***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[NewlyRetired]

I typically feel uneasy but something feels different this time to make me feel even more nervous.

I'm not typically nervous, but I am this time. Things do feel off.

I never like to use injuries as an excuse but I can't get past the fact that the deluge of injuries this current squad has is very atypical from what other US qualifying squads have had to go through.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Three completely random Qualifying games coming up that US fans may care about

1) On Friday, New Zealand plays New Caledonia at home. If New Zealand wins, they win the OFC region with a game to spare and wait out the 4th place team from Concacaf

2) After a long delay, Africa starts qualifying again. On March 26th, Egypt, coached by Bob Bradley, hosts Zimbabwe. If Egypt can win this game, they will go to 3-0 in the group. With 2 of their last 3 on the road, this will be an important 3 points to advance to next round

3) On March 26th, South Korea hosts Qatar. Qatar is hovering around a possible playoff spot. A South Korean win by a couple of goals will hurt Qatar's chances at that playoff spot.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumors floating that Parkhurst is not on roster either.

If rumors hold, that is no Boca, Cherundolo, Castillo, Johnson, Spector or Parkhurst on roster for defense. That does not seem possible.

There is some speculation that they are trying out a face mask for Castillo to see if that could make him available.

What a mess. Hopefully some of the rumors are false.

 

[The Z Machine]

Man I hope that the Red Devils cut that Qatar team down.

 

[The Z Machine]

Rumors floating that Parkhurst is not on roster either. If rumors hold, that is no Boca, Cherundolo, Castillo, Johnson, Spector or Parkhurst on roster for defense. That does not seem possible. There is some speculation that they are trying out a face mask for Castillo to see if that could make him available. What a mess. Hopefully some of the rumors are false.

This is crazy.Time to go full Barça on CR and not start play with a defense at all.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumors floating that Parkhurst is not on roster either. If rumors hold, that is no Boca, Cherundolo, Castillo, Johnson, Spector or Parkhurst on roster for defense. That does not seem possible. There is some speculation that they are trying out a face mask for Castillo to see if that could make him available. What a mess. Hopefully some of the rumors are false.

This is crazy.Time to go full Barça on CR and not start play with a defense at all.

It is beyond ugly. The rumor mill is out of control which is causing the panic to the point where media people are offering up either Shea or DMB to play at left back at this point.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Drogba did not make Ivory Coasts 28 man qualifying pre-roster. I thought he looked pretty good for Gala the last couple of CL games.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Rumors floating that Parkhurst is not on roster either. If rumors hold, that is no Boca, Cherundolo, Castillo, Johnson, Spector or Parkhurst on roster for defense. That does not seem possible. There is some speculation that they are trying out a face mask for Castillo to see if that could make him available. What a mess. Hopefully some of the rumors are false.

This is crazy.Time to go full Barça on CR and not start play with a defense at all.

It is beyond ugly. The rumor mill is out of control which is causing the panic to the point where media people are offering up either Shea or DMB to play at left back at this point.

Maybe they play Cameron at LB and Besler/Gonzo in the center. I still don't get not taking Parkhurst. Maybe Klinsmann likes Justin Morrow.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Also, according to Ives, Fabian Johnson made the trip.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumors floating that Parkhurst is not on roster either. If rumors hold, that is no Boca, Cherundolo, Castillo, Johnson, Spector or Parkhurst on roster for defense. That does not seem possible. There is some speculation that they are trying out a face mask for Castillo to see if that could make him available. What a mess. Hopefully some of the rumors are false.

This is crazy.Time to go full Barça on CR and not start play with a defense at all.

It is beyond ugly. The rumor mill is out of control which is causing the panic to the point where media people are offering up either Shea or DMB to play at left back at this point.

Maybe they play Cameron at LB and Besler/Gonzo in the center. I still don't get not taking Parkhurst. Maybe Klinsmann likes Justin Morrow.

If the Parkhurst thing is true, is must be due to no playing time since he made his transfer. I don't think anyone is scared of Cam at lb. if he can survive in the EPL there he should be fine for at least the CR game. I think everyone would be scared of the inexperience of two center backs with 1 combined qualifier between them though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Also, according to Ives, Fabian Johnson made the trip.

Yes, Hoffenhiem stated this yesterday that he left for the states. The speculation is that once he arrived and was tested, they realized they had to make a change. All speculation at this point. Fab being healthy makes things a lot neater in the back.Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN)U.S. roster announcement pushed back to 1 p.m. due to injuries. Obvious thought is Fabian Johnson could be out. #usmnt

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I have no insight into what I think JK will play. But here is what I'd throw out there, at least against Costa Rica at home. It's a 4-4-2.

Guzan

Chandler Cameron Gonzo Johnson

Jones Bradley Sacha Dempsey

Herc

Jozy

Shea, EJ, and Zusi as subs (with Deuce moving up top if needed). Edu if they have a lead.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have no insight into what I think JK will play. But here is what I'd throw out there, at least against Costa Rica at home. It's a 4-4-2. GuzanChandler Cameron Gonzo JohnsonJones Bradley Sacha Dempsey Herc JozyShea, EJ, and Zusi as subs (with Deuce moving up top if needed). Edu if they have a lead.

I like it. Who would anchor mid field?I would prefer EJ and Jozy just to get a chance to see them together up top but Herc is in good form so maybe this will be the game that Herc and Jozy play well together. Also, small nit, but Gonzo and Cam would flip in that formation.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If the Parkhurst thing is true, is must be due to no playing time since he made his transfer. I don't think anyone is scared of Cam at lb. if he can survive in the EPL there he should be fine for at least the CR game. I think everyone would be scared of the inexperience of two center backs with 1 combined qualifier between them though.

He could always play Goodson, but experience or not, I'm not going to fault a coach for playing his best players. Gonzo and Besler could be the best CB tandem. I don't see how having one CB with a ton of experience is going to change much when the entire rest of the backline is inexperienced at that level. They have to figure it out.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If the Parkhurst thing is true, is must be due to no playing time since he made his transfer. I don't think anyone is scared of Cam at lb. if he can survive in the EPL there he should be fine for at least the CR game. I think everyone would be scared of the inexperience of two center backs with 1 combined qualifier between them though.

He could always play Goodson, but experience or not, I'm not going to fault a coach for playing his best players.

Me neither. That does not make me any less scared though.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

So the odds on USA/CR haven't really moved at all over the last week, look like it's around -225 USA, +600 Costa Rica, +300 for the draw.

Would I be a bad person if...

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I like it. Who would anchor mid field?I would prefer EJ and Jozy just to get a chance to see them together up top but Herc is in good form so maybe this will be the game that Herc and Jozy play well together. Also, small nit, but Gonzo and Cam would flip in that formation.

I think the #6 is a bit of a crutch. Both Bradley and Sacha have played in double-pivot formations in Europe. They're both smart enough to cover for each other. According to an article on Ives, JK has mentioned the possibility of a double-pivot with Jones and Bradley. I just prefer Sacha because I think he's very effective at making the right, simple pass. This is a midfield that can keep possession ticking, particularly in the middle. The less reliable passers are relegated to less dangerous areas (Jones and Deuce). Obviously, I'm sacrificing putting Deuce closer to the goal, but he'd go up top if needed in the second half. I recognize that he scores, but I think he kills Jozy's game the way he stops the ball. I think Herc's running pairs well with Jozy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So the odds on USA/CR haven't really moved at all over the last week, look like it's around -225 USA, +600 Costa Rica, +300 for the draw.Would I be a bad person if...

I would wait for the roster first before making a bet. Much of the speculation might be wrong.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh my head.

Brian Straus (@BrianStraus)

3/18/13, 12:51 PM

Hearing Tony Beltran and Justin Morrow are only outside backs on roster. No Bocanegra. Jermaine Jones only German-American coming.

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

3/18/13, 12:52 PM

Not sure if it's related to other injuries, but now hearing Joe Corona has made the USMNT squad. Roster to be announced in about 10 minutes.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Has Costa Rica ever won in the US?

 

[NewlyRetired]

"Jermaine Jones only German-American coming."

What the heck happened to Chandler? And even Williams has played the last few games and would have thought he could have been a sub.

Strangest rumor yet.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Tony Beltran, Justin Morrow, Joe Corona

Uhh... Cliff's Notes?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tony Beltran, Justin Morrow, Joe Corona

Uhh... Cliff's Notes?

Beltran and Morrow solid MLS players. Beltran is a mainstay in the RSL back line, he is 25. Morrow is on SJ and was an all star last year, also 25. Joe Benny is one of the US's best young players. He starts every game for the current best team in Mexico and they are also leading their group in the Copa Libertadores.

 

[The Z Machine]

... I think Herc's running pairs well with Jozy.

I think you're right. Getting Jozy active seems to be a combination of good passes where he can make things happen (leading him into space, etc.) and players than can make quality runs nearby. I think Herc fits that bill best, and I think Demps could do well if he can draw the defensive midfield, CBs, or even a fullback towards him to free up Jozy to score.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Klinsmann press conference at 4:00pm

 

[Slapdash]

Truck> Let's talk about OUR Barca. Because, #### Liverpool.

Cool article about "Plan B": http://www.zonalmarking.net/2013/03/13/barcelona-4-0-milan-tactics/

Dunno why this isn't the default tactic.

Cesc really needs to learn the Xavi role.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Truck> Let's talk about OUR Barca. Because, #### Liverpool.

Cool article about "Plan B": http://www.zonalmarking.net/2013/03/13/barcelona-4-0-milan-tactics/

Dunno why this isn't the default tactic.

Cesc really needs to learn the Xavi role.

I'm sure even the 10th guy on the Barca coaching totem pole knows more than me, but pairing a healthy David Villa with Messi strikes me as the most obvious tactical decision in the history of tactical decisions.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

3/18/13, 1:13 PM

#USMNTRosterIsLateBecause Someone gave Klinsmann the wrong phone number to Landon's tent in Cambodia

 

[NewlyRetired]

Klinsmann Calls 23 Players to Training Camp to Prepare for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico

CHICAGO (March 18, 2013) – U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called 23 players into training camp in Denver to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico. The U.S. will face Costa Rica at sold-out ****’s Sporting Goods Park on March 22 at 8 p.m. MT. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, WatchESPN and UniMas.

Four days later, the USA seeks its first-ever World Cup qualifying win against Mexico on Mexico’s home soil. Kickoff from Estadio Azteca is set for 10 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN, WatchESPN and Univision beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can follow both matches on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and on Twitter @ussoccer.

“We know we have a big task ahead of us, and we are confident our group will get the job done,” said Klinsmann. “Obviously there are many players out with injuries, and that means the next person in line has a chance to step up. Getting points at home in World Cup qualifying is huge, and we are looking forward to having an awesome crowd supporting us in Denver on Friday night.”

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (World Cup qualifying Caps/Goals) – Detailed Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - 5/3 SO), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire – 0/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake – 0/0)

DEFENDERS (6): Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake – 0/0), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City – 0/0), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City – 6/0), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy – 1/0), Clarence Goodson (Brondby – 5/0), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes – 0/0)

MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla – 26/6), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake – 2/0), Michael Bradley (Roma – 20/5), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana – 1/0), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor – 10/0), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04 – 6/0), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht – 13/0), Brek Shea (Stoke City – 2/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City – 4/0)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar – 18/6), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna – 2/0), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur – 27/11), Herculez Gomez (Santos – 6/2), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC – 12/10)

The U.S. team has been hit with a rash of injuries as eight players are unavailable for the matches. Edgar Castillo (facial fractures), Timmy Chandler (hamstring), Steve Cherundolo (knee), Tim Howard (back), Fabian Johnson (hip), Jonathan Spector (ankle), Jose Torres (hamstring) and Danny Williams (illness).

The U.S. is playing a World Cup qualifier at ****’s Sporting Goods Park for the second time, having won 2-0 on Nov. 19, 2008, against Guatemala. As part of the event, U.S. Soccer is hosting a series of fan activities including a Pep Rally on March 21 at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Denver.

ROSTER NOTES

Clint Dempsey has six goals in World Cup qualifying in this cycle and 11 overall, good for second place on the USA’s all-time list.

Eddie Johnson has 10 career goals in qualifying to his credit, tied for third all-time with Brian McBride.

Jozy Altidore has tallied 18 goals in league play and 25 in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar this season.

Herculez Gomez is also tearing it up for Santos, with nine goals in all competitions. Gomez potted a pair during the Semifinal Round, including the game-winner against Jamaica on Sept. 11 in Columbus.

Dempsey is the only player to appear in all seven matches in this qualifying cycle.

Brad Guzan has three shutouts in five matches played in qualifying in his career, posting a 3-1-1 record. Guzan started in the 2-0 win against Guatemala on Nov. 19, 2008, here at ****’s Sporting Goods Park.

Jermaine Jones led all U.S. field players in games played (12) and minutes (1,002) in 2012.

Entering 2012 with only one previous cap, Geoff Cameron ended the year with the second-most minutes played in the field.

DaMarcus Beasley has 26 career caps in World Cup qualifying, tied with Jeff Agoos for fifth most in U.S. history. He sits on 97 appearances overall.

Eight players from the January camp roster earned a spot on the roster – Kyle Beckerman, Tony Beltran, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Johnson, Sean Johnson, Justin Morrow and Graham Zusi. Beckerman served as team captain in the 0-0 draw against Canada.

Joe Corona has been a regular starter for Liga MX champion Club Tijuana, which has jumped out to a lead in Group 5 of the Copa Libertadores.

Four players are carrying yellow cards: Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Maurice Edu and Zusi. Their next caution will result in a one-match suspension.

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[Good Posting Judge]

Truck> Let's talk about OUR Barca. Because, #### Liverpool.

Cool article about "Plan B": http://www.zonalmarking.net/2013/03/13/barcelona-4-0-milan-tactics/

Dunno why this isn't the default tactic.

Cesc really needs to learn the Xavi role.

I'm sure even the 10th guy on the Barca coaching totem pole knows more than me, but pairing a healthy David Villa with Messi strikes me as the most obvious tactical decision in the history of tactical decisions.

Right, but I think having Villa playing in front of Messi is the inspired part. And switching Pedro over to the left side. Alves provides enough width over on the right side anyway. But yeah, having Villa back and healthy is the most important thing. And apparently he's already talking extension with FCB, and him and Messi obviously seem to be in harmony.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Our six defenders have 12 combined caps? Yikes.

 

[Slapdash]

DMB is back. Maybe he can get up to 100 caps.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Our six defenders have 12 combined caps? Yikes.

I am a bit speachless right now. I was expecting a mess but never guessed Boca, Chandler and Parkhurst would be out too. :(Note, those are not caps, they are World Cup Qualifying caps. Goodson has 33 caps.

 

[NewlyRetired]

DMB is back. Maybe he can get up to 100 caps.

Could we see Klinsmann go to some sort of 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2)?

 

[NewlyRetired]

>Four players are carrying yellow cards: Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Maurice Edu and Zusi. Their next caution will result in a one-match suspension.

Good god. Imagine if Dempsey and Bradley pick up yellows against CR? The experience level of the team in Mexico would be very low.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Pulling the trigger on CR. At least some good might come of this.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Williams got sick and Torres pick up a late injury this weekend to miss the roster.

 

[Slapdash]

Ironic seeing so many injuries hitting the US roster after Jurgen has been complaining about the players needed to push harder for more playing time and bigger clubs.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If anyone guesses the starting 11 from this roster they are a genius.

Your back 4 usually picks itself. I could come up with at least 4 possible back lines, one no better than the other.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I get trying to phase out Bocanegra, but seems bizarre that he gets left off with so many injuries. Maybe he doesn't want to be on the team?

 

[NewlyRetired]

When the US won in Mexico, if memory serves Edu played center back that night I think.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I get trying to phase out Bocanegra, but seems bizarre that he gets left off with so many injuries. Maybe he doesn't want to be on the team?

He hasn't played a second in 5 weeks. I believe the whole reason he went to Racing instead of staying at Rangers was to stay in the US Nats picture.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think Cameron is going to have to play RB.

Has anyone seen a reason Chandler was not called?

edit: never mind, I missed it in the press release. He hurt his hamstring.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The caps missing between Donovan, Howard, Bocanegra and Cherundolo is a combined 426 games

 

[berndog]

I think Cameron is going to have to play RB.

Has anyone seen a reason Chandler was not called?

edit: never mind, I missed it in the press release. He hurt his hamstring.

The U.S. team has been hit with a rash of injuries as eight players are unavailable for the matches. Edgar Castillo (facial fractures), Timmy Chandler (hamstring), Steve Cherundolo (knee), Tim Howard (back), Fabian Johnson (hip), Jonathan Spector (ankle), Jose Torres (hamstring) and Danny Williams (illness).

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think Cameron is going to have to play RB.

Has anyone seen a reason Chandler was not called?

edit: never mind, I missed it in the press release. He hurt his hamstring.

The U.S. team has been hit with a rash of injuries as eight players are unavailable for the matches. Edgar Castillo (facial fractures), Timmy Chandler (hamstring), Steve Cherundolo (knee), Tim Howard (back), Fabian Johnson (hip), Jonathan Spector (ankle), Jose Torres (hamstring) and Danny Williams (illness).

yeah, see bold above

 

[NewlyRetired]

One thing seems pretty clear. If Eric Lichaj can't make the defensive roster on this current squad, he is never going to get a chance.

 

[The Gator]

Pulling the trigger on CR. At least some good might come of this.

 

[Sebowski]

Ives' predicted lineup

                   GuzanCameron      Gonzo       Edu        DMB         Bradley            Jones                 DempseyHerc                               EJ                 Jozy

 

[berndog]

>Four players are carrying yellow cards: Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Maurice Edu and Zusi. Their next caution will result in a one-match suspension.Good god. Imagine if Dempsey and Bradley pick up yellows against CR? The experience level of the team in Mexico would be very low.

You wonder if they would be better off getting yellows against CR and get the inevitable suspension out of the way. Even with them all in the line-up I don't like their chances for a result in Azteca.