USA v. Egypt Confed Cup

Clint seems to have a bit of the "NBA mentality" (for lack of a better phrase) in him. Left to his own devices, he's quick to revert to playground tactics. Nicol and Hodgson have proven to be able to channel that and get the most out of him. Bradley doesn't seem to be able to.

That's not to condone or dismiss his behavior, and to his credit, Clint has come a long way in maturing since his early MLS days. However, managing players' personalities is pretty much first and formost in a coach's job at the higher levels and is a significant factor in what seperates the great ones from the rest. If Bradley is unable to get the best out of our more talented players b/c some have some attitude, than he needs to look for another gig. I'm not just referring to Dempsey in that.

 

Ditto... sorry but the first thing I thought of when I read Ag's bit was
"You can take the boy outa hip-hop, but..."

Makes perfect sense.

 

Know what I want to see today? Forget the lineup, I wanna see heart. There has largely been a lack of it in S Africa, and I just find that entirely unacceptable. We're eliminated right now -- who cares. I want someone to assume the McBride/ Murphy/ Roy Keane role. I just haven't seen it. Howard has made an effort, but a GK can only do so much. Donovan, of all people has shown a glimpse or two, but I want more.

I want someone to go out with his hair on fire and show that playing for your country's team means something. I don't want to see Beasley play as though he has a gifted right to be on the team. I don't want to see Conor Casey at all. I want Deuce to pull his head out of his ass and quit dancing around like he's in a goddamn music video. I want to see some warm bodies who look like they might actually be ready to go when we are in S Africa again, because this has just been heinous. If it happens next year, we will deservedly be a laughingstock and I don't want to see that.

 

US Lineup (4-4-2): Guzan; Spector, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bornstein; Donovan, Clark, Bradley, Dempsey; Davies, Altidore

 

Good Footy (arguably some of the best in the world) v. Country.

If you have Picture In Picture, stackable televisions, or a good soccer pub to go to, now is the time!

 

Just listened to Gooch's interview on Espn and I'm left thinking where is the drive, the anger with the results and desire to improve? It was lackadaisical and disillusioned.

I saw Dempsey's comments earlier and I wish more players on the US roster had his swagger and confidence. Am I wrong in thinking the players should possess that mentality or is Gooch's comments and general outlook on the results the new status quo for the USMNT?

 

Roll on indeed. Who would have believed that we would be moving on?

I did not expect this kind of performance today. This match should have been 4-0 due to the handball on Jozy's shot and fairly easly could have been 6-0.

 

WOW!

And for our hard work and good fortune, SPAIN. :-(

Great heart by Our Boys. Still think Bob is out of his depth, but I think he still has value as an Assistant Coach.

Who has punched their ticket at Confed Cup by today:
1. Davies - Exactly what the doctor ordered.
2. Donovan - Punched already, but played non-stop. Way to go Cakes.
3. Gooch - Unflappable in the middle. Good passing on attack.
4. Spector - Son, start getting more crosses in like that, and you may have found a permanent spot.
5. DeMerit - Don't know if you'll start, but I hope so. That Egyptian is still looking for his knee cap on a VERY clean tackle.
6. Bradley - Solid.
7. Altidore - It's not always what he does, but many times what he makes others think he might do. A much distracting (to the other side) presence up top. Still rough around the edges though.
8. Dempsey - One of our best players. He's brash, he's borderline obnoxious, he looks like he could care less sometimes, but the MF'er knows how to score, especially in battles where it means something.
9. Guzan - Good work, Brad! That other Brad is working wonders.

Not to go negative, but Connor Casey should just catch the next flight back home. He is terrible.

 

That Boy Dempsey Just Put US Into The Semifinals!!!

Bring on Spain!!!

Even the 3rd place match will be big in my house. My wife & in-laws are South African.

 

My love hate relationship with the USMNT continues. Just when I want to swear them off, they step up and pull something like this of (with a bit of help from the samba crew). Very happy with the result. Landon, you may be over hyped and way over criticized, but I am definitely a fan. One of the best we got. These guys freaking kill me. I just hope for some consistent, decent football come Thursday, win or lose, and that would make me happy.

I ran out of beer and had to run out to my local store to grab a celebratory brew. Only in England did I watch the US socc...er Football match, on BBC, and have to buy a Polish beer to celebrate from an Asian run store. :?

 

How did they do today IMO:

Davies - As stated before he was just what the doctor ordered.

Jozy - Made a real nuisance of himself and should have gotten a goal. Well played young man.

Donovan - Another terrific effort. Standout player today but please LD let it rip when you see the goal.

Clark - Solid performance

Bradley - Seems to be full of clutch goals.

Dempsey - As Don said Clint was Harkes whipping boy and he was not nearly as bad as Harkes portrayed him. His passing early was terrific. Several of the. passes deserved better finishes. He did get back slowly but it looked to me like Bob asked him to get forward today. The goal was beautiful.

Spector - Like Don I like Dolo but Spector is going to push him for the position if he stays healthy.

Gooch - He is the Rock of the back four

Demerit - Very good performance again. Not afraid to put in a crunching tackle.

Bornstein - Another solid performance

Feilhaber - The boys got some skills. He has a place if he can keep the rust knocked off them.

Conner Casey - Looks clumsy on the ball.

 

Well, the impossible happened. I'm happy....... Perhaps its time I get rid of the Landycakes avatar..... Which I have only because I think it's hilarious not because I'm that big of a critic of Donovan.

 

USA vs Spain, Wednesday 2:25 pm (Not Thursday)

Game will be in Bloemfontein, home of my in-laws and former home of my wife

 

Finally some effort. What a great result when our boys put forth the effort. Bob must have sent the message, but I do not understand what took so long.

Spain will be tough.

 

Count me in the unvocal section of US fans who never understood the calls for Bradley to be fired as manager because the US didn't win in a place where they haven't won in years, didn't beat the World Cup Champions, and didn't beat one of the best teams in the world. I don't feel changing managers after a 4 game stretch is a good idea.

Anyway, the US team showed a hell of a lot of heart and Brazil did their job real well. I think Dempsey needs a rest personally; but he came up big.

I also feel Donovan haters should also shut up, Landon has worked his ass off all tourney with another strong performance.

The only players I weren't real impressed with were Bornstein, Clark, and Casey. They were all OK, but I wasn't terribly impressed.