Re: Something in the Making: Lam Matteo (PES 2009)
Bradley finalizes World Cup roster with Matteo controversy, prepares for Croatia opener
Eric Wynalda | ussoccer.com Analyst |
Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil - Donovan, Davies and Dempsey are dubbed the "Three D's" amongst the United States lineup. While I agree with Bob Bradley's decision in Dempsey and Donovan - the pick in Davies is highly questionable considering Lam Matteo is the best thing in USA soccer since Brian McBride. Matteo, who was the Premiership's top scorer this season and Golden Boot award winner, is a fan favorite to take over Davies spot - however, the man who counts, Bob Bradley, does not see it the same way.
"I make tough decisions every day, what do you think it's like when I get calls from my son, (Michael Bradley) reporting on how he's doing so he can get a shot on the team again. Lam (Matteo) is a great player, but he has never had a cap before - his time will come, if he continues to play the way he played for Fulham - he'll see the field before the end of the Crotia match."
Controversy aside, Bob Bradley has supplied a relatively talented side, the majority of the players hailing from non-MLS teams.
Starting in goal is Brad Guzan for the retired Tim Howard, followed by able veteran Carlos Bocanegra as the center back. The team's captain, Oguchi Onyewu, shares the center spot with Bocanegra. Pearce and Bornstein occupy the sides, which could be the one question mark considering both players are left footed.
In the center midfield Maurice Edu and Benni Feilhaber do the dirty work while underrated attacking flank is occupied by the man simply known as "Jeffrey" - the 23-year old Brazilian born player from the reigning MLS champions, the Kansas City Wizards. Not seeing as much of the field as he used to for his club side Fulham, 30-year old Clint Dempsey plays the left flank to bring some creativity between himself and Feilhaber.
Up top the speed of Landon Donovan will compliment the holding ability of Charlie Davies. Donovan, who rejected offers from some English Championship teams last summer, is the nucleus to the team's offense - pretty much the absolute representation of what USA soccer is all about.
Possible Starting Lineups (Croatia v United States - Group C)
Croatia: Pletikosa, Schildenfeld, Simunic, Corluka, Srna, Pokrivac (c), Vranjes, Rakitic, Kranjcar, Tadic, Petric
United States: Guzan, Bocanegra, Onyewu (c), Pearce, Bornstein, Edu, Feilhaber, Jeffrey, Dempsey, Donovan, Davies
Subs: GK Buchanan, CB Parkhurst, CB Spector, CB Cherundulo, MF Lewis, MF Clark, FW Matteo, MF Kljestan, SS Noonan, CF Adu, MF Jacobson, GK Friedel (not Brad)
Bradley finalizes World Cup roster with Matteo controversy, prepares for Croatia opener
Eric Wynalda | ussoccer.com Analyst |
Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil - Donovan, Davies and Dempsey are dubbed the "Three D's" amongst the United States lineup. While I agree with Bob Bradley's decision in Dempsey and Donovan - the pick in Davies is highly questionable considering Lam Matteo is the best thing in USA soccer since Brian McBride. Matteo, who was the Premiership's top scorer this season and Golden Boot award winner, is a fan favorite to take over Davies spot - however, the man who counts, Bob Bradley, does not see it the same way.
"I make tough decisions every day, what do you think it's like when I get calls from my son, (Michael Bradley) reporting on how he's doing so he can get a shot on the team again. Lam (Matteo) is a great player, but he has never had a cap before - his time will come, if he continues to play the way he played for Fulham - he'll see the field before the end of the Crotia match."
Controversy aside, Bob Bradley has supplied a relatively talented side, the majority of the players hailing from non-MLS teams.
Starting in goal is Brad Guzan for the retired Tim Howard, followed by able veteran Carlos Bocanegra as the center back. The team's captain, Oguchi Onyewu, shares the center spot with Bocanegra. Pearce and Bornstein occupy the sides, which could be the one question mark considering both players are left footed.
In the center midfield Maurice Edu and Benni Feilhaber do the dirty work while underrated attacking flank is occupied by the man simply known as "Jeffrey" - the 23-year old Brazilian born player from the reigning MLS champions, the Kansas City Wizards. Not seeing as much of the field as he used to for his club side Fulham, 30-year old Clint Dempsey plays the left flank to bring some creativity between himself and Feilhaber.
Up top the speed of Landon Donovan will compliment the holding ability of Charlie Davies. Donovan, who rejected offers from some English Championship teams last summer, is the nucleus to the team's offense - pretty much the absolute representation of what USA soccer is all about.
Possible Starting Lineups (Croatia v United States - Group C)
Croatia: Pletikosa, Schildenfeld, Simunic, Corluka, Srna, Pokrivac (c), Vranjes, Rakitic, Kranjcar, Tadic, Petric
United States: Guzan, Bocanegra, Onyewu (c), Pearce, Bornstein, Edu, Feilhaber, Jeffrey, Dempsey, Donovan, Davies
Subs: GK Buchanan, CB Parkhurst, CB Spector, CB Cherundulo, MF Lewis, MF Clark, FW Matteo, MF Kljestan, SS Noonan, CF Adu, MF Jacobson, GK Friedel (not Brad)
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