The Hex

I hope it's okay to start a separate thread for the hexagonal. If not just merge this with CONCACAF WCQ thread. Anyway, here are some thoughts I'd agree with in terms of the USA preparing from here forward. The only thing I'd add is that I really think Freddy Adu should get called up. He has always performed in the USA jersey and would have had a ton of assists this MLS season if his teammates could finish (Ives made a compilation video on this point).

 

Nice article.

I think as long as we have this behind every goal........

......we'll be ok.


(and is it just me, or does Deuce look scared of his face, with MB consoling him?)

 

LOL, like a little kid being comforted by his dad.

 

Great pic and comments.

This, as was the last round, will be much more difficult than anticipated. Agree with bleeding some young CBs in the interim - Gonzalez / John come to mind.

 

I know everyone is always interested in the young talent, and I do think Gonzalez and John need looks, but I wouldnt rule out Gooch. He had a good season for Lisbon last year, and now was thought enough of to be picked up by a very good team and a very good manager. That says something. I know he hasnt played yet but Malaga currently has conceded less goals than any team in La Liga so it's not as if that is an easy lineup to break into. If he wins a starting spot in that team, he needs to be picked for the US. He will be 32 in 2014 so that is not too old for a defender, and in some cases is ideal. I know his last Nat appearances were woeful, but I believe he was still returning to form after an injury. A more astute coach might not have even called or played him.

As the article advocated, I would really like to see Gatt as a surprise weapon. Not out of the question since Klinsmann called him before - only he was injured - uh, why does that keep happening?

 

Here is the USA Hex schedule. Not good imo. 3 of the first 4 games away and then the last game, which could be critical, is also away. Those June home matches will be critical. Also, most of our home matches are midweek which really sucks for the rabid USA fans that are willing to travel long distances. I fear we will have lame home crowds that just sit on their butts.

 

Plenty of twists and turns as it is every cycle. I'd rather play Honduras in Feb. as opposed to the heat and humidity in the summer.

 

Since our club is treading water and scjoe is starting threads about fishing, I feel like throwing this one out there. Who will play themselves into and out of Brazil for USMNT this year during this thing? I'll start. Gotta believe Gooch is done, maybe even Bocanegra. Omar Gonzalez should move in. It'll be interesting to see if anyone challenges Tim Howard, given his recent form for Everton. Personally, I don't think he's playing that badly, and you can't ignore his immense international experience. Believe Deuce and Michael Bradley will be there, I hope Donovan is, too. We don't have much of a chance w/o them, even if the 30 year olds lose a step. Most of you know more about our youngsters than I do, but I still think Jozy's our best striker, albeit not solo. Agudelo's young, but hasn't done much since scoring in Jersey. Eddie J. is a toss up. If he stays healthy and continues his current good run, maybe he's still in. The biggest question marks for me are the role playing guys...Pontius, Wondo, Shea, Lichaj, Holden, Shea. Any youngsters you all think can make an impact before 2014 to make a difference to our chances?

 

I would really like to see EJ and Jozy on the pitch together as starting forwards. Hercules is my next choice at forward. Boyd is promising but he is young and there is plenty of time to get him experience, same with agudelo, and Gatt. As far as midfielders Dempsey, Bradley, Landon are must haves. For me the other spot goes to Klejstan, Zusi, Edu, Feilhaber, Jones, Williams, Adu (my personal fav). In my mind those last MF are all players that can make things happen so I wont be horribly bothered as long as one or a few of them are around . defense I have no idea what to do and I'm' pretty sure Klinsmann doesnt either.

 

Defense does seem to be the major concern. Hope we have some hidden gems waiting in the wings. Would like to see us put some speedy, athletic guys back there for a change. Experience helps, but to even have a chance to stop the kind of attackers like Neymar, etc., you gotta be able to keep up with them, at the least.

 

Jump, what makes it worse is that I don't even fish.

The defensive starting spots are up for grabs, for the love of Gawd will someone please go grab them. Have to plan on Donovan not being here, so need to worry about creativity in the midfield and JK getting over his frustration and realizing that Jozy has to be on the pitch.

 

Starting out with a trip to Honduras in the first game, and a trip to Azteca in the third game the USSF has scheduled the all-important second game against Costa Rica on March 22 in Denver suburbs. Pretty smart move to train and play in altitude before traveling to Mexico City and playing in what could be poor weather and a game that looks like 3 points will be an absolute must.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... ty?cc=5901

 

That is good news about about CR in Denver. Man if it was one week later, I would be there.

Jump if you want a speedy athletic guy in the back this may be the game to try Marvel Wynne. What do people think of a Wynne and Cameron or a Wynne and Gonzalez pairing.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqRBZBwuUC0&feature=player_detailpage[/youtube]

 

Oh, HELL yeah. Like his pedigree, too (UCLA, Cali kid, son of a former big leaguer). He's 26, so why haven't we heard much about him? Looks like the goods to me.
Get him out there! Like, yesterday!

 

He played RB for us in the 2008 Olympics and, in Whitesbhoy's words, was a "monster". I think he primarily plays CB for Colorado and since that switch to the center has received a fair amount of criticism for his soccer IQ. I think CB requires a lot more game savvy than left or right back so I imagine some of the criticism is justified. However, if you had in camps with Boca, I have to think you could bring him a lot further along in that regard.

 

Please don't. Never been a fan of Marvel Wynne. He is all speed and people fall in love with his speed, but that is all he has.

 

Everytime I see Wynne play something bad happens through him against his team. I will admit it is a small sample size but a recurring theme.

 

I guess I'll use an old baseball analogy that may not fit for soccer, but what the hell. Speed comes to the ballpark every day. The three run homer doesn't.

 

I have seen very little of Wynne's play in MLS, but I saw every minute of his play in the Olympics and he was a clear standout - to everyone. You cant do that by being all about speed. You dont start at CB for the MLS champions if all you have is speed. I understand he could have shortcomings in his abilities compared to other defenders in the USA pool, but I will take them seriously as soon as someone can give me specifics on what they are. Something more than low soccer IQ or all he has is speed, those are vaguearies (probably not a word), but soccer in the US is so infected with Europeans that I wont believe this is more than politics, and yes racism, until I hear and see the specifics of why someone isnt good enough.

Yes Barry, maybe you saw Marvel make some mistakes the few times you watched him. I saw Rafa Marquez make mistakes the few times (not only me but there are entire articles were written about it) I watched him play for the Red bulls, yet he played for Barcelona.