US, despite depth of rest of squad, poor in front

Discussion in 'Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International' started by pettyfog, May 5, 2006.

  1. pettyfog

    pettyfog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2005
    The recent naming of the squad, pointed out one great conundrum in US soccer.

    Only Brian McBride is given any confidence by most amateur pundits. And given his style of play that is indeed a problem.

    Eddie Johnson, despite having arrived with a flourish of goals, has yet to prove, either on his club or with the NATS, that he is recovered and ready to pick up where he left off.... case in point being the recent KC/Crew game where terrier-like defense left him neutralized the entire game.

    Some remark that Ching's pick over Twellman was a mistake and that might be, but Twellman has been given many chances to shine on the team and hasnt picked up on them. Josh Wolff is a shoo-in as a squad pick but most dont expect him to produce much against superior defenses.

    So.. many are suggesting that Donovan will be moved to pair with McBride when 4-4-2 is called for. And that may be the only way the US can produce goals.

    I'm pretty confident that the US can hold any opponent to two goals or less, but 1 or 2 may be more than enough in their group, unless someone really steps up or there's a multitude of balls put into the box for McBride to finish.
    We cant count on either case.
     
    #1
  2. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    The deal is, Fog, that Brian is the only world-class striker we've ever produced. And, by "his style of play" if you mean that he's as much catalyst as he is scorer, that's exactly why I was hoping for Twellman or Casey in the partnering role. Twellman-McBride seemed somewhat similar to HH-McBride for the Whites.
    I had a lot of hope for EJ, and he still might do it -- I'm wrong a lot about everything -- but if the word is you can muscle him off the ball, he's through in Germany. The best thing Beasley proved in NE is that you can't kick his ass off the pitch.
    Donovan is certainly talented, but I think he's our Gerrard or Lampard, not our Owen.
    The best we can hope for is good penetrating play on the wings by Dempsey and Convey and Beasley and Lewis, and some uncompromising central and wing defense. Given that and good health from Claudio and OB and it might be a fun tournement.
    In 1998 we were most embarrassing in our ability to overrate the talent in our squad. This year looks more like 2002 than 1998 to me, even with the shortage of up-front firepower.
     
    #2
  3. Spencer

    Spencer Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2005
    Re: RE: US, despite depth of rest of squad, poor in front

    No offense but Casey? :?: :?:

    The guys got like one goal in two years.
     
    #3
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