General Soccer Thread

[thrill]

They (the US) advance with a loss if Jamaica loses, draws or wins by less than 3 goals.

[Fat Strat]

They (the US) advance with a loss if Jamaica loses, draws or wins by less than 3 goals.

So, we're going to advance. Advance and then get Donovan back. And then we'll be a lot better. It doesn't seem like we've played a single game in the Klinsman era with Bradly, Donovan, and Dempsey on the pitch.

[robbotis]

They (the US) advance with a loss if Jamaica loses, draws or wins by less than 3 goals.

So, we're going to advance. Advance and then get Donovan back. And then we'll be a lot better. It doesn't seem like we've played a single game in the Klinsman era with Bradly, Donovan, and Dempsey on the pitch.

Well, Klinsman better hope that's the answer.
Because they can't score a lick under Jurgen.

[Fat Strat]

Great ball movement last night. Zusi with another solid game. And I'm glad that Jurgen has finally figured out that Bradley is a lot more than the former coach's son. All around excellent ball control. Guatemala was in a situation where they had to score a couple goals, and outside of some attacks early in the second half, they were never able to claim possession long enough to make any serious runs. That first goal was awful. Really need to shore up the defense over the next 4 months.

Oh, and this Dempsey guy might just end up being a pretty good player...

[robbotis]

Great ball movement last night. Zusi with another solid game. And I'm glad that Jurgen has finally figured out that Bradley is a lot more than the former coach's son. All around excellent ball control. Guatemala was in a situation where they had to score a couple goals, and outside of some attacks early in the second half, they were never able to claim possession long enough to make any serious runs. That first goal was awful. Really need to shore up the defense over the next 4 months.

Oh, and this Dempsey guy might just end up being a pretty good player...

Yeah, last night they looked as good as they ever have under Klinsman. And that was w/o Donovan. Lots of good movement. Herculez is good. He hasn't scored a ton, but he always does a lot of good work(unlike Altidore, who does nothing, including score).
Cherundolo is obviously good, but he's better attacking than defending. The Center backs need to step up, big time. Why doesn't Ream get another chance?

[thrill]

I'm glad that Jurgen has finally figured out that Bradley is a lot more than the former coach's son.

Some of it is just his natural maturation as a player, but it's been ironic to see how his game suffered under his father because of how deep he played him. Some of it also has to do with the emergence of Danny Williams and JK's reliance on Beckerman and other holding mids to do defensive duty, and maybe Bob just didn't trust guys like Edu, Beckerman or Pablo Mastroeni enough to let his son bomb forward. Klinsmann is playing him exactly how Roma is deploying him and it's wonderful. He's so dangerous on the edge of the box. Great feet, great quick passing and powerful long range shot.

Also, Eddie Johnson wastes more chances than is remotely acceptable, but I've got to say, he put himself in a ton of dangerous positions over the last two games, his movement off the ball is improved and for whatever reason, he and Deuce combine really well together. He's not a starter in our pool, talent-wise and he's yet to do it against tough defenders, ever really, but he did well. He was great in the last two, crucial games.

Graham Zusi has been a revelation. Typical US soccer story of the guy who blooms incredibly late due to our inefficient player development in this country. The thought of an attack that could someday (fingers crossed) include Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, Stuart Holden, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey on the field at the same time is awesome. Zusi, Holden and Bradley can do it all in the midfield. If everyone is healthy, Jermaine Jones may never start another match.

-------------------Williams-------------
-Donovan-------Holden---------Zusi-
------------------Bradley--------------
-------------Dempsey------------------
-----------------------Gomez/Altidore

That would be devastating to most defenses in the world. Our back line still needs some work. Still no clear replacement for Boca long-term.

[Fat Strat]

We probably don't have to find a replacement for Boca until after '14. That's 2-3 years for another central defender to emerge. And if they can't find anyone else, I guess I would come out of my soccer retirement and would be willing to play there. You know, for the team.

I've never had any problems with Goodson. And from what I've seen, I think that Cameron could be an excellent defender. But, yeah, you really need someone else to step in for Boca. By then, though, it won't be Goodson.

[Fat Strat]

Also wonder if they wouldn't consider doing something unorthodoxed and play w/ three backs -- Dolo, Cameron, Boca. And then the midfield with this arrangement:

--------Edu-----------Williams--------
-Donovan-------Holden---------Zusi-
------------------Bradley--------------
-------------Dempsey------------------
-----------------------Gomez/Altidore

Edu is a pretty good defending midfielder who could run on the wings instead of Dolo. That's probably too crazy, though, for a team that's always stressed defense and conservative play. But, choosing between Parkhurst (who didn't impress me at all) and Edu... I would probably lean toward Edu.

Edit: What happened to Fabian Johnson? He seemed like the popular choice for awhile at left back.

[thrill]

Edit: What happened to Fabian Johnson? He seemed like the popular choice for awhile at left back.

He was called up but had to return to Germany because he had the flu. He's still top choice.

There are some intriguing candidates to replace Boca. Omar Gonzalenz is the most familiar one. Best defender in MLS for my money, but there's a 19 year old kid named John Anthony Brooks who plays for Hertha Berlin that could be a star. Bayern Munich offered him a pro contract but he signed with Berlin because he knew he'd start right away. He's another Germanican and Germany called him to their u-20 team. He might not decide to play for the US.

[robbotis]

Yes- Omar Gonzalez is the best American defender. isn't he hurt?

Anyway- Juventus-Napoli Saturday at 11 am.
Both tied at the top of Serie A. Juve going for 48(right?) in a row undefeated.
Since there isn't a Cards game Saturday, it will be the first non-Cards sporting event I'll have even thought about in a couple weeks.