US National Team

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Comment by Jeff on July 3, 2009 at 12:15pm

Gotta agree with you Conor Casey, Bob. In fact, I couldn't believe Bradley used him to help hold the lead against Spain as a late sub. Not really a ball control guy although he did have a nice clearing header. I'll welcome Ching back as an option off the bench, now that I like this Altidore/Davies tandem, and heck, Dempsey's goal-a-game right now when he's up front. Maybe he and Jozy up front and we see some new middies? And granted it's just because I've been following him since I lived in Maryland and started my first soccer newsletter in 2004, but I'm still bully on Freddy Adu and am bummed we didn't see more of him late in the tourney (not necessarily against Brazil).

Comment by Bob Sausse on June 22, 2009 at 2:43pm

I think these past 3 games have let us get a good look at our possible lineups.

In attack: Conor Casey should definetly not return to the US lineup. What a clod touch. Eddie Johnson's opportunity has come and gone. Good ridance. Davies didn't show much, but, enough to earn future call ups. Jozy still needs to show more, but, he is definetly improving and is our future for 2010. Despite having very limited skills, Ching is probably still on the short list for future call ups.

In the middle: Very poor tourny from Dempsy, but, there is no way we can afford to loose him from our lineup. Bradley is starting to look like the real thing. Donavon is not going anywhere except the occasional move up front to fill in at striker. Other than those cemented spots no one has showed they can play. There are brief moments, but, nothing consistent. Feilhaber looked good then gave the ball away for a cheap goal. I don't think we have to mention how bad Beasley's play has been. Sacha looks good at times and then gives the ball away cheaply. He's showed nothing this tourny to earn future call ups, but, will probably get them based on past performance. Still a lot of quesitons in the middle.

In the back: Spector defintly showed the most. He is for real and if he continues no one will take his starting spot. Our US version of Rio Ferdinand, big with limited skill, Guch is not going anywhere. He continues to show us his very limited understanding of the game and the geometry behind it. But, he is a power in the air and a big psychological defensive position. DeMerit showed he deserves future call ups. On the side, Bornstein looked very sketchy at times. Hjeduck and Boca were great. WERE. They are now too old and slow to play at the WC level.

Let's see what we can do against Spain.

Comment by Jeff on June 22, 2009 at 2:05pm

Great stuff Chris. I'll admit I was really disappointed when the first lineup came out. I thought: Guzan's starting, great keeper but not our best, so clearly we're using this as a learning game...and yet the rest of the lineup was almost the same, except for Davies. No Adu, no Torres, no Feilhaber, no Connor Casey; let's see what these guys can do!

I still kind of feel that way but obviously advancing is even better experience for everyone, so we'll take that. And when they come back from South Africa, we still have this little matter of "qualifying" to figure out, so there may not be a lot of time to look at the guys who've played less.

It's just that we've got these younger dudes- Adu, Feilhaber, even Eddie Johnson and Edu when he's recovered, and others. We've got to get a look at them sometime so we can see if they are the type who will step up on an international like stage, like Jozy has started to do.

Comment by Chris SP on June 22, 2009 at 1:40pm

WOW 3-0 and we are through to the semi's :) Jeff, Bradley listened to you made a few changes and it worked well. For starters or let me rephrase that non-starters, sitting Beasley was a good move. I hate to be so negative about a player of his potential, but there is no doubt he is in a slump and needs to earn a spot. Dempsey was still selfish, but a bit more involved. Yes I will admit I tried using telepathy to reach Bradley "sub Dempsey!" then Dempsey does that beautiful header for the 3 goal. Luckily I have no telepathy skills. Spector was on it yesterday and provided Dempsey with a lovely cross. Bradley, Donovan, Davies and the rest of the team really stepped it up and I am still in shock the US with a bit of help from Brazil and an a Italian own-goal made it through. -5 goal differential was a lot to overcome.
Now Spain! It may seem to be another big mountain to climb, but if the US players step on the pitch with confidence and want it, you never know. I am glad to see us have the opportunity to play another top team before world cup. No matter what the outcome it will give us needed experience.

And finally, I think Italy being sent home is pretty close to revoking Rossi's US passport. No Rossi, you can't come play with us.

Comment by Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 5:11pm

Welcome Chris! Great questions! And why wouldn't we see Adu with only 15 minutes left and we're down 3, and we have a sub left? Let's see what the young guys can do!

I agree about Beasley. Look at my original post in this thread- it looks like a LOONG time aco! Sacha's on the rocks, Beasley has a long way to earn his spot back...wow!

Let's see some changes.

Comment by michael Janosz on June 19, 2009 at 4:03pm

YOU GOT THAT STRAIGHT!

Comment by Chris SP on June 19, 2009 at 4:01pm

Forgot to mention, who else is with me on petitioning the US Government to revoke Rossi's US passport? :) The kid is quality, but still a trader.

Comment by Chris SP on June 19, 2009 at 3:52pm

Hi, new to the group. I wanted to comment on the US performance in the Confederations Cup. What has happened with Beasley and Dempsey? They were the up and coming hope for the US a few years back and now they seem to hinder the team. Dempsey does a good job for Fulham, but lately hasn't brought it for the US. During the US vs. Brazil game he tried to dribble multiple times through their defense instead of playing the simple ball to a teammate. Bradley needs to drop them both and we need to give some other players a shot. Hopefully he will do some changes for the Egypt game and play a forward that will fight for the ball up top (Who would you guys put up front?). We still have a slim chance to go through, come on US!

Comment by Charley Erwin on May 9, 2009 at 10:11am

Jeff, I like your lineup, but I would replace Eddie Johnson with Ching, Hejduk with Boca, and I'm still not sold on Beasley being a left back. He looked dangerous there the last game, but I want to see him against better competition first.

Comment by Robby on May 2, 2009 at 4:51pm

I was out for a bit but now back you wankers!! I love this game we all call football. I get clowned for rooting for US, since my family is from Mexico. I cant choose in this rivalry but count me in this forum. GO GALAXY!!

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