US vs Azzurri

[jumpkutz]

The roster predicament is shadier than a $5 craps table in Vegas. What the hell is going on?

If we weren't 2+ years away from WC, it would be a question more than one journo would be asking. Does he think Donovan/Dempsey will be too old by then?

Wow.

[DCHeather]

The roster predicament is shadier than a $5 craps table in Vegas. What the hell is going on?

If we weren't 2+ years away from WC, it would be a question more than one journo would be asking. Does he think Donovan/Dempsey will be too old by then?

Wow.

I think Klinsmann would love to have Dempsey and Donovan on the field at the same time for the Italy match. I'm sure the injuries and Donovan's illness has thrown a wrench into the original game plan. There is nothing Klinsmann can do to have players avoid injuries and bronchitis. And I wouldn't be surprised if some of players' club want them to miss this friendly so they are ready for their next league match. Players miss these type of friendlies very often.

[HatterDon]

With all the illnesses and scratches -- INCLUDING IN DEFENSE -- it makes me wonder why he hasn't called up a CB who is a regular starter for a Premiership team.

I can see leaving Ream out since he's new to his club and they're in trouble, but there no excuse for not calling in Whitbread -- who is doing an excellent job for Norwich.

[DCHeather]

It's possible Norwich doesn't want him playing in an extra match coming off an injury. It would probably be better for him not to play in THIS match.

[LaxAttack]

I could understand the "outrage" for Whitbread if he was 100% healthy, but he has played only one game since missing a couple weeks. I have no problem with him missing out.

[SoCalJoe]

Fair points on why Whitbread is missing out, Heather and Lax. I'm sure JK is aware of him, it's just that I've never heard him mention Zak's name nor has he invited Whitbread to any of his camps yet (and there were other times he could of). I remember the old Watford manager (might of been Aidy Boothroyd) publicly campaign for Jay Demerit getting a call up and maybe it will take some American reporter asking Norwich's manager Paul Lambert about Zak to put pressure on JK.

To be fair, I have no idea of Whitbread will be good at the international level, but it's a joke he hasn't been given the opportunity yet.

[DCHeather]

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/ ... erlaeckens

The Yanks are 0-7-3 all-time against Italy -- starting with a 7-1 World Cup loss in 1934 through a 3-1 loss at the 2009 Confederations Cup -- with a 4-32 goal difference. Against no other country, in fact, has the U.S. played so many games without registering a win.

OUCH!

Normally I would say we're do for a win. But with all the scratches...the best we can hope for is a 1-1 draw. Not sure what the team will be able to work on, since I am expecting Italy to dominate possession with their midfield. Defending against a high calibre team on European soil?

[AggieMatt]

Anyone going to be in the chat room for this one?

[SoCalJoe]

More later, but for now...

[DCHeather]

only took 82 years. like Joe, more later. But Johnson, please consider sticking with LB?

[nevzter]

brilliant result - defense was solid and demps was his heroic self. bradley was a friggin' rock in the middle, edu was solid and i'm going to run out of superlatives for this match. holy crap, the us just defeated italy in genoa - i don't know what else to say while i wet myself in joy!

[nevzter]

only took 82 years. like Joe, more later. But Johnson, please consider sticking with LB?

Yes - the US finally found a LB. He was great and Spector was no slouch either.

[LaxAttack]

MOTM = Michael Bradley

[nevzter]

Agreed!

[MisterF]

It's killing me that I wasnt able to watch this. Thrilled to see Dempsey got a goal though. Even if it was just a friendly, what a big win for this team!