NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Z must be very happy tonight. After both his teams crashed on Thursday, both picked up important wins today, with Venezuela winning on the road to keep them in contention for the playoff spot.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
If Guyana beats Mexico on 10/12, would it be poor form to call it the "Georgetown Massacre"?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The quality of the ten teams in South America is stronger top to bottom than any other federation.
There are no easy games like UEFA has because they won't syphon off the minnows of San Marino, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Malta, Cyprus and a few others.
Peru is giving Argentina a hell of a game here. Tied 1-1, and Peru missed a pk and just hit the post on a sweet break.
There are no easy games like UEFA has because they won't syphon off the minnows of San Marino, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Malta, Cyprus and a few others.
Peru is giving Argentina a hell of a game here. Tied 1-1, and Peru missed a pk and just hit the post on a sweet break.
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El Floppo
Footballguy
phew
It was nice to see most of the guys not have a heavy first touch all game. What a difference having wide players getting involved, and having central MFs not lose the ball all game. When they get their first touch down, have options in support and forward, things are good. The more quickly the US played the ball around, side-to-side, the better they were able to get forward. The MF even had more opportunities to turn, but opted for the easy, quick pass... that's alright- I'll take it. I would have liked to see the fowards make better diagonal runs- but I think credit has to go the Jamaican back four for a 2nd straght game for keeping that in check and forcing the US to fire away from outside.
A revelation of a game from Williams, IMO. All over the place, and did a good job moving the ball quickly and putting it into good spots. Also filled the gaps well defensively. He lacks a bit of class on the ball, a heavy touch at times and can get caught with his head down especally on the flanks... but still- best game from him ever for the US in his short history.
If not for Jones, though, the US were in trouble. His ticky-tack emotional outbursts are a problem, but he's been the guy who consistetly gets his first touch on, turns the ball and finds the quick useful ball. Yeah, he makes some mistakes, but he also is ready to kill himself and his opponent when that happens to try and "fix" it. Didn't spread the ball wide as much as I've grown accustomed- but still another solid game from him.
Zusi looked good out there- definitely belonged, although it helped that he and the rest of the US wasn't taking much pressure in the first half. He lost the cause a bit after the goal as soon as the Jamaicans pressed more.
Dempsey had a tired first touch after about 30 minutes. And I was ready to punch the TV for him doing his back heel dribble or pass over and over and over unsuccessfully (and losing the ball in dangerous spots). But he was playing his usual cocky, go-for-it game- unfortunately his game needs another month of training.
Williams outworked Jozy and Shea after they checked in. Not ok for a guy who's killed himself for an hour to still outwork two fresh guys. Shea was ok, but lazy defending. Jozy was not clicking AND also lazy putting pressure on a man.
It was nice to see most of the guys not have a heavy first touch all game. What a difference having wide players getting involved, and having central MFs not lose the ball all game. When they get their first touch down, have options in support and forward, things are good. The more quickly the US played the ball around, side-to-side, the better they were able to get forward. The MF even had more opportunities to turn, but opted for the easy, quick pass... that's alright- I'll take it. I would have liked to see the fowards make better diagonal runs- but I think credit has to go the Jamaican back four for a 2nd straght game for keeping that in check and forcing the US to fire away from outside.
A revelation of a game from Williams, IMO. All over the place, and did a good job moving the ball quickly and putting it into good spots. Also filled the gaps well defensively. He lacks a bit of class on the ball, a heavy touch at times and can get caught with his head down especally on the flanks... but still- best game from him ever for the US in his short history.
If not for Jones, though, the US were in trouble. His ticky-tack emotional outbursts are a problem, but he's been the guy who consistetly gets his first touch on, turns the ball and finds the quick useful ball. Yeah, he makes some mistakes, but he also is ready to kill himself and his opponent when that happens to try and "fix" it. Didn't spread the ball wide as much as I've grown accustomed- but still another solid game from him.
Zusi looked good out there- definitely belonged, although it helped that he and the rest of the US wasn't taking much pressure in the first half. He lost the cause a bit after the goal as soon as the Jamaicans pressed more.
Dempsey had a tired first touch after about 30 minutes. And I was ready to punch the TV for him doing his back heel dribble or pass over and over and over unsuccessfully (and losing the ball in dangerous spots). But he was playing his usual cocky, go-for-it game- unfortunately his game needs another month of training.
Williams outworked Jozy and Shea after they checked in. Not ok for a guy who's killed himself for an hour to still outwork two fresh guys. Shea was ok, but lazy defending. Jozy was not clicking AND also lazy putting pressure on a man.
CBusAlex
Footballguy
There's a reason they keep putting important games in Columbus. It looked to me like there were maybe 20-30 Jamaicans fans total in the stadium tonight.I remember that 2001 qualifier also. After about 20 minutes the Mexican fans stopped waving their flags and started using them as blankets. The team actually brought along a psychologist to help them, and I quote, "block out the concept of cold."'NewlyRetired said:
El Floppo
Footballguy
Conversely, nothing could be much worse than the US v Mexico Gold Cup Final at Giant's Stadium. About 90-95% green. And mean, surly #######y green.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He seems much more comfortable in the middle as advertised. There is nothing in his skill set that says he should be good out wide but Klinsmann keeps putting him out there. Hopefully Gatt will get his shot this year, as we need wide players badly to help round out the roster. Maybe in January, although with Klinsmann starting Zusi tonight it shows he is not scared to put some one on a big stage with out a ton of experience.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
US needs to show up with like a 6-0 result against Antigua next month. Fortunate that we get them before playing Guatemala - no chance of us getting screwed by a Jamaica-Guatemala mutually beneficial tie in the last game.
Now if the US and Guatemala both win, it would set up a scenario where we could screw over Jamaica, however.
-QG
Now if the US and Guatemala both win, it would set up a scenario where we could screw over Jamaica, however.
-QG
Eephus
Footballguy
Antigua has only surrendered one goal in two home group games so far. I'd be satisfied with another workmanlike 1-0 win.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Not going to happen IMO. Antigua has given up only 1 goal combined in their two home games so far in this round and the lone goal was one of, if not the best, in all of qualification this past week.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Going back to last Thursday, there were 70 qualifiers total. (one more is on Wednesday). Of the 70 qualifiers, 68 did not end up scoreless. That appears to be a much higher percentage than a typical 70 game sample from a domestic league.
Eephus
Footballguy
The minnows of South America (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) are members of CONCACAF. The smallest population country in CONMEBOL is Uruguay (~4M). Their tournaments are competitive and balanced, aided by some major home field advantages but sadly I think South American football has declined over the past generation.They've had one semifinalist in the last two World Cups and even that took a bit of doing. The national leagues and the national teams are both hurt by having their best players scattered throughout Europe from very early ages. National team coaching hasn't always been top notch either. Copa America 2011 showed that the rest of the continent has caught up with Brazil and Argentina, or at least that they've figured out that negative play can help narrow the talent gap.I think 2014 will be a huge test for South American football. They've always done best on home turf in the past. The pressure on Brazil and Messi will be huge. I hope somebody steps up--maybe an outsider like Ecuador or Colombia can pull off a surprise.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Oh, indeed!
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Native
Footballguy
Player ratings from last nights match:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/143?cc=5901
G Tim Howard, 7 -- Hardly touched the ball, although he had to be sharp to touch a searing drive from Rodolph Austin late on.
D Fabian Johnson, 6.5 -- An absolute terror going forward, and nearly put the U.S. ahead only to see his shot blocked. The only complaint was his distribution in his own half, but his defending was solid.
D Carlos Bocanegra, 8 -- Was completely unbothered in the back, providing steady leadership and passing. His timing on his tackles was impeccable as well.
D Geoff Cameron, 7.5 -- On a night when he had little to do, Cameron was commanding in the air and was composed in his distribution for the most part, although he settled for the long ball a tad too easily toward the end. Still, an impressive performance.
D Steve Cherundolo, 7 -- Was as devastating in attack as Johnson was on the other wing. Could have been a bit more accurate with his crosses, but overall was very effective on the right flank. Unlucky to hit the post thanks to a superb save by Miller.
M Graham Zusi, 7 -- Didn't look out of place at all, despite his relative inexperience. Cracked a shot off the bar in the 6th minute and just missed the target on another in the 23rd. He definitely proved himself with this performance.
M Danny Williams, 8 -- Looked completely at home operating in the middle and plugged the gaps effectively. Even found time to get forward and hit a shot off the post in the first half. Was moved to the right flank toward the end, but still performed well.
M Jermaine Jones, 5.5 -- A much better performance in all phases, but at times reverted to foul-machine mode. Was at his best when he stayed patient. When he doesn't, his passes fail to find the mark.
M Jose Torres, 7.5 -- His best performance in a U.S. shirt. Not only was he clean with his passing, but he got in his share of tackles as well. Went off the boil a bit in the second half, but the U.S. missed him when he was subbed off.
F Herculez Gomez, 6.5 -- Battled up top but found the going tough, especially when Clint Dempsey dropped far into midfield. But credit him for getting the all-important goal.
F Clint Dempsey, 4 -- Tended to go for the most complicated option and didn't look sharp with his touches. Keeping things simple would have served Dempsey and the team better.
Subs:
M Brek Shea, 4 -- Looked very timid, and while he did well to win a corner kick late, he offered little overall.
M Maurice Edu, 5.5 -- Did well to provide some fresh legs when the U.S. started to tire.
F Jozy Altidore, 4 -- Offered little in a sub's role, be it with his link play or holding the ball up. Saving grace was a throw-in he won late in the match.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/143?cc=5901
G Tim Howard, 7 -- Hardly touched the ball, although he had to be sharp to touch a searing drive from Rodolph Austin late on.
D Fabian Johnson, 6.5 -- An absolute terror going forward, and nearly put the U.S. ahead only to see his shot blocked. The only complaint was his distribution in his own half, but his defending was solid.
D Carlos Bocanegra, 8 -- Was completely unbothered in the back, providing steady leadership and passing. His timing on his tackles was impeccable as well.
D Geoff Cameron, 7.5 -- On a night when he had little to do, Cameron was commanding in the air and was composed in his distribution for the most part, although he settled for the long ball a tad too easily toward the end. Still, an impressive performance.
D Steve Cherundolo, 7 -- Was as devastating in attack as Johnson was on the other wing. Could have been a bit more accurate with his crosses, but overall was very effective on the right flank. Unlucky to hit the post thanks to a superb save by Miller.
M Graham Zusi, 7 -- Didn't look out of place at all, despite his relative inexperience. Cracked a shot off the bar in the 6th minute and just missed the target on another in the 23rd. He definitely proved himself with this performance.
M Danny Williams, 8 -- Looked completely at home operating in the middle and plugged the gaps effectively. Even found time to get forward and hit a shot off the post in the first half. Was moved to the right flank toward the end, but still performed well.
M Jermaine Jones, 5.5 -- A much better performance in all phases, but at times reverted to foul-machine mode. Was at his best when he stayed patient. When he doesn't, his passes fail to find the mark.
M Jose Torres, 7.5 -- His best performance in a U.S. shirt. Not only was he clean with his passing, but he got in his share of tackles as well. Went off the boil a bit in the second half, but the U.S. missed him when he was subbed off.
F Herculez Gomez, 6.5 -- Battled up top but found the going tough, especially when Clint Dempsey dropped far into midfield. But credit him for getting the all-important goal.
F Clint Dempsey, 4 -- Tended to go for the most complicated option and didn't look sharp with his touches. Keeping things simple would have served Dempsey and the team better.
Subs:
M Brek Shea, 4 -- Looked very timid, and while he did well to win a corner kick late, he offered little overall.
M Maurice Edu, 5.5 -- Did well to provide some fresh legs when the U.S. started to tire.
F Jozy Altidore, 4 -- Offered little in a sub's role, be it with his link play or holding the ball up. Saving grace was a throw-in he won late in the match.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
IIRC they didn't come out onto the field ahead of time either. They stayed inside. Don't know why the US doesn't do this more often. Let's make them travel to Fairbanks and give out tickets to the local fisherman, miners and loggers.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I honestly don't know how to rate the play last night.
Williams looked great for 60 minutes, but he had absolutely no pressure and a pristine field. I think that dirty hippie Beckerman would have looked great too. I give Williams credit for athleticism and versatility as a defensive player, because we can play him on the right to cover Cherundolo if it looks like we're going to have to rely on 35 year-old right back in the World Cup.
To me, Cameron is an autostart in central defense (and only central defense) for the forseeable future. I'd just pile up caps for him in that position. Same with Johnson at left back. These guys both have the ability to be plus international players at those positions (Johnson almost ceratainly already is one). I wouldn't mess with them anywhere else. The more caps Cameron gets, the more comfortable I feel taking Gooch behind the barn and taking him out of his misery.
One thing that really concerned me (which normally doesn't with JK) is that I just didn't understand the in-game decisions. I thought all three substitutions hurt the US. I don't understand the point of putting on Shea if he's going to refuse to take anyone on. By taking off both Torres and Zusi, they lost a lot of composure on the ball. And Deuce played the entire second half with vultures circling around him while literally everything good seemed to go through Herc at some point. Even if they wanted to put Edu, I don't understand why you don't then shift Zusi into the hole for Deuce and then put Williams on the right. Compounding it by replacing Herc instead of Deuce at the end was mystifying to me.
I don't love it that the USMNT's most consistent offensive player will be 32 for the next World Cup, but I guess I better get used to it. They just play best with Gomez because he's always making runs in the channels. I'm going to give Jozy an incomplete. I probably shouldn't. He was put in to do the dirty work, but tried to express himself anyway to the detriment of the team. But I understand why he thinks he needs to start making stuff happen.
Williams looked great for 60 minutes, but he had absolutely no pressure and a pristine field. I think that dirty hippie Beckerman would have looked great too. I give Williams credit for athleticism and versatility as a defensive player, because we can play him on the right to cover Cherundolo if it looks like we're going to have to rely on 35 year-old right back in the World Cup.
To me, Cameron is an autostart in central defense (and only central defense) for the forseeable future. I'd just pile up caps for him in that position. Same with Johnson at left back. These guys both have the ability to be plus international players at those positions (Johnson almost ceratainly already is one). I wouldn't mess with them anywhere else. The more caps Cameron gets, the more comfortable I feel taking Gooch behind the barn and taking him out of his misery.
One thing that really concerned me (which normally doesn't with JK) is that I just didn't understand the in-game decisions. I thought all three substitutions hurt the US. I don't understand the point of putting on Shea if he's going to refuse to take anyone on. By taking off both Torres and Zusi, they lost a lot of composure on the ball. And Deuce played the entire second half with vultures circling around him while literally everything good seemed to go through Herc at some point. Even if they wanted to put Edu, I don't understand why you don't then shift Zusi into the hole for Deuce and then put Williams on the right. Compounding it by replacing Herc instead of Deuce at the end was mystifying to me.
I don't love it that the USMNT's most consistent offensive player will be 32 for the next World Cup, but I guess I better get used to it. They just play best with Gomez because he's always making runs in the channels. I'm going to give Jozy an incomplete. I probably shouldn't. He was put in to do the dirty work, but tried to express himself anyway to the detriment of the team. But I understand why he thinks he needs to start making stuff happen.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here are the various scenarios for the next game in Concacaf. I was mistaken earlier. There is one team in the US's group that can qualify after the 5th game.
It is amazing how close CR is to being out after game 5. That is going to be a hell of a game at El Salvador next.
Note: Mexico already qualified, Cuba already eliminated. All other teams still in play including Antigua.
From wiki
Group A:
Jamaica will advance if they defeat Guatemala AND the United States do not defeat Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda will be eliminated if:
they do not defeat the United States, OR
Guatemala do not defeat Jamaica.
Group B:
El Salvador will advance to the next round if they defeat Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will be eliminated if they lose to El Salvador.
Guyana will be eliminated if:
they do not defeat Mexico, OR
El Salvador defeat Costa Rica.
Group C:
Panama will advance to the next round if:
they defeat Honduras, OR
they draw with Honduras AND Canada do not defeat Cuba.
It is amazing how close CR is to being out after game 5. That is going to be a hell of a game at El Salvador next.
Note: Mexico already qualified, Cuba already eliminated. All other teams still in play including Antigua.
From wiki
Group A:
Jamaica will advance if they defeat Guatemala AND the United States do not defeat Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda will be eliminated if:
they do not defeat the United States, OR
Guatemala do not defeat Jamaica.
Group B:
El Salvador will advance to the next round if they defeat Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will be eliminated if they lose to El Salvador.
Guyana will be eliminated if:
they do not defeat Mexico, OR
El Salvador defeat Costa Rica.
Group C:
Panama will advance to the next round if:
they defeat Honduras, OR
they draw with Honduras AND Canada do not defeat Cuba.
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I thought the U.S. looked well last night. Very hard to really judge/play against a team with 10/11 behind the ball. Even the best teams in the World have difficulty in breaking down teams disinterested in attacking. Of course, I'm not really a fan of the USMNT, just a casual observer. I also will be in the group that would find it hysterical should the U.S. fail to qualify for WC2014 and the rest of the country wonders wth the U.S. team is when the tournament is being played. Also, U.S. without their best players right now, no? Bradley and Donovan not there, Dempsey doesn't look at full fitness....I was very surprised Altidore didn't start, he's been in pretty good form in Holland. I guess Gooch is no longer even a thought for this team? Guess he's too old now 
The Gator
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Altidore has put himself in JK's dog house. First by showing up out of shape in the previous qualifiers and now by having two poor performances. He may find it difficult to get out of there with JK really liking what Gomez has done and other strikers in the system knocking hard on the door for a call up.Gooch's issue is not age, he is only 30, not that old for a CB IMO. For Gooch, it is the miles. Too many significant injuries has killed his mobility.I was very surprised Altidore didn't start, he's been in pretty good form in Holland. I guess Gooch is no longer even a thought for this team? Guess he's too old now
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
yeah we talked about this when this cycle started.The US are in a strange spot where they require their older players to help them qualify (Cher, Boca, Dempsey and Donovan) but those players may all be past their best come 2014.I feel like Boca should be the easiest to replace, but it would be nice to see one other CB emerge quickly as Goodson is no spring chicken either, although should be ok at 32 in 2014.If Holden was healthy (something I should probably give up on), I think Landon would be easier to replace/have on bench. I do have some hope for Gatt though to step into that right wing spot.The logical replacement for Cher was Chandler, but can't wait for ever for the cute girl to notice us, but Lichaj is most likely going to get another look if he continues to hold down the RB spot for Villa.Like you, I don't see any logical replacement for Dempsey. The only thing we have going for us is that Dempsey has a few less miles on him than most players his age since he was not a pro as a teenager(I believe he was 21 his first year in New England), and that his style may be able to sustain losing half a step where it would hurt a player like Landon more.
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Mjolnirs
Footballguy
I thought so too. Nice link.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I was going to post last night that someone needed to make a .gif of that. New avatar for TBS
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I was actually talking about Gomez (who is one year older than Dempsey). Dempsey is the most dangerous player on the USMNT, but I think Gomez is the most consistent, and (right now) arguably the most valuable to the attack. He's the one guy who actually generates chances whether he's getting particularly good service or not. I don't rate Chandler any higher than Lichaj, but JK certainly seems to. I've actually watched a number of Nuremberg games and have thought Chandler was atrocious (in midfield) every time. Boca remains the logical partner for Cameron as his experience lets Cameron use his athleticism without taking the most reponsibility for reading the game.As for an unpopular opinion, I don't think we can rely on Landon at all for 2014. How many times does he need to mention retirement before we start to listen? Maybe he's agitating to get LA to let him move, but he just doesn't seem that committed. And Landon isn't Landon if he isn't running like a mad man. I don't think JK wants to play a lot of counter anyway, which kind of negates Landon's best qualities. And if Boyd or Altidore develop, maybe we can move Deuce back to midfield in some situations. I'm strangely not that worried about replacing him.Zusi has now put in two or three good shifts in a row, IMO. Last night, he did so without taking any of the set pieces, which is another of his real assets. I'd like to see Gatt (and eventually Gyau in a year or so), but I could live with what we have in midfield if nobody else steps up. I'm content with a horses for courses solution on the flanks with Williams slotting in to help wherever we need defensive cover and Zusi/Torres playing when we have more of the ball. There's also Corona. And I'll continue to lobby for Pontius, who may not have Shea's ceiling (I actually think he does, but I might be in the minority), but who always gives an honest effort.Assuming qualification, I think our best hope is to kind of snuff out the guys who just don't fit in this system. Edu, sadly, tops my list. I like his heart. I like his athleticism. But he just stops the ball far, far too much.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Thought he was turning into Manimal.I was going to post last night that someone needed to make a .gif of that. New avatar for TBS
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
There are no rumors I have seen for Charter yet. They are a smaller carrier so if beIN is concentrating on the bigger carriers first as they seem to be, it might be a while but who knows.If you can hold on one more month to Direct TV you can at least see the next qualifier and then don't have to worry about US away games until next year at which point hopefully beIN has made some more head way.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Anyone have a gif or a pic of Frankie last night? I can't get enough of that type of stuff. Talk about a guy who got every last ounce of out a very limited skill set all because he simply went balls to wall always.
His work in 2002 when he was basically sacrificed at left back because we had no one else at WC2002 will always be appreciated by me.
His work in 2002 when he was basically sacrificed at left back because we had no one else at WC2002 will always be appreciated by me.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
I'd like to see Boyd get more minutes, I think he's closer than most realize and has the upside to be a real factor in '14.
Dolo is not going to make it to '14, he's too old and slow. He may get by in in CONCACAF but when we start facing top 20 sides like Mexico, he's going to be seriously exposed IMHO.
And jozy needs to pull his head out if he is showing up out of shape...that's ridiculous.
Cameron
Lichaj
Zusi
Boyd
Shea
It's not like we don't have young up and comers.
Dolo is not going to make it to '14, he's too old and slow. He may get by in in CONCACAF but when we start facing top 20 sides like Mexico, he's going to be seriously exposed IMHO.
And jozy needs to pull his head out if he is showing up out of shape...that's ridiculous.
Cameron
Lichaj
Zusi
Boyd
Shea
It's not like we don't have young up and comers.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Well this has to be the strangest rumor I have heard in a long time. Do reporters just make stuff up with no consequence?
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2012/09/11/International-Football/Beckham.aspx
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2012/09/11/International-Football/Beckham.aspx
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
One thing to note about Gooch is that while he is off the radar right now, he certainly is in a decent position to rise from the ashes as he did once before.
If he plays, he is going to get good competition in La Liga and the Champions League with Malaga.
If he plays, he is going to get good competition in La Liga and the Champions League with Malaga.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
MLS gets it first broadcast on the NBC mother ship this weekend. First time a league match has been on OTA in many years.
Tough spot though as they are up against a ton of college football but it will still be fun to see soccer of any kind on a broadcast network live.
Portland will host Seattle at 3:30 eastern on Saturday.
Tough spot though as they are up against a ton of college football but it will still be fun to see soccer of any kind on a broadcast network live.
Portland will host Seattle at 3:30 eastern on Saturday.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I doubt it. At his best, he was a physically dominating guy who couldn't play the ball out of the back to save his life. Unless he regains every bit of his physical dominance, which is unlikely, I don't see JK looking at him seriously. He's just not a fit.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I'd have given him a yellow card just for old time's sake.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Cameron and Zusi are 27 and 26 respectively. They're new to the setup, but they're not particularly young. Jozy appears in fine shape right now, and has shown it in the Eredivisie. Whether he's tactically adaptable enough to switch between systems remains to be seen. AZ plays the typical Ajax 4-3-3.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Wow, thought Cameron was younger.I guess my point is that I don't see age being a huge factor in '14.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
Great game to show. People will be intrigued (if they tune in...)
Ugh, hopefully not.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I agree but I wanted to mention it since I completely disregarded him once before and he came back strong (until he got hurt again). Granted he was a few years younger during that come back.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Shame that Portland continues to suck. This rivalry will jump up a notch if the two teams are ever good at the same time.Still, should be quite a spectacle to watch. And should give people who have not seen Eddie Johnson's revival a chance to check him out.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok here is todays question
Assume US makes it to Hex
What teams would you prefer to see in the Hex with them (in terms of giving the US the easiest path to the finals, in terms of home and road games).
Choose 1: Jamaica or Guat
Choose 1: El Salvador or Costa Rica
Choose 2: Panama, Canada, or Honduras
My thoughts:
*Very hard for me to choose between Jamaica or Guat. Both present significantly different problems for the US. Not having to play against Ruiz would be ok though
*The second choice is easy. El Salvador is a pain in the ### to play, but they would do everyone in the hex a big favor to dump out Costa Rica
*The third group I would most want to see Canada advance (even though I don't think they will). There are no road issues to be concerned with for Canada and their best player is getting long in the tooth in DeRo. The other two teams are going to be nightmares for the US on the road. Honduras is loaded with talent, whether they can play together as a good team will be their issue. Panama was pegged by many of US as the dark horse and their fans are really supporting them and Blaz Perez IMO is one of the top #9's in the entire region.
Assume US makes it to Hex
What teams would you prefer to see in the Hex with them (in terms of giving the US the easiest path to the finals, in terms of home and road games).
Choose 1: Jamaica or Guat
Choose 1: El Salvador or Costa Rica
Choose 2: Panama, Canada, or Honduras
My thoughts:
*Very hard for me to choose between Jamaica or Guat. Both present significantly different problems for the US. Not having to play against Ruiz would be ok though
*The second choice is easy. El Salvador is a pain in the ### to play, but they would do everyone in the hex a big favor to dump out Costa Rica
*The third group I would most want to see Canada advance (even though I don't think they will). There are no road issues to be concerned with for Canada and their best player is getting long in the tooth in DeRo. The other two teams are going to be nightmares for the US on the road. Honduras is loaded with talent, whether they can play together as a good team will be their issue. Panama was pegged by many of US as the dark horse and their fans are really supporting them and Blaz Perez IMO is one of the top #9's in the entire region.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He would pull a triple step over and you would never catch him
Damn, his step over may have been the worst move ever. God bless him
Native
Footballguy
Its about time you got rid of the self portrait!
Tickle my taint, Mary.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Jamaica and Guatemala are a tossup IMO. Jamaica a bit better team, but Guatemala is a tougher place to play IMO.
Rest are easy... get rid of Costa Rica and Honduras. They're just plain better teams IMO (at least traditionally).
Rest are easy... get rid of Costa Rica and Honduras. They're just plain better teams IMO (at least traditionally).
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
And he did this with out even leaving his feet in the box.
Frankie Forever
This moment also was another indication that while Darke might be a very good announcer, he has very little knowledge of the history of the sport in the US as he seemed a bit unsure who this was and then butchered his name.
I am really hopeful that Arlo White will eventually take on the mantle of the lead voice for US Soccer. Might not happen until post 2014 though when the new contracts are all done for MLS and US Soccer.
Frankie Forever
This moment also was another indication that while Darke might be a very good announcer, he has very little knowledge of the history of the sport in the US as he seemed a bit unsure who this was and then butchered his name.
I am really hopeful that Arlo White will eventually take on the mantle of the lead voice for US Soccer. Might not happen until post 2014 though when the new contracts are all done for MLS and US Soccer.
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