I am only backseat driver who coaches U8 teams and played in high schools, so I know nothing and also have the benefit of hindsight, that said, if I was the coach and could make changes now, this is what I would d.
- Landon Donovan would be on the team as a critical creative/offensive reserve player who can play up front as a ‘need to get a goal’ striker or as a creative midfield on the wings or the middle in case that injuries/card mount. I would drop Brad Davis for him as it does not appear to that Davis will see the pitch at all this Cup, which is a waste of space. Zusi can handle the set pieces
- I can see ‘wasting’ space on Julian Green as a nod to 2018 and hope that, if needed, he can add a spark to the team in the right spot.
- Jozy’s injury made me realize that the US does not have anyone on the squad to be that physical, holding striker and Jozy takes a pounding every game. Thus, as Johansson adds speed and ball control, I would drop Wondolowski for Eddie Johnson (head case and all) or Terrence Anthony Boyd (not as experienced, less of a head case). I like Wondo; but, his nose for the goal can be replaced by Donovan, who offers more as a player.
- I was not impressed at all with Tim Chanlder in the warm-ups and would prefer to have the experience and flexibility that Parkhurst offers. Chandler seems to be another player that may never see the pitch this Cup and the US can only afford 1 2018 roster spot on the 2014 team.
- I initially wanted someone else, maybe Feilhaber or Corona as an extra midfielder to replace Yedlin; but, I no longer feel that way. Watching Yedlin run an exhausted Portugal team ragged with his speed and drive has made a believer out of me in that he a role to place on this year’s team. If he develops, having Yeldin and Johnson, who has been the 4th best player this Cup so far (Howard, Jones, Dempsey?) playing the edge defenders and pushing up on offense for the US beyond 2014 makes me smile.
- Also on defense, initially I would have taken Goodson and his experience over Omar as one of the extra center backs, who always run into card issues, accepting that Brooks was the ‘development’ roster spot. After the first two games, I still feel that way; but, Goodson or Brooks would start for me in game 3 as Cameron surprisingly poor (Bradley’s performance has been more surprising; but, the US has no one the replace Bradley). Omar does nothing for me.
As this is not going to happen, I will go to the bar in Hoboken on Tuesday grateful that the US has 4 points and not 0 and route for the USA to advance
Surprisingly, I agree with all of this. Not a comment on you, just unusual to bein agreement on so many points.
Julian Greene: I like that move. JK is leading the push to find the best players he can and to do what needs to be done to get them. I like that. I hope Julian gets at least a minute in this cup to lock him in.
Eddie Johnson: I'd have put him on. He'd only be a reserve anyway, and there's nothing wrong with a little crazy now and then.
I was happy Yedlin was initially on the team only because I like the prep for the future (hence my Julian Greene comments). Love Johnson on the wing so far. Def 4th best showing. Brooksy looking good too.
On Michael Bradley, I want him to sit so bad. He's surprisingly been our biggest hole so far. If we had Lando, I'd play him in the center for the second half of games. I know it's not his ideal position, but LD is flexible, and he'd have to be able to do more with the ball than MB has done. Neither plays much (any) D anyways.
Chandler is not very good. Would have been happy to see him at home.
Totally agree with the Cameron/Goodson comments. I like Cameron and he's got some experience, but he was not strong last game. The fact is, you can make mistakes, but super critical errors like that can't happen, or you go home.
