- Status
Rook
Player Valuation: £80m
This is funny, the Mexicans litterally shat themselves.
http://deadspin.com/5829808/it-sure...n-soccer-player-had-some-bowel-issues-tonight
Same old story as it took us 50 minutes to wake up so maybe we should start with playing a 10-0-0 and try to keep the score 0-0 until the 2nd half. That being said for those last 40 we played extremely well. I thought Donovan was the best player on the pitch and the Mexican analyst was right, he needs either more freedom and/or must play the center. Brea was tremendous, that was the best match I've seen from Agedelo in a long time. Beckerman covered a ton of ground and never looked the least bit tired. Torres stunk on the wing but was decent in the middle, if he doesn't freak in big games he could Holden's backup (which means he'll get plenty of starts). I thought Boca and Dolo had a rough game and I wasn't too impressed with the LB who's name I forget.
We also always seem to play better once James Jones is on the sideline. I'm not sure why he's there as we have Torres, Bradley, LD, Edu and Beckerman. There is not reason why JJ should be starting over any of of those guys.
There might be a place for Rodgers especially against the likes of Mexico as we desperately need more speed in the attack for the counterattack.
For all the plaudits that Mexico is getting lately, even if Chicarito becomes the best striker in the world they aren't getting past the WC round of 16 with that backline, keeper and horrid set piece defending. Lost in the Gold cup loss was the fact that for all Mexico's "dominance" the scoreline would have been different if Dempsey's ball bounces off the post and into the net.
http://deadspin.com/5829808/it-sure...n-soccer-player-had-some-bowel-issues-tonight
Same old story as it took us 50 minutes to wake up so maybe we should start with playing a 10-0-0 and try to keep the score 0-0 until the 2nd half. That being said for those last 40 we played extremely well. I thought Donovan was the best player on the pitch and the Mexican analyst was right, he needs either more freedom and/or must play the center. Brea was tremendous, that was the best match I've seen from Agedelo in a long time. Beckerman covered a ton of ground and never looked the least bit tired. Torres stunk on the wing but was decent in the middle, if he doesn't freak in big games he could Holden's backup (which means he'll get plenty of starts). I thought Boca and Dolo had a rough game and I wasn't too impressed with the LB who's name I forget.
We also always seem to play better once James Jones is on the sideline. I'm not sure why he's there as we have Torres, Bradley, LD, Edu and Beckerman. There is not reason why JJ should be starting over any of of those guys.
There might be a place for Rodgers especially against the likes of Mexico as we desperately need more speed in the attack for the counterattack.
For all the plaudits that Mexico is getting lately, even if Chicarito becomes the best striker in the world they aren't getting past the WC round of 16 with that backline, keeper and horrid set piece defending. Lost in the Gold cup loss was the fact that for all Mexico's "dominance" the scoreline would have been different if Dempsey's ball bounces off the post and into the net.
K
Kay20
Guest
Agree Rook on the Mexican team's problems. I do think they are the better team than us right now - but they are not world beaters like some of their fans are making them out to be - their dmids are old, their defensive line is slow (as we saw last night), and Ochoa is not world-class.
With that said, yee-haw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The thing I liked most about the last 30 minutes was that everyone seemed to finally get to know one another, be having a good time, and we pressed like no one's business. The game started tedious, but ended GREAT (minus the two blown calls).
Frankly, the US should have come out with a win - Landon earned a PK that wasn't called. (and I won't go into the lack of a red card on the play on Rogers).
But optimism is indeed the right word. Jurgen looked like a kid in the candy store, Landon played with an abandon we haven't seen in ages, and Shea/Agudelo were bright spots. I was giddy.
Howard - pretty much had nothing to do
Castillo - we found someone worse than Borstein. Yikes. The only thing he did well was get forward a couple of times. That's about it. I would have preferred to see Loyd - he's at least more solid defensively imo.
Orozco Fiscal - got better as the game wore on, I think Omar Gonzalez is better.
Dolo - rusty. I expect better from him, but it was obvious this was the first game he had played in ages.
Beckerman - decent game, and hope we see more. Great anchor and clean-up game.
Jones - anonymous. I don't get it. Did not help himself.
Bradley - not an attacking mid, please don't play him there.
Torres - not a LM, please don't play him there. (would like to see him in the center)
Buddle - on an island, meh.
Stand-outs:
Boca - led a very shaky backline and led it well. He cleaned up multiple errors from some of his teammates in the back. Almost a MOTM performance imo. He was solid.
Rogers - his pace gives him something, and I didn't expect either action out of him last night: the goal or the foul. So, he overdelivered for me, but still don't think he's A team material.
Agudelo - pressured like Buddle didn't. Just works hard. Great pass to Rogers twice. Still dribbles into trouble - needs to be better at making a decisive first pass. Wants the ball all the time, which for a striker is excellent.
LD - looked 22 again in the last 30 minutes. I haven't seen him run that fast in ages. Took control of the game in the center - making me wonder about him in the center or the wing...regardless, give him freedom. Set up countless plays in the last 20 minutes and just looked like a world beater in that time period. MOTM. (He in particular looks like he has new life under Jurgen. Can't wait to see him develop.)
Shea - after his last two caps I wasn't expecting much. Wow was I wrong. Breakout season for him in MLS and here. Can't wait to see more of him. His size, speed and athleticism are great to watch, and his passing game is getting better. I would love to see him replace Deuce on the wing and move Deuce up top while our younger strikers develop.
With Chandler/Lichaj as fullbacks, and potentially LD/Shea on the wings, this team could be past you before you know it, and setting up Clint up top. That would be downright awesome.
With that said, yee-haw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The thing I liked most about the last 30 minutes was that everyone seemed to finally get to know one another, be having a good time, and we pressed like no one's business. The game started tedious, but ended GREAT (minus the two blown calls).
Frankly, the US should have come out with a win - Landon earned a PK that wasn't called. (and I won't go into the lack of a red card on the play on Rogers).
But optimism is indeed the right word. Jurgen looked like a kid in the candy store, Landon played with an abandon we haven't seen in ages, and Shea/Agudelo were bright spots. I was giddy.
Howard - pretty much had nothing to do
Castillo - we found someone worse than Borstein. Yikes. The only thing he did well was get forward a couple of times. That's about it. I would have preferred to see Loyd - he's at least more solid defensively imo.
Orozco Fiscal - got better as the game wore on, I think Omar Gonzalez is better.
Dolo - rusty. I expect better from him, but it was obvious this was the first game he had played in ages.
Beckerman - decent game, and hope we see more. Great anchor and clean-up game.
Jones - anonymous. I don't get it. Did not help himself.
Bradley - not an attacking mid, please don't play him there.
Torres - not a LM, please don't play him there. (would like to see him in the center)
Buddle - on an island, meh.
Stand-outs:
Boca - led a very shaky backline and led it well. He cleaned up multiple errors from some of his teammates in the back. Almost a MOTM performance imo. He was solid.
Rogers - his pace gives him something, and I didn't expect either action out of him last night: the goal or the foul. So, he overdelivered for me, but still don't think he's A team material.
Agudelo - pressured like Buddle didn't. Just works hard. Great pass to Rogers twice. Still dribbles into trouble - needs to be better at making a decisive first pass. Wants the ball all the time, which for a striker is excellent.
LD - looked 22 again in the last 30 minutes. I haven't seen him run that fast in ages. Took control of the game in the center - making me wonder about him in the center or the wing...regardless, give him freedom. Set up countless plays in the last 20 minutes and just looked like a world beater in that time period. MOTM. (He in particular looks like he has new life under Jurgen. Can't wait to see him develop.)
Shea - after his last two caps I wasn't expecting much. Wow was I wrong. Breakout season for him in MLS and here. Can't wait to see more of him. His size, speed and athleticism are great to watch, and his passing game is getting better. I would love to see him replace Deuce on the wing and move Deuce up top while our younger strikers develop.
With Chandler/Lichaj as fullbacks, and potentially LD/Shea on the wings, this team could be past you before you know it, and setting up Clint up top. That would be downright awesome.
K
Kay20
Guest
Carlos Bocanegra also joining Rangers - who are turning into the USMNT. Waiting for MB to announce he's going there.
They now have: Edu, Bedoya and Boca.
They now have: Edu, Bedoya and Boca.
K
Kay20
Guest
Friendlies rosters due out mid to end of this week. Assuming that means camp next week in prep for 9/2. At least we know 1 guy that will be there: Timmy Chandler, who committed to both games.
There a couple of clubs with serious scheduling conflicts:
1) LA Galaxy - who have league games on 9/5 and 9/9 (and CCL play 9/13). This may impact Landon and Omar Gonzalez's ability to attend and get game-time.
2) FC Dallas has a game 9/10 (don't think this will impact Brek Shea who will most likely play 9/2 and that's it).
3) Philly Union also has two games (impacting Adu). I believe the Revs do too (impacting Feilhaber).
Basically, the "MLS" game on 9/2 comes at a bit of a bad time for certain teams in the league. Will be interesting to see how Jurgen handles it.
There a couple of clubs with serious scheduling conflicts:
1) LA Galaxy - who have league games on 9/5 and 9/9 (and CCL play 9/13). This may impact Landon and Omar Gonzalez's ability to attend and get game-time.
2) FC Dallas has a game 9/10 (don't think this will impact Brek Shea who will most likely play 9/2 and that's it).
3) Philly Union also has two games (impacting Adu). I believe the Revs do too (impacting Feilhaber).
Basically, the "MLS" game on 9/2 comes at a bit of a bad time for certain teams in the league. Will be interesting to see how Jurgen handles it.
K
Kay20
Guest
Rangers reporting that Bedoya, Bocanegra and Edu all called in for both US international friendlies. Looks like Jurgen is sticking to his 1 roster for both games plan.
Also good to see Bedoya and Edu making the cut. Bocanegra still the veteran on defense and not going anywhere.
Also good to see Bedoya and Edu making the cut. Bocanegra still the veteran on defense and not going anywhere.
Rook
Player Valuation: £80m
Actually being on Rangers probably isn't the best thing. Rangers play a ton of matches and besides Celtic/UEFA cup/C-league matches the competetion is pretty much MLS quality. Its not bad for Edu and Bedoya b/c they are young and we have depth there. However our back line is green and not very good; Bocanerga though he's lost a step is a player we can't afford to lose.
Also has Feinhaber been hurt? I'm wondering why we haven't seen him much on the USMNT. He may be rubbish on his club sides (haven't seen the Revs play this year so I don't know) but he's always been a good sub for us.
pfim
Player Valuation: £40m
Feilhaber has been playing, but he has picked up knocks when the past two squads were named. He has been playing well for the Revs since they acquired a decent striker.
He does seem to play the same type of role as Adu, so not sure he's been missed the past two call ups. Still, in my mind, you can't have enough of those types of players, especially on a roster starved for attacking talent as the USMNT is. If they're going to play with one striker, I would love to see both on the pitch at the same time, see if it works.
I'd really like to see what Altidore can do with these types of players consistently in the squad. I think it would take some of the pressure he has with dropping back and picking up the play, and hopefully he can stay more centrally.
He does seem to play the same type of role as Adu, so not sure he's been missed the past two call ups. Still, in my mind, you can't have enough of those types of players, especially on a roster starved for attacking talent as the USMNT is. If they're going to play with one striker, I would love to see both on the pitch at the same time, see if it works.
I'd really like to see what Altidore can do with these types of players consistently in the squad. I think it would take some of the pressure he has with dropping back and picking up the play, and hopefully he can stay more centrally.
K
Kay20
Guest
I have a feeling pfim you'll be seeing that at some point over the next year.
Not quite sure about Feilhaber either - will be interesting to see if he's squeezed out of these two friendlies as well.
Not quite sure about Feilhaber either - will be interesting to see if he's squeezed out of these two friendlies as well.
fadedhour
Player Valuation: £750k
Oh my god. I will be so sad if that happens.
K
Kay20
Guest
US climbs two spots to #28 in the FIFA rankings. Mexico at #20 leading CONCACAF.
Wratho
Player Valuation: £8m
So yeah the team rosters for the games announced.... So we have another German Born player Fabian Johnson coming in.. Timmy Chandler is on there... and The GINGER NINJA Jeff Larentowicz !!!!!!
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton, England), Bill Hamid (DC United).
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Edgar Castillo (Club America, Mexico), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg, Germany), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Clarence Goodson (Brondby, Denmark), Zach Loyd (Dallas), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis, Mexico), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Salt Lake), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim, Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht, Belgium), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), Brek Shea (Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New York), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Teal Bunbury (Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles).
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton, England), Bill Hamid (DC United).
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Edgar Castillo (Club America, Mexico), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg, Germany), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Clarence Goodson (Brondby, Denmark), Zach Loyd (Dallas), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis, Mexico), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Salt Lake), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim, Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht, Belgium), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), Brek Shea (Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New York), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Teal Bunbury (Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles).
K
Kay20
Guest
A few impressions:
1) Howard is clearly #1, and Hamid is clearly starting in the Olympics.
2) Castillo again? I mean, give him another chance okay (but I thought he stank), but really on the no Eric Lichaj? Really? I like Loyd, but I think Lichaj is better than Loyd and Castillo.
3) No Omar Gonzalez = bad decision. He is having a much better season than Ream, and should have been given a shot over Orozco-Fiscal at the least. We have so few CBs, can't we look at a new one?
4) Timmy Chandler!!!!!!!!!!! Finally.
5) Will be interesting to see Johnson play.
6) No MB, Jermaine Jones, Bedoya or Adu. Hmmm....
7) Kljestan? Boooo. I'm not a fan.
8) Intriguing that LD is listed up top, and Dempsey is not. LD as CAM/2nd striker?????
9) Welcome back Jozy and Teal. Our forwards read like a band.
1) Howard is clearly #1, and Hamid is clearly starting in the Olympics.
2) Castillo again? I mean, give him another chance okay (but I thought he stank), but really on the no Eric Lichaj? Really? I like Loyd, but I think Lichaj is better than Loyd and Castillo.
3) No Omar Gonzalez = bad decision. He is having a much better season than Ream, and should have been given a shot over Orozco-Fiscal at the least. We have so few CBs, can't we look at a new one?
4) Timmy Chandler!!!!!!!!!!! Finally.
5) Will be interesting to see Johnson play.
6) No MB, Jermaine Jones, Bedoya or Adu. Hmmm....
7) Kljestan? Boooo. I'm not a fan.
8) Intriguing that LD is listed up top, and Dempsey is not. LD as CAM/2nd striker?????
9) Welcome back Jozy and Teal. Our forwards read like a band.
icburns
pyar sauced
A few impressions:
1) Howard is clearly #1, and Hamid is clearly starting in the Olympics.
2) Castillo again? I mean, give him another chance okay (but I thought he stank), but really on the no Eric Lichaj? Really? I like Loyd, but I think Lichaj is better than Loyd and Castillo.
3) No Omar Gonzalez = bad decision. He is having a much better season than Ream, and should have been given a shot over Orozco-Fiscal at the least. We have so few CBs, can't we look at a new one?
4) Timmy Chandler!!!!!!!!!!! Finally.
5) Will be interesting to see Johnson play.
6) No MB, Jermaine Jones, Bedoya or Adu. Hmmm....
7) Kljestan? Boooo. I'm not a fan.
8) Intriguing that LD is listed up top, and Dempsey is not. LD as CAM/2nd striker?????
9) Welcome back Jozy and Teal. Our forwards read like a band.
Kljestan is woeful, Adu is hopeful.
There aren't many things about LA that I like, but Omar Gonzalez is one of them.
Dempsey is very much the Tim Cahill of the US National team at the moment. I still think he's boss.
pfim
Player Valuation: £40m
A few impressions:
1) Howard is clearly #1, and Hamid is clearly starting in the Olympics.
2) Castillo again? I mean, give him another chance okay (but I thought he stank), but really on the no Eric Lichaj? Really? I like Loyd, but I think Lichaj is better than Loyd and Castillo.
3) No Omar Gonzalez = bad decision. He is having a much better season than Ream, and should have been given a shot over Orozco-Fiscal at the least. We have so few CBs, can't we look at a new one?
4) Timmy Chandler!!!!!!!!!!! Finally.
5) Will be interesting to see Johnson play.
6) No MB, Jermaine Jones, Bedoya or Adu. Hmmm....
7) Kljestan? Boooo. I'm not a fan.
8) Intriguing that LD is listed up top, and Dempsey is not. LD as CAM/2nd striker?????
9) Welcome back Jozy and Teal. Our forwards read like a band.
2. Lichaj isn't playing much for the club. I also think it makes more sense to give natural left backs a shot before penciling Lichaj into the LB spot.
3. Fiscal looked good during his last callup. Gonzalez may be a better candidate for January camp.
6. Adu was a bit of a shocker, not the other three because of their club situations.
7. Kljestan kinda grows on you, when he's playing in the correct spot (attacking midfielder).
8. Finally!
- Status
Welcome
Join Grand Old Team to get involved in the Everton discussion. Signing up is quick, easy, and completely free.
Shop
