The Official US Soccer thread

[Zeno]

Changes for Barbados part 2...

With the team moving back across country to Miami to begin gearing up for the second leg of the series against Barbados, several players have been released back to their clubs or to begin their summer vacations. Training will resume in earnest tomorrow as Bob Bradley fills out the roster for the trip to the Caribbean.

The departed players: Brian Ching, Clint Dempsey, Steve Cherundolo, Landon Donovan, Brad Guzan, Frankie Hejduk, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Pablo Mastroeni, and Matt Reis.

Thats 10 roster spots open. The only new players reported so far are GK Chris Seitz and MF Danny Szetela. The full roster will be announced Friday. I have a fear the MLS schedule will prevent players who should be getting a look from getting their chance(guys like Cooper, Holden, Findley, Clark and Rogers have games on Saturday).

We will probably see lesser known European players instead, guys like Zizzo, Davies, Hill & Nguyen. I'm really hoping Subotic is there too so he can get a cap and be tied to the US rather than Serbia or Germany (who he is also eligible for). I want Orozco to be there too but the Mexican league is in season too, although I am sure they take Int'l breaks.

 

[cardfaninfl]

We will probably see lesser known European players instead, guys like Zizzo, Davies, Hill & Nguyen. I'm really hoping Subotic is there too so he can get a cap and be tied to the US rather than Serbia or Germany (who he is also eligible for). I want Orozco to be there too but the Mexican league is in season too, although I am sure they take Int'l breaks.

This would be a fantastic scenario. There are a number of younger players in Europe that I read good things about but have never seen play. Greg Dalby was once the U-20 captain, Gabriel Ferrari is getting great remarks for improvement in Serie A, Nguyen, Subotic, Zizzo and Jemel Johnson would be great to have a look as well.

I like players such as Pablo and Lewis but the brass ring is two years away, and it maybe too late for these guys. My rational is simplistic; as much as I would like the US game to improve technically...our advantage in 2010 will be team speed and relentless pressure. This can only be accomplished with youth.

Nothing against MLS, but it is not a league where it's current players are going to improve dramatically due to the lack of talent and experienced managers. Yes, that could be a little too harsh but IMO this would be a perfect chance to give the youngsters in European leagues a cap or two, prove themselves, and let some of the established players know that every position can use improvement.

 

[Zeno]

Ok the team released 10 and has added 6 so far...

Chris Seitz, starting GK in U23 qualifying, has a future but at best #3 in 2010, could be the guy in 2014 & 2018 huge upside, Friedel type of GK
Drew Moor, had a terrible game versus Mexico(aside from cross to Altidore for a goal), plays right back, still young but not particularly strong in MLS this season, Wynne is a better choice at RB right now
Danny Szetela, plays in Serie B, played a really good U20 WC last summer, has a bright future if he continues to develop
Chris Rolfe, midget forward who has some success in MLS but has looked terrible in every appearance for the Nat's
Chad Barrett, blew chance after chance in U23 qualifying, all the finishing ability of Eddie Johnson without the athleticism (yeah, not good)...another guy who is OK in MLS but seems to lack what it takes at the Int'l level, he's young I guess
John Thorrington, a midget MF, one national team cap SEVEN years ago, will be 31 at next WC, a head scratching selection if I ever saw one

Bradley's player selections continue to be questionable. From Ching last week to Wolff in the 3 friendlies to everyone except Seitz & Szetela this week. MLS has a lot to do with this (Chivas & Chicago play Thursday--everyone else has a game during the weekend) but I'd rather see players with promise & a future brought in then what he is bringing in so far.

 

[cardfaninfl]

Bradley's player selections continue to be questionable.

Never has the US had so many players with potential as it does now. The last few months (with the friendlies, U-23 qualifiers and now 2010 WC qualifiers) I get excited at the prospect of seeing which players will be choosen. This excitement is caused by the thinking that there is no way you can screw-up the team selection with so many choices.

And then reality sets it...Moor, are you kidding me? It is one thing to be completely responsible for allowing two goals against Mexico. It is another thing to allow both goals on the same type of set piece. Not only did he play poorly, but showed an inability to learn.

I just don't understand Bradley sometimes.

 

[gr000000vy]

not sure if anyone here watches GolTv, but they posed this question on there site.... not sure who picked the answers, but makes you wonder what the Love fest with Ching is...

Out of this list I voted for Cooper, although Buddle intriques me.. is he really good or just been given great chances because of Beckham?

Cunningham has always been overlooked and i'm not sure why... when he was with Colorado he was an awesome player but got like 1 or 2 call ups....

Who would be your first choice at forward?
Brian Ching 30.36 %
Kenny Cooper 25.00 %
Eddie Johnson 25.00 %
Edson Buddle 12.50 %
Jeff Cunningham 7.14 %

 

[Zeno]

not sure if anyone here watches GolTv, but they posed this question on there site.... not sure who picked the answers, but makes you wonder what the Love fest with Ching is...

Out of this list I voted for Cooper, although Buddle intriques me.. is he really good or just been given great chances because of Beckham?

Cunningham has always been overlooked and i'm not sure why... when he was with Colorado he was an awesome player but got like 1 or 2 call ups....

I don't understand Ching either. People are swayed by the arguments of "the next McBride" and "he and Donovan work well together"...its a load of garbage. He's a good MLS player like Twellman but neither guy has what it takes to be counted on in a national team jersey.

Buddle had a substance abuse problem, hopefully he is over it now as he is starting to show good form. Of his 3 goals last week Beckham only played a part in 1 of them (and even at that it was minimal) so he is getting himself in to good positions to at least put a shot on goal. Let him keep it up throughout the whole season and he'll be hard for Bob Bradley to ignore--at least we hope so.

I never understood why Cunningham didn't get more chances either...but since it didn't happen when he was younger it may never happen.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

I like Ching a lot more than the likes of Twellman, Rolfe, and Wolff. At least Ching doesn't embarrass himself against lowly concacaf competition.

 

[gr000000vy]

6/20/2008 6:49 AM
Bocanegra To Rennes So Traore Back To Pompey

French club Rennes have signed American defender Carlos Bocanegra on a free transfer after he was released by Fulham last month.
Carlos Bocanegra, 29, has signed a three-year deal with Rennes, according to L'Equipe.

The captain of the United States, played 116 times for Fulham during four years at Craven Cottage, but although he helped the Cortagers to avoid relegation fromthe Premier League - they escaped the drop dramatically on the final day - Bocanegra was not offered a new contract by manager Roy Hodgson

That made him a free agent, and Rennes boss Guy Lacombe has snapped him up for a fresh start in Ligue 1.

His arrival at Rennes means that forner Liverpool defender Djimi Traore, who was on loan at the French club last season, will now return to his parent club, Portsmouth.

i thought would go with a league 1 team or a German team... still better than MLS...

 

[Zeno]

GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA: 1/1 SO), Dominic Cervi (out of contract: 0/0), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake: 0/0)

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (out of contract: 12/1), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland: 1/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC: 0/0), Drew Moor (FC Dallas: 0/0) Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 8/0), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 1/0)

MIDFIELDERS: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 15/4), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen: 1/1), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 0/0), Eddie Lewis (Derby County: 18/2), Danny Szetela (Brescia: 0/0), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire: 0/0)

FORWARDS: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica: 1/0), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire: 0/0), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire: 0/0)

Thorrington, Barrett, Rolfe & Moor are garbage choices and show that MLS is calling the shots. What better opportunity to get some of our younger overseas players that are on break a cap than an away leg where we are up 8-0? I don't care that Cooper has a match with his MLS team..he deserves acall up more than Barrett or Rolfe...is Altidore still not healthy?

My guess for the lineup sticking with Bradley's typical 4-4-2 (he does play a 4-4-1-1 sometimes though)...

---------Adu---Rolfe-----------

-Lewis-Bradley-Kljestan-Beasley-

---Pearce-Boca-Demerit-Moor---

----------Guzan----------------

Szetela may start over Beasley or Lewis & Califf may start over Demerit or Bocanegra but I am pretty sure thats what we will see.

 

[Zeno]

i thought would go with a league 1 team or a German team... still better than MLS...

Good move for Bocangera, they are a top half French side...not only is the level of play better than MLS I am sure he is being paid much more than he would in MLS too.

 

[Zeno]

Brek Shea was added for the WCQ, he's a 6' 3" 18 yr old who plays MF/D for FC Dallas--he's also played F for the U20's. He's also the target of Alex Ferguson...

"Fergie glowing for ready Brek
By Alan Nixon
Alex Ferguson is chasing big Brek Shea - the new rising star of United States football.

Manchester United's top scout Jim Lawlor is preparing to fly to the States to watch the giant 18 year old, who is skipper of his country's youth team, on the orders of Old Traf ford boss Ferguson.

The 6ft 3in Shea, who plays for FC Dallas in the MLS, caught United's eye at last month's Toulon tournament in France, where he stood out despite being years younger than most in the under-23 category.

The powerful Shea, whose family is of Norwegian stock, can play at centrehalf or in midfield and has been outstanding in his first season as a professional in America."

Thats the type of roster addition I like for a game like this. We'll see if he gets to play though.

I think he is replacing Chris Rolfe -- not sure though.

 

[cardfaninfl]

Don't watch MLS as much as I would like, has he broken into FC Dallas' starting line-up? Doesn't matter...6'3", young, ball controlling mid that Sir Alex likes...good enough for me. Give him an opportunity today.

 

[Chaplin]

Don't watch MLS as much as I would like, has he broken into FC Dallas' starting line-up? Doesn't matter...6'3", young, ball controlling mid that Sir Alex likes...good enough for me. Give him an opportunity today.

I watched a few minutes of the FC Dallas/NY Red Bulls game yesterday, and I don't remember him being on the field at the time, so I don't believe he started.

Oh and Donovan scored twice and Buddle once last night against the Columbus Crew.

 

[Zeno]

I watched a few minutes of the FC Dallas/NY Red Bulls game yesterday, and I don't remember him being on the field at the time, so I don't believe he started.

Oh and Donovan scored twice and Buddle once last night against the Columbus Crew.

He doesn't start, this is his first year as a pro--he has been used as a sub a few times. He has missed a lot of time this season with the U23's in France and U20 commitments. If he did get signed by Man U he likely would be loaned out or spend at least his first season as a reserve.

He wouldn't have played yesterday anyway as he was in Barbados training with the National team.

 

[Zeno]

Today's starting line-up...

----------------Guzan------------
Moor--DeMerit--Califf---Pearce
Kljestan-Bradley-Szetela-Lewis (c)
---------Adu---------Beasley-----

Thats a bit of a different look. Only player not available on the bench is GK Cervi.

 

[Zeno]

Had the Euros on the laptop and US on the TV...

The US looked pathetic today. Maybe it was the line up or maybe it was swelled heads, who knows? Nobody seemed to want to take charge of the game.

Well no games are scheduled for the US for a while now, next thing to look forward to are the Olympics.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Wow goes to show you our dpeth eh?

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Well that was a rather uninteresting game. You'd like to see a better effort from guys who are fighting for roster spots in games that matter. I can't really think of any starters to single out as playing an especially poor game, but the team in general was flat and bland. At least Adu had a real pretty set up on the Lewis goal.

 

[cardfaninfl]

It certainly seemed as if everyone on the pitch was simply going through the motions and had very little interest in performing. I would give everyone a pass on this assuming Bradley gave orders to keep posession and not embarrass Barbados in front of their fans.

During the 8-0 thrashing, Barbados played with surprising gamesmanship. I kept expecting one or more of their players to commit fouls in frustration. They didn't and I believe the US took their foot off the pedal in appreciation.

 

[Stout]

It certainly seemed as if everyone on the pitch was simply going through the motions and had very little interest in performing. I would give everyone a pass on this assuming Bradley gave orders to keep posession and not embarrass Barbados in front of their fans.

During the 8-0 thrashing, Barbados played with surprising gamesmanship. I kept expecting one or more of their players to commit fouls in frustration. They didn't and I believe the US took their foot off the pedal in appreciation.

If Bradley did this, he should never manage another international or professional match in his life. You should never, ever go into a real game (or even a friendly) with thoughts of not embarassing the other team. ESPECIALLY a WC qualifier, whether or not it is a relevent one. Sure, if you're kicking the snot out of them, you can make subs so as to try not to further embarass them, but the idea he might have done this is horrifying.

I would be extremely angry at this game, a game that should have been tied by the end, but I'm not; I'm merely angry at Bradley completely selling out a WC qualifier. He wanted to help test some players for Nowak for the Olympics in a game that couldn't affect our WC chances. That's fine. I'd much rather he put a few of these players into our experienced lineup, and then subbed them out for a few more of them, rather than gut the starting team like he did. If we were a top team, it wouldn't matter. As it is, we are a team struggling to find a true offense, and struggling to find an identity. We can't afford to take qualifying games off, no matter how meaningless they are on paper.

 

[Chaplin]

To be fair, Barbados to me looked like a completely different team, especially in the 2nd half. We are still better all around, but they did look like a team that shouldn't have lost 8-0 last week.

 

[Stout]

To be fair, Barbados to me looked like a completely different team, especially in the 2nd half. We are still better all around, but they did look like a team that shouldn't have lost 8-0 last week.

Like I said, I place the blame on the coach, so don't take this as blasting the team. That said, I have to wildly disagree. They played better and looked better only because we were worse. Our B, C, or even D side should always embarass a Barbados. The fact that we didn't is bad for us image wise. I just wish our coach would have been smarter about how he put other players in the lineup.

 

[hafey]

The US beat Barbados 9-0 over the two games. Yes, the third string didn't play great in the away leg. But frankly, the approval of the soccer playing nations that the US soccer community so desperately seeks isn't going to come by beating Barbados 8-0. Its neither good nor bad for the "image." The rest of the world doesn't care.

 

[Zeno]

The US beat Barbados 9-0 over the two games. Yes, the third string didn't play great in the away leg. But frankly, the approval of the soccer playing nations that the US soccer community so desperately seeks isn't going to come by beating Barbados 8-0. Its neither good nor bad for the "image." The rest of the world doesn't care.

That I agree with. The rest of the world doesn't care about US soccer unless we make our way on to their schedule.

 

[Stout]

The US beat Barbados 9-0 over the two games. Yes, the third string didn't play great in the away leg. But frankly, the approval of the soccer playing nations that the US soccer community so desperately seeks isn't going to come by beating Barbados 8-0. Its neither good nor bad for the "image." The rest of the world doesn't care.

Of course not. We'll get no positive press for beating them 8-0. On the flip side, we sure got negative press for the lousy 1-0 win we had. Lord knows how bad it would have been had they drew 1-1 with us, as they deserved to do.