***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Native]

Everton-Hull Highlights

 

[Moe.]

Everton-Hull Highlights

Thanks for that. Sweet goal.

 

[scoobygang]

Agree but I'd rather have Spector on the left and just not worry about our lb getting forward than have Bornstein out there making bone-headed plays and getting beat like a drum. Cherundolo can hit a cross just fine from the right. I don't ever get to watch Rennes, but I don't think Bocanegra is an auto-start for them, he scored a goal yesterday though. My memory is terrible but didn't Bocanegra play lb at the Confed Cup and do pretty poorly?

Boca had been an autostart for Rennes until about 3 months ago. He's since been in and out of the lineup. IIRC, Rennes also runs a 3 man back line, so I don't think Boca plays a "wide" LB for them. I think the wings are covered by MFs and Boca settles inside. In any case, Boca will get beat to the touchline by fast wingers. That seems clear. Probably more often than Spector will.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I fully expect MLS to cut off their nose to spite their face. It makes no sense to keep Donovan. He's dominated the league and won championships there before and they've marketed him as well as they can. There's nothing more they can do with him.

This is the tipping point for soccer in this country. I've never seen this much interest in the game outside of a World Cup.

It makes no sense for the MLS? As the best American player, LD draws attention to MLS from fans and media if he's playing for the Galaxy. How does it make it better for the league's bottom line if he goes? It only makes sense for MLS to let him go if they are properly compensated by Everton. I don't buy the idea that if he goes to Everton for the rest of the season and plays well, it makes people think that the MLS must be a good proving ground for Europe and therefore more fans will watch on tv or attend matches.I am a Galaxy fan and I would like to see LD stay at Everton for his sake, but I don't see how MLS benefits unless Everton pays what he's worth. Obviously, if there's a work stoppage for MLS, then he certainly should stay in England.

 

[Moe.]

I fully expect MLS to cut off their nose to spite their face. It makes no sense to keep Donovan. He's dominated the league and won championships there before and they've marketed him as well as they can. There's nothing more they can do with him.

This is the tipping point for soccer in this country. I've never seen this much interest in the game outside of a World Cup.

It makes no sense for the MLS? As the best American player, LD draws attention to MLS from fans and media if he's playing for the Galaxy. How does it make it better for the league's bottom line if he goes? It only makes sense for MLS to let him go if they are properly compensated by Everton. I don't buy the idea that if he goes to Everton for the rest of the season and plays well, it makes people think that the MLS must be a good proving ground for Europe and therefore more fans will watch on tv or attend matches.I am a Galaxy fan and I would like to see LD stay at Everton for his sake, but I don't see how MLS benefits unless Everton pays what he's worth. Obviously, if there's a work stoppage for MLS, then he certainly should stay in England.

Not to speak for anyone else but what is good for the mls may not necessarily be good for soccer in America.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I still like Boca as a center-back with Gooch (or, to a lesser extent, Demerit) for the World Cup.

 

[Moe.]

I know it ain't live but this Reading-Villa match on FSC right now is pretty good viewing.

 

[Moe.]

Friedel is a pimp.

 

[The Z Machine]

Demerit is at least as good as Boca at CB. I think Boca is best playing on the left with Spector on the right. Hopefully Gooch and Demerit will both be healthy for the WC. That's the US's best back line IMO.

As it stands now, I think the lineup should look like:

Jozy

LD

DMB!!! Edu Bradley Dempsey

Boca Gooch Demerit Spector

Howard

LD plays as a withdrawn striker / AMC and Jozy becomes a target man person used to draw fouls in and around the box. LD, Dempsey, and DMB (if he's back in form... I can't believe I actually wrote that) form the basis of the true attack from the run of play. Maybe Jozy can hit Demps or LD on a run into the box, but I doubt it. Edu and Bradley are used primarily to clog up the middle of the field for the opposing attack and play fairly deep and fairly flat. Bradley will have to do it all (as usual) with end-to-end runs following the attack for a rebound / clean-up attempt.

If I were defending against the US and I had a true DM, I would make that guy hound LD all game long, even if it means giving up spot kicks and taking a yellow. You'd have him shadowing him, plus a CB having secondary duties, and I'd play those 2 CBs deep as hell. Make Jozy, Demps, and DMB beat you with shots and crosses before you give up a counter attack goal off of LD's magic. I can see Lampard putting the clamps on LD, while Terry marks Jozy into oblivion.

 

[prefontaine]

Lot of good discussion in here

My memory is terrible but didn't Bocanegra play lb at the Confed Cup and do pretty poorly?

I can't remember exactly which games he started but I know Bornstein was horrid vs Italy and then we tried the DMB experiment vs Brazil which was Boca had been injured IIRC and he either came back to start at LB vs Egypt or Spain. Either way, I'm 100% sure he started vs Spain and then Brazil. I don't remember him being tremendous but the fact of the matter is those are pretty tough assignments. I believe that was Ramos/Fabregas and then Maicon/Ramirez. He couldn't have been that bad though as well as we played overall. And he may not have the wheels or the talent, but he plays within himself and generally isn't going to do something ridiculously stupid.

Boca had been an autostart for Rennes until about 3 months ago. He's since been in and out of the lineup. IIRC, Rennes also runs a 3 man back line, so I don't think Boca plays a "wide" LB for them. I think the wings are covered by MFs and Boca settles inside. In any case, Boca will get beat to the touchline by fast wingers. That seems clear. Probably more often than Spector will.

I didn't know this but it makes sense. I agree his lack of speed is an issue but I believe his steadiness makes up for it. If Dolo is in form and plays a lot between now and then, it's a much closer call but afaik, he isn't starting right now for Hannover (still coming back from injury). He's had a lot of injuries the last couple of years and I'm just not sure if he still has it.

Demerit is at least as good as Boca at CB. I think Boca is best playing on the left with Spector on the right. Hopefully Gooch and Demerit will both be healthy for the WC. That's the US's best back line IMO.

This is what I like as well. I think Demerit is just a better defender than Boca. And if you start Gooch/Demerit, I would rather start Boca on the left than play Spector out of position. I have always liked Dolo and would not mind him playing but if only choosing one, I take Spector over Dolo now. But some form of those 5 should start across our back line.

 

[Native]

I still like Boca as a center-back with Gooch (or, to a lesser extent, Demerit) for the World Cup. :whoosh:

Boca scored a goal today for Rennes.

 

[prefontaine]

As it stands now, I think the lineup should look like:

Jozy

LD

DMB!!! Edu Bradley Dempsey

Boca Gooch Demerit Spector

Howard

I would switch LD and Dempsey in that. Put LD on the left and Holden on the right with Beas coming off the bench. DMB can be the first sub possibly for Jozy and you can move LD up top and have Demps withdrawn for late in the game. Let's see some tired ####ers try to handle our pace if we do that. Or you can bring in DMB for Holden, have LD switch sides and use Ching to take Jozy's job as the foul magnet. A healthy, in form DMB really changes our squad a lot (and gives us a LOT better options).

 

[The Z Machine]

In my formation above, LD plays as the withdrawn striker on the left-ish side. The formatting in these forums sucks.

 

[andy_b]

I fully expect MLS to cut off their nose to spite their face. It makes no sense to keep Donovan. He's dominated the league and won championships there before and they've marketed him as well as they can. There's nothing more they can do with him. This is the tipping point for soccer in this country. I've never seen this much interest in the game outside of a World Cup.

I am not sure I understand this point at all. Are you expecting MLS to give away its one and only name American player? If and when MLS gets a bid for Landon that is worth it I am sure they will sell him but to do it for any other reason is a very poor business decision IMO.Of course all that may be meaningless seeing as MLS is trying to make the mother of all bad business decisions with this ongoing labor dispute.

 

[Sammy3469]

I fully expect MLS to cut off their nose to spite their face. It makes no sense to keep Donovan. He's dominated the league and won championships there before and they've marketed him as well as they can. There's nothing more they can do with him. This is the tipping point for soccer in this country. I've never seen this much interest in the game outside of a World Cup.

I am not sure I understand this point at all. Are you expecting MLS to give away its one and only name American player? If and when MLS gets a bid for Landon that is worth it I am sure they will sell him but to do it for any other reason is a very poor business decision IMO.Of course all that may be meaningless seeing as MLS is trying to make the mother of all bad business decisions with this ongoing labor dispute.

Especially if the rumored 15 million pound bid (about 22 million dollars) from Chelsea is really out there.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

interesting piece from Grant Wahl today at si.com:

In no rush to exit, Donovan savors confidence-boosting run at Everton

LIVERPOOL, England -- It was, I have to say, one of the cooler goose-bump moments I have witnessed in a long time. As Landon Donovan took what was probably a goodbye lap after Everton's 5-1 win over Hull City on Sunday, the home fans at Goodison Park stood and cheered the 28-year-old American who came here a European washout and stands ready to depart, just 10 weeks later, as a beloved figure in this soccer-mad town.

And then, like a low rumble at first, but then as loud as a Lake Placid lullaby, the chant began:

U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

Only later did I come to understand that some in the stands were actually booming:

U-S-A! YOU-MUST-STAY!

They do not want Donovan to leave Everton when his loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy ends next Monday and he has to return to California for the start of the MLS season. Not the fans, who were likely seeing his final home game. Not his teammates, who literally held Donovan aloft, jolly-good-fellow style, after his goal and assist on Sunday. Not Everton manager David Moyes, who said once again that he wanted to try to extend Donovan's loan.

And, it should be noted, not Donovan himself.

When he finally had a quiet moment nearly an hour after the game, I asked Donovan if he wanted to stick around these parts instead of flying back to LAX, the airport code that could just as easily describe the pressures of the league he's rejoining compared to those of the Premiership.

"Yeah," answered Donovan, looking as comfortable in his gray suit and open-collared dress shirt as he does fitting into this Everton team. "It would be nice to stay."

That's out of his control, though, and he knows it. Donovan signed a four-year, $9 million contract with MLS in December, and Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has insisted both publicly and privately (to Moyes) that Donovan will be expected back in Los Angeles next week per the terms of the loan agreement.

The Galaxy may need the reigning MLS MVP, not least because David Beckham won't rejoin the team until after the World Cup, but let's be honest: Even the vast majority of U.S. fans want Donovan to stay here, where he could test the limits of his potential and best prepare himself for this summer's World Cup.

Moyes clearly agrees. "I think we would be keen and Landon would be keen," the Everton manager said. "But we'll respect the Galaxy and Bruce and their situation over there. But he's here certainly for one more week ... so there's a wee bit of time maybe next week to see if there's any [chance of extending Donovan's loan]. If there's not, you can see what the supporters thought of him."

There is an irony to the most likely scenario that would allow Donovan to stay. The MLS players may go on strike before the start of the season on March 25 if they can't sign a new collective bargaining agreement with the league. (The previous one expired in late February.) Donovan is an active voice in the players' union who wants to see a deal get done for the good of the players, but he also knows that a strike would give him the opportunity to stay longer at Everton. (Arena has acknowledged that the Galaxy would consider extending Donovan's loan in the case of an MLS work stoppage.)

Perhaps that helps explain why Donovan has remained quiet publicly of late, declining most interview requests as he has settled into a new environment here. But he did agree to speak after the game on Sunday, taking questions on the edge of the same field where only an hour earlier he had run his farewell lap and bathed in the adoration of the Everton faithful.

"As a person it feels good to be wanted," he said of the U-S-A chants he'd heard. "And as a player obviously it does. But I'm just appreciative of the opportunity I've had here, and I think they appreciate what I've given too, and that's a good feeling."

Donovan had joked after the game that it was probably the last time he'll hear cheers from English fans, considering the U.S. meets England in both teams' World Cup opener on June 12. And yet England has done Donovan and the U.S. a favor during this loan, giving him the chance to play major roles in victories over Manchester United and Chelsea and boost his confidence for a U.S. upset against The Three Lions.

How much of a boost? "A lot," Donovan said. "The biggest thing is you know that you can compete and play against any player in the world, no matter who they are. And you have that sense [already from national-team play], but until you do it week in and week out against the best teams game after game, then you really get that feeling, like, 'OK, not only am I capable of that, but we as a team are capable.' "

When Donovan arrived in England in early January, he was followed by several hanging questions. Could he hack it in the world's richest league after going through three unsuccessful stints in Germany over the years? And would he be able to make an impact if his loan was going to last only 10 weeks?

Now we know the answer to those questions: Yes. Looking back, the most important part of Donovan's stay took place during his first week, when he impressed Moyes enough to earn the start in a game at Arsenal. Not having played a game since the MLS Cup final in November, Donovan was in shape and ready, and from the start you got the sense that he fit into this Everton team. With Donovan providing an assist, the Toffees nearly pulled off a historic win against Arsenal that day, and still settled for an encouraging 2-2 tie.

"I think the bit that would be surprising was how well he hit the ground running in the Premier League," Moyes said. "It's not easy for a lot of foreign players who come in to do well. I think what happened is he went in against Arsenal, played well, the team played well, and suddenly he realized, 'Hey, I'm not out of my depth here.' Because he'd been to Germany a couple times and it maybe hadn't worked for him. I think the players here made it very easy for him. Tim Howard and Phil Neville have certainly helped him settle in."

For Donovan's part, he explained that he wanted to enter his brief time here with a blank slate. "I didn't have expectations purposely because I didn't want to think it would be this or that or the other, and I just came and said, 'Whatever comes I'm going to deal with,' " he said. "Thinking back, would I have expected to play the first game and then play however many games in a row? Probably not. But why not? And so as each day came, as each game came, I just said, 'Whatever it presents, I'm going to take it and go with it.' "

Now that Donovan has done well here after his three German misfires, it begs the question: What was different about this Everton experience? The player, the team or the league? I'd argue that it's all three. Certainly Donovan was welcomed into Everton's team, a process that was helped by his friend Howard, the Everton and U.S. goalkeeper. (During his loan to Bayern Munich last year, Donovan had to deal with a club board that acted like it didn't want him there, even if soon-to-be-fired coach J�rgen Klinsmann did.)

The Premiership also suits Donovan a bit better than the Bundesliga, on account of its rat-a-tat-tat pace, requirements for skill at speed and fitness demands (though I'd still contend that Donovan might even fit in better in the slightly more technical Spanish league).

But the biggest change has come from Donovan himself. As I got to know him over the two years I spent following the Galaxy for my book, The Beckham Experiment, Donovan showed a remarkable willingness for self-criticism. He admitted that he had been immature in 2005 when he bailed on Bayer Leverkusen just a few months into his stay and engineered a transfer back to MLS. And those changes, that maturation process, are still a work in progress. In 2009, Donovan spoke at length about how much he'd learned from the fallout of his critical comments of Beckham in my book about the end of the 2008 season. He certainly felt that way when he criticized Beckham, he said, but he said he'd now be mature enough to express them directly to Beckham's face. It says good things about both players that the Galaxy got past the conflict and went all the way to the '09 MLS title game.

And who knows? The way things are heading, they might be there together again in 2010. With the way Donovan has played at Everton, you'd suspect that he would be the target of transfer offers this summer after the World Cup. The rumor mill has already started, with talk that Chelsea may have an interest in bidding for Donovan as a potential replacement for Joe Cole. And while Moyes himself professed not to be interested in a full transfer ("I don't think that's ever been on the agenda," he said), he would be foolish to come out now and declare his interest so publicly anyway.

Does Everton want Donovan back? The roar of the crowd here on Sunday was all the answer you needed to know. As he took his lap of honor, Donovan passed a sign board that read: THE EVERTON FORMER PLAYERS' FOUNDATION. In seven days time he might be its newest member. And if that's the way it has to be, he reasons, at least he's leaving on a triumphant note.

"Assuming today's the last home game," Donovan said, his eyes still wide with excitement, "then you want it to end that way."

 

[prefontaine]

I always believed Liverpool would right the ship eventually but I think it may be time to stick a fork in them

 

[Kendall]

I always believed Liverpool would right the ship eventually but I think it may be time to stick a fork in them

Today was crushing. For whatever reason they just cannot get any consistent play. From what I checked on commentary it looked like Mascherano was having a rough day at RB and Insua a worse one on the left. Insua was slated to get a couple games rest, but then Fabio Auriello went down, and well, Mascherano is no RB.

 

[bosoxs45]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

 

[Sammy3469]

Donovan asks to stay until April 15...Everton's schedule really opens up now though, so that's only 4 additional games. Have to see what El Bruce does. My guess is they let him stay and he comes back for a couple of farewell games before the WC and then gets moved in the next transfer window.

 

[brewer]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

Arsenal will not lose today.At least they better not

 

[andy_b]

Donovan asks to stay until April 15

If MLS starts on time, this will mean he will miss 3 games I think.

 

[scoobygang]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

Arsenal will not lose today.At least they better not

No Cesc today, though.

 

[Sammy3469]

Donovan asks to stay until April 15

If MLS starts on time, this will mean he will miss 3 games I think.

Do you know when the US WC camp starts? I'd assume mid-May which would give him 2 maybe 3 home games. Heck, after looking at the way MLS has these May games lined up (5 in 20 days), I'd rather him just stay over there the entire time.

 

[andy_b]

Donovan asks to stay until April 15

If MLS starts on time, this will mean he will miss 3 games I think.

Do you know when the US WC camp starts? I'd assume mid-May which would give him 2 maybe 3 home games. Heck, after looking at the way MLS has these May games lined up (5 in 20 days), I'd rather him just stay over there the entire time.

I think mid May makes sense. If MLS delays at all to the labor crap, it probably does make sense to just work out a deal to extend the loan if they can get good terms. Obviously the terms during an MLS season need to be SIGNIFICANTLY higher than the terms they agreed to in the off season. This may be a stumbling point.

 

[brewer]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

Arsenal will not lose today.At least they better not

No Cesc today, though.

No, but they get Song back. They will need two of Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin and Bendtner to be on their game because the service from the middle will not be as good as when Cesc or Ramsey are in there.

 

[Sammy3469]

Good article on Sebastian Lletget Link

 

[Kendall]

Good article on Sebastian Lletget Link

Thanks for this. Neat stuff.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

One-nil to the Arsenal, putting them through on away goals.That's what it would've been in the first leg with a competent goalkeeper

 

[prefontaine]

I always believed Liverpool would right the ship eventually but I think it may be time to stick a fork in them

Today was crushing. For whatever reason they just cannot get any consistent play. From what I checked on commentary it looked like Mascherano was having a rough day at RB and Insua a worse one on the left. Insua was slated to get a couple games rest, but then Fabio Auriello went down, and well, Mascherano is no RB.

Yeah I watched this last night. Fullbacks were the least of their problems. You could see Gerrard wearing his frustration on his sleeve. I just don't think they care anymore...they need a real house cleaning.

 

[prefontaine]

Based on first couple of minutes, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Gunners put 4-5 in today

 

[Spartans Rule]

Based on first couple of minutes, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Gunners put 4-5 in today

 

[Moe.]

Is everyone else getting Arsenal-Porto on their local fox sports channel in HD? I'm in Los Angeles and they are showing a friggin Dodgers' spring training game.

 

[El Floppo]

btw- I've just put ESPN gametracker on, and the Fiorentina v BM game just went ballistic.

 

[Moe.]

btw- I've just put ESPN gametracker on, and the Fiorentina v BM game just went ballistic.

Yeah it's been awesome. Some really good goals so far, Robben's was amazing. Fiorentina's second goal was set up brilliantly by Gilardino. At first I was upset that I couldn't watch the Arsenal game live, looks like they did me a favor.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bayern's unbeaten streak comes to an end, but they do advance. The wind during the game was strong and the ball was sure moving funny.

 

[El Floppo]

Demerit is at least as good as Boca at CB. I think Boca is best playing on the left with Spector on the right. Hopefully Gooch and Demerit will both be healthy for the WC. That's the US's best back line IMO.

As it stands now, I think the lineup should look like:

Jozy

LD

DMB!!! Edu Bradley Dempsey

Boca Gooch Demerit Spector

Howard

LD plays as a withdrawn striker / AMC and Jozy becomes a target man person used to draw fouls in and around the box. LD, Dempsey, and DMB (if he's back in form... I can't believe I actually wrote that) form the basis of the true attack from the run of play. Maybe Jozy can hit Demps or LD on a run into the box, but I doubt it. Edu and Bradley are used primarily to clog up the middle of the field for the opposing attack and play fairly deep and fairly flat. Bradley will have to do it all (as usual) with end-to-end runs following the attack for a rebound / clean-up attempt.

If I were defending against the US and I had a true DM, I would make that guy hound LD all game long, even if it means giving up spot kicks and taking a yellow. You'd have him shadowing him, plus a CB having secondary duties, and I'd play those 2 CBs deep as hell. Make Jozy, Demps, and DMB beat you with shots and crosses before you give up a counter attack goal off of LD's magic. I can see Lampard putting the clamps on LD, while Terry marks Jozy into oblivion.

I agree that Demerit defends at least as well as Boca, but his distribution is the suck which puts his team on the defensive immediately. Boca in a landslide there- not even close.I like the lineup... putting best current talent on the pitch.

Not sure if Jozy is up to being a target man without a paired striker next to or near him. At least, I've not seen him play that position particularly well, despite his increasing ability to hold the ball.

Also- LD seems to play better when he's got some room in front of him. I like him really, really withdrawn- like as a roaming MF who's primary duty is to push up and/or harrass on defense. He hasn't played well when he gets too far forward (I know you're not saying for him to be a true 2nd striker), but in that lineup, Jozy would need him closer to be effective... I think Demps plays that role and LD slots back to the MF.

Also... am I the only person who doesn't think Gooch is going to be remotely match fit for the WC? I think Z's lineup is pretty close, but probably Gooch and Demerit/Goodson in the middle (I think I prefer Goodson, based on the littel I've seen of him) with Spector and Cherundolo/Bornstein/Pearce on the flanks.

 

[El Floppo]

Based on first couple of minutes, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Gunners put 4-5 in today

wow.

 

[Moe.]

Demerit is at least as good as Boca at CB. I think Boca is best playing on the left with Spector on the right. Hopefully Gooch and Demerit will both be healthy for the WC. That's the US's best back line IMO.

As it stands now, I think the lineup should look like:

Jozy

LD

DMB!!! Edu Bradley Dempsey

Boca Gooch Demerit Spector

Howard

LD plays as a withdrawn striker / AMC and Jozy becomes a target man person used to draw fouls in and around the box. LD, Dempsey, and DMB (if he's back in form... I can't believe I actually wrote that) form the basis of the true attack from the run of play. Maybe Jozy can hit Demps or LD on a run into the box, but I doubt it. Edu and Bradley are used primarily to clog up the middle of the field for the opposing attack and play fairly deep and fairly flat. Bradley will have to do it all (as usual) with end-to-end runs following the attack for a rebound / clean-up attempt.

If I were defending against the US and I had a true DM, I would make that guy hound LD all game long, even if it means giving up spot kicks and taking a yellow. You'd have him shadowing him, plus a CB having secondary duties, and I'd play those 2 CBs deep as hell. Make Jozy, Demps, and DMB beat you with shots and crosses before you give up a counter attack goal off of LD's magic. I can see Lampard putting the clamps on LD, while Terry marks Jozy into oblivion.

Also... am I the only person who doesn't think Gooch is going to be remotely match fit for the WC? I think Z's lineup is pretty close, but probably Gooch and Demerit/Goodson in the middle (I think I prefer Goodson, based on the littel I've seen of him) with Spector and Cherundolo/Bornstein/Pearce on the flanks.

It's been mentioned before but it sure would be nice if he could come over to an MLS club for a few months. Not sure if it's possible or if he'll even be ready, or if there will even be an MLS, but yeah he needs to get some games in before this summer, somehow.

 

[prefontaine]

Based on first couple of minutes, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Gunners put 4-5 in today

wow.

hehe. I typed that when it was still nil-nil too Here's Nasri's goal. Be careful viewing it if you are in the deep South bc I'm fairly certain what he did to the Porto defense is illegal.

 

[brewer]

Arsenal or FC Porto today?

Arsenal will not lose today.At least they better not

No Cesc today, though.

No, but they get Song back. They will need two of Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin and Bendtner to be on their game because the service from the middle will not be as good as when Cesc or Ramsey are in there.

3 out of 4 is even better

 

[andy_b]

Demerit is at least as good as Boca at CB. I think Boca is best playing on the left with Spector on the right. Hopefully Gooch and Demerit will both be healthy for the WC. That's the US's best back line IMO.

As it stands now, I think the lineup should look like:

Jozy

LD

DMB!!! Edu Bradley Dempsey

Boca Gooch Demerit Spector

Howard

LD plays as a withdrawn striker / AMC and Jozy becomes a target man person used to draw fouls in and around the box. LD, Dempsey, and DMB (if he's back in form... I can't believe I actually wrote that) form the basis of the true attack from the run of play. Maybe Jozy can hit Demps or LD on a run into the box, but I doubt it. Edu and Bradley are used primarily to clog up the middle of the field for the opposing attack and play fairly deep and fairly flat. Bradley will have to do it all (as usual) with end-to-end runs following the attack for a rebound / clean-up attempt.

If I were defending against the US and I had a true DM, I would make that guy hound LD all game long, even if it means giving up spot kicks and taking a yellow. You'd have him shadowing him, plus a CB having secondary duties, and I'd play those 2 CBs deep as hell. Make Jozy, Demps, and DMB beat you with shots and crosses before you give up a counter attack goal off of LD's magic. I can see Lampard putting the clamps on LD, while Terry marks Jozy into oblivion.

Also... am I the only person who doesn't think Gooch is going to be remotely match fit for the WC? I think Z's lineup is pretty close, but probably Gooch and Demerit/Goodson in the middle (I think I prefer Goodson, based on the littel I've seen of him) with Spector and Cherundolo/Bornstein/Pearce on the flanks.

It's been mentioned before but it sure would be nice if he could come over to an MLS club for a few months. Not sure if it's possible or if he'll even be ready, or if there will even be an MLS, but yeah he needs to get some games in before this summer, somehow.

if he doesn't sign with MLS, then its very likely the only games he is going to get are the three remaining warm up games. I doubt that is going to be enough but it may have to be.

I don't know what the reserve system is like in Italy but hopefully there is something he can do there while not playing for the main club, if for nothing else to get his legs under him.

 

[The Z Machine]

Since the chances of me going to South Africa dim day by day.... I've been thinking of putting together a Vegas trip for the start of the WC. It would be a 3-4 day trip for me.

- Arrive Thursday evening 06/10 from OAK, check in, gambol a bit, head to bed fairly early.

- At 9:00 AM local time (I think) South Africa kicks off against Mexico to start the Cup. I plan on being in a good sports bar with a good seat, wearing my MEXICO jersey, drinking MEXICAN beer and cheering on my CONCACAF brothers. Uruguay / France kicks off at 1:30 PM. Friday night is out on the town with my boys.

- Saturday, Nigeria / Argentina starts it off really early with a 4:30 AM start time. I *might* have to watch this one from my room. The big one is in the afternoon, with USA / England kicking off at 1:30 PM. I plan on heading to a good book about 2 to 2.5 hours early to get a seat and catch some of the Korea / Greece game.

- Sunday is Germany / Austria to start it off in the morning at 9:00 AM. The games this day aren't that great, so I may take an afternoon / evening flight back to OAK that day, or I may stick around for another night, if I want to watch the Monday games.

So, I'm thinking 3 nights, possibly 4. Gonna invite my boys (well the ones not actually going to South Africa ).

Has anyone watched WC matches in Vegas? and more importantly... Are any FBGs interested in making this an FBG ***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** cornhole? I'd love to meet some of you fools in real life.

 

[prefontaine]

Has anyone watched WC matches in Vegas? and more importantly... Are any FBGs interested in making this an FBG ***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** cornhole? I'd love to meet some of you fools in real life.

I was in Vegas for the 06 WC final. It was insane. The Italians took over the place and I felt like I was the only one cheering for Le Bleu. Only problem was it was so loud you could never hear the announcers so a few times I wouldn't know what a call was for. The Zidane incident was crazy but try watching it in a mass of people with no mention whatsoever about what happened before he got sent off. The place simply exploded. I'll probably be there at some point during the WC but I have no plans yet. If I I do, I'll let you know Z

 

[The Z Machine]

Has anyone watched WC matches in Vegas? and more importantly... Are any FBGs interested in making this an FBG ***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** cornhole? I'd love to meet some of you fools in real life.

I was in Vegas for the 06 WC final. It was insane. The Italians took over the place and I felt like I was the only one cheering for Le Bleu. Only problem was it was so loud you could never hear the announcers so a few times I wouldn't know what a call was for. The Zidane incident was crazy but try watching it in a mass of people with no mention whatsoever about what happened before he got sent off. The place simply exploded. I'll probably be there at some point during the WC but I have no plans yet. If I I do, I'll let you know Z

I think the final would be a madhouse, and no doubt that the Mexico and USA games will be packed too, but maybe, just maybe the other games will see opening round march madness type crowds, which is still pleasant.

 

[The Z Machine]

Lyon with the comeback! 1-1...

They're now up 2-1 aggregate! and Real now needs 2 more to get through on away goals!

Real Madrid on the verge of getting knocked the eff out!

 

[prefontaine]

With all the money they spent, the amount of fail at Real Madrid this season is pretty huge

 

[TLEF316]

Rooney=speed

 

[The Z Machine]

With all the money they spent, the amount of fail at Real Madrid this season is pretty huge

I dunno. They're on level with Barça in La Liga in points and have a better goal differential, so it's not an epic fail... yet.Nonetheless I'm still laughing about how Guti and Raúl couldn't put away Lyon in the Bernabeú when it counted. Get those geezers off the field. Guti should never be wearing the armband... ever.

 

[Moe.]

Since the chances of me going to South Africa dim day by day.... I've been thinking of putting together a Vegas trip for the start of the WC. It would be a 3-4 day trip for me.

- Arrive Thursday evening 06/10 from OAK, check in, gambol a bit, head to bed fairly early.

- At 9:00 AM local time (I think) South Africa kicks off against Mexico to start the Cup. I plan on being in a good sports bar with a good seat, wearing my MEXICO jersey, drinking MEXICAN beer and cheering on my CONCACAF brothers. Uruguay / France kicks off at 1:30 PM. Friday night is out on the town with my boys.

- Saturday, Nigeria / Argentina starts it off really early with a 4:30 AM start time. I *might* have to watch this one from my room. The big one is in the afternoon, with USA / England kicking off at 1:30 PM. I plan on heading to a good book about 2 to 2.5 hours early to get a seat and catch some of the Korea / Greece game.

- Sunday is Germany / Austria to start it off in the morning at 9:00 AM. The games this day aren't that great, so I may take an afternoon / evening flight back to OAK that day, or I may stick around for another night, if I want to watch the Monday games.

So, I'm thinking 3 nights, possibly 4. Gonna invite my boys (well the ones not actually going to South Africa ).

Has anyone watched WC matches in Vegas? and more importantly... Are any FBGs interested in making this an FBG ***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** cornhole? I'd love to meet some of you fools in real life.

Some of my buddies and I were planning a Vegas trip this summer to celebrate our entry into adulthood, they aren't big soccer guys but I insisted it be during the WC. It'll probably be that first weekend cause they want to be there for the NBA Finals, which will hopefully still going on. Would be amazing to get the WC + NBA Finals in one trip.