US v. Ecuador

For his part, Dempsey played his friggin heart out until the final whistle. I sometimes wish he didn't feel like he had to do it all on his own, but until someone else steps up, I'll forgive him that.

Not sure exactly what Klinsi was thinking leaving him out there for the full 90, but have to give Demps credit. He was still chasing down balls in stoppage time.

 

Classic match of two halves, but as stated before JK needs these matches to see who is going to be able to make it in his new system and who isn't. Arguing if you like the system or not is a whole other can of worms. Fact, Dempsey is just a class player who can and has adapted his game to many different styles of play (Roy, Sparky, Jol, Bradley, etc). What we need from a USMNT point of view is a team that can gel well and play the style JK wants. Which in the end I feel will help us get to Brazil.

 

I hope the US soccer braintrust that thinks and has been trying to brainwash us into believing Tim Ream is the future for the US MNT and the Red Bulls has started to get a clue. Every time I see that kid play he makes a basic soccer 101 mistake. Last night he was looking at his player only and had no idea what was going on with the ball. What is the big deal about a defender that can distribute if he cant defend to save his life. And I think the US soccer braintrust mistakes the fact that he really doesnt care enough for composure and intelligence. Not only is he not ready he will never be ready.

I dont think Williams is good enough to start at the moment. Even with the injuries we have. He's a good player and he's young so keep him in the mix, but frankly I'm pissed that Klinsmann started him from the get go.

The second half subs were head scratchers. Why bring in Spector at RB when 'dolo, who is faster, was already struggling to keep up with the ecuadorian left flank? If anything he should have been brought in for Williams or Beckerman. Why not take off Beckerman who was again too slow and had little impact instead of Edu who was busy the entire first half. Two goals in five games against teams that are all ranked below the US, except for Mexico, is simply not good enough. While they are friendlies and apparently no one cares about whether or not we win, I dont see how anyone can feel confident about WC qualifying at this moment.

Naw, but perhaps a candidate for Mother of the Year.

 

Got home in time to catch final 10 minutes live (got it on dvr, but haven't watched yet). Jumpkutz, I hear what you are saying, but while these games are very important in developing the style JK wants, this isn't WC qualifying. The Fulham matches do count in the standings. Under the current Prem structure (and the club's finances) contending for a league title will never happen in our lifetime. However, we all know that going deep in the Europa League is attainable. 2 matches in 3 days, followed by an 8 hour flight means Clint will be not be 100% for this weekend, and Jol will have to be very careful with his minutes. There was no reason to play him more than a half.

The glass is half-full people! Jozy, Juan, Shea, Williams, and Chandler are KIDS. I really hope that these players are the backbone for qualifying for the Olympics this spring.

Chandler is a fantastic player. He can play on the left, but since he's right-footed he wants to cut back too much. Will the elusive, endangered species known as a Left Back ever appear??

Gooch looked lean and mean. HE'S BACK :!: :!: The scowl he gave the Ecuador player that hit him, flopped, but couldn't avoid a yellow card was Gooch-Borgetti good. Not sure if Goodsen and him could pair, but if they can't, give me Gooch everyday of the week.

**Welcome Back CarolinaTim!!

 

"I did manage to watch the entire game afterall. I managed to convince my 2 year old that Curious George was not on TV that night...does this make me a bad mother?"

Absolutely not! You are, in fact, quite Biblical in your priorities...

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he shall not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Curious George and Chelsea FC are of the devil!

 

I have a feeling The Man in the Yellow Hat's favorite club is Villareal.

 

Hahaha!! My son only recently discovered that there's a cartoon of George on PBS. Before that, we only read the stories to him - now, we have a DVR full of episodes that showcase a monkey who is very curious.

And, back to The Man in the Yellow Hat, I think he's actually 'fog's cousin and a Crew supporter.