Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I know.Didn't Dempsey miss the prep for a wedding as well?
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)
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Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Wimbledon Jones...
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Breathing room
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Don't mess this up guys.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I think landycakes is dinged. It explains his inability to beat people off the dribble.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
The rarely seen offsides-behind-the-goalkeeper
The Z Machine
Footballguy
To me Jones has really come on this tournament. We could have used him in south Africa.
Definitely.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Loved his composure on the goal. Took his time, didn't hurriedly blast it straight into Ricketts, as a number of others might have.Jones had an amazing dive to get that red. Glad it helped the US, but still not good to see. The US played better, but still seemed to give up too many good chances to Jamaica even when they were up a man. Got the W, though, thankfully. Fathers Day wouldn't have been as enjoyable without it.
awful call on the red, but I'll take it.
great game from Jones. If Howard doesn't make that miraculous save early, this game would have felt a lot different.
great game from Jones. If Howard doesn't make that miraculous save early, this game would have felt a lot different.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Some negatives...
Jones- #1: idiotic yellow card for a guy like him. Either earn it by demolishing somebody, or don't pull that ticky-tack bull####. Stupid. Fully expecting him to draw a yellow next game to be ruled out for the final (if the US wins).
#2: that dive was horrible and embarrassing. I hope something happens after the fact for that disgustingness- fine, preferably. I noticed he took a couple of other goofy looking dives on the day... that's the type of play I'm used to seeing from Germans, not us good red-blooded Muricans.
Bradley- that 4th minute Jamaica shot wasn't offsides because Bradley lolly-gagged back up behind the defenders who were pulling a nice tight quick line.
Sascha- no stash.
and slow as molasses.
Lichaj and Bedoya- a little too much chicken with the head cut off running around and ball movement for my liking... but they're youngish and composure will hopefully come with more experience.
Jozy and Cherundolo- if they're both hurt, that's going to hurt. They've
That's about it for the negatives
Jones- #1: idiotic yellow card for a guy like him. Either earn it by demolishing somebody, or don't pull that ticky-tack bull####. Stupid. Fully expecting him to draw a yellow next game to be ruled out for the final (if the US wins).
#2: that dive was horrible and embarrassing. I hope something happens after the fact for that disgustingness- fine, preferably. I noticed he took a couple of other goofy looking dives on the day... that's the type of play I'm used to seeing from Germans, not us good red-blooded Muricans.
Bradley- that 4th minute Jamaica shot wasn't offsides because Bradley lolly-gagged back up behind the defenders who were pulling a nice tight quick line.
Sascha- no stash.
and slow as molasses.Lichaj and Bedoya- a little too much chicken with the head cut off running around and ball movement for my liking... but they're youngish and composure will hopefully come with more experience.
Jozy and Cherundolo- if they're both hurt, that's going to hurt. They've
That's about it for the negatives
TLEF316
Footballguy
I have no problem with the dive.
Look, i hate the practice and i think they need to take further steps to make it go away.
But you know every team on the planet would pull that #### against us if given the opportunity. We've gotten screwed by the refs enough. So if we need to embellish a bit to get a few to go our way, then so be it.
No one country is going to change the culture of the sport by never diving. And if it was one country, it sure as hell wouldn't be us.
Shame about Jozy.
Look, i hate the practice and i think they need to take further steps to make it go away.
But you know every team on the planet would pull that #### against us if given the opportunity. We've gotten screwed by the refs enough. So if we need to embellish a bit to get a few to go our way, then so be it.
No one country is going to change the culture of the sport by never diving. And if it was one country, it sure as hell wouldn't be us.
Shame about Jozy.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Finally got our first point of the season tonight. 0-4-1 in the league and were knocked out of the local cup in the first round. We played against one of the other teams that was promoted this past year (the team we beat in an epic 2-1 AET win in the playoff semifinals en route to the title). They finished top of the league during the regular season last year.
We went down 2-0 before the half, but battled back to tie it at 2 with around 20 left. I assisted on the first one, and nearly had one myself. Had my best game of the season, I think...our midfield was buzzing the entire game. Nice to get a point, even if it looks like we're probably going back down at this point.
Late in the first half, though, I trapped a ball with my nose (trying to head it back to our defenders off a goal kick), and I'm 98% sure it's broken. Oh well.
We went down 2-0 before the half, but battled back to tie it at 2 with around 20 left. I assisted on the first one, and nearly had one myself. Had my best game of the season, I think...our midfield was buzzing the entire game. Nice to get a point, even if it looks like we're probably going back down at this point.
Late in the first half, though, I trapped a ball with my nose (trying to head it back to our defenders off a goal kick), and I'm 98% sure it's broken. Oh well.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Any news on Jozy's condition?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Missed watching the US game live but caught it on DVR
Tremendous Upside: As was speculated all week, the ELS fans purchased a huge amount of tickets, they took up almost the entire upper deck. The game was most certainly sold out. It filled in almost completely by half time.
Aaron/Christo: Both Landon and Dempsey got permission for the weddings a long long time ago. Bradley gave his blessing. Donovan was not being punished in any way. His flight arrived significantly later than they originally hoped in DC (red eye landed 7:00am of game day) and I think knowing how heavy Landon's legs looked already, that they were afraid of more jet lag for him. Ironically, I thought when he subbed in he ran very well, and actually got behind the defense for the first time in a long time.
Very big shame about Jozy, I do not expect him back for the semi on Wednesday against Panama. I thought Agudelo played a solid game today. Will be interesting to see the lineup against Panama. Should be the 5th straight for the US trying to figure out how to break down 11 men behind the ball.
Tremendous Upside: As was speculated all week, the ELS fans purchased a huge amount of tickets, they took up almost the entire upper deck. The game was most certainly sold out. It filled in almost completely by half time.
Aaron/Christo: Both Landon and Dempsey got permission for the weddings a long long time ago. Bradley gave his blessing. Donovan was not being punished in any way. His flight arrived significantly later than they originally hoped in DC (red eye landed 7:00am of game day) and I think knowing how heavy Landon's legs looked already, that they were afraid of more jet lag for him. Ironically, I thought when he subbed in he ran very well, and actually got behind the defense for the first time in a long time.
Very big shame about Jozy, I do not expect him back for the semi on Wednesday against Panama. I thought Agudelo played a solid game today. Will be interesting to see the lineup against Panama. Should be the 5th straight for the US trying to figure out how to break down 11 men behind the ball.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The US played their first game of the U17 World Cup and had a very strong first game.
they easily handled the Czech Republic 3-0. All three US goals were very nice.
Hopefully tomorrow some highlights will be put on YouTube and I can link them.
The best US player was Alejandro Guido. The Mexican born player is both physically and playing style very reminiscent of Reyna.
ironically the left back actually looks fairly decent but he is also just a baby as the youngest player on the squad.
Wilmer Cabrera has put together as extremely cosmopolitan group of young players. As such it is going to be very hard to get attached to this side as most of the better players are going to be attractive to numerous countries.
they easily handled the Czech Republic 3-0. All three US goals were very nice.
Hopefully tomorrow some highlights will be put on YouTube and I can link them.
The best US player was Alejandro Guido. The Mexican born player is both physically and playing style very reminiscent of Reyna.
ironically the left back actually looks fairly decent but he is also just a baby as the youngest player on the squad.
Wilmer Cabrera has put together as extremely cosmopolitan group of young players. As such it is going to be very hard to get attached to this side as most of the better players are going to be attractive to numerous countries.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Good to hear about the U17s. Keep up the reporting, especially if you watch the games live. What's the left back's name?
JMon348
Footballguy
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/laliga/story/alexis-sanchez-transfer-barcelona-from-udinese-33-million-061911
Looks like Bojan is going to Roma too.
Can anyone comment on how he will fit with Barca? Will he start for Pedro or will he back up all forward positions? How does this affect Affelay's role? Better signing than Rossi?
Looks like Bojan is going to Roma too.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Funny- I thought LD still looked off. IMO, his getting behind the defense was more about the high line set by Panama than him finding that step.Interesting that we've been talking about that central MF and the way the shape for the US changes for the better when one of them gets pushed higher. I never expected Bradley to revert to the 4-5-1, but wow. That's about as well as I've seen the US play that formation, and the best I've seen Jones and Bradley combine so far. I noticed in Jones' first US game last year that he has a interesting method for delivering balls- he opens his foot up and can hit those cross field, 40-60 yard balls flat, low and hard; they're never bent or chipped with back-spin (Lampard has the same technique). I'm very happy seeing how well and how much he and Bradley have been combining... they're constantly looking for eachother and developing the trust to hit the ball into useful space pushing the recipient into directed attack rather than always to feet. Sascha was fantastic on the day- less by what he did with the ball and more in how his non-stop runs kept the shape on both sides of the ball to put Jamaica under pressure up the field and also allow the US controlled possession in attack. His runs, along with Bedoya's on the flank, opened up so much space for Bradley, Jones and Dempsey... it gave them time and space to dictate the game offensively. The touch looked good too even if the decision making on the ball wasn't always there. but again- the runs he made all game and his ability to consistently place himself in the right location was the catalyst for opening the game up for the US. Without his spacing, Bradley and Jones, and subsequently the whole D, get put under much more pressure instead of having the time and space to always have the easy ball available to them. Jozy was looking pretty dominating up front, and was being complemented well by his MFs making strong supporting runs. I was/am genuinely sad to see him come up gimpy- he seemed like he was getting his game-legs under him in the GC and was the one guy who I felt most likely to break a defense down off the dribble. I was impressed with Agudelo's performance, particularly with how he handled the physicality of the defenders. It's easy to forget how young he is with how well he's playing. And even there, I still think Jozy was the more dangerous forward so far this GC.Accolades for the US aside, I think part of the success of the formation was that Jamaica didn't have a clue the US was playing it- or at least played like they didn't have a clue. I thought for sure they'd make some changes tactically at halftime and get some help in the middle for the MFs... but I'm glad they didn't.ANybody watch Panama v ES? I caught a bunch of it and neither team looked good at all. This version of the US would have destroyed Panama last game. Hopefully it's the players on the field and not the suprise of the formation as I suggested above that made the difference today- and hopefully v Panama next game.
El Floppo
Footballguy
good stuff andy, and good to hear about the victory.
I usually make a point to watch the US youth sides when they're televised... it's been a strange few days/week for me: we thought the baby was coming yesterday, 4 weeks early and the wife spent last night at the hospital after throwing our son's 4th birthday yesterday. And our apartment which was hit by fire (water-damaged) and the building shut last summer almost a year ago has been on the verge of becoming habitable again... any day (which has been going on for 2 months already)... so I've been doing limited moving and unpacking to that place, while wondering where and when the baby will be born and live. 
but more importantly- LB?
The Z Machine
Footballguy
The way the US played today, they should handle Panama. The question is, can they put the ball in the net? And if so, who's going to do it. My money's on Demps.
Sebowski
Footballguy
And it was off a stupid Bradley give-away too. He had a few bad balls. It sounds like I'm alone in thinking he didn't play well. Seemed to be either off a step or hesitant, or both. I like Aguedelo. Especially for coming in so suddenly. Maybe he needed that.'El Floppo said:
Howard. Wow. I was swearing that was offsides until I saw the replay and saw Bradley trotting back.
Glad Dempsey broke that oof streak after continuing it. You can tell how much that goal meant.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I don't think Bradley played very well either. Thankfully Jones (and Bedoya too) made up for it. Demps was pretty good from the get-go, very involved and dangerous.
I'm pretty sure that in the "non-offsides, nearly a goal" play, Bradley had just put in a long sprint to catch up to a Jamaican player, and I think he was gassed from that. See if you can find the whole series and why Bradley was so deep.
I'm pretty sure that in the "non-offsides, nearly a goal" play, Bradley had just put in a long sprint to catch up to a Jamaican player, and I think he was gassed from that. See if you can find the whole series and why Bradley was so deep.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I will watch every game but may not be live. I will tend to watch them on DVR probably. The left backs name is Kellyn Acosta and comes from the FC Dallas academy. Too early to be excited though. He is only 15 I think.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok here is a nice highlight package of the US U17 game.
Two notes:
First goal was his off foot
Third goal was literally his first touch after coming on as a sub.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XgvcPv-QQg
Two notes:
First goal was his off foot
Third goal was literally his first touch after coming on as a sub.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XgvcPv-QQg
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think they also had a red card too right? So they will be missing a player. I did not get to see game, only caught the pk's. I am glad Panama won, as I think the US will have some extra motivation to make up for the loss. If the US does advance to the finals it is going to be so strange for them. 5 straight games of having massive possession and little pressure on ball. It will be completely the opposite against Mexico.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here are the ESPN player ratings from yesterday
=============================
Player Ratings: (1-10, 10 = best)
GK, Tim Howard, 7: Had little to do but as usual made some nice saves when called into duty.
D, Steve Cherundolo, 6.5: It was a relatively slow day at the office for the right back. Although he couldn't get forward as much because of Bedoya's inclination to set up wide, the two combined well.
D, Clarence Goodson, 6: Solid in the air as always. But he was guilty of a few poor touches on miscommunications with Howard (who did take the blame for one of the mishaps).
D, Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5: A calm and collected game from the center back, who will breathe a sigh of relief that Jamaica failed to use its speed to pressure the U.S.'s back four.
D, Eric Lichaj, 7: The U.S. may have found its left back at last. Lichaj pushed forward very well, although he should have finished a fat chance in the 44th minute. He can also get caught out upfield when he's a bit too aggressive, an element of his game that will bear watching.
M, Alejandro Bedoya, 7.5: The winger, who (unthinkably) was not on the original tournament roster, was lively, dangerous and did a lot of the dirty work before coming off for Donovan.
M, Michael Bradley, 6.5: Bradley wasn't clean in his distribution early on, but improved as the game went on. He covered acres of territory and was useful in helping out the defense. But he did get his pocket picked a few times when he'd stay on the ball too long.
M, Jermaine Jones, 8.5: Jones, easily the best man on U.S.'s side, distributed the ball expertly, closed a lot of gaps in the back and scored the game winner. He even got his man sent off on an unsightly flop before coming off in the 74th minute.
M, Sacha Kljestan, 7: He proved a nice addition to the attack, playing behind a lone striker. He made surging runs up the field, connected the attack with the two holding midfielders and was occasionally dangerous himself.
M, Clint Dempsey, 7.5: Deuce spent another game drifting around in desperate search of a goal. It took a handful of good chances before he finally rounded the goalkeeper and stuck away the 2-0 in the 79th minute.
F, Jozy Altidore, Incomplete: Was subbed off in the 11th minute after injuring his hamstring.
Subs:
F, Juan Agudelo, 6.5: Came on in emergency relief for Altidore. Agudelo was useful, working hard and closing down well even if his hold-up play needs work. He provided some danger, too, and provided Dempsey with his goal.
M, Landon Donovan, 6.5: He didn't look sharp after coming on, but he also set up Agudelo for Dempsey's goal, redeeming his day.
M, Maurice Edu, 6.5: In a spell of work toward the end of the game, Edu played well, distributing well and taking some of the workload off of exhausted teammates.
Leander Schaerlaeckens is a soccer writer for ESPN.com. He can be reached at leander.espn@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LeanderESPN.
=============================
Player Ratings: (1-10, 10 = best)
GK, Tim Howard, 7: Had little to do but as usual made some nice saves when called into duty.
D, Steve Cherundolo, 6.5: It was a relatively slow day at the office for the right back. Although he couldn't get forward as much because of Bedoya's inclination to set up wide, the two combined well.
D, Clarence Goodson, 6: Solid in the air as always. But he was guilty of a few poor touches on miscommunications with Howard (who did take the blame for one of the mishaps).
D, Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5: A calm and collected game from the center back, who will breathe a sigh of relief that Jamaica failed to use its speed to pressure the U.S.'s back four.
D, Eric Lichaj, 7: The U.S. may have found its left back at last. Lichaj pushed forward very well, although he should have finished a fat chance in the 44th minute. He can also get caught out upfield when he's a bit too aggressive, an element of his game that will bear watching.
M, Alejandro Bedoya, 7.5: The winger, who (unthinkably) was not on the original tournament roster, was lively, dangerous and did a lot of the dirty work before coming off for Donovan.
M, Michael Bradley, 6.5: Bradley wasn't clean in his distribution early on, but improved as the game went on. He covered acres of territory and was useful in helping out the defense. But he did get his pocket picked a few times when he'd stay on the ball too long.
M, Jermaine Jones, 8.5: Jones, easily the best man on U.S.'s side, distributed the ball expertly, closed a lot of gaps in the back and scored the game winner. He even got his man sent off on an unsightly flop before coming off in the 74th minute.
M, Sacha Kljestan, 7: He proved a nice addition to the attack, playing behind a lone striker. He made surging runs up the field, connected the attack with the two holding midfielders and was occasionally dangerous himself.
M, Clint Dempsey, 7.5: Deuce spent another game drifting around in desperate search of a goal. It took a handful of good chances before he finally rounded the goalkeeper and stuck away the 2-0 in the 79th minute.
F, Jozy Altidore, Incomplete: Was subbed off in the 11th minute after injuring his hamstring.
Subs:
F, Juan Agudelo, 6.5: Came on in emergency relief for Altidore. Agudelo was useful, working hard and closing down well even if his hold-up play needs work. He provided some danger, too, and provided Dempsey with his goal.
M, Landon Donovan, 6.5: He didn't look sharp after coming on, but he also set up Agudelo for Dempsey's goal, redeeming his day.
M, Maurice Edu, 6.5: In a spell of work toward the end of the game, Edu played well, distributing well and taking some of the workload off of exhausted teammates.
Leander Schaerlaeckens is a soccer writer for ESPN.com. He can be reached at leander.espn@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LeanderESPN.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
He was so deep becuase he gave the ball away in his third trying to get the ball to Lichaj (who was wide open and there was a pretty big lane for a pass) up the left wing. He then had to roll out to cover for Lichaj which put him deep. I don't know which was worse, the giveaway or the fact he didn't hold the line, but both are inexcusable at this level.
El Floppo
Footballguy
good stuff.and I might be gassed after having to sprint 40 yards FOUR MINUTES into a game, but Bradley not so much.I agree Bradley didn't have his best game, but I still really liked how he found ways to combine with Jones- that was the most important part of his development and game yesterday for me.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I've mentioned 4yo FLoppo Jr is developing as a lefty... I'm already excited for the US based solely on this.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I agree with what you guys are saying about Bradley. He did make an excellent pass to spring Lichai for what was a great chance at a goal.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Both Cher and Eric have had very little to do defensively and could move forward at will in almost every game. I am much more interested to see how he plays under an offensive attack which he might not see until Mexico although we may get a peak at his recovery skills as Panama is likely to play a counter attack game again.
prefontaine
Footballguy
No question Bradley had an awful game. We naturally grade everyone on a curve and he's still one of our best players, but he was very sloppy yesterday making several terrible giveaways which is something that is very uncharacteristic of him. I can't remember the last time he f'd that sort of situation up but he didn't just do it once, he did it several times. I'm usually very comfortable with him dropping deep and carrying the ball up but he was making me nervous yesterday. However the partnership with Jones is taking off and it was the first time in a long long time I've seen our two central mids work so well together. Just the simply little passes the two of them made were a joy to see.And despite the fact he runs around every cross or tries with his left and sends it into the stands, I think we have a new left back. And I think it's going to be good.
Bradley was a turnover machine. Seemed like he had a ton of giveaways without even being pressured that much.
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Probably time for me to get some work done, but this is what came to mind when I saw this post.On a side note - it was interesting to watch the U17 game - the US was clearly the better team, but the Czech players seemed dumbfounded that they were losing to the US.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Good riddance. That guy is a grade-A chach.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Except for the part where FIFA can now sweep everything he did under the rug. Nothing to see here. Move along.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Sanchez to Barca not a done deal yet, apparently. Rumors that Barca are going to sell Villa and use the money to get Cesc. Ehhh, I dunno.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yup. But at least Warner is out. But with the magic if FIFA their is a chance next guy will be just as bad.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I noticed the same thing. The US was better at almost every position and they were a seeded team. Either CR are not a very good team or they were poorly prepared for how the US was going to play. You can tell Wilmer has accentuated foot skills at most of the positions. The young kid on CR who was close to a deal with Chelsea did not do himself any favors.
Guido on the US has a chance to have multiple suitors if he plays as well as he did yesterday for a few more games. Lots of on the ball confidence, almost too much at times (he has that Reyna, I am going to move slowly, feel to him)
Sebowski
Footballguy
They pretty much all are at this stage.
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