US v Germany

Heather, Dave, either of you going?? It's not Germany's "A" squad, but ask Ecuador (who started their A- team) how good they are (2-0 within 6 minutes and a 4-2 Final in Florida this week). Can the team create any chances from the run of play??? Can the defense not just gift the Germans chances??

 

I'm under no illusions about winning, I just want to see improvement. Belgium are an obviously talented side, but we flat out gave them two goals, so eliminating defensive mistakes is priority #1 for me. The German second string is probably far superior to us in talent as well, so a reasonable goal would be to keep it to a one goal difference. We also need to improve a lot on ball possession and creating more and better scoring chances. Set pieces and penalties will not get us to Brazil. Don't know why Jozy was subbed for at halftime, hopefully just for rest and not ineffectiveness. I didn't see any mentions about why he did that, so hopefully Herr Klinsi hasn't written him off yet. Gotta find a way to tap into his club success. We just need some more positives to build on at this point. Hope it happens now, otherwise this next round of the Hex could get ugly...in a hurry. Wouldn't hurt to get more service for Mr. Dempsey, either.

 

I think I read that he has the flu.

 

Also, it sounds like Brad Evans was working with the starters today at right back.

 

when is the game and what time and on what tv channel.

 

Thank you so much Don, I appreciate it. We will be on our way to Pismo beach, and listen to the game on the radio.

 

Makes complete sense, rather than get 'dolo or Lichaj in camp to play RB, lets do a brand new experiment at that position and with the back four. :doh:

And btw, dont forget the USWNT v Canada game is today too. Here's hoping our women show those bitter Canucks that yes we did beat you in the olympics.

I will have to dvr both games and watch late tonight.

 

I think I read like a week ago or so that Dolo requested rest because of his injury (and older age).

I still haven't seen the game yet (have it on the DVR), but I guess Evans did alright, but I agree that I probably would have preferred a more natural right back.

 

My initial thoughts...the best thing that happened in this game is Jozy played well. Hopefully the monkey's off his back now and he'll continue to produce. If he can do so at even a fraction of his pace at AZ, it will make a huge difference for this squad.

Also, I'm coming around on the Bradley-Jones pairing in midfield; they seem to have a good understanding playing together and I thought they were very effective in this match.

Dempsey didn't see much of the ball, but he was lethal when he did. The new no. 2 all-time USA goal-scorer will clearly be a lead-by-example type captain (which we all knew to expect), but no complaints here.

The back-line remains a concern. As much as I've talked up Omar Gonzalez, I'm starting to have some doubts. He may still be the future, but he's got a ways to go still. I'm hoping it's just inexperience and he'll be good to go come next summer.

 

I know some people were complaining online about too many of the "A" guys on the Gold Cup roster, but I am glad Omar is on that roster. He needs some more international reps and hopefully he improves.

 

Like the Belgium result, need to take this with a grain of salt since it was a friendly, but it was indeed fun to watch HD. A big :text-+1: Tim on Jozy's 'need it like oxygen performance'. It felt like a weight being lifted off his shoulders w/the goal and assist. A couple other thoughts:

• Jermaine Jones: I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but let's be honest, anyone thinking Edu is a better option needs to think again. He is the rock in the middle for a Champions League squad, he's tough as nails, and he has the skill to drop a pass like he did to Jozy's for the third goal.

• Gonzo: He worries me (the first German goal was on him and seemed to be a rudimentary mistake). Maybe it's because a gaffe at that spot is glaring compared to other parts of the pitch I don't know, but we all better be ready to ride this roller coaster for a while.

 

Agree with all the assessments and was also pleasantly surprised at the result. Especially agree with thoughts about Jozy. We really need him as a compliment to the scoring threat that is Clinton Drew Dempsey. Next three will tell the tale.

 

You'll get no argument from me about that.

 

Havent managed to watch the match yet, at this point I'm not sure I will, but from the pictures that crowd was impressive. I had heard it was a sell out but I expected a huge opposing team fan contingent like you so often see in US stadiums. Was there a significant number of Germany supporters at that game? Another good sign for USA soccer fandom