jonessed
Footballguy
No. He's a starter on any team outside of Barca, RM, and maybe Bayern.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
In thinking about tonight's US game, one name gets stuck in my head: Teal Bunbury.
I can't figure this guy out. Sometimes I see a small flash that gives me hope and other times I see some one as clumsy as Connor Casey.
Even though Agudelo is far far from a finished product, I think we can all recognize the signs that he can be a good player one day. I can't make a similar projection for Bunbury. And it's not like I have only seen him play a couple of times either, I have seen him play a bunch in MLS and still struggle to make a real opinion.
I think I am fixated on the forwards because I have come to the realization that Klinsmann is not going to deviate from the 4-3-3 and I can't figure out who in the system can play the central striker spot.
In a perfect US world, it would be some combination of the best of McBride and Ching. But I don't even see a player with Ching's (circa 8 years ago) specific skill set much less McBride.
I really like Jozy and Juan but I am unsure either can thrive in that spot the way it is employed now. We need an old fashioned, "I will out work everyone on the field" mind set like McBride had to make this difficult position work.
CJ Sappong interests me because he has a bit of that mentality and the body to go with but very little experience.
I can't figure this guy out. Sometimes I see a small flash that gives me hope and other times I see some one as clumsy as Connor Casey.
Even though Agudelo is far far from a finished product, I think we can all recognize the signs that he can be a good player one day. I can't make a similar projection for Bunbury. And it's not like I have only seen him play a couple of times either, I have seen him play a bunch in MLS and still struggle to make a real opinion.
I think I am fixated on the forwards because I have come to the realization that Klinsmann is not going to deviate from the 4-3-3 and I can't figure out who in the system can play the central striker spot.
In a perfect US world, it would be some combination of the best of McBride and Ching. But I don't even see a player with Ching's (circa 8 years ago) specific skill set much less McBride.
I really like Jozy and Juan but I am unsure either can thrive in that spot the way it is employed now. We need an old fashioned, "I will out work everyone on the field" mind set like McBride had to make this difficult position work.
CJ Sappong interests me because he has a bit of that mentality and the body to go with but very little experience.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok cool, that is what I thought. From his comments I thought my eyes were deceiving me since I don't see him play week in and week out.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
FSC looks like they are carrying the Everton Fulham game on Friday at 3:00pm at least according to a recent tweet. I don't see it in the tv guide yet.
Is this the first time Donovan and Dempsey have played against each since 2006? I can't remember if they played against each other during Landon's last loan.
Is this the first time Donovan and Dempsey have played against each since 2006? I can't remember if they played against each other during Landon's last loan.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Good to see that the Barca fans know where to look when they want to see good soccer. 
http://yfrog.com/khiagawj
http://yfrog.com/khiagawj
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here is the starting lineup
Rimando
DeLaGarza Parkhurst Cameron Loyd
Zusi Clark Jones
Shea Wondo Bunbury
Looks like it is Wondo's night to deal with the middle. Surprised that Zusi is getting another shot, hopefully he can shake off that poor game this weekend.
Rimando
DeLaGarza Parkhurst Cameron Loyd
Zusi Clark Jones
Shea Wondo Bunbury
Looks like it is Wondo's night to deal with the middle. Surprised that Zusi is getting another shot, hopefully he can shake off that poor game this weekend.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Hmm something's not right here. This looks like it should be more of a 4-4-2. RimandoDeLaGarza Parkhurst Cameron LoydZusi Clark Jones SheaWondo BunburyThat makes more sense with the talent on the field. Shame Benny has to sit, would have been interesting to see him in place of Clark.
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scoobygang
Footballguy
Seems like a 4-2-1-3 to me. Zusi behind the strikers with two holding mids behind. Arsenal ran something like it last year with Song and Wilshere alternating getting forward. I imagine Benny will come in for Zusi at one point.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Hmm, I could see that. Much more natural position for Zusi who treated the side line like his worst enemy last game.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yup, much better test. Already in two minutes they have done more than Venezuela did all game.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Don't understand Spanish. Have they mentioned if this is grass or field turf?
Friggan SD signal. It's like watching through a siv :(
Friggan SD signal. It's like watching through a siv :(
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
19 shots the other night to score and they score on one tonight 
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Nice cross though for the goal. I think he is a righty as he switches to the foot for crosses when possible.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He and Wando have zero chemistry so far. They have no idea where the other is.As for the turf, it must be horrendous quality as there looks like divots or something in the Panama box.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Wow what a save
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
not much. He should have tucked home the rebound on the Jones bomb but the keeper made a nice save. Bunbury had a rough half to say the least. When Shea's activity level is down, he is a very average player.
JMon348
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
If you call a penalty I guess it has to be a red. No need for the ten minute act for such a soft fall, you got the call, get up.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
What? I thought this was a fair trade. We give up Rossi and get Bunbury....Oi
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Good call! He does look like him.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Hippling thoughts:
1) Pep plays Pinto in the Copa the whole way, even though he's a few cuts below Valdes, obviously. He played him in the Finals last year, which is admirable, I suppose.
2) I am unable to comprehend how an Ozil-less lineup is ever a good idea for RM. He is an absolute stud. I feel bad for him being stuck on that team with a bunch of goons and headcases, but he is arguably as valuable a player as CR. His pass setting up the first goal was beautiful.
3) Barca didn't play particularly well today. A great piece of individual skill by Messi to set up goal #1, a great piece by Alves to get #2, and then they got lucky on Ozil's shot off the bar and several other great chances, including another ####### bad pass in the opening seconds of play. They were a mess in the 2nd half, and I think the loss of Iniesta really showed. They didn't control the midfield as well as they should have, and RM did a great job of pressuring and disrupting the merry-go-round.
4) The 2nd yellow on Ramos was weak, and his sarcastic handshake was understandable, but Lass should've been sent off for taking down Messi late in the first. That horror show of a 2nd half happened, but it probably shouldn't have happened.
It's good that they're through, but they are going to face some challenges with Iniesta and Alexis out for a couple weeks now and the CL knockout stages looming, as well as the difficult-but-not-impossible deficit they face in catching RM. But at least they KO'ed RM from this, even though the Valencia tie won't be much easier.
1) Pep plays Pinto in the Copa the whole way, even though he's a few cuts below Valdes, obviously. He played him in the Finals last year, which is admirable, I suppose.
2) I am unable to comprehend how an Ozil-less lineup is ever a good idea for RM. He is an absolute stud. I feel bad for him being stuck on that team with a bunch of goons and headcases, but he is arguably as valuable a player as CR. His pass setting up the first goal was beautiful.
3) Barca didn't play particularly well today. A great piece of individual skill by Messi to set up goal #1, a great piece by Alves to get #2, and then they got lucky on Ozil's shot off the bar and several other great chances, including another ####### bad pass in the opening seconds of play. They were a mess in the 2nd half, and I think the loss of Iniesta really showed. They didn't control the midfield as well as they should have, and RM did a great job of pressuring and disrupting the merry-go-round.
4) The 2nd yellow on Ramos was weak, and his sarcastic handshake was understandable, but Lass should've been sent off for taking down Messi late in the first. That horror show of a 2nd half happened, but it probably shouldn't have happened.
It's good that they're through, but they are going to face some challenges with Iniesta and Alexis out for a couple weeks now and the CL knockout stages looming, as well as the difficult-but-not-impossible deficit they face in catching RM. But at least they KO'ed RM from this, even though the Valencia tie won't be much easier.
El Floppo
Footballguy
lol at my hucksyesque bunburry whining tonight.
but oof- pretty grim game.
some good possession finally when they went a man down- which makes zero sense. Panama must've tired.
Rimando was a gamesaver in the first half- some amazing reflex saves. Was it just me watching on a small set, or was Panama offsides on a couple of their breaks?
Cameron looked decent until getting sent off- a bit outmatched against Perez, but who on the US hasn't been? after my DelaGarza love vs Ven, this time not so much. Still like his touch, but got stripped of the ball too much. Lloyd was scary bad back there- was he subbed for injury or patheticness? Either way, I thought Pearce had a nice game- I've seen him live a couple of times look really good, smart touch and positioning... but we've all seen him look pedestrian at best too. Park looked a little shaky too.
Jones was solid again. Clark- meh. Was actually glad to see Laurentowic sub in for him. Zusi played better and faster with his decisions- still slow though. Shea looked tired- back to back underwhelming performances from him.
Sappong did more in his minutes than Wondo and Bunburry did with theirs combined. Wondo just didn't figure into the game at all- at least Bunburry got himself into position to receive the ball a lot- and lose it.
I thought JK called all the right subs and got the team organized after the half. But they all looked gassed, maybe from too much conditioning training?
but oof- pretty grim game.
some good possession finally when they went a man down- which makes zero sense. Panama must've tired.
Rimando was a gamesaver in the first half- some amazing reflex saves. Was it just me watching on a small set, or was Panama offsides on a couple of their breaks?
Cameron looked decent until getting sent off- a bit outmatched against Perez, but who on the US hasn't been? after my DelaGarza love vs Ven, this time not so much. Still like his touch, but got stripped of the ball too much. Lloyd was scary bad back there- was he subbed for injury or patheticness? Either way, I thought Pearce had a nice game- I've seen him live a couple of times look really good, smart touch and positioning... but we've all seen him look pedestrian at best too. Park looked a little shaky too.
Jones was solid again. Clark- meh. Was actually glad to see Laurentowic sub in for him. Zusi played better and faster with his decisions- still slow though. Shea looked tired- back to back underwhelming performances from him.
Sappong did more in his minutes than Wondo and Bunburry did with theirs combined. Wondo just didn't figure into the game at all- at least Bunburry got himself into position to receive the ball a lot- and lose it.
I thought JK called all the right subs and got the team organized after the half. But they all looked gassed, maybe from too much conditioning training?
El Floppo
Footballguy
I thought the ref favored Barca on the day- IMO, Alves deserved a first half booking for back to back onthe edge fouls. With a yellow, his game would've been much different in the second half. Also thought Ramos' called back goal was super ticky-tack... seemed to me that Alves realized he was caught out of position and went down as soon as he felt contact- which was there, yes, but slight.Oh yeah- Pepe's ow-my-eye chumpery was disgusting. That's usually the domain of Busquets and Pedro.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here are the ESPN grades
Grades: 1-10 (1 is lowest; 10 highest)
GK - Nick Rimando, 8: Made several brave saves in a half of work, including a cat-like one-on-one reaction-save that single-handedly kept Panama off the scoreboard.
D - A.J. DeLaGarza, 3: DeLaGarza isn't a natural right back. And given how bad a night he had there, we might not see him there again in a U.S. shirt for a long time.
D - Zach Loyd, 6.5: Before coming off injured in the 42nd minute, Loyd had been careless with the ball on a few occasions but was also responsible for what little danger the U.S. posed in the first half with good forays -- and great deliveries -- from the left flank. His cross set up the lone goal.
D - Michael Parkhurst, 6: Parkhurst was steady, although showed a propensity to be beaten over the top.
D - Geoff Cameron, 4.5: Didn't have a banner night in the back, culminating in a 52nd-minute sending off.
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STR/AFP/Getty Images
AJ DeLaGarza struggled in an unnatural right-back position all night long.
M - Graham Zusi, 6: Scored the game-winner, but robbed the U.S. of width on the right by pinching inside towards his natural position once again. That said, solid and strong on the ball.
M - Ricardo Clark, 6: A decent night of useful work from Clark, but didn't close down opponents enough in the defensive third in his 66 minutes of playing time.
M - Jermaine Jones, 6.5: The German-American remains mercurial, overcomplicating passes and turning the ball over too easily at times. But good overall distribution and a few moments of attacking flair redeemed his night once again.
M - Brek Shea, 3: Shea probably shouldn't have been out on the field tonight. He claims he has been fighting a cold, and he looked so lethargic it isn't hard to believe him.
F - Teal Bunbury, 3: Bunbury had an off-night. Out of sync with his teammates at first and isolated in the second half before coming off in the 76th.
F - Chris Wondolowski, 5.5: He flicked on a header for the only goal and was unlucky on his follow-up header on Jones's shot that was denied so well by Mejia. Despite being starved of service, Wondo worked hard and didn't really deserve to come off after the red card.
Substitutes:
Heath Pearce, 5: A passable night for the left-back in relief of the injured Loyd.
Jeff Parke, 6.5: Helped shore up the back line after replacing the ejected Cameron, bringing calm to the entire team.
Sean Johnson, 6: Was there when his team needed him in the second half, which wasn't often.
Jeff Larentowicz, 6: More unheralded but useful work closing gaps in 25 minutes of work.
Brad Evans, 5: Nearly invisible after coming on along with Larentowicz, but nevertheless helped the U.S. secure a little more possession and close out the game.
C.J. Sapong, 6: Looked far better out there than his predecessor Bunbury, using his imposing physique to hold the ball up and wrestle defenders.
Grades: 1-10 (1 is lowest; 10 highest)
GK - Nick Rimando, 8: Made several brave saves in a half of work, including a cat-like one-on-one reaction-save that single-handedly kept Panama off the scoreboard.
D - A.J. DeLaGarza, 3: DeLaGarza isn't a natural right back. And given how bad a night he had there, we might not see him there again in a U.S. shirt for a long time.
D - Zach Loyd, 6.5: Before coming off injured in the 42nd minute, Loyd had been careless with the ball on a few occasions but was also responsible for what little danger the U.S. posed in the first half with good forays -- and great deliveries -- from the left flank. His cross set up the lone goal.
D - Michael Parkhurst, 6: Parkhurst was steady, although showed a propensity to be beaten over the top.
D - Geoff Cameron, 4.5: Didn't have a banner night in the back, culminating in a 52nd-minute sending off.
[+] Enlarge
STR/AFP/Getty Images
AJ DeLaGarza struggled in an unnatural right-back position all night long.
M - Graham Zusi, 6: Scored the game-winner, but robbed the U.S. of width on the right by pinching inside towards his natural position once again. That said, solid and strong on the ball.
M - Ricardo Clark, 6: A decent night of useful work from Clark, but didn't close down opponents enough in the defensive third in his 66 minutes of playing time.
M - Jermaine Jones, 6.5: The German-American remains mercurial, overcomplicating passes and turning the ball over too easily at times. But good overall distribution and a few moments of attacking flair redeemed his night once again.
M - Brek Shea, 3: Shea probably shouldn't have been out on the field tonight. He claims he has been fighting a cold, and he looked so lethargic it isn't hard to believe him.
F - Teal Bunbury, 3: Bunbury had an off-night. Out of sync with his teammates at first and isolated in the second half before coming off in the 76th.
F - Chris Wondolowski, 5.5: He flicked on a header for the only goal and was unlucky on his follow-up header on Jones's shot that was denied so well by Mejia. Despite being starved of service, Wondo worked hard and didn't really deserve to come off after the red card.
Substitutes:
Heath Pearce, 5: A passable night for the left-back in relief of the injured Loyd.
Jeff Parke, 6.5: Helped shore up the back line after replacing the ejected Cameron, bringing calm to the entire team.
Sean Johnson, 6: Was there when his team needed him in the second half, which wasn't often.
Jeff Larentowicz, 6: More unheralded but useful work closing gaps in 25 minutes of work.
Brad Evans, 5: Nearly invisible after coming on along with Larentowicz, but nevertheless helped the U.S. secure a little more possession and close out the game.
C.J. Sapong, 6: Looked far better out there than his predecessor Bunbury, using his imposing physique to hold the ball up and wrestle defenders.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Another thing I wondered about: When Lass chopped down Messi on the edge, already having a yellow, and FCB mobbed the ref, I wonder if he resented that and he kept the card in his pocket as a sort of retaliation. Working a ref for calls is part of sports, but I wonder if there's a more effective way of doing it (one guy, from a distance, for example) then crowding around him yelling.Three games against Valencia in the next month. Pique and Puyol are going to need to do better.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I really think that Casillas coming over first, getting in the ref's face and giving him an opportunity to put the yellow on someone other than Lass was the thing that sealed it.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
"If Man City have got any other players like Craig Bellamy they don't want I hope they've got my number." - King KennyReporter: "What did you think of the penalty decision?" Dalglish:"What do you mean?" Reporter: "The handball" Dalglish:"Exactly"
El Floppo
Footballguy
This whole ensemble ref berating is terrible. Chelsea's usually the worst about this, Barca cant resist v RM. IMO the ref needs to stand his ground and then take the charge ala basketball instead of backing away- anybody that touches him gets a card. period. doesn't matter if you have your hands behind your back- bump into him and you're carded. I have no idea what happened to the captain being the only person allowed to directly confront/talk-with the ref, but it's definitely the lunatics running the asylum these days.Agreed. Ozil is what really makes their offense work, he is playing very well right now. The other big weapon is Di Maria, they really missed him yesterday.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think he is going to have a nice year with FC Dallas if Shea and David Ferreira (assuming a return to health) give him the service he requires.'El Floppo said:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think this is going to be fascinating to watch him to see if he can handle it. Seeing his struggles last year in MLS, I have my worries but I am interested. 3.5 years is a good length deal. Does anyone know if contracts in the EPL are typically gaureenteed?
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