Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

[Brahvocado]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

You're right guys, my apologies - freaking out wasn't quite the word I should have used.

With that said, if I'm just analyzing this past game, I personally felt the central defense needed some leadership. I think the midfield played well, but was unfortunate when Klejstan came in for Eddie Johnson. I think EJ needed a lot more time, but I sided with commentary at the time that the humidity/conditioning was a factor for some players.

I'm excited to see what becomes. I hope Zusi gets more opportunity - he is one of those wingers we are needing in the dynamic. Gatt would be entertaining, but I just don't know enough about him - he's apparently very fast (and energetic) though.

I honestly don't like Eddie out there either. I think Shea/Gatt on the wings would be fantastic. And yes, Gatt is extremely fast. I'd rather see Eddie come on as a sub for Jozy and play up top, I think that position suits him.

[jt45]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

Craziest roster yet, mostly due to injury and form...

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - 5/3 SO), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire – 0/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake – 0/0)

DEFENDERS (6): Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake – 0/0), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City – 0/0), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City – 6/0), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy – 1/0), Clarence Goodson (Brondby – 5/0), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes – 0/0)

MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla – 26/6), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake – 2/0), Michael Bradley (Roma – 20/5), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana – 1/0), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor – 10/0), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04 – 6/0), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht – 13/0), Brek Shea (Stoke City – 2/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City – 4/0)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar – 18/6), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna – 2/0), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur – 27/11), Herculez Gomez (Santos – 6/2), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC – 12/10)


U.S. Opens Home Schedule at Sold-Out Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on March 22; Faces Regional Rival Mexico on March 26 at Estadio Azteca

[HKPound]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

I knew Justin Morrow would be looked at as posted in the MLS thread, surprised by the callup though! Tons of surprises on the roster though and I actually wouldn't be at all shocked if Beasley gets a start in the next two games. Hopefully JK doesn't put another horrid unbalanced formation like he had against Honduras or Ruiz and Oviedo will tear us apart like Espinoza did, especially since we actually have true wingers called up now in Beasley and Shea. Also, anyone think Gonzalez-Besler will start and Cameron will be at right back?

My ideal starters would be Altidore, Johnson up top with Shea and Zusi on the wings, Bradley in the middle, Jermaine Jones as our defensive mid with Morrow at left back, Besler-Gonzalez at center and Cameron at right.

[VTPack919]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

I knew Justin Morrow would be looked at as posted in the MLS thread, surprised by the callup though! Tons of surprises on the roster though and I actually wouldn't be at all shocked if Beasley gets a start in the next two games. Hopefully JK doesn't put another horrid unbalanced formation like he had against Honduras or Ruiz and Oviedo will tear us apart like Espinoza did, especially since we actually have true wingers called up now in Beasley and Shea. Also, anyone think Gonzalez-Besler will start and Cameron will be at right back?

My ideal starters would be Altidore, Johnson up top with Shea and Zusi on the wings, Bradley in the middle, Jermaine Jones as our defensive mid with Morrow at left back, Besler-Gonzalez at center and Cameron at right.

No Dempsey?

[HKPound]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

No Dempsey?

Ah, forgot that he played the other day. Thought he wouldn't be ready till Mexico. Still unsure about Eddie Johnson playing on the left side as an inside forward though but watching him domestically he's been playing that position a lot more even with Zakuani back. Still don't think Zusi is quick enough to be a right wing internationally either. Better off playing centrally. JK can't throw out that ridiculous unbalanced formation unless he starts Edu or Beckerman. I'm expecting more of his shenanigans though. Ideally I think two true wings are the way to go if they put work in both offensively and defensively to shut down Ruiz/Oviedo and Dos Santos/Guardado since Dempsey will probably be more timid with being active on both sides of the ball like he was and had to be against Honduras.

[Brahvocado]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

I'd like to see us try a 4-2-3-1 again with Jozy up top and Shea/Dempsey/Zusi in the midfield and have Bradley/Jones as our defensive mids

[Bruins]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

Still unsure about Eddie Johnson playing on the left side as an inside forward though but watching him domestically he's been playing that position a lot more even with Zakuani back.

He hasn't played like that for Seattle, he's the high forward in their system.

[HKPound]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

He hasn't played like that for Seattle, he's the high forward in their system.

Yeah I know. What I'm referring to is that during the Timbers-Sounders game he seemed be on the ball at the left flank and cutting in trying to take shots like his role with the US.

[connoll3]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

In case someone hasn't seen this yet...

Friendly fire: U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s methods, leadership, acumen in question

http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2013-03-19/jurgen-klinsmann-us-mens-soccer-coach-national-team-usa-american-world-cup-2013

Over the past several weeks, Sporting News has spoken to 22 individuals with ties to the U.S. national team or its members—including 11 current players based in MLS or abroad. The remaining sources make their living in American soccer and have reliable relationships with players, coaches and executives. Sources were offered anonymity in exchange for their anecdotes, observations and opinions. Those identified by name are Klinsmann and three players who spoke shortly before Sporting News commenced reporting this story.

What emerged over the course of these discussions was near unanimity regarding the players’ flagging faith in Klinsmann, his staff and his methods, along with the squad’s absence of harmony...

[VTPack919]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

In case someone hasn't seen this yet...

Friendly fire: U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s methods, leadership, acumen in question

http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/s...world-cup-2013

They certainly play like a disjointed mob. Pretty disheartening article.

[Bruins]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

I'm siding with Klinsmann on this one, not that there aren't some good points brought up "against" him.

For one, keep in mind that all these quotes are coming straight off the heels of the disappointing loss to Honduras. I'm sure the mood would be better after a victory... This quote sticks out to me:

“I can’t put it all on Jurgen. When you’re at this level, you should be smart enough as a player and proud enough as an individual to want to do the right thing.”

I think we're fine. We're still going to make the World Cup, and Klinsmann's has a long-term plan he's rightly stuck to. Does anyone really think Bocanegra is going to start at the World Cup, while riding the pine at a second division club in Spain?

The players should feel uncomfortable and uncertain. It's the only way to elevate the level of the national team.

[ImTellinTim]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

I agree with you there, Bruins. Didn't hear any of this griping after going into Azetca or Genoa and coming out with wins. A loss in a tough environment in Central America isn't some new, strange concept. Sometimes you just get beat. It's how you react to being beat or benched that determines things in the long run. Whining and feeling sorry about yourselves isn't the way to do it. Bucking up and taking personal responsibility going forward is.

The point of the friendlies and these qualifiers is to find out who your best squad is. That will involve some rotation. I'm sorry, but none of the players on this team should feel like they have a guaranteed spot on this squad outside of very select few. And Carlos Bocanegra isn't one of them.

[Bruins]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

Boca speaks out to calm some of the nerves:

During the last 18 months Jurgen has introduced a lot of new ideas to the team and has a vision of how he wants to grow the program. Every coach around the world has his own style and methods. He has always been up front with players about where they stand and where he sees them going. Not every player is going to be happy with all of the decisions and methods, but he will tell you to your face where you stand. From a coach, that is the best thing you could ask for. One of the greatest strengths of this team has always been our unity and spirit, and we all remain committed to the cause of qualifying for the World Cup.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152704477305438&id=284301705437

[HKPound]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

Yeah I've never understood the whole overreacting of losing to Honduras at Honduras. That is an extremely difficult place to play and the conditions of the field and weather are not the best to play in. Very tough opening match. If we do lose to Costa Rica at home, does anybody expect an immediate sacking of JK?

[Bruins]

re: Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

Yeah I've never understood the whole overreacting of losing to Honduras at Honduras. That is an extremely difficult place to play and the conditions of the field and weather are not the best to play in. Very tough opening match. If we do lose to Costa Rica at home, does anybody expect an immediate sacking of JK?

No, I don't think so. He's got a huge contract, so I'd expect him to at least see out the Hex and IF (big IF) we don't make the World Cup, he'll leave after that. The more likely scenario is some of the assistants get axed instead of him.

But, it's still extremely unlikely IMO that we don't end up qualifying.