The Soccer Thread

[USSoccer]

DMB scored twice, but should have scored at least three. Still was the MOTM. Nice game. He's slowly starting to get his form back.

 

Dempsey played pretty good up front, and pretty good when Ching came on. Passed well. Created 2 chances our usual forwards would never have in the 1st half. Was unlucky not to score. BTW, anyone else notice that when he's up front he plays like Pipo Inzaghi? I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be thrilled if he became Inzaghi up front.

 

On that note, I liked the 4-3-2-1 formation. Bradley has allowed his creative players license to create. Bradley/Feilhaber/Mastroeni are more than capable of playing solid defense and holding possesion, which allows Beasley, Donovan and Dempsey license to roam a bit and use their skills. This is something Arena never did, and I hope it continues as the US plays more difficult opponents. The trouble is that I don't think the kid mids are ready yet to hold possesion against a really good team. Likewise, I'm curious to see what Demspey would look like playing up front against a good defense.

 

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

 

Spector played very well. Nice to see that. Gooch needs to control his temper.

 

Donovan played ok. I thought he made some questionable decisions with the ball, but was decent overall. I don't give credit for PK goals, though.

 

Nice to see Mastro back. He's a really good defensive mid. FeilBradley played pretty well, although it would be really nice if the US stopped developing defensive mids and developed a couple of offensive/creative mids.

 

Nice win overall. Probably their best performance so far in the Gold Cup.

 

The biggest problem I have seen with Beasley is that he just seems to not have control of his body and pace lie he used to. He just seems very irratic. His first goal was a nice change from that.

 

He may not have gotten the goals, but Dempsey was the most impressive IMO. I was very happy just to see some quality shots from outside the box for the first time in a while. Since Donovan's goal a couple of months ago. Dempsey is the wild card in an otherwise predictable team.

 

Clint's's probably been the USMNT's best player for about a year now. He's class, and it's nice to know that we have a player who doesn't play scared on big occasions.

[Brendan]

The biggest problem I have seen with Beasley is that he just seems to not have control of his body and pace lie he used to. He just seems very irratic. His first goal was a nice change from that.

 

that's funny b/c i was thinking that he was finally learning to settle a bit and go forward with the ball. i hate it when he spazzes all out and looks like he's just dribbling in circles.

 

i also wish we could get someone other than landon to take corners.

[USSoccer]

The biggest problem I have seen with Beasley is that he just seems to not have control of his body and pace lie he used to. He just seems very irratic. His first goal was a nice change from that.

 

that's funny b/c i was thinking that he was finally learning to settle a bit and go forward with the ball. i hate it when he spazzes all out and looks like he's just dribbling in circles.

 

i also wish we could get someone other than landon to take corners.

 

Beasley has really terrible balance when he shoots. His first goal was very lucky to have gone in. Nicely placed, I guess, but it went through lke 4 defenders and had no pace behind it. The last shot I can remember him taking that had any sort of force behind it was the one against Italy (which should have counted-I'll never accept the passive offsides call there. No way that gets called there if it's Luca Toni in front of Keller.).

 

The best thing about DMB is his work rate, especially defensively. You could almost consider making him a left back with the wing depth the USMNT pool has.

[Brendan]

Clint's's probably been the USMNT's best player for about a year now. He's class, and it's nice to know that we have a player who doesn't play scared on big occasions.

 

guess i'm just full of dissent today. one thing i think that the team lacks is someone to step up when the game's on the line. i feel like we miss so many big opportunities, especially on goal, and never really put teams away when it counts.

 

also, i have to say, i am most disappointed with the play of onyewu.

[USSoccer]

Clint's's probably been the USMNT's best player for about a year now. He's class, and it's nice to know that we have a player who doesn't play scared on big occasions.

 

guess i'm just full of dissent today. one thing i think that the team lacks is someone to step up when the game's on the line. i feel like we miss so many big opportunities, especially on goal, and never really put teams away when it counts.

 

also, i have to say, i am most disappointed with the play of onyewu.

 

Dempsey's the one player, though, who does step up. He consistently creates chances, takes on defenders, and has the creative technical ability to play in a packed third, which is lacking in the USMNT.

 

The problem is there's only one of him. Beasley's ok at it. Donovan's first touch is just so erratic, he stinks against packed/organized defenses.

 

Gooch has been bad. He's loked like a clumsy oaf. He needs to pick it up.

[Jon]

Anyone know where I can get video highlights online?

 

The next match is Saturday at 3 PM CST on Univision.

[Brendan]

Anyone know where I can get video highlights online?

 

The next match is Saturday at 3 PM CST on Univision.

 

and fox soccer channel.

[sethuel1]

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

I'd like to see what Heath pearce can do.

 

Doesn't Bob Bradley have some sort of irrational hatred for Pearce? Hopefully he'll play in Copa America and impress, because a good team would absolutely abuse Bornstein.

yep. Pearce said he's "the best left back the US has," which is kinda big-headed, but Bradley apparently really didn't like it, because he thought it was a direct slight at Bornstein.

[soccer10k]

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

I'd like to see what Heath pearce can do.

 

Doesn't Bob Bradley have some sort of irrational hatred for Pearce? Hopefully he'll play in Copa America and impress, because a good team would absolutely abuse Bornstein.

yep. Pearce said he's "the best left back the US has," which is kinda big-headed, but Bradley apparently really didn't like it, because he thought it was a direct slight at Bornstein.

 

When/where did he say that? Just out of curiosity.

[USSoccer]

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

I'd like to see what Heath pearce can do.

 

Doesn't Bob Bradley have some sort of irrational hatred for Pearce? Hopefully he'll play in Copa America and impress, because a good team would absolutely abuse Bornstein.

yep. Pearce said he's "the best left back the US has," which is kinda big-headed, but Bradley apparently really didn't like it, because he thought it was a direct slight at Bornstein.

 

Maybe Bornstein should stop playing like he's in AYSO, and then Bradley won't have to worry about percieved slights.

 

You still going to the final, Seth?

[USSoccer]

Here are the quarterfinal matchups:

Saturday

 

Canada vs. Guatemala

 

USA vs. Panama

 

Sunday

 

Mexico vs. Costa Rica

 

Honduras vs. Guadeloupe

 

Panama is going to be a very tough team. We're a little lucky in that they had 2 guys sent off against Mexico yesterday. Still, they will present the best challenge for the US since the game against Mexico in Glendale back in Feburary. The US defense is going to have to play much, much better than they have in the first 3 games.

 

The US and Mexico are still on track to meet in the final.

[Marco4]

English Fixtures for next season are out already. The companies get really picky about websites displaying them, so here's a link to the BBC fixtures page.

 

First weekend of the season, I'm hoping to be at Cheltenham Town vs Gillingham. That's the plan, anyway.

[shnsajax]

Here are the quarterfinal matchups:

Saturday

 

Canada vs. Guatemala

 

USA vs. Panama

 

Sunday

 

Mexico vs. Costa Rica

 

Honduras vs. Guadeloupe

 

Panama is going to be a very tough team. We're a little lucky in that they had 2 guys sent off against Mexico yesterday. Still, they will present the best challenge for the US since the game against Mexico in Glendale back in Feburary. The US defense is going to have to play much, much better than they have in the first 3 games.

 

The US and Mexico are still on track to meet in the final.

 

I have not been real pleased with the way the US has played so far, but Mexico has been worse. I would love to see Costa Rica knock them out now.

[sethuel1]

Here are the quarterfinal matchups:

Saturday

 

Canada vs. Guatemala

 

USA vs. Panama

 

Sunday

 

Mexico vs. Costa Rica

 

Honduras vs. Guadeloupe

 

Panama is going to be a very tough team. We're a little lucky in that they had 2 guys sent off against Mexico yesterday. Still, they will present the best challenge for the US since the game against Mexico in Glendale back in Feburary. The US defense is going to have to play much, much better than they have in the first 3 games.

 

The US and Mexico are still on track to meet in the final.

 

I have not been real pleased with the way the US has played so far, but Mexico has been worse. I would love to see Costa Rica knock them out now.

 

As much as I hate to say it, I want Mexico to win. We need to meet them and kick their ass in the final.

 

Yep, I'm still going to the game. Section 152, row 10 for the finals. I'm also in section 122 row 3 for the semis

[sethuel1]

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

I'd like to see what Heath pearce can do.

 

Doesn't Bob Bradley have some sort of irrational hatred for Pearce? Hopefully he'll play in Copa America and impress, because a good team would absolutely abuse Bornstein.

yep. Pearce said he's "the best left back the US has," which is kinda big-headed, but Bradley apparently really didn't like it, because he thought it was a direct slight at Bornstein.

 

When/where did he say that? Just out of curiosity.

 

I think it's from this article, but i'm not sure

[soccer10k]

Bornstein has nice pace, but cannot pass the ball to save his life. Left back is going to continue to be a problem, I think, for a while.

I'd like to see what Heath pearce can do.

 

Doesn't Bob Bradley have some sort of irrational hatred for Pearce? Hopefully he'll play in Copa America and impress, because a good team would absolutely abuse Bornstein.

yep. Pearce said he's "the best left back the US has," which is kinda big-headed, but Bradley apparently really didn't like it, because he thought it was a direct slight at Bornstein.

 

When/where did he say that? Just out of curiosity.

 

I think it's from this article, but i'm not sure

 

Thanks. It was in there and yeah, I can't see that sitting too well with Bradley.

[soccer10k]

I know I'm a little behind but I just watched the US-Guatemala match and that was not a good showing for the US. Should have been 3-0 at halftime - how on earth did Twellman miss that header?? - and they just didn't play too well. Even the goal was on a defensive miscue.

[Jon]

Gametime.

 

Nice to see Howard in there.

[Jon]

And Donovan wastes no time not converting a great chance.

[Guest]

Cannot finish.

[Jon]

I really should just copy and repost the same comment about this team not being able to hit an open shot over and over and over and over again.

[Jon]

Holy crap they just keep topping themselves.

 

I'm not even sure that was a shot, Twellman.

[Guest]

Wow, how many times have they missed an open shot now?

[Guest]

These announcers are awesome.

 

ARE YOU SURE?

[Jon]

I loved that call. Univision rules.

 

Thank goodness. Donovan makes it 1-0 off the penalty kick.