Thirty-two Panels

Legend

Andrew — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:30:18 +0000

Filed under: USMNT

Tinkering

Andrew — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:31:49 +0000

With the next meaningful game for the USMNT still eight months away, Bob Bradley made good use of his first two opportunities to play around with his squad, its formation, and tactics. While the games against Poland and Colombia meant absolutely nothing, there are still plenty of people out there screaming about how they hate Jozy Altidore and why Michael Bradley doesn’t deserve a spot in the starting IX. Pay them no mind; they can’t help the fact that they have no idea what they are talking about.

"The only reason Michael Bradley starts is 'cause his dad is the coach!"

Observations and Opinions:

Yes, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore didn’t play so well. Guess what, it doesn’t fricken matter because these games are exhibitions. I seem to recall Bradley playing his ass off when it counted most, as well as the fact that Jozy is the age of a college sophomore. Let the dude develop a bit before writing him off as a hopeless scrub.
I love Jermaine Jones (no homo). He works harder than anyone on the field – at one point during last night’s game, he raced forward to get into the attack, and once it was broken up and the Colombian players had moved the ball into the US final third, here comes JJ in a dead sprint to break up the pass and win the ball back. After two games, it is evident that he is a permanent starter.
The US has a good problem – the midfield is very crowded. There are basically six players who could start (Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, Jones, Edu, Holden), as well as several quality options off the bench (Feilhaber, Torres, Clark, Kljestan), and some exciting young talent (Shea, Rogers, Bedoya, Diskerud).
The back line is in flux – Onyewu is the only player who is a lock to start for the next four years. At right back, I feel comfortable with Cheruldolo for the time being, and Spector or Lichaj (who looked excellent against Colombia) once he decides to retire. On the left, it would be great if Heath Pearce could step up and seize the left back spot, which is his for the taking (how did Bornstein ever start over him?). That would allow Bocanegra to move back into the middle which is the best spot for him. Finally, Maurice Edu is not a centerback. Please never ever play him there again.

Filed under: USMNT

USA Calls up 20 for Poland and Colombia Friendlies

Andrew — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Bob Bradley has called up 20 players to participate in the October 9th and 12th friendlies against Poland and Colombia. Jermaine Jones looks to finally make his USMNT debut following an injury-plagued 2009. Also, promising young talents Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa) and Brek Shea (F.C. Dallas) will try to earn their first caps as members of the senior US national team.

Squad:

GK: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan

D: Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Clarence Goodson, Eric Lichaj, Heath Pearce, Michael Parkhurst.

M: Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya, Brek Shea, Clint Dempsey.

F: Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson.

Filed under: USMNT

Merry FIFAmas!

Andrew — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:39:47 +0000

Today marks the release of FIFA 11 here in the US. Hopefully it will be a little more fine-tuned than last year’s edition:

Filed under: USMNT

Yet Another Friendly: USA v. Chile (Jan. 2011)

Andrew — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:08:40 +0000

USMNT junkies have another date to circle on their calendars. The Yanks will play Chile in January of 2011, on either the 22nd or 23rd according to Soccer By Ives. This is the fourth friendly that will take place in the upcoming months, including a November 17th match against South Africa and two matches in about two weeks time: Poland on October 9th and Colombia on the 12th. Perhaps one of these games will feature the return of CD9 and the long-awaited USMNT debut of Jermaine Jones. Stay tuned.

Filed under: USMNT