Gold Cup

[Zeno]

That game was a disgrace. Bradley is really starting to piss me off as coach, and his son is terrible. That lineup was a joke, the subs were rediculous, and Bradley better pull his head out by Thursday or we are going down.

I didn't think Michael Bradley had a bad game yesterday. In fact he played fairly well, Hejduk and Bornstein at outside backs is terrible for the attack--both played fairly well defensively but neither could carry the ball in to the offensive end without giving the ball back to Panama. Neither is the answer at outside back - Simek and Spector have outplayed both of them when given the chance.

I thought Bradley's first sub should have been Demerit for Onyewu, I was really worried with him carrying that yellow, I was sure he would get a second and we'd be down a man.

Twellman is incredibly frustrating but I'd still start him over Ching. Ching holds the ball well but when he runs it looks like he is running in mud--he makes McBride look like a sprinter. Twellman at least created several chances, his shots were just off, not sure if it was nerves or what. I'm not saying Twellman is the longterm answer but with a choice between he and Ching I pick the more creative of the 2. Unfortunately the US still doesn't have the answer up top, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that one of the youngsters steps up during qualifying and becomes our answer at striker for the next 10 yrs (Altidore, Ferrari or Smith).

As has been the case for years the US has problems finishing in the run of play but does well on set pieces. Bocanegras goal was a thing of beauty, perfectly struck by Beasley and just buried off of Carlos' head.

The thing that disappointed me most was the fact that we didn't take advantage of the man advantage. We didn't take the game to Panama at that point, the Panamanians controlled the midfield for about the last 10 minutes of the game. That was terrible...nearly every 50-50 ball was lost, they always had an open man which should never happen when its 11 on 10.

I think we beat Canada, easily. Panama was a better team than Canada, the Canadian style of play plays to our strengths. They don't have the speed in the back to keep up with Donovan or Beasley and if Eddie Johnson is healthy its the perfect match to get him in the game as his athleticism will give them fits.

 

[Compa]

As has been the case for years the US has problems finishing in the run of play but does well on set pieces. Bocanegras goal was a thing of beauty, perfectly struck by Beasley and just buried off of Carlos' head.

Isn't the US so good at set pieces because their competition is generally has shorter players? I'm definitely looking forward to Copa America to see how potent the US looks on set pieces.

It was nice to see a goal off of a Beasley free kick. I think Donovan is way too inconsistent in his free kicks to be the automatic choice for set pieces.

 

[CaptTurbo]

I hate to say this but after seeing Real Madrid win the championship I have to say US soccer is decades behind in talent. That game was incredible.

 

[Milgod]

I hate to say this but after seeing Real Madrid win the championship I have to say US soccer is decades behind in talent. That game was incredible.

Real are one of the top teams in the World though. Most MLS teams could compete at the top end of the English Championship division or the bottom end of the Premiership. That is a pretty good level IMO and one that will only get stronger. The main problem that seems to come from American sports fans is the attitude that they want to be the best right away. The USA have made great strides in the game and will continue to do so.

 

[Renz]

I hate to say this but after seeing Real Madrid win the championship I have to say US soccer is decades behind in talent. That game was incredible.

You can't compare club teams and national teams, IMO. Real Madrid are the richest club in the world and can basically pick and choose the best players to play for them. They have top players from England, Spain, Brazil, The Netherlands and Italy among others.

National teams are much more limited in the talent they can draw from.

 

[azsouthendzone]

Bob Bradley starting his son again. what a joke. He's been TERRIBLE.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Bob Bradley starting his son again. what a joke. He's been TERRIBLE.

There are starters playing much worse than Bradley.

 

[azsouthendzone]

There are starters playing much worse than Bradley.

I disagree.

While some are playing bad, like Twellman, no one has excelled at sucking quite like Bobby Jr. Damn I wish Klinsmann was hired.

 

[Compa]

I disagree.

While some are playing bad, like Twellman, no one has excelled at sucking quite like Bobby Jr. Damn I wish Klinsmann was hired.

I just don't see it. To me, he looks like he belongs.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Its funny how so many people can see such opposite things in Bradley. I've read so many contrary opinions on the net about Bradley's play ranging the entire spectrum from horrid to outstanding. The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but at 19 years old I think he has a great NT career ahead of him.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

D'oh! Landy who otherwise has been having a good game whiffs on a wide open net.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Until the red card Bradely owned the midfield. Man did Canada get robbed.

 

[CaptTurbo]

none of my mexican soccer channels is playing the mexico game

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

De Guzman settled the ball with his arm on the play that set up the non-goal, anyway.

 

[CaptTurbo]

De Guzman settled the ball with his arm on the play that set up the non-goal, anyway.

Sure about that? I dont see that on slow mo on tivo.

 

[Milgod]

The perfect final has been set up then. Can't bloody wait!

 

[Stout]

The perfect final has been set up then. Can't bloody wait!

Too bad Mexico couldn't have lost to the minnows. I mean, Mexico is playing bad soccer too, and I love getting victories over Mexico, but with the way we're playing, I don't like our odds.

 

[Milgod]

I wouldn't want to win the Gold Cup by beating a team not even recognised by FIFA. Mexico is the big game and its great that it will be the final.

 

[Mulli]

I wouldn't want to win the Gold Cup by beating a team not even recognised by FIFA. Mexico is the big game and its great that it will be the final.

Crap, why didn't someone tell me the finals were in Chicago on Sunday?

Game is sold out. Wonder if I can still get seats.

 

[Zeno]

Until the red card Bradely owned the midfield.

Bradley played really well last night, probably his best game of the tournament...right up until his stupid tackle and well deserved red card. He still has to mature but the talent is there.

Bornstein was the worst player on the field last night. He gives the ball away constantly. I even watched him give the ball away on a stinking throw in, made me wonder if he forgot what color his own team was wearing. Starting Bornstein at left back over Spector or Simek is the most clear sign of Bob Bradley playing favorites as I have seen. I honestly believe that Bornsteins lack of skill affected the play of Beasley and Bocanegra who had to cover for his mistakes and the times he was out of position. If Bornstein starts at left back against Mexico I'll go nuts.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Final game just about to start.

 

[azsouthendzone]

decent first half...bad goal late...I predict USA 2 MEX 1

 

[Stout]

decent first half...bad goal late...I predict USA 2 MEX 1

Are we watching the same game?

I mean, maybe the problem is that our guys thought this was like golf...the lower your score, the higher your opponent's score, the better you're doing. Oh, either that, or we're a pack of gutless wonders. I mean, seriously, are we TRYING to lose? ***** is a giant snatch...he's a big, strong guy who plays like a wuss. NONE of our players, not a single one, has come up big. Nobody is creating, aside from having a few chances almost literally fall into our laps. And our defense? Oh, let's not even START on our defense. It's like it isn't there. From the OPENING KICK, we've looked like grade schoolers trying to stop them out there. For instance, on attack once, we lobbed the ball out of danger and it was immediately lobbed back in by Mexico. I laughed, because I've seen similar plays a million times, and they never work. Well, since all of our guys literally stood still and WATCHED the ball fall in the box, it almost netted them a goal. I loved the lineup I saw before the start, but they've choked BIG TIME. Pathetic. Disgusting. We don't deserve to win this game, we're playing with 0 heart, and it looks like we will indeed lose, unless we can turn it around. Ugh. If nothing changes, it will be 2 or 3 to nil, not because Mexico is playing well, but because our defense is that bad, and our midfield and forwards are willy-nilly giving the ball away. Ugh. Prove me wrong, guys. Find some heart at the half.

On a side note, I hope Borgetti is all right. I hate the player, but I hate for anybody to be injured. I laughed when it happened because I thought he just got faked out. I won't complain not to have to face him in the 2nd half (much difference it might make), but I hope he is all right.

 

[Zeno]

so far the US is outplayed and outclassed, I believe its the first time Bradley has had to make adjustments after trailing, now he has to prove just how good a coach he is.

Anyone notice who ***** was covering for? Our illustrious left back vacated his space, the run went right up that side. I'll give Bornstein credit for a screaming shot he just missed wide but the guy needs a lot of work.

 

[Mulli]

Crazy the amount of Mexico fans here in Chicago. Not just the game either. I heard somewhere that there might me more Mexicanos living here than in Phoenix.