Evolution of the USMNT

I caught some of FFF last night and they had a number of former players on discussing the WC qualification for the US. Wynalda, Lalas, Murray couldn't help comparing themselves in 94 to this side. Their opinion was the only difference is that the depth is 2-3 x's greater. They felt the talent was the same.

I didn't really follow the USMNT closely at that time (started really paying attention in '02) so I don't know how much my .02 is worth. But I have a hard time seeing any of that trifecta cracking the starting XI on this team. Sure, a guy like Ramos would, and picking a GK out of Freidel, Keller & Howard would be a wonderful nightmare to have, but aside from the depth issue I can't say I agree with them.

What say you? Are they right? And who do you think from 94 could make this squad?

 

The game is evolving as well so it is hard to say. I think they would have been in the mix - they were solid and blue collarish in their approach to the game, and we need that at times. There would have been a time and a place for them.

I dont know that there is a lot of depth in the squad now, but I suppose that if you are talking comparison - there is more now then back then.

 

They were saying you had 10-12 guys capable of international play, after that the drop off was pretty big back then. Now you have about 30 guys who can play and/or contribute on that level.

 

Yeah - I heard that as well, but I dont think I buy that.

Look what happened against Brazil when we had to go to our bench! Seemed we had nothing but greater liabilities.

 

You cant be serious with that Conner Casey comment.

 

Wynalda was as good a finisher as the USA has ever produced, IMO (his goals record would still stand if not for all the penalties Landon has taken), and I think he'd be right there in the mix with our present crop of forwards. (Not an automatic starter like Tab Ramos might be, but I don't think that's what he was saying in any case.) Similarly, I think I'd take Eddie Pope in his prime against just about any defender I've seen play for the USA; like Ramos, it's a shame he could never stay healthy.

 

Wanna see a current Player that is comparable to The '94, look no further than Heydude. Depend more on hustle and grit, and less on talent, because they didn't have as much.

Tab would have a place in midfield. He's Feilhaber without all of the psychological hang-ups.

Lalas would slot right in next to Gooch, and provide a sizeable center-back line.

Wynalda would be somewhere between Dempsey and Donovan. Not as imposing as Dempsey, not as quick as Donovan. But how do you rule out the USMNT's highest scoring player, until Donovan only recently broke that mark?

 

I'd like to think Cobi would walk into the lineup. I don't see any other winger on the team who could terrorize the full backs with his pace. He was a pretty damn good player. I've only been watching since 2002, but he couldn't of been worse before then.


Was Reyna on the 94 team? If so, he starts. Great player and captain.


Other than those 2 and the already mentioned other guys, nobody else would start. The team has greatly improved since then and they didn't have a Donovan or Dempsey or Gooch or any of those kinds of very talented players except Ramos.

 

This has gotten the wheels turning. So how about an all-time all-star team. My first go at it:

-------------------------------- Frank Borghi -------------------------------

------- Pope -------- Gooch ------------------- Lalas ------ Agoos -------

----- Donovan -------- Ramos ---------- Reyna ---------- Wynalda -----

------------------- Gaetjens -------------------- McBride ------------------

 

A sentimental choice. Haven't you seen the movie??

I'd pick Friedel, but had to give props to someone who apparently took a shelling in the most significant win in USMNT history, so far.

 

I saw Rudy.
I mean all this reminds me of arguing about best Notre Dame team of all time.

Let's let the past bury the past. And look back.. Meola> Keller > Friedel was SETTLED. ANd I think Timmy will surpass Friedel.. though THAT will be contested.

 

Frank Borghi grew up in my neighborhood. He occasionally comes to my kids' school and speaks and signs autographs.

I'm waaay to new to all this to offer any intelligent comments on an all-usa team, but I would support the choice of Borghi for sentimental reasons of my own.

 

Really? Wow- that is cool! Now there is a great guy to do a 'beers with' interview.

 

Oh snap!

JP, you have to do that. How old is Frank? Regardless, the format is find a local watering hole (perhaps one he considers one of his favorites), take a recorder, have a couple of drinks to loosen the tongue, turn on recorder, and just have a conversation.

Extra points for getting a Fulham mention in there.

If you need some ideas on questions, let me know.

 

I love the shouts given to the old school guys! The book beats the movie (as usual).

 

Well for 2010 I fear we have lost our most effective forward and our best defender. I've heard nothing about Gooch but it looked like the typical no contact ACL injury that is a least a year to recover from. I hope I am wrong