K
Kay20
Guest
I'm on a roll, and I'd like to discuss these matters with folks here that tend to be smarter than the folks on Big Soccer that make me want to rip my hair out (I see you on there often TX Bill, and I'm often agreeing with you).
So, pendulum swinging definitively back to Mexico. US has no major tournament until 2014 (2013 gold cup will be "meh" since the Mexican A team won't be around), WC qualifying begins September 2012.
What's next?
1. Schedule friendlies with the purpose of rebuilding the squad, not playing glamour teams.
We need to play some tier 2 level teams (like us) in the effort to rebuild. I want teams that will test us, but will not make us play desperation football (aka Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, etc)... Turkey, Switzerland, Chile, Slovenia type teams. We have 1 scheduled with Belgium in September. Good choice. We need at least, what, 5 more games between that game and September 2012? January will bring 1-2 games post Camp Cupcake.
2. Think hard about who attends 2012 Camp Cupcake and the 2012 Olympics. You are building your WC qualifying team. These players should be in contention (not polite invites). Scour the U-21 team. The post camp games need to also invite the younger players from Europe: Chandler, Diskerud, Bedoya, Lichaj, Whitbread, Adu (!) who should be in attendance if not starting. You should be putting a squad out there that has potential senior team starters/subs, and they should get decent time together.
In my opinion, you cut off Kljestan, Spector and Goodson. I've seen enough (sorry to be harsh) until they gain further accolades at their clubs. Gooch looks to be done, Holden needs to recover from his injury (which I personally think is a daunting task).
3. As you cycle through friendlies, you weed and learn. Priority order: a) overhaul the entire back line. b) we are stacked in midfield, learn how to use it. c) find your striker core. d) determine which veterans are sticking around, and which aren't.
4. Pick a new captain. I hate to say it, but it's time. Carlos is not hanging around for 2014. You need to start the transition now as we enter a new stage for this team. I don't think this is a fluffy task. This person is critical to managing the team through most likely a painful transition period.
My required attributes: consistent starter, someone with leadership and experience (preferably a major FIFA final), someone who can inspire the team, someone who is vocal on the field with players and refs. Someone who hasn't just joined the team. Most likely, a veteran. I don't think it can be the GK for this team. We are not a team of superstars, we need someone on the pitch in motion keeping order. So that leaves you with the following options:
Clint - may not be a starter, tends to be moody/sulky (has been #2 to LD in the past)
LD - may not be a starter, current #2, does a decent job captaining LA
Michael Bradley - tends to be emotional, has calmed down a bit in recent times
Jozy Altidore - way too moody and sulky. No.
Holden - I think he's going to need to focus on his return from injury and has a long way to go. If he rages back and becomes a starter, I think he would be the natural choice. However, and sadly, I think he's going to need time (think Gooch) and as we need a captain soon, don't think it can be him. He needs to focus first on being back on the team period.
In light of this list, I might go with a combo. LD on the pitch, he's captain. LD not on the pitch, goes to junior.
Thoughts? :blink:
So, pendulum swinging definitively back to Mexico. US has no major tournament until 2014 (2013 gold cup will be "meh" since the Mexican A team won't be around), WC qualifying begins September 2012.
What's next?
1. Schedule friendlies with the purpose of rebuilding the squad, not playing glamour teams.
We need to play some tier 2 level teams (like us) in the effort to rebuild. I want teams that will test us, but will not make us play desperation football (aka Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, etc)... Turkey, Switzerland, Chile, Slovenia type teams. We have 1 scheduled with Belgium in September. Good choice. We need at least, what, 5 more games between that game and September 2012? January will bring 1-2 games post Camp Cupcake.
2. Think hard about who attends 2012 Camp Cupcake and the 2012 Olympics. You are building your WC qualifying team. These players should be in contention (not polite invites). Scour the U-21 team. The post camp games need to also invite the younger players from Europe: Chandler, Diskerud, Bedoya, Lichaj, Whitbread, Adu (!) who should be in attendance if not starting. You should be putting a squad out there that has potential senior team starters/subs, and they should get decent time together.
In my opinion, you cut off Kljestan, Spector and Goodson. I've seen enough (sorry to be harsh) until they gain further accolades at their clubs. Gooch looks to be done, Holden needs to recover from his injury (which I personally think is a daunting task).
3. As you cycle through friendlies, you weed and learn. Priority order: a) overhaul the entire back line. b) we are stacked in midfield, learn how to use it. c) find your striker core. d) determine which veterans are sticking around, and which aren't.
4. Pick a new captain. I hate to say it, but it's time. Carlos is not hanging around for 2014. You need to start the transition now as we enter a new stage for this team. I don't think this is a fluffy task. This person is critical to managing the team through most likely a painful transition period.
My required attributes: consistent starter, someone with leadership and experience (preferably a major FIFA final), someone who can inspire the team, someone who is vocal on the field with players and refs. Someone who hasn't just joined the team. Most likely, a veteran. I don't think it can be the GK for this team. We are not a team of superstars, we need someone on the pitch in motion keeping order. So that leaves you with the following options:
Clint - may not be a starter, tends to be moody/sulky (has been #2 to LD in the past)
LD - may not be a starter, current #2, does a decent job captaining LA
Michael Bradley - tends to be emotional, has calmed down a bit in recent times
Jozy Altidore - way too moody and sulky. No.
Holden - I think he's going to need to focus on his return from injury and has a long way to go. If he rages back and becomes a starter, I think he would be the natural choice. However, and sadly, I think he's going to need time (think Gooch) and as we need a captain soon, don't think it can be him. He needs to focus first on being back on the team period.
In light of this list, I might go with a combo. LD on the pitch, he's captain. LD not on the pitch, goes to junior.
Thoughts? :blink:
