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US Men's National Team (16 Viewers)

Dooley, Brooks, Cherundolo, Pope -- probably forgetting someone in there, but I think that's my #1-#4 US defender list.

ETA:  Dooley scored 20 goals in 189 Bundesliga matches.  Does that make him the US's all-time leading scorer in the Bundesliga?

 
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cool!  Both Weston and Haji are starting for Schalke today in their Bundesliga game.  I might have to search for a stream.  Game starts at 12:30pm eastern

 
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NewlyRetired said:
cool!  Both Weston and Haji are starting for Schalke today in their Bundesliga game.  I might have to search for a stream.  Game starts at 12:30pm eastern
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and both are the two Schalke players highest up on the pitch.

This may very well be the first time ever there has been an all american strike force starting in Europe.

 
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Weston looked strong and played well that half.

Haji looked slow and clueless.  Even the announcer said he had to be subbed at halftime.  At least he had the goal if nothing else.

Schalke are a hot mess.  I have no idea how this team got out of UCL group stage.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Weston looked strong and played well that half.

Haji looked slow and clueless.  Even the announcer said he had to be subbed at halftime.  At least he had the goal if nothing else.

Schalke are a hot mess.  I have no idea how this team got out of UCL group stage.
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That they had to start Swag up front speaks volumes

 
Schalke's two best offensive players today are the right back and a defensive midfielder masquerading as a striker.

 
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El Floppo said:
good for haji- it's been a long time getting there. hope he can build on this
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no beuno, IMO.  He was borderline horrendous and looked 2 levels out of his depth.  It was a bit cringe worthy listening to the announcers abuse him all game but he was really lost.

Haji has been playing striker his entire life and Weston has only been playing striker the last few weeks and if you did not know who was who, you would have assumed Haji was the one in the new position.

Weston was clearly a fish out of water when receiving the ball with his back to goal but he used all his other skills to help him be a serviceable player up top.  

As for Haji, ignoring the lack of touch, the lack of quickness in both body and mind, the lack of recognizing runs and the lack of winning even a single ball in the air or on the ground that I can remember, the item that bugged me the most was that he looked like he was barely running.

How can you not at least run your butt off in these limited opportunities is beyond me.  I can forgive any young player who is in a situation that is above his talent level but I can't accept not trying your hardest.

The goal appears to be masking some of his deficiencies in his game today but he can't continue to play like this and hope to get minutes.  The good news is that he supposedly looked much better last week.

 
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DMV Soccer‏ @DMVSoccer96

Manny Perez (@mannyP113) has signed with @CelticFC, the deal will be official as of January 1st per an inside source!

 
bear-halter's first US team selection (all US/MLS):

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (Club; Caps/Goals):

GOALKEEPERS (4): Alex Bono (Toronto FC/CAN; 1/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 5/0), Tyler Miller (LAFC; 0/0), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC; 6/0)

DEFENDERS (10): Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 2/0), Greg Garza (FC Cincinnati; 10/0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 2/0), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 0/0), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Keegan Rosenberry (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 4/1)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 23/2), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 17/2), Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 142/17), Russell Canouse (D.C. United; 0/0), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC/CAN; 6/0), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 5/1), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 5/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 11/0)

FORWARDS (3): Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers; 0/0), Christian Ramirez (LAFC; 0/0), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 40/6)

 
The first squad picked by new U.S. men's national team manager Gregg Berhalter features a 27-man roster comprised entirely of Major League Soccer players. Among those set to attend the annual January training camp are Michael Bradley, the most-capped player in the squad with 142 international appearances, and U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year Zack Steffen.

Also included are MLS Defender of the Year Aaron Long, Rookie of the Year Corey Baird and Comeback Player of the Year Gyasi Zardes. One notable omission from the initial list is Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore, who underwent ankle surgery in October.

The team will meet in Chula Vista, Calif. starting Jan. 6, and the camp will conclude with friendlies against Panama in Glendale, Ariz. on Jan. 27 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2) and against Costa Rica in San Jose, Calif. six days later. A 28th player is expected to be added some time prior to the start of camp.

"In putting together this domestic-based roster, we started with a number of players who we think can be a core part of the group moving forward," Berhalter said. "We then looked at players that excelled this year in Major League Soccer, and finally chose players that can play a specific role in our game model.

"We are very excited to start to implement our ideas about the style of play and the culture we want to develop in the national team."

The average age of the team is 24 years, 230 days, with the average number of U.S. appearances standing at 10.

Gregg Berhalter has picked his first squad as manager of the U.S. national team. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

The roster also includes 12 uncapped players, seven of whom -- Baird, Russell Canouse, Jeremy Ebobisse, Daniel Lovitz, Mark McKenzie, Djordje Mihailovic, Tyler Miller and Auston Trusty -- have been invited to a U.S. camp for the first time at senior level.

The camp has usually been held at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., but Berhalter opted to hold the gathering at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, formerly the Olympic Training Center.

"Being in Chula Vista will help us create a team environment as we start to establish our culture and really be able to work on the details of our style of play," he said. "The facilities are outstanding and provide everything we need to accomplish our goals both on and off the field. They are accustomed to hosting elite athletes, so we believe this will be a great place for this group to get started."
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El Floppo said:
bear-halter's first US team selection (all US/MLS):

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (Club; Caps/Goals):

GOALKEEPERS (4): Alex Bono (Toronto FC/CAN; 1/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 5/0), Tyler Miller (LAFC; 0/0), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC; 6/0)

DEFENDERS (10): Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 2/0), Greg Garza (FC Cincinnati; 10/0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 2/0), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 0/0), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Keegan Rosenberry (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 4/1)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 23/2), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 17/2), Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 142/17), Russell Canouse (D.C. United; 0/0), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC/CAN; 6/0), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 5/1), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 5/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 11/0)

FORWARDS (3): Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers; 0/0), Christian Ramirez (LAFC; 0/0), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 40/6)
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* Great to see Mihailovic!

* I don't understand Tim Parker not getting called, but happy both the Union kids were called

* oh my god, the low level of quality of forwards is gross

* who the hell is Lovitz?  I had to wiki him as I had never heard his name before.

* Hamid missing is a surprise but he would likely get hurt any way.

* I personally would have called Durkin instead of Bradley.

* Where are the Scandinavian players?

 
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Why hold the winter camp outside the international window ?  Seems counter productive especially this year when you are trying to acclimate to a new coach and system. Once the system is established and your starters have been in it awhile sure take a look at some fringe guys. But to have a whole camp of has beens and  guys that will never be called for an international competition that means something seems yet another waste of time and resources. What is there maybe 5 guys on that roster that might even be rostered when the games count ?

 
Berhalter said that even though Jozy is hurt, he will be coming to camp.  This seems to indicate he is still in Berhalter's plans.

Berhalter said that he is not involved in who will coach the Olympics team and that Earnie is handling that.

 
SwampDawg said:
Why hold the winter camp outside the international window ?  Seems counter productive especially this year when you are trying to acclimate to a new coach and system. Once the system is established and your starters have been in it awhile sure take a look at some fringe guys. But to have a whole camp of has beens and  guys that will never be called for an international competition that means something seems yet another waste of time and resources. What is there maybe 5 guys on that roster that might even be rostered when the games count ?
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in the past I used to think the January camp had some use but it appears to have less meaning each year.

As always I am going to focus on the young players like Trusty, McKenzie and Mihailovic.

 
SwampDawg said:
Why hold the winter camp outside the international window ?  Seems counter productive especially this year when you are trying to acclimate to a new coach and system. Once the system is established and your starters have been in it awhile sure take a look at some fringe guys. But to have a whole camp of has beens and  guys that will never be called for an international competition that means something seems yet another waste of time and resources. What is there maybe 5 guys on that roster that might even be rostered when the games count ?
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:shrug:

I have no problem with the camp for a variety of reasons.  I think first, its a great way for Berhalter to get his feet wet running a camp. Second, for the top MLS players, it continues the trend of keeping them fit year-round.  That was one area that I think Klinsmann was correct.  Top European players stay fit through the summer as that includes international windows even in non-tournament years.  I think its important that the elite players think in terms of limited down time - but given that they will all be gearing up to pre-season its good to have a nice camp to use in preparation.

Second, looking at fringe players is important - it allows the coaching staff to evaluate everyone on the same page, and gives those players a chance to measure themselves, and incentive to keep improving.  Also, if you are running a particular system, you might find players who don't necessarily stand out, but are a good fit in that system.  Now is the chance to see them in that system.

 
NewlyRetired said:
no beuno, IMO.  He was borderline horrendous and looked 2 levels out of his depth.  It was a bit cringe worthy listening to the announcers abuse him all game but he was really lost.

Haji has been playing striker his entire life and Weston has only been playing striker the last few weeks and if you did not know who was who, you would have assumed Haji was the one in the new position.

Weston was clearly a fish out of water when receiving the ball with his back to goal but he used all his other skills to help him be a serviceable player up top.  

As for Haji, ignoring the lack of touch, the lack of quickness in both body and mind, the lack of recognizing runs and the lack of winning even a single ball in the air or on the ground that I can remember, the item that bugged me the most was that he looked like he was barely running.

How can you not at least run your butt off in these limited opportunities is beyond me.  I can forgive any young player who is in a situation that is above his talent level but I can't accept not trying your hardest.

The goal appears to be masking some of his deficiencies in his game today but he can't continue to play like this and hope to get minutes.  The good news is that he supposedly looked much better last week.
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I've mentioned before that people like you and me were seeing him as the US's next great hope 5 or so years ago- was just eyepopping what he could do at the youth national team level, no matter the opponent. big, fast, skilled and seemed to have a decent, albeit nascient, sense of the game.

we all obviously know that youth talent doesn't always translate up- I wonder if that elevated level happengin so early minimized his ability to grow with the sport? other kids get bigger, faster, more skillful and smarter- I wonder if his natural abilities stunted his need/desire to grow the skills and smarts.

eta: regardless- I'm happy for the kid. he may never score another top flight goal... but unliked 99.99% of the population, he actually DID score one.

 
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I honestly don't see the downside to having a US camp now. 

of course, it's not optimal missing all the top euro players and most of the likely starters. it's not optimal starting a new system without those guys. but it's also a chance that other countries don't get, because of MLS's goofy schedule. so these top local players are getting to keep fit (as Sinn mentioned) and more importantly helping getting barely-halter's system's groundwork laid for the guys who will be part of this moving forward- and there are a bunch in this camp- as well as behrerbondhalter getting the opportunity to kickstart this thing for himself.

I'm highlighting the players I think will be coming back for more camps at the least... I'll star guys I think have a possibility to play.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Alex Bono (Toronto FC/CAN; 1/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 5/0), Tyler Miller (LAFC; 0/0), Zack Steffen** (Columbus Crew SC; 6/0)

DEFENDERS (10): Reggie Cannon** (FC Dallas; 2/0), Greg Garza (FC Cincinnati; 10/0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 2/0), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 0/0), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Keegan Rosenberry (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Auston Trusty** (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman** (LAFC; 4/1)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 23/2), Paul Arriola** (D.C. United; 17/2), Corey Baird** (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 142/17), Russell Canouse** (D.C. United; 0/0), Marky Delgado** (Toronto FC/CAN; 6/0), Sebastian Lletget** (LA Galaxy; 5/1), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Cristian Roldan** (Seattle Sounders FC; 5/0), Wil Trapp** (Columbus Crew SC; 11/0)

FORWARDS (3): Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers; 0/0), Christian Ramirez (LAFC; 0/0), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 40/6)

that's a lot of guys who will likely be in and around the US team moving forward. and tbh, I didn't bother with guys I don't know well enough- Miller, McKenzie, Lovitz, Mihailovic- who might very well be there. I starred guys who will likely see field time in the coming years, but of that group these are guys I could see starting either next week, or down the road: Bono, Steffen, Cannon, Garza, Trusty, Arriola, Baird (future), Canouse (future), Lletget... of course Trapp will start, but I'd prefer he didn't- same probably for Acosta, Roldan and Marky.

so again- what's the possible harm or damage that comes from this camp and two games? I only see positive- let's get this thing going already.

 
El Floppo said:
I'm highlighting the players I think will be coming back for more camps at the least... I'll star guys I think have a possibility to play.
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what is your opinion on Bradley?  Is he here only for experience and mentoring for younger guys or could Gregg be thinking he is a possibility to roster for the Gold Cup?

 
NewlyRetired said:
what is your opinion on Bradley?  Is he here only for experience and mentoring for younger guys or could Gregg be thinking he is a possibility to roster for the Gold Cup?
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yes. 

dunno if he'll roster forthe GC- but last time he played, they needed and used his veteran abilities on the field... even if he's too slow at this point to warrant a spot for me.

 
That's a lot of 0/0's up in there (I like it - lets see some new faces).

Crazy to see 3 of the starting back 4 from Union in here..... McKenzie, Trusty, and Rosenberry (Union just traded him to CO yesterday for some funny money).  

 
Can those of you more knowledgeable then I am explain the Brooks love?  From what I've seen he usually has one big mistake in him every game and I would rather have CCV and Miazga back there.  Inconsistency is his problem and it hasn't improved.  What am I missing?

And there is absolutely no good reason for one of those names to be on that list. At least Guzan wasn't included.

 
B Maverick said:
Can those of you more knowledgeable then I am explain the Brooks love?  From what I've seen he usually has one big mistake in him every game and I would rather have CCV and Miazga back there.  Inconsistency is his problem and it hasn't improved.  What am I missing?

And there is absolutely no good reason for one of those names to be on that list. At least Guzan wasn't included.
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CCV seems even less consistent and can't get regular time in the Swansea lineup.  :shrug:  

I can't speak for everyone, but I think most of the love is we saw what the good Brooks brings to the table (Copa America).  That's what we want/hope to see back there, but on a more consistent basis (to your point he hasn't yet).

 
Ned said:
B Maverick said:
Can those of you more knowledgeable then I am explain the Brooks love?  From what I've seen he usually has one big mistake in him every game and I would rather have CCV and Miazga back there.  Inconsistency is his problem and it hasn't improved.  What am I missing?

And there is absolutely no good reason for one of those names to be on that list. At least Guzan wasn't included.
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CCV seems even less consistent and can't get regular time in the Swansea lineup.  :shrug:  

I can't speak for everyone, but I think most of the love is we saw what the good Brooks brings to the table (Copa America).  That's what we want/hope to see back there, but on a more consistent basis (to your point he hasn't yet).
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CCV and Miazga have looked a lot more mistake-prone, IMO. 

Brooks makes the mistakes, but his upside is above either of those guys- winning balls in air/ground, positioning, distribution... all better. for me he's the best of the CBs by a stretch. 

 
Ned said:
CCV seems even less consistent and can't get regular time in the Swansea lineup.  :shrug:  

I can't speak for everyone, but I think most of the love is we saw what the good Brooks brings to the table (Copa America).  That's what we want/hope to see back there, but on a more consistent basis (to your point he hasn't yet).
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Thats def a concern

El Floppo said:
CCV and Miazga have looked a lot more mistake-prone, IMO. 

Brooks makes the mistakes, but his upside is above either of those guys- winning balls in air/ground, positioning, distribution... all better. for me he's the best of the CBs by a stretch. 
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From watching the USMNT I feel the opposite.  

Thanks guys.  I know I haven't watched as much as you two and others here have.  I just haven't seen a good Brooks I guess.  So much so that I thought there were two different Brooks' with how much love he was getting and how often I saw him mess up.  I'll have to watch more of them all.

 
B Maverick said:
Thats def a concern

From watching the USMNT I feel the opposite.  

Thanks guys.  I know I haven't watched as much as you two and others here have.  I just haven't seen a good Brooks I guess.  So much so that I thought there were two different Brooks' with how much love he was getting and how often I saw him mess up.  I'll have to watch more of them all.
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CCV hasn't impressed me in the last year- positional errors, and getting manhandled by better players. that said, he's still youngish and can learn. 

tbh, trusty has impressed me more than mazda and ccv over the last 9 months.

 
If we assume a 4-2-3-1 with this roster, could we see something like this in the first game?

...............................................Steffen

...Cannon...........Long...................Trusty...............Garza

...................................Bradley.........Trapp

..Nips........................Acosta(?).............................Lletget

............................................Zardes

========================

The three Crew guys will likely get a very good chance to start if for nothing else they can help the transition to Berhalter's system for the rest of the players.

I have absolutely no idea who to put in the Acosta spot.  

 
U.S. Soccer‏Verified account @ussoccer

NEWS: Nominations for the 2019 U.S. Soccer Vice-Presidential election have closed, with Cindy Cone the lone candidate to complete the process. The election will take place Feb. 16.

==========================

Note, I am pretty sure Cindy Cone's maiden name was Parlow and if so this is the long time Women's US National Team player.

 
NewlyRetired said:
If we assume a 4-2-3-1 with this roster, could we see something like this in the first game?

...............................................Steffen

...Cannon...........Long...................Trusty...............Garza

...................................Bradley.........Trapp

..Nips........................Acosta(?).............................Lletget

............................................Zardes

========================

The three Crew guys will likely get a very good chance to start if for nothing else they can help the transition to Berhalter's system for the rest of the players.

I have absolutely no idea who to put in the Acosta spot.  
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Maybe Zimmerman for trusty, but yeah looks right.

 
The US Camp roster has 8 players with local ties in Philly. Obviously the Union and former Union Guys. Bono played for USFL affiliated Reading Unitedwith Ebobbusies (SP), Steffan is from Downingtown and a few others who I don't remember exactly where but I know local. Thats a good representation of the Union and Soccer Community in and around Philly. Could've been more if Pulusic was in this roster. 

 
NewlyRetired said:
The top player in RSL's system, Richie Ledezma, officially signed with PSV today.
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Two notes here

* He does not hold a EU passport and as such is considered a VERY strong prospect by Dutch clubs since they have very limited spots for non EU passport players and he is likely to get good chances to impress.

* RSL receives nothing for the player.  He played for the RSL team in the USL but I guess that was not on a pro contract.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Two notes here

* He does not hold a EU passport and as such is considered a VERY strong prospect by Dutch clubs since they have very limited spots for non EU passport players and he is likely to get good chances to impress.

* RSL receives nothing for the player.  He played for the RSL team in the USL but I guess that was not on a pro contract.
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good for him- exciting stuff.

but mls has to figure this out. does it have to do in any way with US child labor laws?

 
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