Jamaica v. USA Soccer, 7pm EDT Tonight, ESPN2, WCQ SemiFinals

[RPI-Fan]

T-minus 10 hours!!!!!

[RPI-Fan]

Early reports indicate that our lineup will be:

Donovan -- McBride

Beasley -- Reyna -- Armas -- Earnie Stewart

Vanney -- Bocanegra -- Pope -- Cherundolo

Keller

I hope to no end that Stewart does not see any action in this game. Eddie Gaven is a better option out right, by far, immediately and of course in the future.

~rpi-fan

[SirFozzie]

Stewart????? Oi....

I am not exactly filled with good feelings entering this one.. Gotta feeling we're not going to get the points from this one...

[RPI-Fan]

Heydude apparantly will start at right back, over Cherundolo.

Cobi Jones, Eddie Johnson, Kerry Zavagnin, Brian Ching, Eddie Lewis, Cherundolo, and Johnny Walker on the bench is my guess.

~rpi-fan

[Honolulu_Blue]

Where's Ado? We want Freddy!!

[Joe]

pffffffft we want Tim Howard

[SirFozzie]

Freddy Adu's mommy called Bruce Arena.. he's apparently grounded... :D

(Isn't he in violation of child labor laws? After all, his games are past 8 pm.. and kids his age aren't supposed to be allowed to work past that time ;) )

[k0ruptr]

I'll be watching iraq morroco :D

[condors]

Donovan is coming off mls player of the week i sure hope he still has that form. I sure hope we qualify and do well at this world cup. Will be nice to see him and Beasley show off some speed, i am a little surprised Convey isn't in the lineup. Those 3 are really good with the ball coming forward. I would also like to see Kyle Martino get some playing time he is a top notch playmaker.

[DaddyTorgo]

I am confident, and I guess I don't see how people can't be. I think that this US Team is finally to the point (after so many years of mediocrity) that anytime they step onto any field they have to be considered a force. Not that I put much stock in FIFA rankings (and by much I mean any) but I think rankings aside anyone that's followed US Soccer will agree that this team is the deepest and most talented they've seen. Now, I've only been following US Soccer religiously since 1990 or so, but this team has come VERY far, and I like their chances against almost anybody in the world (only afraid of Brazil at full strength, Argentina, and maybe Italy although I feel we could easily draw them). Bring on the ReggeBoyz!!!

[Alf]

I'll be watching France newest team without Zidane... They play in my town tonight ;).

[fantastic flying froggies]

I'll be watching France newest team without Zidane... They play in my town tonight ;).
Watching as in the stadium or on the TV ?

[SunDancer]

This the first game in the beginning of the Qualifiers?

[SirFozzie]

it's the first game in the semifinal round of qualifying..

[RPI-Fan]

Hejduk instead of Cherundolo at Right Back...

POSSIBLY, Boca to Left Back and Gibbs in the center.

Donovan and McBride confirmed up top.

3.5 hours!!!

[Alf]

Watching as in the stadium or on the TV ?TV. My family is here so I had to stay at home. Didn't even watch it after all as we had a nice discussion during diner.

[Easy Mac]

Am i the only one that thinks Hejduk has no talent? He runs like a chicken with his head cut off, can't dribble, can't cross, constantly gets beaten down the side and has horrible touch on the ball. How does he stay on the team? I'd almost rather see Berhalter in the back than Hejduk.

I think the US is willing to concede a draw with the lineup they have out there. I haven't really like how Reyna and Armas have linked up in the midfield.

[FBPro]

Headed out to dinner but should be home in time to catch this, thank God for 2 TV's as I'm sure the wife will want to watch the Olympics(normally I would also, but this is a special event).

[Eaglesfan27]

This game will be a good reason to miss some of the olympics tonight. I hope Donovan can maintain his recent good form.

[RPI-Fan]

Am i the only one that thinks Hejduk has no talent? He runs like a chicken with his head cut off, can't dribble, can't cross, constantly gets beaten down the side and has horrible touch on the ball. How does he stay on the team? I'd almost rather see Berhalter in the back than Hejduk.

I think the US is willing to concede a draw with the lineup they have out there. I haven't really like how Reyna and Armas have linked up in the midfield.

I guess you haven't seen Frankie's stepovers, huh?

;)

[kingfc22]

This game will be a good reason to miss some of the olympics tonight. I hope Donovan can maintain his recent good form.
Finally, something good about the Olympics and the West Coast delay. Not only do I get to watch USA soccer, but I won't miss any of the Olympics.

I sure hope that Stewart isn't starting.

USA! USA! USA!

[Easy Mac]

Stewart is indeed starting.

And McBride should have done more with the ball from Beas

[kingfc22]

At least they are not playing in a torrential storm. I think it was last year that they played Jamaica in that mud bow?

[Easy Mac]

Well, I know they were calling for T.S. Earl to venture towards Jamaica, but then the thing died.

The US just looks tired and uninterested... maybe even scared. We have absolutely no midfield right now.

Do we even have a right-sided midfielder anywhere in our system? I think we need someone down the other side to run parallel with Beasley.

[Eaglesfan27]

The team is playing too cautiously.

[Easy Mac]

Nice play by Beas... he impresses me more and more every time I see him. He is by the the most improved young player the US has. Donovan has gotten better, but Beas has definitely improved the most. If he doesn't get a monstrous European contract soon, there's something wrong.

[Easy Mac]

nevermind then... I really need to pay more attention to US Soccer happenings.

[RPI-Fan]

Paging Bruce Arena: Get Earnie Stewart off the fucking field!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pyser]

um, did america not qualify for the olympics in soccer? i cant them leaving athens for some world cup qualifying match...someone fill me in please.

[henry296]

um, did america not qualify for the olympics in soccer? i cant them leaving athens for some world cup qualifying match...someone fill me in please.

Didn't qualify... Lost to Mexico and Costa Rica.

[Easy Mac]

a: no
b: the olymipic teams are not the world cup teams. The Olympic teams are made up of players only 23 years old or younger. I think they have have up to 3 players who are older than 23 on the team, but no more than that. so the Olympic team wouldn't be the same as the US team. Even if they did make it, you wouldn't seeguys like Beasley or Donovan in the Olympics, mainly because of the qualifiers. I would think the current game would take precedence over the olympics, but who knows.

hope that clears it up.

[RPI-Fan]

...I would think the current game would take precedence over the olympics, but who knows...



This is absolutely correct.

[Eaglesfan27]

Careless play costs the USA :(

[Easy Mac]

fuck

[Easy Mac]

was it Armas that made the horrible pass that started it all?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm pretty sure it was.

[Easy Mac]

Ok, b/c I was going to say there were 3 players who bring absolutely nothign to the team, and may make it worse: Armas, Stewart, and Hejduk. It just seems like the Bruce can't let those 3 go. We'd be far better served to let Reyna play at D-mid and have someone else in the middle as a slightly more attacking midfielder.

[GoldenEagle]

Pope lost his man on a run which led to the corner. If we would have had someone standing on the back post the goal would not have happened.

This announcing team blows ass. Is that Wynalda? Damn I wish he would just shut the hell up.

[GoldenEagle]

The US is thin at defender and espcially experinced defenders, that is why hedjuk is out there. I am actually a fan of Armas but Masteroni is hell of alot better,

[Easy Mac]

I understand the need for experience, but there has to be a point where talent has to push a guy forward so they can gain experience. I'm not really a Mastroeni fan, just because he's too much of a livewire. He gets himself in dangerous situations and is a bit like Hejduk, he's out of control too much. I think he's very talented, but I just don't think he's put it all together. I just wish John O'brien could stay healthy.

[Easy Mac]

If this is the MLS, Ching gets that one in easily

[GoldenEagle]

Cobi?

[Easy Mac]

Well, Steve Sampson was hired today, so maybe we just want to recapture some of that 1998 World Cup Magic. Anyone know where David Regis or Mike Burns are?

[Easy Mac]

Damn, I love Hejduk's hustle, he really wants to be good and I really want to like him, but he just can't pass the damn ball.

[Easy Mac]

Lewis for Armas... I dunno, Lewis doesn't bring much to the table, but I like his crosses, so I think its an upgrade.

[Easy Mac]

Donovan just got checked into the boards. How the fuck is there no card?

[JeffNights]

ok...is Jamica any good anyway?

[Pyser]

thanks for clearing that up guys. while im here: i imagine the age rules are to keep thr world cup more "important" than the olympics?

[Easy Mac]

ok...is Jamica any good anyway?
I think they've always been decent, and our main competition in our group. They either made the last world cup or the one before, I forget

[VPI97]

YES!

[Eaglesfan27]

YES!!

[JeffNights]

MY NIGGAZ!!!

[JeffNights]

goooaaallllllllllll

[NevStar]

GOOOOALL!

[Easy Mac]

Man, almost too unselfish. Nice shot by CHing though.

[sabotai]

GGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLL!!!!!

Who scored?

[Easy Mac]

nice try by Reyna there. Thats all folks.

1-1

not too shabby. Probably didn't deserve a tie, but teams rarely do.

[RPI-Fan]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FBPro]

Brian Ching

[kingfc22]

Go Quakes.

Oops. This was a US game. My bad.

[SirFozzie]

hahahahahahaha.. The LA Galaxy announced their new manager is.. Former USA Head Coach Steve Sampson...

I'll let you know what I feel about this once the laughter stops... heheheheheeeeeeee

[tucker rocky]

Chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[tucker rocky]

dola,

albeit, a bit late. :D

[SirFozzie]

Oh.. and Italy DOWN~!..

2-0 to Iceland. Way to start the Lippi Error.. I mean Era :D

[Easy Mac]

hahahahahahaha.. The LA Galaxy announced their new manager is.. Former USA Head Coach Steve Sampson...

I'll let you know what I feel about this once the laughter stops... heheheheheeeeeeee
Rumor has it he just signed David Regis and Chad Deering.

[Easy Mac]

My unbiased ratings (0-10):
Keller (G) - 7. He wasn't really challenged the whole game, and the goal isn't really his fault.

Vanney (LB) - 4. They said it was he, not Armas who made the pass that led to the corner that led to the goal. He was pretty non-existant most game.

Pope (CB) - 7. He wasn't there to help on the corner, but otherwise he came up big in the defense numerous times.

Bocanegra (CB) - 7. Carlos is Carlos. He's probably the best defender we have right now, and he's only going to get better by the time the next cup rolls around. Nothing spectacular, but he made the plays he needed to. Its hard to give him a higher rating, but I have to say he's underrated nonetheless.

Hejduk (RB) - 3. He made 1 really nice cross. He got beat at least 5 times, made at least 1 horrible challenge near the goal, and generally played a crappy game. He's a good player to have come on late in games, but its says something about the poor state of American right backs if he continues to start.

Beasley (LM) - 9. I think he's probably the American who is playing the best at this point in time. He made great runs, played great passes, and was all over the field. I think he played a great game and showed why he got picked up overseas. If he ever adds some more muscle, he could be even better than Donovan.

Reyna (CM) - 6. He had a nice header that missed too high, and he took a good shot at the end that almost surprised Ricketts. Otherwise, he was missing for almost the entire game. He's no longer our top attacking mid anymore, and Bruce needs to learn this. He'd still be useful as a D-mid, but he just isn't quit the player he was in the late 90's early 2000's.

Armas (CM) - 4. I'd give him lower, but he didn't really screw up majorly, that I know of. But he's just not good enough to play for the US anymore. He could never run, he still can't pass, and his D isn't as good anymore. I think the knee injury from a few years ago hurt him more than people originally thought, but I think its time he goes.

Stewart (RM) - 5. He didn't suck, he wasn't good. He was just there. But he should never be our 1st, 2nd, or 3rd option at any position. I know we needed experience, but not that badly. I as soon trot Chris Albright out as a forward than have Stewart on the field.

McBride (F) - 6. I think he got off 1 good shot if memory serves, but otherwise he wasn't too useful. I think that beginning shot in the head right after kickoff knocked him off his game. He still a good player, but he just wasn't in top form tonight.

Donovan (F) - 6. I know he set up Ching at the end, but otherwise he didn't do anything. I think he's best when he's plays just behind the forwards. This being an away gaem , I can understand the need to go with a more defensive midfield, but Donovan was pretty much wasted. He was also too unselfish on the CHing goal. it was set up for him and he made the extra pass. We still scored, but it was dangerous.

Subs
Ching (F) - 8. Would have gotten a 9, but he missed a perfect header right after he got in there. Acquitted himself nicely, and I feel good having him up front when McBride can't get back from Europe. Needs to work on the passing if he's going to be a ball holder up front.

Jones (RM) - 8. He was a sparkplug, and its nice to see he still has it. He's the kind of guy Hejduk should be. He's great in small doses, but no way he should play more than 20-30 minutes.

Lewis (LM) - 5. 5 just because he didn't do anything. Probably still shouldn't be on the team.

Overall - 6. It should be much lower, but they got the result they wanted, so I can't give them the rating I want. If they lost, they get maybe a 3, because they played horribly for about 75 minutes of the game. They should have lost. The team needs to get younger, and while Bruce tends to try guys out, he just needs to go out on a limb and play a few of the younger guys in WCQ. Its the only way they'll get a true understanding of it. But please, no more Hejduk, Stewart or Armas. Please try and not start Vanney. I'd prefer if we got rid of Lewis.

[GoldenEagle]

I think it was Cobi who took a Jamican defender, made a run, got the ball back on a give and go and set Ching up for the goal.

[Easy Mac]

hmmm, I thought the ball somehow ended up with Landon, who passed it right next to him with Ching, but it happened so fast that I could be mistaken... I just remember screaming "shoot" and the neighbors making sure I'm ok.

[GoldenEagle]

Yea I wnet crazy running around my apt. screaming "GOAL!!!" My dogs went crazy and my girlfriend thinks im an idiot.

[Eaglesfan27]

My cats jumped and ran scared when I started screaming after the goal :)

[RPI-Fan]

Lewis (LM) - 5. 5 just because he didn't do anything. Probably still shouldn't be on the team.

Really? Personally, I like Lewis. He's the only prototype winger we have on our team, on either side. He brings an above average technical ability, above average speed, and great crossing ability to the table. Nothing wrong with that in my book - I think he'll be a key part of our qualifying efforts this go around - we don't have ANY young left wing prospects - Beasley has turned into a center mid/libre type, and Mullan, Klein (who's hurt anyways), and Gaven are all generally right-sided players (Gaven is multi-footed, but certainly seems to be more comfortable on the right).

[SunDancer]

Whats the recent surge in soccer interest? Anyways, glad to see it.

Anyone give a overview of the "semifinals", whos in it, how long it is, and how it works?

[kingfc22]

4 teams per group in Concacaf. I believe there are 3 groups and top 2 teams from each group advance.

All I know is Mexico got the easiest draw for this round.

[Chief Rum]

Depression defined-- having to work the night of a good Cup qulaifier involving the U.S., and having that workplace be so busy that there was no way in hell I could sneak a look at the game.

Glad we managed to draw (especially with that team), and happy to see all the interest here, too.

CR

[Butter]

Good summary, Easy Mac. I still can't believe Donovan passed it with that much space, but it all worked out so I'm happy. VERY happy for the team to get a point.

[RPI-Fan]

Good summary, Easy Mac. I still can't believe Donovan passed it with that much space, but it all worked out so I'm happy. VERY happy for the team to get a point.

?????????????????????????????????????????????????

He had a defender directly in front of him that would have surely blocked any one-touch shot, and the keeper was in position to stop anything else???

[DaddyTorgo]

Gotta agree with RPI fan. Watching it on TV when he got it I was like "SHOOOT" but then as they showed the replay I noticed the TWO guys in front of him and the keeper keyed on him. Ching in contrast, was pretty much open, as his scoring the goal proved.

9/4/04: Foxboro, MA -- Anyone up for a FOFC Party at the game?

[SirFozzie]

Daddy Torgo.. see my post.. since I live 15 minutes from Foxboro... ;)

All welcome! :D

[Butter]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????

He had a defender directly in front of him that would have surely blocked any one-touch shot, and the keeper was in position to stop anything else???


Must've missed that replay. I was trying to watch the Olympics at the same time too.

Geez, man, it's not THAT big a deal. Certainly doesn't warrant 49 question marks. Maybe 35 or so, but not 49. ;)

[Desnudo]

Is there some reason Bobby Convey and some other of the faster, quicker, better youngsters weren't on the team for this one? And was Arena's goal really to get a tie? I can't see any top-flight European or SA team being happy with a draw against a second-tier team like Jamaica.

[SirFozzie]

because it's the first "real" qualifier in truly enemy territory, and Arena didn't want kids that could easily be intimidated by a hostile World Cup Away crowd?

[Desnudo]

because it's the first "real" qualifier in truly enemy territory, and Arena didn't want kids that could easily be intimidated by a hostile World Cup Away crowd?

Well it's going to have to happen sooner or later isn't it? Better in Jamaica than in Germany. Personally I'd rather have someone with some skills playing a little scared (if that even happened) than some over the hill guys.

[SirFozzie]

I think you'll see a younger squad for the El Salvador game.. get them used to it at home, and games against lower level squads like Panama before throwing em in the deep end in Kingston...

[DaddyTorgo]

Funny Foz, cuz I was thinking exactly of you, although it was more of a general call to arms too, to try to rally the troops.

[Desnudo]

I think you'll see a younger squad for the El Salvador game.. get them used to it at home, and games against lower level squads like Panama before throwing em in the deep end in Kingston...

I sure hope so. It's amazing how much better they play when they go with the younger, more attacking set-up. We finally have enough talent spread around that we should be dictating the pace of every game in this qualifier series.

[GoldenEagle]

Convey is trying to break in with Reading and therefore was not called into the game.

[SunDancer]

So, anyone have a overview, and schedule, of the groups? I take it the top two of the four groups go, then each the eight teams play in the "World Cup" round, with the top x going to the WC? Any overview of the other regions, or websites?

[NevStar]

hxxp://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/t/group/index.html?zone=ncc

[Easy Mac]

DOes anyone know where COnvey is playing with Reading? I just don't like the idea of him playing D for the US and Mid for his club like he did in DC. I know what Bruce is doing, but I just don't think Convey was able to get comfortable while switching positions. Good kid though.

[RPI-Fan]

DOes anyone know where COnvey is playing with Reading? I just don't like the idea of him playing D for the US and Mid for his club like he did in DC. I know what Bruce is doing, but I just don't think Convey was able to get comfortable while switching positions. Good kid though.

He's playing in a pure left-wing roll, ala Eddie Lewis.