at half time. Luckily Mathis finally knocked one home in the 63rd minute and the flood gates open and the US won 4-0 and made it to the next round over Guat by a single point.I have my dates mixed up. I think the players I listed are correct but the game occurred in 2000, not in 1997 like I originally thought.http://www.sams-army.com/index.php?Mlist=match&Mid=734That's the one- AND captain America (Reyna) got a red for arguing- which I though was going to kill us in the next, must win/point game against... don't remember. Obviously, the team got the result.Funny- I don't remember that Hejduk challenge at all- but I can still see the cross and obvious no-hand ball perfectly in my mind. Camera never got a good, clear view from that side- but from the back it was clear... I think it was Berhalter- had his arms pressed flat against his sides obviously- and professionally- keeping himself from drawing that call. Ugh.I remember this game! 1997, WCQ, 2-1 to Costa Rica.Rolando Fonseco scored in the first half and then Ernie Stewart tied it up in the middle of the second half.
The US looking to secure a draw, subbed out Cobi for Frankie (!!!!
Very late in the game, Frankie made a horrendous challenge just outside the box, that the ref did not call.
The game then went into injury time, a Costa Rican player put in a low cross from the right side that hit either Vanney or Berhalter right on the side with their arms down.
PK to Costa Rica in the 93rd minute which Medford buried for the win.
The soccer community had a field day on Frankie since many felt it was a make up call based on his reckless action. And god bless the guy, 11 friggan years later we are still talking and concerned about him
Maybe it's me, but I feel refs are not as bad towards the US over the last 5 or so years. There's that Jamaican guy... Pendleton?... who is just dreadful (towards everybody at least)- but otherwise I don't see the blatant anti-USism any more.
Thanks for looking that up, Andy.The US almost did not make it out of this early round of qualifying. It came down to the last game where they had to win in Barbados and the game was tied at half time. Luckily Mathis finally knocked one home in the 63rd minute and the flood gates open and the US won 4-0 and made it to the next round over Guat by a single point.I have my dates mixed up. I think the players I listed are correct but the game occurred in 2000, not in 1997 like I originally thought.http://www.sams-army.com/index.php?Mlist=match&Mid=734That's the one- AND captain America (Reyna) got a red for arguing- which I though was going to kill us in the next, must win/point game against... don't remember. Obviously, the team got the result.Funny- I don't remember that Hejduk challenge at all- but I can still see the cross and obvious no-hand ball perfectly in my mind. Camera never got a good, clear view from that side- but from the back it was clear... I think it was Berhalter- had his arms pressed flat against his sides obviously- and professionally- keeping himself from drawing that call. Ugh.I remember this game! 1997, WCQ, 2-1 to Costa Rica.Rolando Fonseco scored in the first half and then Ernie Stewart tied it up in the middle of the second half.
The US looking to secure a draw, subbed out Cobi for Frankie (!!!!
Very late in the game, Frankie made a horrendous challenge just outside the box, that the ref did not call.
The game then went into injury time, a Costa Rican player put in a low cross from the right side that hit either Vanney or Berhalter right on the side with their arms down.
PK to Costa Rica in the 93rd minute which Medford buried for the win.
The soccer community had a field day on Frankie since many felt it was a make up call based on his reckless action. And god bless the guy, 11 friggan years later we are still talking and concerned about him
Maybe it's me, but I feel refs are not as bad towards the US over the last 5 or so years. There's that Jamaican guy... Pendleton?... who is just dreadful (towards everybody at least)- but otherwise I don't see the blatant anti-USism any more.
So what do you think- have refs eased up on the US recently, or am I making that up?
I agree. Not sure why though. The crowds don't seem any less rabid. Maybe they are doing a better job of scheduling refs for those games.
I'd like to think it's a respect thing- the way the better players will get the calls in most sports. Also more accountablity/info with immediate public review on YouTube etc. Or maybe the refs are just getting better
I think there is something to this. Even the biggest US soccer hater in the region has to admit that the US is top dog with Mexico, with Costa Rica close behind.
I'd love a link, directions to link your link to my outlook, and Matt Ryan for Donnie Avery and Trent Edwards.Also, if anyone uses Google Calendar or Outlook or something, I have a running schedule for the USMNT (Arsenal too, but that's a separate calendar) that you can link to. I keep it updated pretty frequently, so if you're sick of researching random websites to find game dates and times, you can always link mine.If anyone's interested let me know, I think I posted it here like a year ago too.
I'm pretty sure that has to do with construction of the new stadium and the fact they don't want 60-80K people there.I'm suprised/pissed there's no Giant's Stadium games.
The teams usually come with their full squad, plus marginal players looking to break in. Games I've seen (on tv and in person) from these tours are usually fantastic, wide-open affairs with players going all out (until the starters get subbed out at the half or early in the 2nd).
Construction of the RedBulls' stadium? Or is Giant's Stadium getting redone? I think RedBulls is for 18-20k... so that's immediately not viable, even if it was finished by then (which it won't).I'm pretty sure that has to do with construction of the new stadium and the fact they don't want 60-80K people there.I'm suprised/pissed there's no Giant's Stadium games.
The teams usually come with their full squad, plus marginal players looking to break in. Games I've seen (on tv and in person) from these tours are usually fantastic, wide-open affairs with players going all out (until the starters get subbed out at the half or early in the 2nd).
The Jets/Giants are building a mega stadium at the Swamp, to open in 2010. http://www.newjetsstadium.com/gallery.phpThe Red Bulls are building stadium in Harrison, which will seat 25k. Here is the web cam, the stadium is starting to take shape nicely http://www.earthcam.com/clients/redbullarena/Construction of the RedBulls' stadium? Or is Giant's Stadium getting redone? I think RedBulls is for 18-20k... so that's immediately not viable, even if it was finished by then (which it won't).I'm pretty sure that has to do with construction of the new stadium and the fact they don't want 60-80K people there.I'm suprised/pissed there's no Giant's Stadium games.
The teams usually come with their full squad, plus marginal players looking to break in. Games I've seen (on tv and in person) from these tours are usually fantastic, wide-open affairs with players going all out (until the starters get subbed out at the half or early in the 2nd).
Wednesday, April 8, 2009ESPN2 Show Time (ET) UEFA Champions League - LIVE!Liverpool vs. ChelseaAnfield Stadium (Liverpool) Liverpool, England 2:30 pm to5:00 pm ESPN Deportes Show Time (ET) Futbol Picante - LIVE! 12:00 am to1:00 am Futbol Picante 3:00 am to4:00 am UEFA Champions LeagueVillareal FC vs. Arsenal 4:00 am to6:00 am Futbol Picante 11:30 am to12:30 pm UEFA Champions LeagueManchester United vs. FC PortoOld Trafford Stadium (Manchester Utd) Manchester, England 12:30 pm to2:30 pm UEFA Champions League - LIVE!Barcelona vs. Bayern MunichEstadio Nou Camp Barcelona, Spain 2:30 pm to4:45 pm UEFA Champions LeagueLiverpool vs. ChelseaAnfield Stadium (Liverpool) Liverpool, England 4:45 pm to7:00 pm UEFA Champions LeagueBarcelona vs. Bayern MunichEstadio Nou Camp Barcelona, Spain 7:00 pm to9:00 pm UEFA Champions LeagueLiverpool vs. ChelseaAnfield Stadium (Liverpool) Liverpool, England 9:00 pm to11:00 pmIf you have cable you may be able to add Deportes for a couple bucks a month. It is part of a foriegn pack for me. Real cheap. If not, sports bar or justintv.
And fwiw- ESPN has been showing the Deportes games again on ESPN U or Classic later... IIRC.
Has anyone gone to these before? I am going to go to the Chelsea-Inter game in Pasadena. Saw they have tickets from $35-$100. Some $35 are labeled "Chelsea Supporters" and "Inter Supporters". Are these the sections the ones to be in for a good time?I haven't been to a game in ten years.
I went to Roma v Real Madrid a bunch of years ago (when Zidane still played for RM) at Giant's Stadium. If they had had a team-supporter section I MOST definitely would've done that. Last game I saw was US v Argentina, and both ends of the stadium were rocking with team-support.That said... I prefer sitting near midfield- so I take all that back.
