The Soccer Thread

[brinoch]

Findley over Ching. Inexplicable.

 

Stupid, stupid, stupid decision.

 

I agree. The only thing I can imagine is that Ching is just not healthy enough. To me, that's the only acceptable reason to take Findley over him. Findley is unlikely to see the field, but Bob wants speed to counter-attack. Frankly, if is true that Ching is unhealthy, I probably would have taken Bedoya as an additional winger (moving Clint up top or into a withdrawn role).

[jersey cubs fan]

So a couple weeks away, what's the general mood about the team and its chances? I'm sensing, not good.

[Guest]

In a starting 11 without Davies, we're going 1 up top or 2 with LD or Dempsey, right? LD and Dempsey are 90 minute guys, so if we have a lead, is there a ton of benefit to putting Ching out there v. Jozy? Fresher, but much less likely to create any more offense. Not that Findley is any great shakes, but combine that with Ching not being 100% and I could at least see some logic in not wanting Ching.

[brinoch]

So a couple weeks away, what's the general mood about the team and its chances? I'm sensing, not good.

 

Well, we suffered some real blows with the loss of Davies and Onyewu clearly hasn't recovered. We never really truly solved the LB problem, and our depth is poor -- particularly on defense. There are some bright spots in the midfield, but I think we're worse than we were last summer. I think the team will score goals, but with the defense as it is we're going leak goals as well.

 

We should still advance from the Group, though.

[USSoccer]

In a starting 11 without Davies, we're going 1 up top or 2 with LD or Dempsey, right? LD and Dempsey are 90 minute guys, so if we have a lead, is there a ton of benefit to putting Ching out there v. Jozy? Fresher, but much less likely to create any more offense. Not that Findley is any great shakes, but combine that with Ching not being 100% and I could at least see some logic in not wanting Ching.

 

Yeah, but I would think Buddle could provide the "speed" option. Ching's holdup play is something none of the other options can duplicate. Also, I would bet money we go 4-4-2 and Clint stays in midfield, at least to start.

[USSoccer]

So a couple weeks away, what's the general mood about the team and its chances? I'm sensing, not good.

 

If we don't advance out of the group, it's a massive failure. We're going to lose to England, but Slovenia and Algeria are teams we should beat.

 

As far as the general mood, Saturday's game will be telling. We're going to see the first XI in that one.

[shnsajax]

So a couple weeks away, what's the general mood about the team and its chances? I'm sensing, not good.

 

If we don't advance out of the group, it's a massive failure. We're going to lose to England, but Slovenia and Algeria are teams we should beat.

 

As far as the general mood, Saturday's game will be telling. We're going to see the first XI in that one.

 

We will be looking for a new coach too if that happens. A lot more curious to Saturday night now. I think I am more concerned with the backline now more than anything.

[SpongeWorthy]

Funny Landycakes Sportscenter commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J19-ROSfwY8

[wolf stansson]

It speaks to our lack of depth when we could have such an unexpected roster choice in addition to getting embarrassed last night and yet our expectations are exactly the same as they were when the groups was announced. None of the this changes a thing because we'll be using the same 13-14 guys the entire time and most of them didn't play last night.

[wolf stansson]

Max Bretos bring up an interesting point on his twitter re: Findley.

Nice surpirses on final 23 for B. Bradley, going to be a pacy team, should make a difference against Slo. and Alg. Still need to fix "D"

 

I hadn't thought of how the pace would play, especially late, against Algeria and Slovenia. Are they known for not handling speed well?

[wolf stansson]

http://www.soccer365.com/us_news/story_26510222948.php

The agent for Hannover 96 right back Cherundolo says his client is weighing an offer from the Reds, but also that they will face competition.

 

Recently, various continental reports have linked the 31-year old with the likes of AS Roma and FC Nürnberg.

 

"There's another Bundesliga team, he's got interest from a team in the Premier League and from one in France," Lyle Yorks told Soccer365.

 

Meanwhile, fellow U.S. veteran Beasley is headed out the door of repeat Scottish champs Rangers.

 

"He is 100% leaving Rangers," confirmed Yorks, who represents both players. "There's interest in him throughout Europe."

 

Among the clubs rumoured to be after Beasley this past winter were Paris Saint-Germain and former employers PSV Eindhoven, who may try to lure back the winger.

 

 

1- Stevie C is not Roma level, right?

2- Beasley is not getting interest from any of those teams. No way.

[USSoccer]

'Dolo isn't good enough for Roma, unless they're just looking for cover between Coppa Italia, Champions League and Serie A. I'd be surprised if he leaves Hannover.

 

And no way in hell will PSG sign Beasley. I'd bet dolla billz he plays in MLS next season.

 

Both Slovenia and Algeria like to bunker/counter. I don't see how speed matters against those two opponents, and if we're really in need of a goal, I don't see how Findley gets in a game over Holden, Gomez, Buddle, Torres (especially against a bunkering team) or Feilhaber.

[sethuel1]

Roma has Cassetti and Motta on the right, and both are better than Dolo. There's no merit to that rumor

[Jon]

Nice header by McBride to equalize in the 40th minute. Banner, on the other hand, hasn't had a sparkling last 10 minutes.

[wolf stansson]

August 10 friendly v Brazil in New Jersey has been scheduled. Interesting kickoff for whoever replaces Bradley if we suck.

 

Also, Algeria got smoked by Ireland, 3-0 today.

[shnsajax]

August 10 friendly v Brazil in New Jersey has been scheduled. Interesting kickoff for whoever replaces Bradley if we suck.

 

Also, Algeria got smoked by Ireland, 3-0 today.

 

Also a great way to market the team and game after the high of the WC. Is it at the new Meadowlands Stadium?

 

Nevermind just found it is. That could sell out or at least close.

[USSoccer]

Deuce up top with Jozy, Benny F. on the right with Clark/Bradley in the middle.

 

Goodison in place of Gooch.

 

I would really, really rather Bradley play his first XI and let them gel.

[Exile on Waveland]

Gooch not in the lineup. Does that mean they determined he's not fully fit or can't play two games in a week?

[USSoccer]

This is going to be a really good test. Turkey is good.

[shnsajax]

Gooch not in the lineup. Does that mean they determined he's not fully fit or can't play two games in a week?

 

I didn't hear if he was completely unavailable today or just on the bench?

[Jon]

What a sloppy first 3 minutes.

[USSoccer]

Our left and right backs look like crap

[Guest]

We should be behind already.

[USSoccer]

Benny isnt a wing player at all. He has no idea how to position himself defensively, and its showing since Boca has no cover.

[USSoccer]

Oh man, stupid play by Spector.