Official USMNT/USWNT Thread

[jt45]

Quote: Originally Posted by Iceman87GT

I'm sure they will be back on as the final squad gets set for the World Cup. I mean the players aren't even wearing their numbers right now (old school 1-11 on the pitch). And the numbers vary based upon who is able to play (for example Donovan normally wears 10, this time Dempsey got that number, somebody took on Dempsey's number in order for him to take on Donovans). Klinsmann is essentially saying you are replaceable, nothing is promised except that you will wear a number between 2 and 11 (the goalie being #1), unless you come off the bench. It is confusing at times but I like the idea that the team is being given a greater precedence. Not that our squad has any divas, but we are trying to establish a consistent identity on the world stage, and that means putting the focus on the team and not the individual.

They are going by the traditional position numbers with no. 10 being the playmaking midfielder. I don't see that changing.

[cubsball899]

sooo... wow... lol... great perforrmance from the back 4 as a unit, good job holding possession at times (with the exception of when Italy started throwing kitchen sinks at the goal) looked really solid going forward a handful of times and just played a very good game altogether. great combo from Altidore to Dempsey for the goal ...

what i thought about some of the specific players:

got to see the good and bad from Altidore, he's great at posting up and holding the ball allowing midfielders to run forwards, but he needs to do better with his runs.

pretty solid play from the two defensive mids Edu and Bradley, Bradley made several key interceptions, but i think Pirlo was getting too much time on the ball (not really an easy thing to stop)

Fabian Johnson looks like he's the left back

Brek Shea needs to get himself in a major european league and find a team that he can play regularly for. the consistent playing time against world class competition will take his game to the next level.

Danny Williams is such a work horse so he gets props for that, but his technical ability isn't on the same level as the players around him. putting Donovan back into that right mid field with the squad they ran out there today would be a very formidable side.

looked like a 4-4-1-1 with Dempsey playing (where i think he plays best) right behind Altidore and i really think we should see more of this going forward. gotta get donovan back into the side though!

[Iceman87GT]

Quote: Originally Posted by jt45

They are going by the traditional position numbers with no. 10 being the playmaking midfielder. I don't see that changing.

So there is a method to the numbering (other than numbers 2-11 being assigned with the goalie having 1, I was under the impression that was the case), doesn't change the fact that the starters all wear 1-11. So if a player who normally starts winds up on the bench to start the game the player who replaced him would take on the jersey number, that's not that big of an issue if you are having to deal with names on the back of the jerseys this process becomes a bit more complex. That's what I was addressing, that and the fact that right now the team is an ever-changing squad. When the final team is set I would not be surprised if the players are given the opportunity to have their own numbers, or at the very least get jerseys with their names on them.

[jt45]

I agree. I'm excited about what could happen with Fabian. Does this push Timmy to the RB spot or does he go to the bench?

Brek most definitely needs to be playing in the EPL. I hope it happens sooner rather than later, maybe this summer.

Danny Williams is a CDM. He struggles getting forward but is strong at winning the ball. We have a glut of CDMs thought with Edu, MB90, Jermaine Jones, etc.

I think we are developing a strong talent pool. Now its Klinsi's job to figure out who the best 18-20 players are and how he can get the most out of them.

Did anyone read his comments about Donovan recently? The comments were alluded to during the broadcast by Twellman, but Jurgen basically said that he is moving on without Landon and anything he gets out of him will be unexpected. He is preparing as if he isn't with the team. In a way, I like that. Donovan has been such a huge part of the USMNT for 10 years now and we bank on him for so much, even when he fails. There has never been a clear cut No. 10 to take the heat off him.

Now that Deuce has turned into that guy, I think it only helps our chances. If Dempsey is the main guy and Landon is just bringing speed and passing off the wing (similar to his role at Everton), then he could be an even bigger asset at this stage in his career. Especially, if Shea moves to the EPL and continues developing in advance of the 2014 WC.

[rckabillyRaider]

Wow. This u-23 squad really taking it to Mexico right now.

[OSUFan_88]

Caleb Porter was the best hire Jurgen has made, IMO.

No bias at all there...

[jt45]

Quote: Originally Posted by OSUFan_88

Caleb Porter was the best hire Jurgen has made, IMO. No bias at all there...

U23's look really good.

Just think about all the age-eligible talent we can still add... Shea, Chandler, Williams, Boyd. Wow.

edit: Solid win. 2-0 and the US was clearly the class side for most of the match. Excited to see what Porter can do with this group in the next couple months.

[TheTruth]

Quote: Originally Posted by jt45

U23's look really good. Just think about all the age-eligible talent we can still add... Shea, Chandler, Williams, Boyd. Wow. edit: Solid win. 2-0 and the US was clearly the class side for most of the match. Excited to see what Porter can do with this group in the next couple months.

Who was number 11? No one could keep up with him and it wasn't even close.