US 30 Man Roster

If he picks the RIGHT players out of that list, we could do well.

 

Our depth? In 2002 we didnt NEED no freakin depth. And that's a good thing because the bench was packed with roster players.

BUT....We had team chemistry. AND of course, Reyna at #10. But we got Dempsey, Donovan and Bradley, now. Those three would top any top 3 we had before.

 

WOah - Buddle, Gomez, Torres, Johnson, Findley?

Where is that thread about the WC not being a place for gaining experience?

 

I think it was a good group put together and I 100% agree with not picking Davies. I don't think there will be any surprises with the final roster is announced. I could trim 7 off that roster easily and still put out a strong side. Well done Bob.

I also love looking at our GK's side by side with England's. It's like night and day.

 

Yeah I also agree with leaving Davies off. He wouldn't be fit enough and we don't know at what level he'll be able to play at now. I'm sad because it really would've been a remarkable comeback story... but it's for the best to leave him off.

I'm not too worried about midfield depth really. We've got some strong cover there. Forward and defense are a tad scarce. If we can find someone who can score us goals and the defense is ready to fight like they did last summer against Egypt and Spain especially, we'll be set for a good run.... easier said than done though.

 

Leaving Oguchi off the team would be ridiculous Don. Although I agree with your conclusion about what the team can do, i.e., not that much. However, they should be able to get out of the group and then who knows what can happen.

 

On the race for the final roster spot...Per ESPN News EJ has a "strained" hamstring, but will report to camp. We all like to bag on him, but he has seemed to regain his confidence (which is everything for a striker) in Greece. He's been scoring (I know it's the Greek League), but can ill afford to be knicked right now.

HD, I agree that Gooch's agent is an idiot, but even if he has to go on the pitch with crutches there aren't any options. The best option we had was Neven Subotic and that %#$@&^*@#$ Rongen drove him off to Serbia).

 

Much as I love to be prescient, I'm just gonna keep my mouth shut unless the noise gets to be too much.

We got Bradley as manager, I expect him to manage. Whoever he picks for what.. nothing to be gained by second guessing until after the fact.

 

Don, you've totally lost your marbles by saying Gooch shouldnt be on the roster.

I've decided that I want EJ over Buddle. I dont think he got a completely fair shake with Fulham. Face it, Roy is the best but that doesnt mean he's perfect. He has no confidence in American players unless they really produce. EJ didnt take advantage of his chances with Fulham the way he needed to, but he did stretch the defenses out with his speed when he played. That is all Mandon and our Boy Clint Dempsey need.

 

Don, I removed your attempts to put logic into this equation and left the only important point.

Have faith in the Gooch. He deserves it. He will deliver whether as a starter or a sub. Actually that is the question worth debating. should he start or should he be on the bench. Truth is I cant imagine Gooch on the bench.

 

You can't say "leave Gooch off the squad" without saying who you plan on replacing him with. Both in the starting lineup and on the squad. Demerit? Califf? Marshall?

I understand your concern over first team football. But on the one hand we have the gap in talent between Gooch and the alternatives. On the other we have the gap in quality football played between training with AC Milan and playing reserves or starting for Watford or MLS. What's the better option? Who knows. But wanting to leave Onyewu off the squad altogether does qualify you for marble replacement.

 

Thank you FulhamAg. Your help with the rehabilitation of Senor Don's marbles is much appreciated.

 

when are you going to learn to keep good accounting of your marbles. i totally blame you for this situation, but then you and me are probably the only ones who care that Ej has an injury. actually bob bradley cares but i'm not sure that matters to many US fans

 

He did not play. He flew to Princeton to join up with the USMNT after the injury.

He is day-to-day.

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-Natio ... pdate.aspx