The Breakdown: WCQ US v. Jamaica

Tim Howard was his usual self tonight, made the necessary saves when he was called upon and yelled at his defense in a way only a goalkeeper can J

I thought Cherundolo's crosses into the area needed to be better, but his defending was pretty good given his speed and age. Good understanding with Zusi. I felt like there was a 10-15 minute stretch where it was just those two playing.

Cameron was decent on the night. Got turned around pretty good on that Luton Shelton break away, but other than that he was pretty solid, strong in the air. 

Bocanegra had a good night; don't really remember any big faults. He too was strong in the air. 

Zusi played surprisingly well for this being his first "big game" SKC will surely benefit from his recent stretch with the USMNT. Wish he had been the one to send in more crosses as opposed to Cherundolo, but I liked what I saw out of Zeus tonight. 

Now Danny Williams I was less surprised about. I've been able to see him play a couple games for Hoffenheim and I thought he was just as good then. Also, it doesn't take a genius to realize that a player will improve once placed into his natural position PAGING MR. KINSMAN!

I remember in the early Jermaine Jones days I didn't know much about him, but he sent a beautiful over the top pass to Jozy for an assist versus Poland Watch Here  and I remember thinking, wow, this guy can pass! Further along into his USMNT career and my thoughts remain the same. He's a great passer of the ball, case in point, 36’ USA v Jamaica www.watchespn.com Jones pass to Zusi, which he dummied. My only issue with Jermaine is that sometimes he tries to pull of the impossible pass when the simple would suffice. All in all, I thought he had a solid performance. Now let’s see some consistency.

Jose Torres *sigh*…  seems like every article I came across was over the moon about Torres game. I really don't see what was so great about it... He didn't really add or take away for me. Yea he was solid on the ball, no joke Sherlock, he has the best control on the team. But we've got him on the outside so.... Did he kill it as a rw/rm? No. He controlled the ball well, and kept it moving, nothing spectacular. Not a JFT hater, quite the opposite. I just don't think he's being utilized properly. You wouldn’t get mad at a teacher for failing to teach physics properly when degree is in history, so why should Jürgen be so "frustrated with his play"? Play him in natural position dammit! (sorry, rant over)

Dempsey looked like you’d expect someone to look like after not playing for three months. I’m not worried about this guy. Him, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard are the most important players on the squad IMO and barring any injury I’m sure they’ll be ready to deliver when called upon.

Gomez had a monster game. He was my man of the match, good runs, great hunger and scoring the game winner doesn't hurt. I like that he’s finally being given the chance to show what he can do. I hope that some other national teamers will get their shots in the upcoming months as well.

Jozy didn’t really do much to win back his starting spot in the limited minutes he got. Hopefully that doesn’t hurt his confidence too much. I take him as the fragile type.

Brek looked like I he has all season long for FC Dallas, subpar.

Edu added energy for some tired legs I guess? *Ron Burgandy shrug* Hopefully the Stoke move helps his midfield game...

No Words...

Well thankfully I didn’t have to watch the USMNT lose to Jamaica tonight. Fortunately, I was in Canada celebrating my cousin’s wedding… aka I was “riding round and gettin it” In the end I didn’t even need to see the game to know what the result was going to be.  At around 8 o clock I scooped a relatives phone for a quick peak at the starting lineups… Really? Are you kidding me? You didn’t start Bocanegra? The last/only guy on the current roster who’s actually played in Jamaica? Really? Are you kidding me? You really thought that putting Beckerman, Edu and Jones (all CDM) on at the same time was going to produce any type of offense?

Look, I respect Klinsman just as well as the next man. I appreciate his optimism and his attempt at change, blah blah blah. I like that he has a large influence in Europe and can help our players get trials, transfers and the like, but that will only get you so far in my book. There is absolutely NO, and I mean NO reason that we should have gone to Jamaica and not come away with at least a point. Ok, yea I get it we’re playing away. Clint Dempsey hasn’t played in like 3 months. We didn’t have Donovan or Bradley, but I MEAN!!!! Seriously bro??? I hate to even think about us not making it to the next round, but the fact that we couldn’t even come away with a stinking point from this match is extremely discouraging. I don’t want to call for Jürgen’s head or anything like that just yet, but he’s toeing the line awfully close. I just don’t get it.

I’m going to have to catch the replay on ESPN3 once I get back to the States just to see what exactly went wrong but… like I said from the starting line up sheet alone. I really don’t imagine seeing anything other that defensive non-attacking soccer. YOU CAN’T FIT A SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE. PLAY THESE GUYS IN THEIR NATURAL POSITIONS AND GET THE FREAKIN POINTS!!!

Talk about a buzz kill… literally!

WCQ: Yes Way, Jose

It sure does feel like whenever it comes time for an international fixture we're always losing somebody. I'm sure that as I write this someone somewhere is getting injured.. "no jinx" (when I originally wrote this Gatt was as healthy as could be)

I'll say this though, it's getting a tad bit easier to fill spots when a player goes down. Which speaks well of the continued soccer development in this country. For right now, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Edgar Castillo and now Josh Gatt are all out for the upcoming games. With Clint’s recent transfer to Tottenham and him not playing a competitive game in about 2 ½ months I doubt he’s at his sharpest and will more than likely start on the bench.

As for this new Josh Gatt dilemma, what can you do? I was really looking forward to seeing this kid too. From the random YouTube footage I've been able to get a hold of and yanks-abroad.com updates, Gatt seems like a quality player and one who could add some much needed width to that winger-less 4-3-3 we like to employ so much. I imagine anything he could bring to the table would be better than the Danny Williams out wide experiment. Danny’s a CDM/CB btw… Hopefully this will open the door for Chris Pontius to be called in as a replacement, but I’m not holding my breath on that one.

Now, looking at our current USMNT injury situation with a “glass half full” mentality I'm actually pretty excited to hopefully see Jose Torres slide into the center of the park. When Juergen pushes Jose into the attacking third I feel like his talents are wasted. I’ve always seen Jose as a deep lying playmaker who can both mix it up and get the offense going. Think Dax McCarty when he was on FC Dallas, but better. Instead, Juergen’s got him playing in a more D.C United version of Dax McCarty. As I recall that worked wonders for Dax! McCarty now plays for the Red Bulls and has since reprised the role which made him a standout in Dallas. Maybe Klinsman would be wise to do the same with Jose.  I understand that a coach’s job is to challenge players in hopes of bringing their talents to the next level, but sometimes you just can't fit a square peg into a round hole…

With the first game being played in Jamaica, I imagine that we’ll probably go out somewhat defensively. Here’s the lineup that I wouldn’t mind seeing.

              

Howard

Cherundolo   Cameron Bocanegra  Johnson

Jones       Torres    Beckerman

Gomez              Shea

Altidore

None of the the midfielders I have starting actually fit the facilitator role, but then again we're not exactly producing them in bunches here in the States. On this current roster Zusi probably fits that role best, but with this being an important away game, I don't see him starting as he's still fairly new to the USMNT setup. In the back I think we're pretty set and up top is really anyone's guess. Go U S A !!!

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!

Predicted Line-up USA v Scotland

So here’s my quasi-predicted line up. A mix of what I want and what I think it’ll end up being.

Tim Howard

Dolo – Bocanegra – Onyewu – Johnson

  Bradley – Jones – Torres

Donovan – Gomez

Wondo

I’ve heard talks a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, so that’s how I’m going to base my line up. Goodson, Parkhurst and Jozy, who's not actually officially eligible til the 28th, all just came in and we know that Dempsey is scrapped due to the groin issue he’s got going on. So none of them guys will probably feature in todays line up.

Moving on, I want to give Terrance “The Body” Boyd (announcer’s messed his last name up during Olympic qualifiers thought it was catchy) the start up top, but he hasn’t even made a start for his club squad, so I just couldn’t do it. I don’t believe that Wondo is best up top at the Int’l level but dude’s in crazy “MLS form” so we’ll see how that all shakes out.

Donovan’s a given, even after his recent lack of desire interview (shout to Grant Wahl)

Gomez play's out wide at times with Santos and can be a 2nd FWD and given what I just said about Boyd, the absences of Jozy/Clint, and with Corona just getting into the full Men’s squad I think Herc get’s the nod. 


* A litte more on Corona, I don't even know this kid's best position to be honest. Thought he was a winger for Tijuana then I see him in the middle for the U-23's, who knows? No really.. who knows? I'm trying to find out.

I think General Bradley is a given at this point.

Jones had a fantastic season in Germany and in Europe I give him the nod.

I know Torres isn’t a number 10, probably more of a deep-lying play maker, along the lines of a Pirlo. However, I do think that our second to last and last passes will come from him, so he get’s the start from me. (where the hell is our number 10's ?! Freddy, Mix, Benny, etc…? all in abstentia. step it up fellas)

Dolo and Carlos are both given’s and even though Cameron has “been impressing” in camp I think Gooch edges him out.

I actually wouldn’t mind letting Castillo have a go at left back. A bit weaker comp than Brazil, maybe get his confidence up, but that’s not what these games are for. As Jurgen has already said, so Johnson get’s the start.

Howard.

Debris Settles and Dust Get’s Swept Off…

I’ve been crying a river all season about the lack of depth we have at the center-back position and in one fell swoop the powers that be went out and halved it. Which now leaves us with a whopping total of 1, yup, ONE… * crickets sounding *  No disrespect to Mr. Lahoud, I’m sure he’s a hard working midfielder/professional and I even see that he's quite the humanitarian, but as a fan I’m miffed. I don’t see how his acquisition makes us a better team, something that the FO is always preaching as the main criteria when deciding to approve deals.  New York made out, Chivas hit a home run and the Union are stuck on an empty couch with no play, what gives!! Complete rubbish.

Another thing, I don’t like Peter No’wack, there I said it. I think he’s an absolute poison to our team. He comes off as a complete jerk in the press, appears to ship off any player who he doesn’t see eye to eye with, constantly twists and fabricates the truth, all while managing to stagnate the growth of our younger players by either not playing them or lining them up in unnatural positions. He just keeps making us worse and I don’t know why no one else can see it, or why everyone who matters is just ok with it after they’ve been given such an obvious body of evidence.  For this weekend’s matchup against FC Dallas I hear that we’re planning on playing three up top in Martinez, Mwanga and Pajoy, a slight step in the right direction, but I just DO NOT like this guy coaching our team. I tried to give it some time and let things pan out, yes I know it’s still early, but there’s just too much smoke around this guy for there not to be fire. He’s like that creepy guy at the party hitting on your sister and then she comes over with the ol’ “he’s such a nice guy” bit... yup, that's No’wack in my eyes. Not buying it bro! And to Mr. Sakiewicz, if you’re condoning his actions without batting an eye, maybe we need to keep close watch on you too.

I’m really not a Debbie Downer all the time, but this season has been a wee bit frustrating, as you all have witnessed. With that being said, I do think we have the ability to be a very strong club in the Eastern Conference.  If we can hover around that 5^th spot until some summer reinforcements arrive (buy some got damn defenders) then I think we’ll be just fine. Until that transfer window opens up however, I believe it’s going to be more of the same. Keep DOOP-ing folks and I’ll catch ya soon.