USMNT V El Salvador

[intlzncster]

That's brilliant, Waquoit. Way to throw out the "insane" card. Calling someone "insane" for having the temerity to politely suggest that maybe a conversation about the U.S. men's soccer team be taken elsewhere ON THIS SITE stifles conversation about UConn football-related stuff than anything else.

So you are saying soccer is more powerful than football? Finally, someone admits it!

(j/k of course)

I think it is one of those things where "if you aren't interested or don't like it, don't click on it". Note, the MBB board has soccer posts all the time and it doesn't do anything to stifle discussion of BB.

 

[SubbaBub]

Anyone following the team since pre-Arena can see the change in culture from Bora-Simpson-Arena-Bradley squads and the current version.

Past team hold on 2-1 or 3-1 against minnows like El Sal. A few choke away a goal early in the 2nd half.

If you need a specific example, watch Break Shea. 8-10 years ago he is starting at left midfield. With his speed, mediocre touch and bullrush metality he would fit right in with the defense first, counterattack slamball style.

This squad has a purpose in the final third. They don't rely on set pieces, lucky bounces, and individual brilliance from there best player.

Still problems and questions, but finally the US has style that can win against tougher opponents besides the bunker mentality shown in 2009.

There will be a ton of guys fighting for the last 3-4 spots in 2014. Form will be everything.

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[ruskin]

I think it is one of those things where "if you aren't interested or don't like it, don't click on it".

sound advice. Will follow. Probably will be a lot to ignore here during meat of American college football season

U.S. World Cup qualifying schedule

Sept. 6 vs. Costa Rica TBD
Sept. 10 vs. Mexico
Oct. 11 vs. Jamaica
Oct. 15 vs. Panama

 

[RioDog]

sound advice. Will follow. Probably will be a lot to ignore here during meat of American college football season

U.S. World Cup qualifying schedule

Sept. 6 vs. Costa Rica TBD
Sept. 10 vs. Mexico
Oct. 11 vs. Jamaica
Oct. 15 vs. Panama

If only the USMNT was in a better conference...

 

[intlzncster]

Anyone following the team since pre-Arena can see the change in culture from Bora-Simpson-Arena-Bradley squads and the current version.

Past team hold on 2-1 or 3-1 against minnows like El Sal. A few choke away a goal early in the 2nd half.

If you need a specific example, watch Break Shea. 8-10 years ago he is starting at left midfield. With his speed, mediocre touch and bullrush metality he would fit right in with the defense first, counterattack slamball style.

This squad has a purpose in the final third. They don't rely on set pieces, lucky bounces, and individual brilliance from there best player.

Still problems and questions, but finally the US has style that can win against tougher opponents besides the bunker mentality shown in 2009.

There will be a ton of guys fighting for the last 3-4 spots in 2014. Form will be everything.

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That's a benefit of having a good European coach -> the focus on attacking soccer. Weak teams pack it in on defense and pray for the best on offense, Italy not withstanding. Strong teams attack.

Good article on JK and that principle

I found the unattributed comment of one of the players in the recent JK dustup telling: “They want us to play the beautiful game, but we’re not a technical team like the Germans. We’re not Spain or Brazil,” the player said. “What we’re good at is we work hard, we fight and we compete. We have great athletes and we’re a good counterattacking team. Maybe we need to go back to what we’re good at.”

This is the mentality the US needs to move away from, if it ever wants to seriously compete on the world stage. Sure, there is an element of truth in it, but in order to grow as a soccer playing nation, our style has to develop into something else. I'm not sure where that starts, but the USMNT is as good a place as any.

 

[whaler11]

So you are saying soccer is more powerful than football? Finally, someone admits it!

(j/k of course)

I think it is one of those things where "if you aren't interested or don't like it, don't click on it". Note, the MBB board has soccer posts all the time and it doesn't do anything to stifle discussion of BB.

There is a five page discussion of the British Open that didn't cause such a stir.

 

[Pudge]

I liked the hubbub a few months back about the USMNT rebelling against JK. Not necessarily true, but I don't want JK being too buddy buddy with the team. I think Bradley became too much that way, and I don't think it serves the program any. Top down structure is better for managing egos imo.

The Good Thing ...

It is sooo obvious that we have tons of depth & JK can go in a multitude of directions. Each of the 11 have got to be at their best because there is competition at each position. Including GK.

 

[Jimdish255]

In the past it was easy to assume we didn't have the talent or the depth to attack. This group is like a chessboard of player with different skill sets but at a high enough level with the challenge being putting together a complimentary group on the field. Certain guys like Bradley, Donovan etc look like they could be the glue that holds it together.

The description of purpose in the final third is what sticks with me as a defining contrast. That element of skill with the ball at their feet and mental recognition between players to make connections. One thing is for certain. You can't become a good attacking team without practicing it during games so at some point you need to make the leap and change the mindset to see if you have what it takes. In our case we may score goals but on the big stage how many will we give up is a question that comes to mind. Whatever the outcome it's exciting soccer and fun to be along for the ride.

 

[intlzncster]

In the past it was easy to assume we didn't have the talent or the depth to attack. This group is like a chessboard of player with different skill sets but at a high enough level with the challenge being putting together a complimentary group on the field. Certain guys like Bradley, Donovan etc look like they could be the glue that holds it together.

The description of purpose in the final third is what sticks with me as a defining contrast. That element of skill with the ball at their feet and mental recognition between players to make connections. One thing is for certain. You can't become a good attacking team without practicing it during games so at some point you need to make the leap and change the mindset to see if you have what it takes. In our case we may score goals but on the big stage how many will we give up is a question that comes to mind. In any case it's exciting soccer and fun to be along for the ride.

Which is odd to me, given that US players on a national level are so pressed defensively during there international careers; you'd think they'd develop. I still maintain this is why we churn out such good goal keepers. They face so much pressure throughout their careers, that they develop at a superior rate to their overseas counterparts. My tongue is mostly in cheek there, but not entirely.

Just a pet hypothesis that has but the tiniest basis in reality.

 

[Waquoit]

I found the unattributed comment of one of the players in the recent JK dustup telling: “They want us to play the beautiful game, but we’re not a technical team like the Germans. We’re not Spain or Brazil,” the player said. “What we’re good at is we work hard, we fight and we compete. We have great athletes and we’re a good counterattacking team. Maybe we need to go back to what we’re good at.”

Whoever said that should be canned. Soccer will never progress here with that mind-set. That's why it's so great that JK's approach is bearing fruit.

 

[Samoo]

[The description of purpose in the final third is what sticks with me as a defining contrast. That element of skill with the ball at their feet and mental recognition between players to make connections. One thing is for certain. You can't become a good attacking team without practicing it during games so at some point you need to make the leap and change the mindset to see if you have what it takes. In our case we may score goals but on the big stage how many will we give up is a question that comes to mind. Whatever the outcome it's exciting soccer and fun to be along for the ride.[/quote]


Similar style to what coach Caleb Porter (former head coach of Akron) has implemented with the Portland Timbers to great success this season (second most points in the MLS so far). It takes the right players and them buying into the system, but it makes for winning and entertaining soccer, something that has been in short supply lately with the USMNT.

 

[Kgun7]

Which is odd to me, given that US players on a national level are so pressed defensively during there international careers; you'd think they'd develop. I still maintain this is why we churn out such good goal keepers. They face so much pressure throughout their careers, that they develop at a superior rate to their overseas counterparts. My tongue is mostly in cheek there, but not entirely.

Just a pet hypothesis that has but the tiniest basis in reality.

My theory ... they play much more eye/hand coordination sports at a much younger age than their European counterparts. Baseball, Basketball, Football, etc ... When Marcus Hahnemann's grade school son was in school in England he was the only player that voluntarily wanted to play goal ... all of the other English kids loathed the position.

 

[progrocks]

I just want to say, that Honduras game was horribly officiated, and we still won 3-1.

We are looking really good. Really, really good

 

[whaler11]

My theory is that in a country of 300 million people at any one time someone should be a hell of a goalie.

 

[intlzncster]

My theory is that in a country of 300 million people at any one time someone should be a hell of a goalie.

So where's our Messi??? Should be at least one. I'll even take a Romario type. Just one.

 

[SubbaBub]

So where's our Messi??? Should be at least one. I'll even take a Romario type. Just one.

He is playing point guard for some DIII school because he is 5'9".

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[junglehusky]

I'm still a bit worried about the back line or our marking in general. It's awesome that the attack is yielding goals but when we are up against top 10-15 teams in the WC quarterfinals we may have to win 1-0 and 2-1 instead of 4-2, and if there are still vulnerabilities those squads will find ways to exploit them.

 

[SubbaBub]

I'm still a bit worried about the back line or our marking in general. It's awesome that the attack is yielding goals but when we are up against top 10-15 teams in the WC quarterfinals we may have to win 1-0 and 2-1 instead of 4-2, and if there are still vulnerabilities those squads will find ways to exploit them.

Me too. We score the first two goals last night against anyone. We also give up three. The back line needs to get better mostly because they are young.

If Cameron is on the roster as a CB/DCM then maybe JK will take a fifth CB. But as of right now I think the four CB spots are filled barring injury. Beasley has the inside track at LB, but could still lose it. Parkhurst at RB by default until Cherundolo's status is know. Still need to find some depth there but after these last few games, I can at least see him out there in Brasil.

In the Midfield it's Bradley, Jones, Cameron pretty solidly. I think JK takes one more. Between Williams, Beckerman, Holden. Not a lot of quality there, I think Williams takes it if he's playing in the last round of qualifiers.

In the attacking midfield, Donovon, Dempsey, Zusi, start with F. Johnson, Torres, Gomez and Corona as back ups. No one else is good enough.

At striker, it's Altidore/Wondo and Johnson.

GK-(3) Howard - Guzan - Rimando
D-(6) Parkhurst-Goodson-Besler-Beasley-Gonzalez-TBD (Cherundolo)
HM (4) Bradley-Jones-Cameron (doubles as CB) - TBD
AM (7) Donovan-Dempsey-Zusi-F.Johnson-Gomez-Torres-Corona (last two can play HM if needed) (first two can play Striker) (FJ can swap with Beasley at LB)
ST (3) Altidore-Wondo-E. Johnson (can also play AM)




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[Jimdish255]

I'm still a bit worried about the back line or our marking in general. It's awesome that the attack is yielding goals but when we are up against top 10-15 teams in the WC quarterfinals we may have to win 1-0 and 2-1 instead of 4-2, and if there are still vulnerabilities those squads will find ways to exploit them.

In the WC there are 2 options. Option 1 is to put the best athletes or the most highly skilled players on the field and dictate style and tempo. That territory belongs to about 5 or 6 teams worldwide. For the rest it's kind of like the NCAA Hoops Tourney. Who's hot and and who,s not. Secondly matchups and how coaches adjust and exploit weaknesses. That's something you have some control over. Of course because it's soccer and few goals are scored a timely counter, big save or great individual effort can also swing a game. As well as a poor offsides or penalty call unfortunately. The refs last night are not a group I'd like to see again. Ever.

 

[progrocks]

Stoke City had a friendly in Houston last night and Cameron started at RB, where he played most of last year. Dili is old and a health question, Chandler is a mental question, and Evans was a two week flash in the pan (IMO). Cameron is a decent bet to be back at right back, and I am okay with that considering the options. Beasley at left scares the crap out of me defensively. With LD reasserting himself and needing someplace to play, I hope that drops Johnson back to left back. Besler is solid and hopefully Gonzo makes a leap, and a leap out of MLS this year.

 

[businesslawyer]

As much as Beasley has been a critical part of this ten game winning streak, I expect Fabian Johnson to start at LB in the world cup. At RB, who knows. Along with the ones you listed, don't count Parkhurst totally out of the mix (although he's clearly behind a healthy Cherundolo, at whatever age, Chandler (if he even wants to wear the Wheres Waldo kits again) and Cameron. I think the center of the D is fairly settled, with two of Goodson, Omar and Besler starting. Whether it's good enough manned by those three is the question.

 

[Waquoit]

We score the first two goals last night against anyone. We also give up three.

Nah. It's a new day. JK is on it. Ten toes in!

 

[SubbaBub]

I think Cameron starting at RB comes down to JK deciding to put the best 4 out in the back line. That said I haven't seen him play very fluidly out wide and have seen him struggle marking and passing from that spot.

The run Parkhurst has put together this month has been the best play from that spot since Dolo left. It doesn't say a lot, but enough for him to bump TBD from my depth chart. Wouldn't have a problem with him as a second RB option.

At LB, I think Fabian and Demarcus will battle right to the end for LB. The other will back up that spot and LD at LAM. On the field, they are the two most interchangeable players.

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[UConnDan97]

GK-(3) Howard - Guzan - Rimando
D-(6) Parkhurst-Goodson-Besler-Beasley-Gonzalez-TBD (Cherundolo)
HM (4) Bradley-Jones-Cameron (doubles as CB) - TBD
AM (7) Donovan-Dempsey-Zusi-F.Johnson-Gomez-Torres-Corona (last two can play HM if needed) (first two can play Striker) (FJ can swap with Beasley at LB)
ST (3) Altidore-Wondo-E. Johnson (can also play AM)




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A nice analysis, SubbaBub.

I have to say that I believe Gomez is going to end up being the odd-man out in terms of strikers. We've seen it play out here in this very tournament. I also think that Beckerman has played his way in (although I know you disagree with me about Beckerman's quality). Holden....man, I think we are all waiting for Holden to get back to 100%, but it's just not clear when that will be. Here is the list of players whose stocks went up based on this tourney for me:

Rimando, Besler, Beasley, Beckerman, Diskerud, Corona, Wondo, E. Johnson, Donovan, and Bedoya.

How many can now find their way onto the "A Squad", I'm not sure. But if I were Gomez, F. Johnson, Brad Evans, or Cameron, I would be worried right now...

 

[progrocks]

If healthy, Cameron and Johnson are 100% guaranteed to be on the squad. Zero doubts about it. They have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they do what they did last year. After Cameron's last game played people were going on about how he should start ahead of Jones (I think he should be in the back), and you think he should worry about making the team?

 

[SubbaBub]

A nice analysis, SubbaBub.

I have to say that I believe Gomez is going to end up being the odd-man out in terms of strikers. We've seen it play out here in this very tournament. I also think that Beckerman has played his way in (although I know you disagree with me about Beckerman's quality). Holden....man, I think we are all waiting for Holden to get back to 100%, but it's just not clear when that will be. Here is the list of players whose stocks went up based on this tourney for me:

Rimando, Besler, Beasley, Beckerman, Diskerud, Corona, Wondo, E. Johnson, Donovan, and Bedoya.

How many can now find their way onto the "A Squad", I'm not sure. But if I were Gomez, F. Johnson, Brad Evans, or Cameron, I would be worried right now...

If either Beckerman of Holden make the roster it will be as injury replacements wouldn't expect either to be in the game day 18. They just don't do enough positive things. Same goes for Bedoya but he's younger and has a chance to get better.

The two guys who really helped themselves IMO are Corona, who I didn't have on the radar at all and Torres who finally showed something more than flashes of skill. We still saw the "bad" Torres against Honduras where he just disappeared.

If JK decides he needs an extra defender or holding midfielder, Gomez, Corona, Wondo, and Torres could be fighting for the last attacking spot. As we all know, for many of the backups form come April/May could be everything. Most of these guys are interchangeable.

I base my depth chart on their likelihood of playing and the skill set associated with the job they will need to do. Covering multiple positions seems to fit JK's scheme, but wing play is where most of these guys would play so guys like Holden, Beckerman, Castillo, Shea come up short.

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[Waquoit]

If JK decides he needs an extra defender or holding midfielder, Gomez, Corona, Wondo, and Torres could be fighting for the last attacking spot. As we all know, for many of the backups form come April/May could be everything. Most of these guys are interchangeable.

I'm thinking that Corona is going to make the squad. You consider how well he is playing now combined with the probabilty that he will be even better in a year.

 

[UConnDan97]

If healthy, Cameron and Johnson are 100% guaranteed to be on the squad. Zero doubts about it. They have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they do what they did last year. After Cameron's last game played people were going on about how he should start ahead of Jones (I think he should be in the back), and you think he should worry about making the team?

Yes. I think many of the players that have been used primarily off the bench should be worried. If anything, Klinsmann has shown that he is not afraid to mix up the starting 11 on a weekly basis. If I recall correctly, Cameron's "break-out" game was against Belgium. The very next game against Germany, I don't think he saw the field. Two of the three following WCQ games, I'm pretty sure he came in off the bench.

I'm not saying he's not going to make the final 23. What I'm saying is that a healthy Cherundolo, Chandler, and Holden change the story line for Klinsmann in terms of who he thinks his best 23 are...

 

[progrocks]

Cameron has been a regular since last year. He started in the center back against MexicLOL at the win last year and has played regularly since then.

Big news is the Brooks looks set to commit to the US this fall instead of waiting on Germany. An under 20 year old who is likely to start in the Bundesliga is a nice thing. He could be an upgrade on Gonzo, we will see in Bosnia.

Also remember, a year is a loooong time from now. Four years ago Gomez and Buddle were nowhere near the team, and they both made it. Someone always comes out of the blue, and once you get past 20, you don't necessarily pick the best players, you often choose just in case roll players, players who would NEVER play 90 for the team, but maybe play 20 just in case x or y occurs. Maybe.

 

[UConnDan97]

Rather than start another thread, I'll comment on the USA victory here. Good win by the boys. Way to take home the hardware! Here are some of my observations of the game / tournament:

1) Tough to see Holden go down like that, which probably spells bad things for his chances on the first team in the near future.
2) Beckerman has played himself onto the final 23 in my opinion, although I know that some of you don't like him as much as I do.
3) Johnson and Donovan are locks (Donovan is obvious, as he was always a lock in my opinion so long as he wanted to play).
4) Diskerud definitely made a strong case for inclusion as well.
5) Corona, Bedoya, Torres, Wondolowski, and Shea are on the outside looking in. Even with Shea "scoring" the goal today.
6) I think Beasley had a very good tourney, and he has what many of our other left backs don't have: recovery speed. Also, the fact that he gets up the wing often probably makes Klinsmann a happy man (and me too).

Gold Cup Champions! Well done...