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

'Steve Tasker said:
'boubucarow said:
'El Floppo said:
So thinking about how to turn things around here...I honestly don't see a sub on that bench that improves things. Ideas?Not a lot of movement or useful runs off th ball going forward. Dempsey and LD pretty much useless so far.
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They just don't have the instant creation of the bench, do they? A Feilhaber or Holden would be nice. Maybe Adu.
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Holden was my thought.Worst part about this, though, is that they could conceivably beat Guadeloupe, Canada beats Panama and the US gets matched up against Mexico in the QF....
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well... like LHUS posted, you have to go tthrough Mexico at some point if you want to win this thing... might as well be soon. And I hate to say this... but IF the US progresses.#### #### #### #### ####Thanks for that Dracula ####er
 
'El Floppo said:
'boubucarow said:
'El Floppo said:
So thinking about how to turn things around here...

I honestly don't see a sub on that bench that improves things. Ideas?

Not a lot of movement or useful runs off th ball going forward. Dempsey and LD pretty much useless so far.
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They just don't have the instant creation of the bench, do they? A Feilhaber or Holden would be nice. Maybe Adu.
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I forgot all about Bedoya.But Sascha? oof. I'd rather see Edu swap out Jones
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That would have helped. Give me a reason to think Sascha belongs on the pitch? Ad I also forgot about Bedoya.Horrible yellow there.

 
'El Floppo said:
well... like LHUS posted, you have to go tthrough Mexico at some point if you want to win this thing... might as well be soon. And I hate to say this... but IF the US progresses.
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Based on the current 3rd place standings, 6 points is guaranteed a spot in the QF, and the US would be on 6 if they beat Guadeloupe.I think we (in this thread) were taking Panama a little lightly. They're not a bad team, and they are ranked ahead of Canada in the most recent FIFA rank. Guadeloupe isn't. If the US were to lose tonight (Goodson with the massive header goal as I type this) and then lose to Guadeloupe on home soil with Confederations Cup qualification on the line....there would need to be a massive shakeup with the USMNT (starting with Bob Bradley, but I digress).
 
'boubucarow said:
'Steve Tasker said:
Bedoya booked for diving in the box, trying to draw a PK. Clearly a dive. Good call.
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I disagree. I don't think it was a foul either way. He just fell due to momentum and lack of balance. He didn't embellish anything.
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I agree with Steve.he was looking for the contact and threw himself into it. I even think there WAS contact, but he made such a meal of it, the ref felt compelled.
 
'Steve Tasker said:
'El Floppo said:
well... like LHUS posted, you have to go tthrough Mexico at some point if you want to win this thing... might as well be soon. And I hate to say this... but IF the US progresses.
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Based on the current 3rd place standings, 6 points is guaranteed a spot in the QF, and the US would be on 6 if they beat Guadeloupe.I think we (in this thread) were taking Panama a little lightly. They're not a bad team, and they are ranked ahead of Canada in the most recent FIFA rank. Guadeloupe isn't. If the US were to lose tonight (Goodson with the massive header goal as I type this) and then lose to Guadeloupe on home soil with Confederations Cup qualification on the line....there would need to be a massive shakeup with the USMNT (starting with Bob Bradley, but I digress).
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btw- I've been touting Panama straight along.First Bent, and now these ####ers. I'm on a roll.
 
Wondo for Goodsen?

And straight away a counter for Panama.

I thought the US was looking much better there getting forward... don't think they needed to throw another forward on just yet.

 
MF'er Wondo. I would have put that in.

ETA - And I haven't played competitive soccer since I was 9.

 
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'NewlyRetired said:
'Steve Tasker said:
'Sebowski said:
'Steve Tasker said:
I know I'm supposed to....but I really don't hate Mexico. I know we've talked about this in here before. When they play the US, I want the US to win by 10 goals, but I can't sit here watching them play Cuba and actively root against them. They're fun to watch, they have a number of exciting, talented players, and a ridiculous fanbase that I wish the USMNT had. I've found myself increasingly starting to pull for them in "neutral" games - World Cup, international friendlies, and the like.Am I a bad American?
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Yes.I like some of their players too, but that team.... #### that team. All they do is ##### and moan when we beat them. They always have excuses and try to take any credit away from us they can. They are dirty as hell too. Remember Chicharito in the Argentina game? #### that little dweeb.
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I'm not really sure how that's any different than most teams...
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I think Mexico is SIGNIFICANTLY more dirty than the US is when they know they are about to lose.
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Please note the hockey-style bodycheck from Bocanegra on the Panamanian player in stoppage time :whistle: ;)
 
Post Mort-em Thoughts

1) I hate bunker ball but I have to say that Panama played bunker ball near perfectly because they combined it with a sweet counter attack style. I thought Panama would give the US more trouble offensively but I never thought they would be so disciplined defensively.

2) For bunker ball to work, your center backs need to be very strong and Panama's were rocks most of the game, especially in the air

3) Even at the exact time of the substitution of Wondo for Goodson I said "huh?". With the game playing out as it did with multiple free kicks being won, taking out your best target did not make a lot of sense to me at that time. With how the game was shaping up I would have subbed in Edu for Ream, let Edu sweep and sent Goodson up as a target forward (note that almost all of Goodson's youth career was spent as a striker, he did not switch to defense until college)

4) I know there is math that has the US playing Mexico in the quarters but I think it is much more likely US plays Honduras/Jamaica.

Certainly Honduras/Jamaica harder than the Guat/El Salvador we wanted but easier than Mexico. One of the reasons I think Mexico is unlikely is that the US plays the second game of the night, meaning we will know exactly what we need to do to come in first or second in the group. Second in group appears to be the most likely spot for the US, IMO. Coming in first or second means US won't meet Mexico until finals I believe.

5) Ream continues to have one or two moments a game where he does something very poor defensively. That is almost unacceptable for a center back.

6) Breaking a bunker really needs quick clean passing. I can't help but think that Benny could have been useful in this game. Jones and even Bradley appeared slow in moving the ball. Martino made a very astute observation in that the ball was moving so slowly because they were given so much space. It does make some sense that instinctively you take more time when you have the time.

7) Since we can't rest any players for the last game, does anyone know what the yellow card rule is for the tournament? We might be in danger of having to have a player or two suspended for the quarter finals.

 
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We were at the match last night and let me tell you, every single US fans in the stands on the way out were talking about 2 things:

- the flopping and flailing the Panamanians were doing

- the !@#$ing ref who rewarded it

US played like garbage the first 30 minutes but that officiating was horrible. And I don't understand taking out Agudelo and leaving Altidore in.

 
Walbeck from ManU draws it even at 1 in the 89th minute. It's amazing how much smaller the field seems when these guys are playing vs. the US/Panama game.

 
'The Kansas Comet said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Absolutely stunning goal in the Seattle Vancouver game last night(two links in case you have issue with the MLS site)http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=114&id=15800http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/06/12/eric-hasslis-mls-goal-of-the-year-candidate/
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Tremendous strike. Terrible giveaway that set it up. But wow - he couldn't have struck it better.
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:goodposting: Reminded me... a very little bit... of the Marco van Basten goal in Euros back in the 80s. Minus the full volley of course.
 
'El Floppo said:
'The Kansas Comet said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Absolutely stunning goal in the Seattle Vancouver game last night(two links in case you have issue with the MLS site)http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=114&id=15800http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/06/12/eric-hasslis-mls-goal-of-the-year-candidate/
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Tremendous strike. Terrible giveaway that set it up. But wow - he couldn't have struck it better.
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:goodposting: Reminded me... a very little bit... of the Marco van Basten goal in Euros back in the 80s. Minus the full volley of course.
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The announcers compared it to that afterwards. The whole second half of that game was awesome.
 
Mexico is playing at a level I have never seen them play at.

After winning their first two games 5-0 each they are destroying Costa Rica 4-0 very early in second half.

If Costa Rica lose 5-0, they come in 3rd in their group with ELS getting second.

 
I know we don't have any Mexican hardcore fans here but god I would love to know how Dos Santos is not significantly more successful at club level. At the international level, even at the world cup, he looks so good.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
I know we don't have any Mexican hardcore fans here but god I would love to know how Dos Santos is not significantly more successful at club level. At the international level, even at the world cup, he looks so good.
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I'm no expert OR hardcore fan, but I've seen him play a bit... seems like he's like a lot of US players who shine against lesser competition and then becomes less involved against stiffer. Oh. I take that back about the US players in light of the Panama game.
 
'NewlyRetired said:
Mexico is playing at a level I have never seen them play at.

After winning their first two games 5-0 each they are destroying Costa Rica 4-0 very early in second half.

If Costa Rica lose 5-0, they come in 3rd in their group with ELS getting second.
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yeah... this is the level you and I have been dreading since that u17 WC title.I don't follow El Salvador, but last cycle they were a very tough opponent for the US, and IIRC Mexico. The way Mexico is ripping apart teams it might have had problems with previously is (including CR)... scary.

I hope we get to see the US play them if only to find out whether Mexico has it's typical hari-kari psyche-implosion against them. If not... even more scary... as it means we'll be relegated to fighting it out for 2nd/3rd place in the region for a long while to come.

 
Just watched the US/Panama game...here are my thoughts.

I'd put the majority of the blame on Bradley...the team was clearly not up for the match in the first half.

Jones was terrible. Landon was off his game. Altidore was non-existent. Howard could have prevented the first goal. Ream sucked.

I thought Dolo, Dempsey, Boca, Goodson, Bedoya, Bradley all looked decent.

When we get Holden back I think we need to consider Dempsey at forward permanently. Agudelo isn't quite ready yet IMHO and he's hurting us.

Ream was abused but he's better than Gooch so I'm not sure we have a better option.

Wondo sucks...can't get Davies back soon enough. Would also have been nice to have Buddle, but after Bradley underutilized him in the WC I don't blame Buddle for giving him the finger.

I was calling for Edu over Jones after last match...and what with Jones' hissy fit after getting pulled?? Is he not aware of his suckiness?

If we show up like that against Mexico and/or Costa Rica we'll get killed...although I don't think we will.

Mexico has to be heavily favored at this point.

 
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'LHUCKS said:
Just watched the US/Panama game...here are my thoughts.I'd put the majority of the blame on Bradley...the team was clearly not up for the match in the first half. Jones was terrible. Landon was off his game. Altidore was non-existent. Howard could have prevented the first goal. Ream sucked.I thought Dolo, Dempsey, Boca, Goodson, Bedoya, Bradley all looked decent.When we get Holden back I think we need to consider Dempsey at forward permanently. Agudelo isn't quite ready yet IMHO and he's hurting us. Ream was abused but he's better than Gooch so I'm not sure we have a better option.Wondo sucks...can't get Davies back soon enough. Would also have been nice to have Buddle, but after Bradley underutilized him in the WC I don't blame Buddle for giving him the finger. I was calling for Edu over Jones after last match...and what with Jones' hissy fit after getting pulled?? Is he not aware of his suckiness?If we show up like that against Mexico and/or Costa Rica we'll get killed...although I don't think we will.Mexico has to be heavily favored at this point.
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Bradley Jr or Sr? Either way- why is he to blame? Because the players came out flat?
 
Group A is done now.

Mexico as the clear winner.

Costa Rica grabs second on a tie breaker

El Salvador in a very strong position for one of the two 3rd place spots to get into the quarter finals.

Guat will grab one of the two 3rd place spots with a win of 3 goals or more tonight against Grenada.

If Guat wins by any amount, the US will be eliminated with a loss in their last game.

 
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'LHUCKS said:
When we get Holden back I think we need to consider Dempsey at forward permanently. Agudelo isn't quite ready yet IMHO and he's hurting us.
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I think we might see Dempsey at striker some time during this tournament as a starter. Maybe even tomorrow night I would be surprised if Bradley trots out the same lineup.
 
Speaking of overlooking Panama... I haven't watched them play this go-round, but I recall Guadeloupe being suprisingly good last Gold Cup. Enough quality players (including their central MF who plays in MLS) to hurt the US if they decide to play the way they did against Panama.

That said, I'm figuring most of the Guadeloupe team won't be up to the rigors of a third game in a week, particularly against the very fit US. That, more than skill, I'm figuring will put the US on top- hopefully by a bunch- but likely in a dominating 2nd half when the Guadeloupies tire.

 
'El Floppo said:
'LHUCKS said:
Just watched the US/Panama game...here are my thoughts.I'd put the majority of the blame on Bradley...the team was clearly not up for the match in the first half. Jones was terrible. Landon was off his game. Altidore was non-existent. Howard could have prevented the first goal. Ream sucked.I thought Dolo, Dempsey, Boca, Goodson, Bedoya, Bradley all looked decent.When we get Holden back I think we need to consider Dempsey at forward permanently. Agudelo isn't quite ready yet IMHO and he's hurting us. Ream was abused but he's better than Gooch so I'm not sure we have a better option.Wondo sucks...can't get Davies back soon enough. Would also have been nice to have Buddle, but after Bradley underutilized him in the WC I don't blame Buddle for giving him the finger. I was calling for Edu over Jones after last match...and what with Jones' hissy fit after getting pulled?? Is he not aware of his suckiness?If we show up like that against Mexico and/or Costa Rica we'll get killed...although I don't think we will.Mexico has to be heavily favored at this point.
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Bradley Jr or Sr? Either way- why is he to blame? Because the players came out flat?
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:shrug: Sometimes a change in coaching is good to bring a new set of eyes to the team. If you look at the top-10 squads in the world today, 7 have new managers since 2008, and the teams have averaged 4.3 managers since 2000.For the US - we have had two mangers since 2000 - Arena and Bradley, who came on in 2006. Maybe the other teams have such pressure to perform, that the stress level of the position demands a lot of turnover. But that begs the question, why we don't put that pressure on the USMNT? You can't achieve what you don't aspire to be imo.
 
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
'NewlyRetired said:
I am very much looking forward to Brek Shea making the leap in the next year or two. His ability to play multiple positions should help his cause.here is his nice goal from yesterdayhttp://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?id=15835
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Left back answer? I think he can do it
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His offense is not a question mark for me. But I have not seen enough of him defensively to know. The good news is that he does play some left back for Dallas. He has nice foot skills, excellent mobility and has pretty good height for a wide player.
 
'Sinn Fein said:
For the US - we have had two mangers since 2000 - Arena and Bradley, who came on in 2006.
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It should also be noted that Bradley himself comes from the Arena tree as he was an assistant to Arena both in college and at DC United. Does not mean he is an identical coach to Arena but I am sure their are many things he picked up from being an assistant to Arena that are carried over to today.
 
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