U.S. Soccer’s Studio 90 previews USA-Chile | Soccer By Ives
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Soccer Saturday: Your Running Commentary | Soccer By Ives
Revenge will be on the mind of some of Englands top teams today in a loaded schedule of soccer around the world.
Manchester United dropped points in controversial fashion when the Red Devils visited Birmingham City last month, but Sir Alex Fergusons side will look to take all three points at Old Trafford today. Meanwhile, Arsenal will look to defend home turf against the same Wigan side it dropped points to in December.
If you want to see some dominating teams in action, look no further than Germany, where first-place Borussia Dortmund is running wild in the Bundesliga. Barcelona is also in action today and will be looking to erase the memories of a disappointing mid-week Copa Del Rey loss.
If you are watching todays action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Todays TV Schedule is after the jump):
TODAYS SOCCER ON TV
7:45pm- ESPN2/ESPN3.com- Wolverhampton vs. Liverpool
8am- Fox Soccer Plus- Derby County vs. Nottingham Forest
8:25am- Pay Per View- Australia vs. Iraq (Asian Cup)
9:30am- GolTV- Borussia Dortmund vs. VfB Stuttgart
9:30am- ESPN3.com- Bayern Munich vs. Kaiserslautern
10am- Fox Soccer Plus- Arsenal vs. Wigan
10am- Fox Soccer Channel- Manchester United vs. Birmingham City
11:30am- GolTV- Hamburg vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (Delayed)
Noon- Fox Soccer Plus- Palermo vs. Brescia
Noon- ESPN3.com- Sevilla vs. Levante
12:30pm- Fox Soccer Channel- Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
2pm- GolTV- Barcelona vs. Racing Santander
2:4pm- Fox Soccer Channel- AS Roma vs. Cagliari
3pm- ESPN3.com- Argentina vs. Venezuela (CONMEBOL Under-20 Tournament)
4pm- GolTV- Valencia vs. Malaga
5pm- Fox Soccer Channel- Newcastle United vs. Tottenham
5:10pm- ESPN3.com- Chile vs. Uruguay (CONMEBOL Under-20 Tournament)
6pm- Fox Soccer Plus- Everton vs. West Ham United (Delayed)
6pm- Azteca America- Cruz Azul vs. UNAM Pumas
6pm- Telefutura- Queretaro vs. Morelia
6pm- Telemundo- Monterrey vs. Atlante
8pm- Galavision- Santos Laguna vs. Pachuca
8pm- Telemundo- Chivas Guadalajara vs. San Luis
10pm- Telefutura/ESPN3.com- USA vs. Chile
1am- Fox Soccer Channel- Central Coast Mariners vs. Sydney FC
USA vs. Chile: The Pre-Game Tailgate | Soccer By Ives
The U.S. mens national team will open a new year and new four-year World Cup cycle tonight when the Americans take on Chile at Home Depot Center (10pm, Telefutura/ESPN3.com).
Bob Bradley will be fielding a young squad against a Chile side made up of domestic league players. The match should offer a good test to some of the defensive newcomers on the U.S. roster, while also showcasing many of the exciting new attacking players in the current U.S. camp.
I will be providing a live commentary on tonights match so be sure to follow along.
For now, share your pre-game thoughts, and check outa look at potential lineups, as well as the latest video preview from the folks at USSoccer.com.(Ill update periodically right up until game-time):
PRE-GAME- Im about to launch the Match Night Commentary, so be sure to move on over to SBIs live match night coverage when it launches (and we close this post down). (THE MATCH COMMENTARY POST IS NOW LIVE).
PRE-GAME- Lineup should be out soon. Heres the lineup Id like to see (in a 4-3-3):
-Bunbury
AgudeloBedoya
Diskerud
-Larentowicz-McCarty
De La Garza-ReamGonzalezFranklin
Rimando-
PRE-GAME- Here is the full USA match-day roster:
Goalkeepers- 1-Sean Johnson 18-Nick Rimando
Defenders- 6-A.J. DeLaGarza 4-Omar Gonzalez 12-Zach Loyd 15-Sean Franklin 5-Tim Ream 3-Anthony Wallace 2-Marvell Wynne
Midfielders- 19-Eric Alexander 7-Alejandro Bedoya 16-Mixx Diskerud 8-Jeff Larentowicz 10-Dax McCarty 14-Brek Shea
Forwards- 17-Juan Agudelo 9-Teal Bunbury 11-Chris Wondolowski
PRE-GAME- Im sure some folks are a bit disappointed that Eugene Starikov didnt make the match roster but considering how new he is to the U.S. national team set-up (not even on the youth level) it shouldnt be a surprise.
PRE-GAME- As a reminder, well be having a live commentary on tonights match. Seems like there are about a thousand live commentaries on the web tonight for USA-Chile, but Ill recommend SBIs as the one youre going to want to follow.
PRE-GAME- Apologies for having Franklin on the players not dressing list earlier. I thought he would start this game so that seemed a bit surprising. Hes in and I think he could start.
PRE-GAME- The players who wont dress for tonights match are Dom Cervi, Matt Pickens, Ryan Miller, Sam Cronin, Eugene Starikov.
Not that surprised about Sean Johnson, but its a great step for a talented young goalkeeper. Im betting a lot of teams are kicking themselves for passing on him in the 2010 MLS Draft.
PRE-GAME- If I were a betting man, and I am, I would bet against a straight 4-4-2. I think a 4-2-3-1 is more likely, or perhaps a straight 4-3-3.
Lets talk defenders. I wonder if well see Marvell Wynne. He enjoyed a good season for Colorado at centerback, but I dont see him being an international centerback. Does Bradley give him a run at right back?
Bigger question. Which of the natural right backs starts at left back tonight? I dont think Anthony Wallace, the lone natural left back, will get the call. So will it be Sean Frankline, Zach Loyd or perhaps A.J. De La Garza?
PRE-GAME- No word on which players arent dressing tonight yet, but its a safe bet two of them will be goalkeepers. Ill post as soon as the info is released.
PRE-GAME- Since formations and lineups are always fun to consider, heres another lineup idea, in A 4-3-3 formation:
-Bunbury
SheaAgudelo
Bedoya
-Larentowicz-McCarty
Franklin-ReamGonzalezDe La Garza
Rimando-
Okay, so maybe a 4-3-3 against a Chile team that could run out a 3-4-3 might not be ideal, but it would sure be fun to watch. Also remember that Bradley used a 4-3-3 against Colombia, at least thats what he called it. Brek Shea didnt get forward nearly enough for it to be a true 4-3-3.
PRE-GAME-So what lineup might we see tonight: So many possibilities. Here are a few:
4-2-3-1
Bunbury-
AgudeloDiskerud-Bedoya
-Larentowicz-McCarty
Franklin-ReamGonzalezDe La Garza
Rimando-
If Bradley chooses a standard 4-4-2, we could see this:
Bunbury-Agudelo-
Shea-Bedoya
-Larentowicz-McCarty
Franklin-ReamGonzalezDe La Garza
Rimando-
If Bradley decides to sit Agudelo and slow down the hype machine:
Bunbury-
SheaDiskerud-Bedoya
-Larentowicz-McCarty
Franklin-ReamGonzalezDe La Garza
Rimando-
If Bradley decides to bring young standouts Agudelo and Mikkel Diskerud off the bench:
BunburyWondolowski
Shea-Bedoya
-Larentowicz-McCarty
Franklin-ReamGonzalezDe La Garza
Rimando-
Yes, we keep the same back four, but not because its a lock. The idea of having three Galaxy defenders wouldnt be that surprising, but Marveil Wynne and Ryan Miller could definitely crash the party. At this point it definitely seems like a Ream-Gonzalez pairing in central defense is a safe bet.In goal, it should be Rimando.
Some other thoughts. Brek Shea was pretty abysmal in his national team debut against Colombia, but I think he could get another run-out on the left tonight.
Heres a video preview on the match from U.S. Soccer:
Remember to share your pre-game thoughts on tonights match in the comments section below.
Everton 2, West Ham 2: Match Highlights | Soccer By Ives
Agudelo, Bunbury provide sparks in USA draw | Soccer By Ives
BY ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, CALIF The U.S. mens national teams first match of the new year didnt start well, but ended with some promising signs as the young forward tandem of Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury helped the United States salvage a point on opening night.
Bunbury scored a 75th-minute penalty kick drawn by Agudelo to tie the match after Esteban Paredesopened the scoring for Chilein front of a crowd of 18,580 at the Home Depot Center.
The match was a fast paced one with each side featuring players with little or no national team experience.Seven Americanplayers earned their first cap on Saturday night and the entire roster consisted of players with no more than sixappearanceswith the national team, which made adjusting to the speed of the international game crucial.
TheAmericans struggled early on againsta Chilean team thatutilizedits speed to put the home side under pressure at the start of the match. With the Gold Cup and other international matches on the horizon, Bradley was optimistic about how his young sidehandled the pace of the match.
There was certainly some moments when we lost some balls and they were dangerous, but there was a strong response when we were down, which I thought was quite good, Bradley said. When you have a lot of young guys in the camp at an end of everything you want to put it to the test and get a good picture of where people are and from that point it was excellent.
The U.S. team struggled to get close to goal and nearly conceded a goal off a free kick in the 6th minute of play. In the early stages, the United States was unable to create chances, but came close to taking the lead in the 12th minute when Dax McCarty fired an audacious strike from 40 yards that forced a save from Chilean goalkeeper Paulo Garces. Chile opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Felipe Seymour fired in a cross to Paredes. The World Cup veteran, left unmarked by defender Marvell Wynne, slotted home the opening goal.
TheU.s. team struggled to create chances in the first half, but drew a tangible spark from the inclusion of Bunbury and Agudelo in the60th minute. The pair worked well to create attacks and put pressure on the Chilean defense, combining well with midfielddistributorMixx Diskerud.
The United States struck pay dirt in the 75th minute when Alejandro Bedoya worked a give-and-go with Agudelo, who drew a penalty after beingtripped inside the box. Bunbury immediately called Agudelo off the penalty and slotted it home for his first international goal.
We were down and we wanted to make something happen so I worked with Alejandro and we earned the penalty, said Agudelo. Then Teal stepped up to take it and was very sure that he was going to make it. Im just happy that we made it and Ill run up next time to take the next [penalty].
Similarto the United Statessituation, Chile is approaching a vital 2011 with the Copa America in July. Following the match, head coach Marcelo Bielsa announced that he would be making an announcement on his coaching future with La Roja next week in Santiago. Bielsas return for the Copa America has been in some doubt after disagreements with the Federation in the past.
The United States will take on its next opponent on February 9thfacing Egypt in Cairo. Due to the success of the combination of Bunbury and Agudelo, the pair may have a chance of inclusion with the full squad. Throughout the camp, the pair have continued to work well and Bunbury who Agudelo referred to as like a brother after the match hopes that the two see moreopportunitiesto work together in the future.
Our chemistry is really going well and Im looking to more games with him in the future, said Bunbury. Were always trying to work well together and push one another to make each other better it really showed for us tonight.
USA 1, Chile 1: Match Highlights | Soccer By Ives
Americans Abroad: Weekend Rewind | Soccer By Ives
By FRANCO PANIZO
From goals scored to key U.S. national team players ending their respective playing droughts, this weekend brought mostly good news.
Three Americans found the back of the net, including Edson Buddle, who enjoyed a dream debut with FC Ingolstadt 04. Buddle, who played 88 minutes in his first appearance abroad, opened the scoring against fellow American David Yelldell in Ingolstadts 1-1 draw versus MSV Duisburg, but his goal would not hold up as Duisburg found a late equalizer.
Also opening the scoring against a compatriot in his clubs respective match was Jonathan Spector. Starting in West Hams midfield, Spector netted his first ever Premiership goal by finishing with a firm one-time shot past Tim Howard and Evertons scrambling defenders after receiving a pass from the left. Spector went 90 minutes in the match that ended 2-2.
Jermaine Jones came close to opening his scoring account with Blackburn Rovers in his debut for the club, a debut that was possibly worthy of Man of the Match honors. Jones ended his playing time woes by delivering a strong 90-minute showing in Blackburns 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Jones looked composed and sharp in the game, breaking up several of West Bromwichs forways while also connecting on most of his passes
Here is how the Americans Abroad performed this weekend:
England
PREMIERSHIP
Tim Howardstarted, played 90 minutes and made three saves in Evertons 2-2 draw vs. West Ham United on Saturday.Clint Dempseystarted, played 90 minutes and scored two GOALS in Fulhams 2-0 win vs. Stoke City on Saturday.
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Eddie Johnsondid not dress for Fulham.Brad Friedelstarted, played 90 minutes and made three saves in Aston Villas 1-0 win vs. Manchester City on Saturday.Eric Lichajdid not dress for Aston Villa.Marcus Hahnemanndressed but did not play in Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 loss vs. Liverpool on Saturday.Jonathan Spectorstarted, played 90 minutes and scored a GOALinWest Ham Uniteds 2-2 draw vs. Everton on Saturday.
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Stuart Holdenand Bolton Wanderers play Chelsea on Monday.Jermaine Jonesstarted and played 90 minutes in Blackburn Rovers 2-0 win vs. West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Conor Doyledid not dress in Derby Countys 1-0 loss vs. Nottingham Forest on Saturday.Zak Whitbreadstarted and played 86 minutes in Norwich Citys 2-1 win vs. Sheffield United on Saturday.Brad Guzanstarted, played 90 minutes and made four saves in Hull Citys 1-1 draw vs. Reading on Saturday.Mike Grelladid not dress in Leeds Uniteds 2-2 draw vs. Portsmouth on Saturday.Robbie Findleydid not dress in Nottingham Forests 1-0 win vs. Derby County on Saturday.
LEAGUE ONE
Frank Simekstarted and played 90 minutes in Carlisle Uniteds 1-0 win vs. Notts County on Saturday.Anton Peterlindressed but did not play in Plymouth Argyles 2-0 loss vs. Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Scotland
PREMIER LEAGUE
Maurice Edu started and played 75 minutesinRangers 1-0 loss vs. Heart of Midlothian on Saturday.
Dominic Cervidid not dress in Celtics 1-0 win vs. Aberdeen on Saturday. He was with the U.S. national team.
Spain
Jozy Altidoredressed but did not play in Villarreals 2-1 win vs. Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Germany
BUNDESLIGA
Steve Cherundolostarted and played 90 minutes in Hannover 96s 1-0 loss vs. Schalke 04 on Saturday.DaMarcus Beasleydid not dress for Hannover 96.Michael Bradleycame off the bench and played 4 minutesin Borussia Moenchengladbachs 3-1 loss vs. Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.Ricardo Clarkstarted and played 90 minutes in Eintracht Frankfurts 1-0 loss vs. Hamburg SV on Friday.Daniel Williamsdid not dress in SC Freiburgs 1-1 draw vs. Nurnberg on Saturday.Timothy Chandlercame off the bench and played 34 minutes in Nurnbergs 1-1 draw vs. SC Freiburg on Saturday.
BUNDESLIGA 2
David Yeldellstarted, played 90 minutes and made four saves in MSV Duisburgs 1-1 draw vs. FC Ingolstadt 04 on Friday.Luis Roblesstarted, played 90 minutes and made five saves in Karlsruhes 4-2 loss vs. Alemania Aachen on Saturday.Edson Buddlestarted, played 88 minutes and scored a GOALin FC Ingolstadt 04s 1-1 draw vs. MSV Duisburg on Friday.
Amaechi Igwedid not dress for FC Ingolstadt 04. He is recovering from a knee injury.Bobby Wood dressed but did not play in TSV 1860 Munichs 1-0 win vs. VfL Osnabruck.Alfredo Morales came off the bench and played 4 minutes in Hertha Berlins 4-2 win vs. Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday.
France
LIGUE 1
Carlos Bocanegraand St Etienne did not play this weekend.Charlie Daviesdid not dress in Sochauxs 2-1 win vs. FC Paris in the Coupe de France on Friday.
LIGUE 2
Quentin Westbergdid not play in Evian Thonon Gaillards 1-0 loss vs. Strasbourg in the Coupe De France on Saturday.
Netherlands
Oguchi Onyewu started, played 90 minutes and received a yellow card in Twente Enschedes 2-1 win vs. FC Groningen.
Belgium
Sacha Kljestan dressed but did not play in RSC Anderlechts 2-0 win vs. Standard Liege on Sunday.
Mexico
Jose Torresdressed but did not play in Pachucas 1-1 draw vs. Santos Laguna on Saturday.Herculez Gomezcame off the bench and played 4 minutes for Pachuca.Edgar Castillodid not dress in Pueblas 2-0 win vs. Estudiantes Tecos U.A. de G. on Sunday.Sammy Ochoadid not dress in Estudiantes Tecos U.A. de G.s 2-0 loss vs. Puebla on Sunday.Sonny Guadarramacame off the bench and played 9 minutes in Atlantes 1-0 loss vs. Monterrey on Saturday.Jonathan Bornsteinstarted and played 55 minutes in Tigres UANLs 2-1 win vs. America on Sunday.
What do you think of these performances? Cautiously optimistic that Buddles goal is the start of a strong season for him? Do you think Spectors play will result in him getting loaned out or transferred during this transfer window? Expect Jones to continue to play this well in the EPL?
Share your thoughts below.
Monday Kickoff: Savage rules out MLS move, Chelsea makes another Luiz bid and more | Soccer By Ives
By JOHN BOSCHINI
After holding talks with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Robbie Savage has decided to stay in England.
Im going to stay here, Savage, 36, said on Twitter. Canada was a great option but it was too big a move for my family. The former Wales international currently plays for Derby County in the English Championship and works occasionally as a television pundit.
The news comes just days after Vancouver announced the signing of defender Alain Rochat, a Canadian international who played most recently for FC Zurich.
Here are some more stories to kick off your Monday.
Chelsea prepping another bid for Benficas Luiz
In an attempt to salvage whats fast becoming a lost season, Chelsea is poised to make a 21.5 million pound bid for Benfica centerback David Luiz. Current centerbacks John Terry and Alex have been nagged with injury problems and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he hopes to bring in the 23-year-old Brazilian as soon as possible. If Luiz makes the journey to Stamford Bridge, he will be unable to take place in Chelseas Champions League campaign because he is already cup-tied to Benfica.
Hamburg rejects Van Nistelrooy offer from Real Madrid
Hamburg said that it has rejected a $2.7 million bid for Duth striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid. Chairman Bernd Hoffman told the clubs website that no further offers will be considered for the 34-year-old striker. Van Nistelrooy joined Hamburg from Real Madrid a year ago.
Manchester United denies Qatar takeover
Manchester United has denied reports that Qatar Holding has made a 1.5 billion pound bid for the club. British newspapers reported late last week that Qatar Holding, which is owned by the Qatari royal family, approached United after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid. This is the same company which announced a 125 million pound sponsorship deal with Barcelona earlier this year.
AC Milan loses Nesta for three weeks
AC Milans bid for the Serie A title took a bit of a knock this morning with the news that defender Alessandro Nesta will be out for at least three weeks with a dislocated left shoulder. Nesta, 34, was forced out of Milans 2-0 win against Cesena on Saturday but Milans doctors expect the Italian veteran to be ready in time for Milans Champions League clash with Tottenham on Feb. 15.
What do you think of todays stories? Disapointed Savage wont join Vancouver? Can Chelsea turn its season around? Think Real Madrid has a shot at the La Liga title without bringing in another striker?
Share your thoughts below.
USA 1, Chile 1: A Look Back | Soccer By Ives
Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com
The U.S. mens national team began its new year on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Chile, and while the first match of 2011 had some of the sloppiness often associated with January friendlies, there were also the bright spots that come with seeing new faces perform.
No, there werent any hat-tricks or jaw-dropping revelations, but there were players who stepped up and impressed. Unfortunately there were also those who fell flat in their U.S. national team auditions.
Here ismy Fox Soccer column on Sundays match, a piece that lists the players I thought impressed, and those who I felt hurt their standing in the national team pecking order.
Here are some more thoughts on Saturdays match:
The 4-2-3-1 lost out to the 4-4-2 on Saturday, but that had as much to do with Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury shining as it had to do with the overall teams not being suited to play the 4-2-3-1. Chris Wondolowski was mis-cast as a target striker, but with 4-2-3-1 likely being the formation of choice in 2011, its tough to argue that hes any more suited to be a speedy flank option. Hes a good one-touch player, makes very smart runs, and can finish, but pace isnt one of his strengths.
It would have been nice to see Wondolowski in a 4-4-2, but its clear that seeing Bunbury and Agudelo together was more of a priority for Bob Bradley and its tough to argue with that. Personally, I would like to see Wondolowski again, and if he tears up MLS again this season, it would be tough not to give him a look for the Gold Cup team.
–
So why didnt Agudelo and Bunbury start? Bob Bradley has used games like these in the past to give longer looks to those hes less certain about. He wasnt as concerned about the result as he was about seeing some who perhaps hadnt done enough in camp, or those he wasnt sold on. If the match was a qualifier or actual tournament, its a safe bet Agudelo and Bunbury would have been in the starting lineup.
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Dax McCarty stood out and only served to make it even more perplexing that FC Dallas gave him away for nothing. Dallas just might see Eric Alexander as his natural replacement, but based on what we saw against Chile, McCarty is a quality talent who just might help D.C. United pull off a dramatic turnaround.
Sean Johnson didnt have a ton to do in his 45 minutes of action, but the fact that he did play bodes well for his standing as the future of the goalkeeping position. Bill Hamid should be a worthy challenger in the coming years, but Johnson clearly showed enough in camp to earn himself some minutes. Not bad at all for a young goalkeeper.
Omar Gonzalez is dominant in the air, and a threat on set pieces, but he really needs to work on his passing out of the back to be a truly effective centerback. Being paired with Tim Ream helps take some of the distribution pressure off Gonzalez, but hell be second choice to Ream on the national team until his passing and footwork improve.
Any criticism of Tim Reams performance is laughable and mis-guided. Some observers choose to get hung up on one or two passes that dont connect without realizing or acknowledging the sheer number of passes, and smart, effective passes he makes. His ability to find teammates up the field is a valuable tool that gives him an advantage over the other young centerbacks in the national team pool.
Brek Shea looked good early on Saturday, but hell be remembered more for being largely ineffective the rest of the match. Hes got the physical tools, but you just have to wonder about his soccer IQ sometimes. Perhaps he can improve on some of his decision-making as he gets older, but I cant help but wonder if he simply doesnt have the soccer brain to be effective on the international level. At least as an attacking player (perhaps a change to centerback could play to his strengths more and hide his deficiencies).
Which players surprised you the most on Saturday? Who impressed you? What are you hoping to see in the Egypt friendly?
Share your thoughts below.
Projecting the USA Gold Cup roster: January Edition | Soccer By Ives
It might seem like the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup is still far away, but it is less than five months away, meaning it isnt too early to start thinking about the squad Bob Bradley will put together to try and regain the Gold Cup title.
The United States has won the past three Gold Cup titles where the first-choice squad was available and this years tournament will feature Americas best. It will be up to Bradley to determine which 23 players are worthy of being selected.
You could argue that Bradley has much tougher roster decisions looming than he saw in 2007 or 2009, the other two Gold Cup tournaments Bradley coached in and won.
Will this years team have some new blood? Of course, though it wont have as many new faces as some may be hoping for. The reality is that, for this year at least, there are some very good veterans who are up there in age, but still clearly the top options at their respective positions.
So who will make the USA Gold Cup roster? Here is our projection of the 23 players Bob Bradley will select:
PROJECTED 2011 Gold Cup Roster
GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Sean Johnson
DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Spector, Eric Lichaj, Tim Ream, Jonathan Bornstein
MIDFIELDERS- Landon Donovan,Clint Dempsey,Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Stuart Holden, Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, Alejandro Bedoya
FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury
–
Here are some thoughts on the picks:
GOALKEEPER- Sean Johnson could make way for a veteran, but its not likely the third goalkeeper will be needed. That said, Johnson impressed enough to get 45 minutes on Saturday. Bradley could easily go with Nick Rimando instead, or perhaps bring in Marcus Hahnemann.
DEFENDERS- Jay DeMerit, Omar Gonzalez, Heath Pearce, Zach Loyd and Sean Franklin are all in the conversation, but theyll have to work hard over the next five months to break into the squad. DeMerit hasnt played since the World Cup and isnt getting any younger, while Gonzalez still needs to work on his passing. Heath Pearce could definitely break into the mix, as could Loyd, if Bornsteins run in Mexico is an unsuccessful one. So why Bornstein again? Hes been called on before, and if hes playing regularly for Tigres, even if it isnt at left back, Bradley will likely turn to him. Now, if he isnt playing, and someone like Pearce or Loyd can find a nice run of form, Bornstein could be pushed aside.
MIDFIELDERS- Very tough decisions for Bradley. Sacha Kljestan, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Torres and Mixx Diskerud are all on the outside looking in. Bradley could leave behind a forward and bring another midfielder, but with five central midfielders already on the roster he would more likely add a winger. Feilhaber can play on the wing, as can Kljestan. Right now Clark is in, especially if he keeps playing regularly for Eintracht Frankfurt, but I could definitely see Kljestan getting the call because of his attacking qualities.
FORWARDS- Right now it doesnt seem like the race here is all that tough. Altidore and Agudelo should be locks, while Buddle will have to be considered if he can keep scoring goals. Bunbury is not a lock, but well include him here. If Bradley brings an extra midfielder, Bunbury would likely be left off. It will be VERY interesting to see what happens if Danny Mwanga secures his citizenship. If he does, hell have to be considered a good candidate for this group. There are others on the radar, like Chris Wondolowski and Herculez Gomez, but theyll need strong showings over the next five months to make up ground.
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What do you think of the squad? Which players do you think should be on the squad? Which players do you NOT want to see make the team?
Share your thoughts below.
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