The Soccer Thread

[Guest]

@RyanRosenblatt: Based on training, starting XI looks like: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Zusi, Bradley, Jones, Bedoya; Dempsey; Altidore.

 

@RyanRosenblatt: Dempsey was working with the forwards & was well in front of the midfielders. My guess is he'll be much closer to Altidore than midfielders.

[wolf stansson]

The only mild surprise is Fab on the right. Dempsey is a forward at this point in his career and has always been more valuable there anyway.

Couple of really hard working, two-way midfielders on the wings and if Jones stays home and Bradley plays at the tip of the diamond and acts as the first line of defense, that's a damn good team.

[USSoccer]

Yeah, I can absolutely live with that XI.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Best pre-World Cup podcasts?

 

I've got Men in Blazers, World Soccer Talk, 5 Live. Any others?

[wolf stansson]

Big Head Red Head, DuNord, Best Soccer Show, Soccer Morning, ExtraTime Radio.

 

Anybody know where I can find a Tim Howard US jersey?

[Guest]

The crest is comically small and in the number for some reason, but here: http://www.worldsoccershop.com/61793-howard-1-gr.html

[USSoccer]

Filed under "things that don't really matter", Mix is going to wear the #10 shirt.

[pitchcs]

What's the deal with tonight's US game?

[wolf stansson]

What do you mean?

[USSoccer]

It's the first of three warmup friendlies stateside before the Ghana game?

[wolf stansson]

This is a bonkers but terrific profile of Luis Suarez: http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/10984370/portrait-serial-winner-luis-suarez-soccer-most-beautiful-player

 

Preview of tonight friendly vs Azerbaijan and things to look for: http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/7-things-to-look-for-in-the-first-world-cup-warmup

[Guest]

I'm cool with that XI, even if the idea of Bedoya starting World Cup matches depresses me a little bit. Which would you guys prefer? That alignment, or Fab at left mid with Chandler at RB(or Cameron at RB and Gonzalez in the middle)?

[wolf stansson]

I'm cool with that XI, even if the idea of Bedoya starting World Cup matches depresses me a little bit. Which would you guys prefer? That alignment, or Fab at left mid with Chandler at RB(or Cameron at RB and Gonzalez in the middle)?

I genuinely don't know. I'd go Chandler-Gonzo-Besler-Fab if this was the Omar Gonzalez that was the best player on the pitch in the road draw vs Mexico. I don't know if that's the Gonzo we have right now, so I'd like to see a lot of experimentation in the next three games.

[USSoccer]

I'm cool with that XI, even if the idea of Bedoya starting World Cup matches depresses me a little bit. Which would you guys prefer? That alignment, or Fab at left mid with Chandler at RB(or Cameron at RB and Gonzalez in the middle)?

 

Bedoya's work rate has really won me over through the last year. I couldn't stand him in the past, but I've warmed to the idea of him locking down one side of the field.

 

I don't mind the posted projected alignment, but I'd honestly prefer Cameron replacing Jones and Gonzalez at CB. I think Cam is a better #6 than Jones. I don't like Cameron playing RB, and I rather like FJ playing RB.

[pitchcs]

It's the first of three warmup friendlies stateside before the Ghana game?

 

Yes, that's what I meant.

[wolf stansson]

FYI, ESPN's 30 For 30: Soccer Stories has been added to Netflix.

[wolf stansson]

@RyanRosenblatt: Based on training, starting XI looks like: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Zusi, Bradley, Jones, Bedoya; Dempsey; Altidore.

Nailed it.

 

I think Jones has to prove he can be positionally sound to hold down his spot in this formation. Let's see it.

 

Get pumped with this funny playlist from our federation music director, Lupe Fiasco.

[wolf stansson]

Dempsey out with soreness. Wondo in, but I'd prefer ArJo. I'm sure he'll get 45.

[USSoccer]

BRB, heroin into forehead time

[Guest]

BRB, heroin into forehead time

 

@LeanderOnFOX For what it's worth, Dempsey seemed fine in practice yesterday and warm-ups earlier. Must be very minor/precautionary.

 

 

I did not realize the bomb pop uniforms were solid red on the back to go with red shorts. Not sure how I feel about this yet.

[USSoccer]

BRB, heroin into forehead time

 

@LeanderOnFOX For what it's worth, Dempsey seemed fine in practice yesterday and warm-ups earlier. Must be very minor/precautionary.

 

 

I did not realize the bomb pop uniforms were solid red on the back to go with red shorts. Not sure how I feel about this yet.

 

I actually bought one of the bomb pops a couple weeks ago. It grew on me. Also my daughter thought it was hilarious that it looked like a bomb pop and I acquiesced .

 

I'm sticking with the heroin-in-the-forehead plan until I see him on the field. Groin injuries linger; Schapp was saying it's been bugging him for 2 weeks, which begs the question why he was going balls out in practice yesterday.

[wolf stansson]

I bought a Dempsey bomb pop and Bradley white. Not crazy about either, but I turn up.

[wolf stansson]

SF, APPARENTLY, DOES NOT TURN UP. Too many empty seats.

[USSoccer]

SF, APPARENTLY, DOES NOT TURN UP. Too many empty seats.

 

This crowd is an embarrassment. Their anthem and their 10th minute whatever it was is amateur hour.

[wolf stansson]

SF, APPARENTLY, DOES NOT TURN UP. Too many empty seats.

 

This crowd is an embarrassment. Their anthem and their 10th minute whatever it was is amateur hour.

Worse yet, I hear Vuvezelas. Uh, guys?