Now entering, #11, Jack Nicholson...?

Is Freddy being played out of position or is this just as good as it gets for the kid? I’ve been a huge fan of Freddy for some time now. His technical ability and things that he can do on the ball are pretty unmatched for a U.S. player. It really is a thing of beauty when he’s running on all cylinders, but that’s just it, how often is this guy playing at top form? I’ve followed him from his DC days, all the way up to Rizespor, catching any article or clip I could get a hold of. So you can imagine the thrill I had when I found out that he’d now be plying his trade for Union, no more scouring the internet for updates!  Unfortunately, like any Philly sports fan expecting the world from its team and players, it didn’t take long for me to become disgruntled.  After watching him for the second half of last season and the beginning of this one I’m beginning to wonder if maybe this is all the kid has in the tank? Now I may have only just recently become an ardent soccer fan (06’ WC), but I’m a sensible enough sports fan to know that you don’t drink the media’s cool-aid.  When they proclaimed him as the next big thing I knew that wasn’t the case because if it were then he’d be in some European academy and not Bradenton’s. (no offense)

Personally, I think he plays some of his best soccer when he can roam the middle of the park freely as a CAM, work his magic and get the ball to players. Unfortunately, he’s currently being stationed out on the right wing and I believe his game is suffering because of it. Now, as we saw in Olympic qualification versus the El Salvador, he can definitely be effective from the spot, but as that game also showed, Freddy basically just moved himself to the middle in order to get it done.  I even remember after that virtuoso performance Freddy himself tried to temper expectations of him carrying his Olympic form back to his club, stressing the style the U-23’s play is much different from the Union's.

After attending the game against Sporting KC this past weekend, one where he was again in and out of for large portions, I got fed up. Even more so once Hoppenot came in and pretty much stole the show. Shoot, I was ready to hand him Freddy’s starting spot! (just a rush of blood to the head) What I am saying though, is I just don’t think Freddy tries hard enough to make an impact on games. Granted, when he does check back in the passes he’s able to deliver are sensational! However, he fades in and out of games far to frequently for my liking, especially if the guy is supposed to be a DP.

Next time you watch a game pay attention to Marfan constantly showing for the ball, watch Jack make tireless runs and if Roger get’s some minutes tonight, like I expect he will, watch his willingness to get on the ball and simply try to make plays. Now I’m not saying that he is a better player than Freddy, but his ability to try and make something happen is far greater.

Again, this isn’t me being disappointed that Freddy never reached his “next big thing” status, it’s about him putting in a better effort and playing up to his potential in more than just 10 - 15 minute spurts. Now whether it’s Nowak and Hackworth’s fault for putting him out on the wing or Freddy’s fault for not doing enough for them to say, ok this guy HAS to play in the center of the park for us. Whatever the reasons may be, I don’t think we’ve seen his best nor will we until Mr. Adu can figure out how to get to the middle and pull some strings.

WCQ: United States v Antigua & Barbuda

I know it’s been said that Jurgen has been working on some two striker formations, but I think we will/should go with the formation that we played most convincingly in and gave us our best result and that’s the 4-3-2-1. I could also be waaaaay off, but I’m willing to risk it J Starting from the back…

Tim Howard

Dolo – Goodson – Bocanegra – Parkhurst

  Bradley – Jones – Torres

Donovan – Dempsey

Jozy

I think from now on I’m not even going to mention Tim Howard in my predictions. They should just engrave his name on the clipboard at this point.

At the right back we’ve got Steve Cherundolo, who against what should be a weaker side in Antigua & Burbuda, will hopefully get forward a bit more and provide some more offense.

In the middle I want to pencil Gooch in, sentimental reasons and such, but Goodson’s strong play during that Canada friendly warrants a start for me.  In Gooch’s defense, he had the toughest assignment of this “tourney” having to match up against Brazil.  I think Cameron’s lack of international experience keeps him out of the starting lineup for this WCQ (but he’s coming!). In the end, I’d be happy with any of these three starting along side Bocanegra. I don’t think any of them is that much better then the other, but my gut says Clarence get’s the nod.

Now we get to see what Eric Lichaj can do at left back, nice! O wait… that’s right we didn’t bring him. Well ain’t that about a [bleep] hmm… I don’t remember seeing anything about Parkhurst playing left back over there in Denmark, but with his usually great positioning and experience playing outside back, albeit on the right, I give him the nod for tonight’s game.

The midfield seems pretty much set to me, no need for a major overhaul.  After seeing Michael ‘MB90’ Bradley, Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu work the middle fairly well, the only change that I would make is swapping Jose Torres for Edu. I’d like these three to be THE guys moving forward (until Holden gets back). Without an out and out #10 I think Bradley and Torres have that little bit extra on their passes, that Edu doesn’t. Plus, when Jones get’s a yellow, and he WILL get one, we can bring Edu in later on.

The attacking triumvirate is a little bit trickier. Clint is the obvious choice of course, but after that it’s a little shaky for me. I’m going to put the guys I think will be picked, who are, Jozy, Dempsey and Landon. Now, what I wouldn’t mind seeing is a Dempsey, Jozy, Herc combo, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see what Jurgen throws together. Tir Na Nog in Philly is the move. Happy viewing and enjoy the game folks!